Just then, a small voice drowsy with sleep called out to her.
“Winter.”
When she turned around, Tiya was gesturing to her from beside Lev, who had fallen into a deep sleep.
As she approached closer, Tiya whispered as if sharing a secret.
“Thank you for helping my brother. You know, I think meeting Winter was the greatest stroke of luck in my life.”
【Don’t say such embarrassing things and just go to sleep.】
“Mm-hmm. …Winter.”
【Yes.】
“I really, really like you, Winter… yawn…”
Blinking drowsily, the trust in the child’s eyes flickered between her eyelids.
Winter smiled bitterly, hardening her heart against the weakness that threatened to creep in.
【What am I to do? I’m not such a good adult.】
“Mm-hmm…?”
Cowardly, her true feelings only emerged after Tiya had half-fallen asleep.
【You must not forget, Astiya.】
She had no right to feel regret or guilt.
Hadn’t she resolved this when she summoned the Spirit of Time? That she would sacrifice anything, whether family or beliefs.
Even herself.
【That everything is for Vladijef.】
Winter murmured as if speaking to herself.
Eventually, as Tiya fell asleep, darkness came to Winter’s world as well.
