Gilbert lays his hands around Sofia's cold hands and wraps them around her. There were no words, but I felt comforted by the pathetic Sofia who couldn't even wait.
"─ ─ I'm sorry."
But nothing comes to Sofia today but an apology. Whether it's this dress, the hot sandwich you dropped, or Gilbert looking for it, it's all because of Sofia.
"Dear Gilbert... I'm sorry I couldn't wait..."
Your eyes are constantly filled with tears. As it soaked into the torn one-piece fabric, it couldn't be stopped. The feeling of helplessness pushes me to blame Sofia. Gilbert's slightly disturbed breathing nearby tightened his chest.
"─ ─ I don't mind. I'm sorry I left you alone."
Both hands are gripped tightly. When I raised my face, which would be tears, Gilbert had the same gaze. It's a painful expression that understands the emotions as usual, but the kindness there hurts Sofia today. Why are you eyebrows closed? Though I doubt it, the tears that keep slipping steadily take away my thoughts.
"I'm sorry... please..."
Sofia herself didn't know what to apologize for. It's hard for Gilbert to see himself weak, even though he's relieved to be alone. I wanted to be strong. I didn't want to be next door, but I wanted to be strong enough to be next door. And I was pathetic and painful.
I told you I wouldn't know if I told you.
Gilbert's words punctured Sofia's chest. Feared down, the petticoat peered from the torn skirt. I can't stand the feeling of being seen all the time in bad looks. My cheeks get stained with shame.
"You said you didn't have to. But I want to know you."
Surprised by the silent and sincere voice, he perhaps gazes at Gilbert. In his seeped vision, his blue eyes stared straight at Sofia. There is a small light in the back of your body.
"Dear Gilbert...."
In a moment, my strength was relaxed from my strong body. Gilbert's arm supports Sofia, who is about to lose her posture. I was relieved to be close, and it seemed that the heat would return from where it was touched. Sofia was held in Gilbert's arms as she sat, with her arms slightly bent back. Sofia's heart melts with the heat transmitted directly from her gentle arms. It seemed like she was telling me that her fast beating was fine now.
"Tell me. I still don't know about Sofia."
The words whispered in my ear seemed to tremble slightly rather than Gilbert. Looking in her arms, Gilbert and her troubled expression met. Your unfamiliar expression makes it easier to breathe.
"─ ─...... yes, thank you......"
Sofia narrowed her words with a plundered voice. Gilbert's hands, slowly bending his back, were warm, and tears eventually stopped.
─ ─ Shall we go?
How long has it been since then? Sofia, who stopped crying, reflexively lay her hand on the hand she was offered. However, the torn dress can't be fixed and looks like it won't fit too well. The cape I borrowed from Carina is safe, but my makeup has also fallen off. I also know that my eyes may be swollen, and I feel the fever there.
"Um... where are you going?
Gilbert stroked Sofia's head for some reason, asking if she didn't want others to see her. The slight weight you feel is pleasant. Unexpectedly, Gilbert narrowed his expression.
He's calling for a carriage.
Gilbert pulled his hand and Sofia got into a carriage that was parked right next to the building. Gilbert remained silent in the carriage, and Sofia turned down without thinking of anything else but an apology.
The carriage stopped running for a while. When Sofia was pulled out by Gilbert, there was a more sophisticated line of shops. There are also many carriages.
"Where is this...?
Same commercial district.
Gilbert answered in minimal terms, pulling Sofia's hand to the garment shop, which would have the widest land in sight. Sofia held the skirt fabric down so that the petticoat was not noticeable with her free left hand, even though she was confused.
"─ ─ Marquis Forster, welcome. It's been a long time. How can I help you today?
The man in the store's uniform, wearing high-quality clothes, greeted Gilbert. Gilbert opens his mouth without looking at the clothes on the shelves around him.
Is there a private room available?
"Yes, this way, please."
Following the man's lead, Gilbert escorts Sofia. The guide was given to a room like a counter room used for business deals, etc., and a relaxed sofa was placed. Sofia is prompted to sit on the sofa and obeys honestly. When the man whispered something to Gilbert, he left the room immediately. Alone, Gilbert sits next to Sofia.
"Dear Gilbert, um..."
There was too much to know where we were, what we were going to do, and Sofia worried about what to hear. Gilbert sighs small.
"─ ─ You can't go anywhere without it."
Sofia panicked. It seems to be a shop that deals in luxury clothes. Carina has taught me that I can't buy it with the money I have. The confused Sofia tried to raise her voice ─ ─ and slammed her mouth with a slight knock on the door.