Chapter Text
Upcoming meetings aside, it's been a great morning so far.
I received a few gifts from the soldiers on behalf of their corps.
Gifts from mom, dad, and Saki were sitting on my desk along with some gifts from the townspeople by the time I reported in for work.
The kitchen's madames served up a feast most mouthwatering. I had a plate with a heap of the most delicious acqua pazza I could ask for (nothing beats mom's cooking, of course) in one hand and an assortment of breads, cheeses, and sausages in the other. Finishing it off with what's left of Rui's borscht left me absolutely stuffed.
Almost everyone wished me a happy birthday along the corridors when we crossed paths.
Sitting in Rui's room with him and the chicks somehow became my brief respite from the endless stream of encounters and interactions with people on the estate so far. A turnabout of dramatic proportions from my usual day-to-day routine. The chicks used to be the most noisy part of my day, but today, their shrill chirps are music to my ears.
Just for today.
I need to get ready for this next meeting now. We should be finalising most of the details for our travels in June with this meeting.
I want to make a quick note before I head over to Rui's room.
I asked Rui about his friend during lunch and he said that they were an acquaintance from the capital. Supposedly, one of few persons he keeps in touch with as well. I'm glad that Rui has a friend he cherishes. enough to want to keep
That wording was terrible.
He said that this friend was there for him through thick and thin and that he trusts them, which puts my heart at ease. Somewhat. I told him that I'd love to meet them if the opportunity ever arises, but he only narrowed his eyes at that idea.
I wonder why?
Rui said that the chicks are very cute when they doze off at sundown, so I'll head over now before I miss it.