Cherry was right. It was late spring, and soon, early summer would set in.
Ethan and Nox paused mid-sip of their milk and turned to look at her.
She was staring at them expectantly, as if waiting for something.
“I think we need to set up a sunshade. In the garden. Summer’s almost here.”
...A sunshade? In the middle of an apocalypse?
But the hopeful glint in Cherry’s eyes kept both men from asking any questions. Instead, they exchanged uneasy glances and gave her a reluctant nod.
That look of hers was unmistakable—an unspoken order to help her set it up.
Back in the day, nobles would set up sunshades in their country estates once the social season ended. They’d use them for picnics or light sports activities.
Cherry was probably thinking of something similar when she suggested it.
Resigned, Ethan and Nox drained the rest of their milk and followed Cherry to help set up the sunshade in one corner of the garden.
Cherry carried all the heavy materials herself. She was the only one who knew where everything was stored, so it made sense for Ethan and Nox to handle the final assembly.
While they worked, Cherry spread out a large cloth on the grass and lounged on it, casually watching them.
“We were worried Miss Cherry might not be mentally stable, but honestly, that concern was a complete waste of time.”
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Ethan muttered under his breath as he stood beside Nox.
Nox, who had been quietly working, glanced over at Cherry.
And who could blame him?
There she was—a beautiful, elegant girl surrounded by monsters, sitting in the middle of a ruined world, calmly sharpening the blade of her axe.
The term “cognitive dissonance” might as well have been invented for Cherry Sinclair.
Then, Cherry suddenly spoke up, addressing Nox.
“I understand why Sir Ethan wants to return to the capital. But why are you staying here, Mr. Ludfisher?”
“If my presence bothers you, I’ll follow Sir Ethan out. It’s only natural to think I’m imposing...”
“Hey, Ludfisher. Why the hell would you follow me? Who said I’d take you with me?”
Ethan cut him off with a sharp retort, prompting Cherry to burst out laughing.
“You’re a doctor, Mr. Ludfisher. If you’re willing to stay at Happy House, I’d be grateful.”
Nox’s expression visibly brightened at her words. Then he quickly looked puzzled, as though questioning why he felt so relieved.
Of course, Happy House was an ideal shelter.
But if he got too comfortable, he could very well end up stuck here for the rest of his life—with Cherry, alone, in this mansion.
Together. Just the two of them. Forever.
Sure, they’d survive, but was that really the right choice?
While Nox wrestled with his thoughts, Cherry spoke again.
“Once Sir Ethan leaves, it’ll just be the two of us. Maybe you should move into his room? It might be easier to find each other in an emergency.”
Her voice remained calm, completely unfazed by the prospect of being left alone with Nox.
Well, why would she be worried? She had the strength to take down monsters with a single swing of her axe.
Nox quietly nodded. After all, compared to Ethan, he hardly posed any threat to Cherry.
But to their surprise, Ethan reacted strongly.
“Why would he move rooms?”
He frowned, looking annoyed as his eyes darted between Cherry and Nox.
Cherry, still seated on the cloth and sharpening her axe, tilted her head in confusion.
“That’s my room, Miss Cherry. It’d hurt my feelings if you just gave it away so easily.”
“What? You’re leaving, aren’t you?”
“Exactly! So wait until I’m actually gone to talk about it! Not behind my back!”
Ethan muttered to himself, clearly frustrated.
“You’ve got to be kidding me—after all we’ve been through—ugh!”
“Then don’t leave.”
Cherry, unfazed, cleaned her ears with her pinky and brushed him off. Her nonchalant attitude was starting to get on Ethan’s nerves.
Despite his complaints, Ethan steadily fastened the white cloth to the poles, tied it down, and hammered the stakes into the ground.
And yet, even as he worked, his mind lingered on their earlier conversation.
He had no idea why he’d bothered making such a fuss over his room.
But the thought of Nox moving in there left him feeling strangely irritated.
“It’s gotta be that bastard Nox.”
He dismissed the thought.
After all, he already hated Nox plenty. This was no different.