As dawn approached, the mansion, which had been bustling, was gradually regaining its silence. Faint candlelight remained in the hallways like traces of the night, and beyond the walls, the music used at the party echoed very softly. Petals and ribbons dropped by someone were scattered here and there on the floor, and cool dawn air slowly seeped through the open windows.

Just then, Vesper walked leisurely from the end of the hallway. Perhaps because of the party that had lasted all night, his steps were even slower than usual, but his calm and composed atmosphere remained unchanged. His shadow stretched long under the warm candlelight.

As he turned the corner, he encountered the other person in the middle of the hallway. Stopping for a moment, Vesper gazed at them quietly. In the silent dawn hallway, only the faint candlelight flickered between the two.

Vesper spoke softly.

You're still awake.