Chapter 208: The Hidden Passage
<.Lumina Spring Apartment.>
Sitting before the vanity mirror, Ruediger glanced at the clock hanging on the wall—eleven-fifteen. He returned his gaze to his reflection in the mirror, running a comb through his crimson locks.
Ruediger would head out this noon, leaving the apartment alone because Lariette was already at school. He hadn’t forgotten his promise to meet Edmund[01].
Instead of securing his hair into a messy bun like usual, Ruediger opted for a cleaner look today. He simply tied his locks in a low ponytail, letting the strands fall below his shoulders.
After several days, Ruediger’s back was not as sore as before. Still, the pain hadn’t dissipated entirely. He still had to be careful not to strain his back.
’I haven’t replied to Nate. What was that? He said Elsie has a store at the mall?’
As Ruediger grabbed a dark gray suit from the wardrobe, he recalled Nathaniel’s messages. His friend texted him right before he showered. He only skimmed the messages without replying.
Ruediger knew that Nathaniel would have a historic moment in his life this morning. His friend had been telling him about sending Lorianne to her first day in the new kindergarten.
"Rudy, she’ll be the cutest there, I swear! Haa... I can’t wait to introduce her to you. Wait for a little bit. She’s very outgoing. I think she’ll be excited to meet you."
Ruediger smiled in helplessness when a dramatic Nathaniel told him about Lorianne and her new uniform yesterday. He told his friend that he would wait for an invitation, including bringing gifts for the little girl.
Through the messages this morning, Ruediger could tell that Nathaniel appreciated being able to send Lorianne to her new kindergarten. It might be a simple act, but it was a major milestone for his friend.