By the end of the meal, both hosts were preoccupied, though one showed it on their face while the other kept it inside.
As the meal ended, the two held hands walking home, with the carriage slowly following behind.
The stars were bright, making the moonlight less distinct. Tao Yu stared at the sky for a moment, then softly laughed: “Tomorrow will definitely be a sunny day.”
Yue Linze, who was thinking about other things, paused when he heard this. Following her gaze, he looked up and also chuckled: “Indeed, with such good weather, I should have spent more time with you, but unfortunately, I haven’t had much time recently.”
“It’s nothing. Wait until after the sacrificial ceremony, and then you can accompany me properly,” Tao Yu said, letting go of his hand and then linking her arm with his, bringing them closer.
Yue Linze was stunned, patted her hand, and then fell silent. Tao Yu raised an eyebrow and decided to take the initiative: “Why do you seem a bit off tonight?”
“…What’s wrong?” Yue Linze’s face turned pale.
Tao Yu looked at him suspiciously, unsure if his behavior was a test or something else. After calming her thoughts, she calmly said: “I don’t know, I just feel like you’re very nervous.”
“You’re overthinking,” Yue Linze laughed awkwardly, pushing her hand away and walking to the carriage. He turned back to her, “Get in the carriage. It’s getting late. I’ll take you for a walk when I’m free.”
Tao Yu stared at him, then laughed after a while: “Don’t make promises carelessly. I’ll remember everything.”
“What kind of promise is this? Whenever I’m free, I’m always with you,” Yue Linze laughed.
Tao Yu gave him a reproachful look, then followed him into the carriage. Once in the enclosed space, they both fell silent and returned home in silence.
The steward, who had been dozing off next to the stone lion by the main gate, apparently waiting for their return, quickly stood up when he heard the carriage. He approached them: “You must be tired. Please go and rest.”
“Steward?” Tao Yu looked at him in surprise, “Why are you waiting here so late?”
The steward smiled: “On days when the city lord returns late, I’ve always waited like this. I’m used to it.”
