Emilia headed upstairs to change out of her wet clothes, feeling an unexpected lightness as she did so. Raymond had a way of making everything seem easier, even on days like this. After a quick change into a pair of comfortable grey sweatpants and a singlet, she made her way back downstairs. Just as she reached the bottom step, a guard appeared, a formal expression on his face.

“Ma’am,” he said, bowing slightly. “I’m here to escort you to dinner.”

Emilia raised an eyebrow, surprised. “I don’t usually need an escort, especially for dinner.” She let out a light laugh, brushing off the formality. “I was planning to see my...