The Vaillness' Faithful Dog II vadtd x M.y/n II

(20) A New Episode.

'... How?'

As we wandered deeper into the crowd, my heart felt as though it stopped briefly upon spotting the three siblings in a crowd.

'... Shouldn't she be with just one Ml?'

Penelope, Reynold, and Derrick standing together. Reynold wore a puzzled expression on his face while Derrick stood nearby slightly aloof.

'So,... Why two?'

My heart skipped a beat upon seeing them interact so naturally but I quickly composed myself, adjusting the hood of my cloak lower over my face just in case Derrick could recognize me without the mask.

After all, I did take it off in front of him once.

I couldn't help but feel drawn to their conversation - Penelope's calm gestures, Reynold's curious gaze, Derrick's distant stare.

From afar, they seemed like strangers engaging in idle discourse but one thing was clear: Their bond was unmistakably strange.

Despite myself, I lingered around them.

“Yes. This mask.”

Penelope said as she held a white mask in her hands, looking at Reynold dead serious in the eyes.

Reynold's eyes widened slightly, brows furrowing into a deep frown.

"I'll buy this,"

She assured once again.

"Hey,..."

Reynold paused hesitantly, glancing at Derrick before continuing.

"It has been on my mind to ask you this for a long time."

In response to her, Reynold asked, his face wearing a serious expression.

"Do you feel poorly these days? I want to know if you've ever experienced sudden dizziness, lost consciousness, or anything similar that leaves your brain in a different place when you regain consciousness."

Penelope looked taken aback by the question but shook her head nevertheless.

"Just say so if you don't want to buy me this thing."

Derrick watched this exchange silently, arms crossed over his chest. Unease crept up my spine as it became evident the topic wasn't casual banter.

"No, it's not that I don't want to...! You're saying you really want this thing?"

Reynold sighed lightly, running a hand through his hair nervously.

"Yes!"

Penelope insisted firmly, turning back towards the mask vendor who patiently awaited their decision.

Derrick seemed preoccupied with his own thoughts, not joining in the conversation but observing intently.

'Is she planning something? What's up with wanting the mask so much?'

❥ Penelope's POV:

"Excuse me, miss. If I may interject, the mask seems quite beautiful. Would you consider letting me purchase it for you instead?"

I eyed the man cautiously as he stepped out to us, his voice brushing softly against my ears like velvet.

There was something eerily familiar about it - a resonance that sent shivers down my spine. As if remembering a forgotten dream or seeing a face from another life.

'Why does he sound familiar?'

I noticed a white rabbit perched on his shoulder, quivering slightly as if nervous. It was peculiar - Vinter owned an identical bunny whom he used to deliver announcements in the game.