"The business... It has begun to do well after so many difficult months," Wilfred stated, forcing a reassuring smile.
Roseline glanced toward her father, wondering why he would fabricate such a lie, but she held her tongue and remained silent. "Will the Young Lord not be joining us?" she asked instead, breaking the brief tension.
"Roman has fallen asleep," Eilika replied calmly. "Why don't we sit? I brought these gifts for all of you. It was a hasty decision to visit home today, so I simply packed what I could at the last moment."
She paused briefly, her eyes sweeping over the quiet drawing room before continuing. "Damian and I will be away from Varos for the next month. We are traveling to the North. I felt it best to visit you before our departure, Father."
Wilfred frowned slightly, a touch of concern touching his weathered face. "To the North? Whatever for?"
"It concerns official business regarding the Dukedom, Father," Eilika answered, leaving no room for further inquiry.
