?Chapter 937:


    “It’s alright,” he replied gently, shaking his head. He looked at her again, noting how calm andposed she appeared. “I was in a serious ident a few years ago,” he said softly. “I’m still dealing with the aftermath. This ce offers a quiet environment. Ie here regrly to rest and recover.”


    “I see,” Elissa murmured, quietly thoughtful. Despite his own struggles, he’d still leapt into freezing water to save her. That spoke volumes.


    She reached out, found a small piece of candy from the te, and extended it toward him. “Here. A little sweet for Christmas. Things will get better, you’ll see.”


    Ernest epted the candy, his fingers brushing hers for a moment. A slow smile tugged at his lips. “I hope so,” he said quietly. “Thank you.”


    After the event wrapped up, Ernest quietly apanied Elissa back to her house. When they reached her door, he gently reached out to stop her.


    “Hold on a second,” he said.


    Elissa turned toward him, curious. “What is it?”


    From his coat pocket, Ernest pulled out a small box—the sleek pen case he’d been carrying earlier. He held it out to her.


    “A Christmas gift,” he said simply.


    Elissa blinked, caught off guard. “For me?”


    She hesitated, visibly flustered. Given how little time they’d known each other, it felt strange to be receiving a gift like this.


    She raised her hands, shaking her head. “I don’t think I should… That’s too much.”


    “Take it,” Ernest insisted gently. “It’s nothing extravagant. I got it from thepany’s holiday party. I don’t need it, and I’d hate to just throw it away.”


    Elissa hesitated, but then slowly reached for the box. “Well… if you say so—thank you.”


    “You’re wee.”


    Magic begins at g α? ησ ν?? ??s


    Her fingers brushed the case as she felt the contours of the box. “Wait… is this?” she murmured.


    Her trained hands traced the object carefully, and her eyes widened with realization. “Is this a digital drawing pen?”


    “It is,” Ernest confirmed, a hint of a smile ying on his lips. “Wasn’t sure if it’d be useful to you.”


    “It is! Definitely!” Elissaughed, her voice bubbling with excitement. “I studied design in college.”


    Ernest raised an eyebrow, amused. “Well then, I guess it found the right person after all. A happy ident.”


    Elissa let out a bright, unrestrainedugh. It truly felt like the universe had given her a small but meaningful gift. “Then I’m keeping it!” she said, cradling the box like a treasure. “Good,” Ernest replied, smiling. “I’m d you like it.”


    Elissa turned to head inside but paused as if something had just struck her. She turned back toward him. “Oh—we haven’t even properly introduced ourselves, have we?” she said with a smile. “I’m Elissa Hond.”


    “I’m… Dn Gilbert.”


    “Dn…” she repeated softly, tasting the name, then raised the pen case with a small grin. “Thanks again for this, Dn. Once my eyes heal, I’ll put it to good use.”


    “Alright.” Ernest remained still, watching as the caregiver gently guided Elissa inside and shut the door behind them. Only when the ce fell silent did he finally turn to leave.


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