Chapter 129: Aqua
The night arrived faster than expected as Naomi and Rose finished their evening meal. The warm glow of candlelight flickered softly in the dining hall, casting long shadows against the walls. The air smelled faintly of spices from their meal, a lingering reminder of the peaceful moment before the night truly began.
After freshening up, Naomi slipped into a simple baggy shirt and a long skirt, mirroring Rose’s choice of clothing. The fabric was soft against her skin, providing a sense of comfort she rarely felt in the grand mansion. Despite its luxury, the place still felt unfamiliar, almost too large for her to claim as home.
As she adjusted her sleeves, there was a knock at the door. When she opened it, she found Rhea standing just outside, her gaze unreadable.
For a moment, Naomi hesitated. Then, deciding to test the waters, she casually asked, "Does this place have a bar?"
Rhea gave a small nod.
Naomi’s eyebrows lifted slightly. She hadn’t been entirely sure if the mansion had one, but she had assumed that, at the very least, alcohol had to be stocked somewhere. If not, she could have simply asked Rhea to fetch some. Still, she had taken the chance to ask—and surprisingly, the answer was yes.
After a brief pause, Rhea turned, motioning for them to follow. Naomi exchanged a glance with Rose before stepping forward.
As they walked through the long corridors, Rose finally broke the silence.
"I won’t be drinking," she stated firmly, her voice quiet yet resolute. "I’d rather watch you."
Naomi immediately understood the unspoken meaning behind her words. She nodded in response. "At least take a sip," she suggested, offering Rose an encouraging smile.
Rose hesitated, her fingers tightening around the hem of her skirt. After a moment, she gave a small nod. Naomi didn’t miss the cautious way she carried herself—understandable, given what had happened before. After all, who wouldn’t learn from their mistakes?