Min-jae led the way along the narrower stone paths, the lanterns casting long, trembling shadows that flickered across the walls of the estate.
The air was cool now, the faint scent of damp earth and late-blooming flowers filling the quiet spaces between their steps.
"This part…" Min-jae began, glancing around at the shadowed hedges and the small, winding paths. "I don't think I've ever seen it before."
"It's one of the oldest sections.." Meical said, voice low, steady. "I kept it mostly private. Few come here. The hedges are older than I am, the stones… older than anyone who walks the estate now."
Min-jae slowed, stepping lightly over a cobblestone. "Why… why did you come to Aldoria in the first place? You weren't from here, right?"
