Soon, they found Barbara near one of the side corridors on the middle deck.
The moment she noticed them approaching, a clear look of surprise flashed across her old face.
"Oh? Good timing," she said lightly. "Madam Vivian is looking for you, Jake. She said—"
But then her words suddenly trailed off.
Barbara's smile froze slightly as she properly took in the heavy expressions on both Garrick and Jake's faces.
Grace standing quietly beside them only made the atmosphere feel even more serious.
"…What?" she asked, tilting her head in confusion.
"Why are you all looking at me like that?"
Then Barbara's expression twisted into something between amusement and disbelief, as a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes.
"Don't tell me… you actually fell in love with this old bone?"
She pointed at herself with a playful smirk, clearly trying to lighten the strange tension.
But Garrick let out a sigh.
"This isn't the time for jokes, Barbara."
