<.Lumina Spring Apartment.>
Sitting before the vanity mirror, Ruediger glanced at the clock hanging on the wall—eleven-fifteen. He returned his gaze to his reflection in the mirror, running a comb through his crimson locks.
Ruediger would head out this noon, leaving the apartment alone because Lariette was already at school. He hadn't forgotten his promise to meet Edmund[01].
Instead of securing his hair into a messy bun like usual, Ruediger opted for a cleaner look today. He simply tied his locks in a low ponytail, letting the strands fall below his shoulders.
After several days, Ruediger's back was not as sore as before. Still, the pain hadn't dissipated entirely. He still had to be careful not to strain his back.
'I haven't replied to Nate. What was that? He said Elsie has a store at the mall?'
