Just as Mamoru was about to look away, a faint sound of an argument drifted in from the corridor outside.
He turned and followed the sound. The closer he got, the clearer the conversation became.
"No, Yakumo-san. Please understand, you really cannot go out again." This was the voice of the bearded man from the Medical Team, sounding persuasive.
"Why? What right do you have to keep me locked up like this?" A young girl's voice rang out, filled with dissatisfaction and stubbornness.
"Please don't make things difficult for us." The other younger Medical Team member chimed in, his tone somewhat helpless.
"I just want to go out for some fresh air, is that not allowed either?" Yakumo's voice rose slightly, filled with grievance and persistence.
"What's going on?" A clear voice suddenly broke in.
Mamoru walked slowly from the corner of the corridor, appearing in the sight of the three people in the hall.
The three people in the hall all turned their gaze toward him at the same time.
Seeing who it was, Yakumo's pupils contracted slightly, and her brow couldn't help but furrow. She whispered in a voice only she could hear, "Why is it him?"
The bearded man from the Medical Team quickly explained to Mamoru, "Mamoru-sama, Yakumo-san insists on going out. But Hokage-sama gave clear instructions that her range of activity is limited to the interior of this house."
After approaching, Mamoru's gaze swept over the painting tools slung over Yakumo's shoulder and the folded easel on her back.
After a moment's thought, he made a decision. "Let her go out."
"But... Hokage-sama's orders..." The bearded man looked troubled and hesitated.
"I will personally be responsible for watching her and ensuring her safety. I'll take the responsibility." Mamoru's tone was calm but firm.
"Yes, since you've said so."
Hearing this, the bearded man had no choice but to nod in agreement and stop blocking her.
"Let's go," Mamoru said to Yakumo.
Yakumo glanced at him with a complex expression. Without saying more, she walked straight out of the villa's main entrance.
Mamoru followed unhurriedly behind her, maintaining a distance of a few steps.
The two walked out of the villa one after the other onto the open ground outside.
Yakumo suddenly stopped. She turned around, looked directly at Mamoru, and asked questioningly, "Why are you here?"
Mamoru replied with a relaxed expression, "Well, there's no harm in telling you. From today on, I'll be living here."
Yakumo clenched her fists, her voice carrying a trace of imperceptible trembling and the anger of being watched. "As I thought... you're here to monitor me, right?"
"That's right." Mamoru admitted frankly, then changed the subject. "But don't worry, as long as you don't endanger yourself or others, I won't interfere with your personal freedom."
Yakumo stared at him for a few seconds, as if trying to find something on his face, but ultimately said nothing. She silently turned and chose a rather secluded path through the forest.
Mamoru put his hands behind his head, adopting a swaying, nonchalant manner, and continued to follow her.
The two had no further conversation along the way, just walking one after the other, maintaining a distance that was neither too close nor too far.
In the silent forest, there was only the slight "tap-tap" of their feet stepping on fallen leaves and dirt.
The wind in the forest brushed through the treetops, bringing rustling sounds of leaves, occasionally mixed with a few crisp bird calls.
They passed through secluded paths covered by tree shade, crossed a gently sloping stone bridge paved with smooth slabs, and finally arrived at a street with few pedestrians on the edge of the village.
After a long journey, Yakumo, carrying heavy painting tools, was already a bit out of breath, with fine beads of sweat appearing on her neck.
In contrast, Mamoru, who was following her, still had steady breathing and a light step, with no sign of fatigue on his face.
Mamoru noticed Yakumo's fatigue, but he seemed to have no intention of helping at all, not even asking a question, just leisurely following behind.
"Hey, where are you planning to go?" Mamoru asked Yakumo ahead, whose footsteps were becoming slightly heavy.
Yakumo was exhausted and had no energy or mood to answer his question, just keeping her head down and continuing forward.
"You must be tired. How about we find a shop to rest for a bit?" Mamoru suggested again, his tone still flat.
As he spoke, his gaze was already scanning both sides of the street.
Yakumo still ignored him, stubbornly taking steps forward.
Suddenly, she felt a force gently tugging at the strap of her bag carrying the painting tools, forcing her to stop. She turned back somewhat angrily and met Mamoru's calm gaze.
"What exactly do you want?" Yakumo's tone was clearly impatient.
"Take a rest." Mamoru let go, raised his right arm, and casually flicked his thumb toward the storefront of a nearby shop. "My treat."
Yakumo looked in the direction he pointed. Her figure froze for a moment, a struggle seeming to occur in the silence.
Ultimately, fatigue dominated her body. She still said nothing but walked straight to the outdoor seating of the shop.
She first unloaded the painting tools from her shoulder, dropped the heavy easel by the bench, and then sat down as if a burden had been lifted, letting out a soft sigh and fanning her face, which had become too hot from walking.
Just then, a cup of cool tea was placed on the table in front of her.
Mamoru sat down in the seat opposite her, placing his own teacup on the table with a "clack," in a casual posture.
Facing the wariness in Yakumo's eyes, Mamoru was the first to break the silence.
"Don't look at me like that. I was just assigned to Satomi Villa by the old man today too."
"You don't need to explain so much." Yakumo lowered her eyes, her voice cold.
During their conversation, a shop assistant came over carrying a small plate and placed it gently on the table. Several pieces of enticingly colored Chestnut Yokan were neatly arranged on the white porcelain plate, emitting a faint sweet fragrance.
The assistant left quietly after placing the Chestnut Yokan.
Mamoru reached out and pushed the plate toward Yakumo. "Eat."
Yakumo looked up and saw the boy opposite her nodding his chin toward her.
"Thank you."
Her eyelashes drooped slightly as she picked up a small silver fork and carefully cut the Yokan into bite-sized pieces. When she put the first piece into her mouth, she couldn't help but squint her eyes in enjoyment.
"It seems to be to your taste." Mamoru's voice carried a trace of imperceptible amusement.
Hearing this, Yakumo immediately composed her expression, returning to her cold manner, only giving a soft "Mm" as a response.
Mamoru saw her quick expression management, his lips twitching slightly, but he didn't point it out.
He crossed his legs, propped his elbow on the table, supported his cheek with his fist, and tilted his head to look at her. "After walking for so long, you must have a destination. Where are you planning to go?"
"You don't need to know." Yakumo didn't even look up, continuing to focus on the snack.
"Don't I even have the basic right to know?" Mamoru raised an eyebrow.
He was met with a brief silence and the subtle sound of the fork hitting the porcelain plate.
Just as Mamoru thought she wouldn't speak again, he heard her say softly.
"I... haven't decided yet..."