[TIDK] 114 – Journey

(BONUS UPDATE)

Soon, a bell rang, signalling that it was time to board the train. "Please board the train," the announcement declared, and people began to board, one by one. Inside the train compartment, the warmth from the steam of the locomotive enveloped them, almost uncomfortably so after coming from the freezing temperatures outside. Scarlett removed her gloves and then her shawl, which a servant promptly took from her. The maids brought out a blanket, carefully draping it over Scarlett before leaving the area. Seated facing each other in the train car, small radiators placed in each corner provided warmth to their feet.

As the train departed, snowflakes started to descend outside the window. Gradually, the train's speed decreased as it left the city behind. With the fading lights of small alleys and houses, Scarlett realised they had entered the plains.

Her body began to thaw, and a familiar drowsiness settled in. Viktor knocked on the door and informed her, "Get ready to sleep."

"Yes, sir," Scarlett replied obediently.

The door opened, and the maids started arranging the seats to transform them into beds. Scarlett hesitated for a moment before suggesting, "Then you should go to another compartment."

Viktor looked at her and responded, "I'm going to sleep here too."

Curious, Scarlett inquired, "How can you sleep in a place like this?"

Viktor's rare frown appeared as he answered, "Even if a fisherman just casts the nets, they can catch fish."

“Ah,” she understood belatedly.

Sometimes, Scarlett forgot that Viktor Dumfelt was a true city person, despite having spent half of his twenties on a boat—an aspect she had overlooked. Their previous stay at an air force officer's quarters had been spacious, but now they found themselves in a cramped train carriage where the walls felt within reach if they were to fall. Scarlett had mixed feelings about sleeping in a space that carried the presence of her ex-husband, but she couldn't deny that there was no safer companion to rest beside on a train than him. He was strong, a gentleman, and her former spouse.

Eventually, drowsiness overcame Scarlett, and she settled onto the bedding the maids had prepared for her, wrapping herself in a cosy blanket. Viktor dimmed the gas lamp, leaving only the faint light from the corridor to seep into the train car. As Scarlett tried to drift off to sleep, her curiosity got the better of her, wondering what Viktor was up to. After a while, she heard him lie down, facing her direction, and watching her.

"...Look away when you sleep," she mumbled, half-asleep.

"I find this more comfortable," Viktor replied.

Scarlett was about to turn her body in response when she spoke gruffly, "I'm more comfortable like this too. I laid down first, so you should look elsewhere."

Immediately regretting her words, realising how childish they sounded, Scarlett covered herself up to her head with the blanket and eventually drifted off to sleep.

When she woke up, it seemed like a significant amount of time had passed. Checking her wristwatch, Scarlett was surprised to see that six hours had gone by, and it was already four in the morning. Viktor, who had not slept beside her, locked the door and stood up. Adjusting the gas lamp's light and securing it tightly, he began reading a book beneath its glow. Scarlett stole a brief moment to admire the handsome face she had once loved.

Suddenly, the train arrived at the station. Viktor unlocked the latch on the inside and stood up, extending his hand to Scarlett. She took it, and together they stood. Despite the early hour, a considerable number of people disembarked from the train. Carriages awaited outside the station, following the train schedule. One of the maids quickly walked out and signalled for their carriage with a whistle. Soon enough, Viktor and Scarlett climbed aboard the waiting carriage. Blythe closed the door and sat next to the driver.

Even though they had travelled quite far south, the dawn air was chilly. The cold was intensified by rain that had begun to fall. Scarlett shivered, prompting Viktor to remove his coat and drape it over her.

"If you acquire the vineyard, why not sell it and buy a coat first?" Viktor teased.

"No. I have plans for that place," Scarlett replied, patting the bag she held close. "I'm thinking of lending it to the Salantier Institute of Technology."

Viktor nodded and after a while, the carriage arrived at the vineyard. The villa, nestled amidst the vineyard, was ready to welcome its new owner. The one-story wooden building exuded warmth. Viktor extended his hand, and Scarlett handed him her coat, which he then passed to a servant. Wrapping herself in the blanket once more, Scarlett settled on the rug in front of the fireplace, attempting to thaw her frozen body. However, sleep overcame her once again.

In surprise, Scarlett opened her eyes, only to hear Viktor's voice. "Keep sleeping." He guided her to her bedroom, gently placing her on the bed and covering her with a warm blanket. The bedroom also boasted a fireplace, ensuring it was not too cold. Nestled in the finest bedding, Scarlett felt her body melting into the finest bedding.

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