Two months later.
In the town near Marquis Prisce's territory, Cassius and Thomas are currently shopping together along the busy main street. They walk slowly between rows of shops lined closely on both sides of the road, while the sounds of people talking mix with carriage wheels and vendors calling out, creating the familiar lively atmosphere of the afternoon.
Thomas is wearing a set of clothes that still looks quite new, the fabric thicker and much neater than the old outfits he usually wore before. Walking beside him, Cassius wears a wide cloak that covers almost his whole body. He carries two large bags filled with everything they have just bought, yet he does not look burdened or uncomfortable in the slightest.
Cassius's face is bright and full of life right now, a faint smile always resting at the corner of his lips as if he is in an especially good mood. Compared to the days when he lived in Thomas's old house, everything is far more comfortable now.
Before, whenever he wanted to buy something, he always had to think about whether it was necessary, whether it was too expensive, or whether that money should be saved for something more important. But now, spending on daily life has become easy enough that Cassius can choose things he likes without worrying too much about the price. That alone is enough to make him feel relieved.
The reason for all these changes, put simply, is his engagement to Eliana.
Thinking of that, Cassius cannot help quietly smiling to himself. It still feels unbelievably fast. Just a few months ago, he was living an ordinary life with Thomas and Emily, yet now he has become the fiancé of a marquis's daughter.
After Cassius and Eliana officially become a couple, only three days later, Eliana's parents personally meet with Thomas and Cassius to complete the engagement registration. Everything happens quickly and rather suddenly, so much so that Cassius barely has time to think about it. Still, since he has no reason to refuse, he gladly agrees in the end.
Thomas is different. At first, he is not entirely comfortable with it. However, once he learns clearly that a thread of fate exists between the two children, the same one people often speak of, he no longer objects.
Eliana's parents are even more enthusiastic than Cassius expects. They say they will handle all the remaining procedures themselves, and that Thomas and Cassius do not need to worry about anything.
Not only that, they also say Thomas no longer needs to continue working as a gardener for the Prisce family. Instead, their family will directly provide living expenses for his household, saying that this arrangement suits the relationship between Cassius and Eliana better, while also being more convenient for both sides.
Thomas is genuinely surprised when he hears that offer. He has lived long enough to understand that noble families of high standing like the Prisce house are not always willing to support their daughter's romance with a common boy of unclear background. To him, their willingness to help like this is rare. He thinks that for this to happen, they must care deeply for Eliana and also respect her wishes enough.
Cassius, on the other hand, is much simpler.
He does not think far ahead about reputation, status, or the complicated matters between noble families. In his mind, there is only one thought: from now on, he can continue staying by Eliana's side, still live together with Thomas and Emily, and since he no longer has to work hard every day, he will have more time for Emily as well as for himself.
Cassius turns to look at Thomas walking beside him.
The old man is still calm as always, carrying a few things in one hand, while the other occasionally rises to cover a soft cough. Cassius feels his heart sink a little.
Even though Thomas has never complained about anything, Cassius can still tell that his health is no longer what it used to be. Compared to the day Thomas first takes him in, the man is thinner now, his steps slower, and his coughing fits come more often. He still tries to act normal, but Cassius sees it clearly.
Cassius grips the two bags in his hands a little tighter, then slows his pace so he can walk beside Thomas.
"Are you tired?" Cassius asks, his voice softer.
Thomas glances at him and chuckles.
"I'm not weak enough to get tired just from walking"
Cassius does not answer right away. He only looks at him for a moment longer, then smiles.
"That's good. But if you get tired, just tell me, okay?"
Thomas shakes his head, kindness showing at the corners of his eyes.
Being able to stroll around shopping with him like this brings Cassius a great sense of peace.
Before, most of Thomas's time is spent working, always busy from morning until night. But now, he can walk slowly beside Cassius through the crowded street, looking at the goods on both sides while thinking about what to cook for dinner.
That alone is enough to make Cassius happy inside.
"Let's go over there"
Thomas says it while pointing toward a meat and fish stall not far away.
Cassius immediately follows him cheerfully, still carrying the two rather heavy bags in both hands. He quickens his pace a little to keep up with Thomas, his cloak swaying lightly with each step.
When they arrive, Thomas stops in front of the stall and carefully looks over the cuts of meat arranged neatly on the wooden counter. He studies them for quite a while, occasionally asking the seller a few short questions about freshness or storage.
After that, he raises a hand and points at a piece of fish.
"I'll take this piece."
The stall owner quickly nods, takes the money, and carefully wraps the fish in thick paper before handing it back to Thomas. He takes it, gives it a quick check, then casually slips the package into one of the two bags Cassius is carrying.
"What are you planning to cook, Thomas?"
Thomas strokes his chin for a moment when he hears the question, then answers with a rather satisfied look.
"I'm thinking of making steamed fish with tomatoes."
He pauses briefly before continuing.
"And probably a soup as well"
Cassius's eyes light up immediately.
"That sounds so good"
"But that means we need to stop by a few more stalls before going home, right?"
"That's right"
"If you want to eat properly, you have to be willing to make a few extra rounds"
The two of them continue walking through the market afterward. Thomas buys more vegetables, seasonings, several freshly baked loaves of bread, and a few miscellaneous things for the kitchen. Cassius obediently follows behind him, both hands gradually filling with bags, yet his face remains bright and cheerful.
By the time they leave the market, the two bags in Cassius's hands are packed full. He has to lift them a little higher so they do not drag against the ground, but instead of complaining, Cassius smiles brightly as if carrying all of it is something to be proud of.
The two then slowly head back toward the staff housing area of the Prisce estate.
In truth, Marquis Leopold had once suggested that Thomas move into the main mansion and live with their family. He said that, considering the current relationship between Cassius and Eliana, letting Thomas remain in the old quarters did not seem quite appropriate, and living in the mansion would be far more comfortable.
But Thomas refused.
He said he was not used to a place that large, nor comfortable living among too many noble rules. He preferred the simple little room he already had. Cassius and Emily do not object either. Both of them want to stay with Thomas, so in the end, everyone continues living in the old quarters.
Just as they near the gate, a familiar voice suddenly calls out from behind them.
"Cassi!"
Cassius and Thomas turn around at the same time.
Walking quickly toward them is Eliana.
Today she is wearing a pale yellow dress. The design is not overly extravagant, yet it is still enough for anyone to recognize the noble air around her. Beside Eliana walks a maid, holding several books in one arm while the other hand tilts a parasol over her.
Eliana quickly stops in front of the two of them. She gives Thomas a slight bow first.
"Good afternoon, Sir Thomas"
Thomas nods in return.
Eliana immediately turns to Cassius, a smile clear on her lips.
"Did you just go into town with Thomas?"
"Yeah. We went to buy ingredients so Thomas can cook" Cassius replies at once, his voice cheerful.
"What about you, Eli?" Cassius tilts his head slightly as he asks.
"Why did you come here?"
"Do I need some special reason just to visit my fiancé?"
As she says it, she leans slightly closer to Cassius, the distance so near that he blinks several times.
"No, definitely not"
Cassius answers awkwardly, his face visibly turning red.
Seeing that reaction, the corner of Eliana's lips curves upward in satisfaction. Her own cheeks tint faintly pink as well, though she still tries to keep a composed expression.
"I came here to see you"
She then points toward the maid behind her.
"And also to bring Emily a few more books"
Cassius follows the direction of her hand. The moment he sees the neatly tied stack of books in the maid's arms, his eyes brighten immediately.
"If that's the case, then you came at the perfect time"
He steps forward, his smile growing even brighter.
"Come inside with me"
Eliana answers shortly.
"Okay"
After that, she turns and quietly says a few words to the maid beside her. The maid immediately hands over the entire stack of books. Eliana takes them into her own arms, then returns to Cassius.
"Let's go"
"Uhm"
Cassius nods happily.
The three of them then pass through the gate together and slowly walk inside.