Chapter 237

Chapter 237

"Governor, welcome to New Nigeria! I am William, Mayor of First Island, on behalf of all the citizens of First Island, we respectfully greet Your Excellency's arrival!" The leading middle-aged man bowed deeply, his posture extremely reverent, and the mayors of the other islands behind him followed suit, offering their greetings in unison, their voices loud but without any hint of presumption.

The Aide-de-camp stepped forward and responded solemnly, blocking the converging officials for Sara: "Please wait a moment, mayors. The Governor has just disembarked; the handover matters will be discussed later."

Sara remained indifferent, merely nodding slightly in response to the greetings, his gaze passing languidly over the bowing officials without pausing.

His eyes swept over the group of officials, scanning the area behind them where family members and attendants stood—a crowd of elaborately dressed women and respectfully postured servants. But when his gaze reached the figure at the edge of the crowd, it suddenly stopped.

Evan stood at the outer edge of the crowd, the dark gray tailcoat fitting him perfectly. The youth's figure was straight, his cheeks slightly flushed from nervousness and anticipation. He clutched the cloth-wrapped doll tightly in his arms, his fingertips exposed and curled slightly.

Behind him stood the Maid Doll, poised and proper; in her arms, the white pet cat doll lounged lazily, its obsidian eyes meeting Sara's gaze from across the distance, yet it remained still in its waiting posture.

At that sight, the indifference in Sara's eyes instantly melted, like an ice-covered lake swept by a spring breeze, rippling with gentle warmth. He unconsciously raised the corners of his mouth, forming a faint but clear smile—a smile completely different from the perfunctory one he offered to officials, not the usual aloofness, but carrying a trace of unguarded indulgence and warmth that only appeared when facing Evan.

This subtle change in expression was keenly noticed by the Aide-de-camp beside him. Puzzled, he followed Sara's gaze, saw only an unfamiliar youth and a beautiful maid, but nothing particularly special, and silently speculated about the youth's identity.

The officials crowded around also sensed something unusual. They stopped their chattering and carefully peered in the direction of the Governor's gaze, their eyes full of curiosity and inquiry, but no one dared to ask.

Locked by Sara's gaze, Evan's heartbeat skipped a beat, his cheeks growing even hotter. But he didn't look away; instead, he raised his head slightly to meet Sara's eyes, his own filled with joy and deep affection.

He could clearly see the tenderness in Sara's eyes, that smile meant only for him. All the anticipation and anxiety of the past few days dissolved into reassurance in this moment.

He unconsciously loosened the corner of the cloth wrapping the doll, revealing the black-pearl-decorated eyes of the doll, as if silently greeting Sara.

Sara's gaze fell on the gleam of the black pearl, his smile deepening. His fingers subtly moved as if he wanted to raise his hand in acknowledgment, but restrained himself due to the officials and the formal occasion. He merely averted his gaze imperceptibly, resuming his indifferent expression, though the tenderness in his eyes did not dissipate.

He nodded slightly to the Aide-de-camp, signaling that they could proceed to the temporary rest area. His voice remained steady, but carried a hint of barely perceptible lightness: "Let's go to the rest area first. The handover ceremony will proceed as scheduled."

The officials quickly moved aside, respectfully watching Sara's party depart.

As Sara crossed the gangway, he couldn't help but look back at the edge of the crowd—Evan was still standing there, gently waving in his direction, his smile as bright as the seaside sunlight.

His heart warmed. He did not stop walking, but resolved silently: once the matters at hand were dealt with, he would immediately go find him.

Evan watched Sara's figure disappear in the direction of the temporary rest area, then slowly withdrew his gaze, the smile lingering on his lips for a long time. The Maid Doll whispered softly, "Master, Mr. Sara was looking at you."

"I know," Evan nodded, his fingertips gently stroking the black pearl on the doll, his eyes full of warmth. "We'll just wait for him here."

The surrounding officials and family members were still discussing the new Governor's aura and grandeur. Occasionally, someone looked at Evan curiously, but no one could guess that this seemingly ordinary youth was the one capable of making the cold Governor reveal a tender smile.

Evan hugged the doll, standing quietly at the edge of the crowd, his gaze occasionally turning toward the temporary rest area, calculating how long Sara's handover procedures might take.

He originally planned to wait patiently, to find Sara quietly after all the ceremonies were over. But unexpectedly, within about ten minutes, a tall figure crossed through the crowd and walked straight toward him.

The newcomer was precisely Sara's Aide-de-camp, dressed in a silver-gray uniform, his posture upright, his expression respectful—a stark contrast to the composed demeanor he had shown toward the officials at the dock.

He stopped before Evan, bowed slightly, his posture so humble that those around who noticed were stunned: "May I ask if you are Mr. Evan Noah? Governor Adams instructed me to escort you. Please come with me."

"Mr. Sara?" Evan's heart leaped with joy, and he subconsciously tightened his grip on the doll in his arms, a hint of surprise in his eyes—he hadn't expected Sara to arrange for someone to pick him up in the midst of his busy schedule.

The surrounding officials and family members were even more stirred, all turning to look at Evan, the curiosity and inquiry in their eyes growing stronger. Those who had previously guessed Evan was just an ordinary noble's son now began speculating about his relationship with the Governor.

The Aide-de-camp seemed oblivious to the surrounding gazes, maintaining his respectful posture, and made a gesture to lead the way: "His Excellency specifically instructed that you go to the Governor's Mansion to rest first. He will return as soon as he finishes handling matters."

Evan nodded, suppressing his excitement, and bowed slightly to the Aide-de-camp: "Thank you for your trouble." With that, he followed the Aide-de-camp through the crowd, the Maid Doll beside him.

People along the way made way, their eyes fixed on Evan, whispers rising and falling, but no one dared to approach. The Aide-de-camp escorted Evan all the way out of the dock, where a delicate black carriage awaited outside.

The carriage body was made of fine sandalwood, the exterior carved with intricate golden patterns, adorned with silver metal fittings, exuding a low-key yet luxurious texture. Two fine horses pulled the carriage, their saddles embroidered with the Governor's Mansion emblem.

The Aide-de-camp opened the carriage door and gestured for Evan to enter: "Mr. Evan, please."

Evan climbed into the carriage with the doll in his arms, followed by the Maid Doll, who gently placed the pet cat doll beside her.

The interior of the carriage was spacious and comfortable, with soft Persian carpets, exotic-patterned cushions on both sides, and heavy velvet curtains on the windows, blocking out the outside world's gaze and noise.

The Aide-de-camp closed the door, instructed the coachman to depart, and the carriage began to move slowly, so smoothly that one could barely feel the bumps. Evan leaned back against the cushion, his fingertips gently stroking the doll in his arms, his heart full of warmth.

He could feel Sara's thoughtfulness—sending his personal Aide-de-camp to pick him up, arranging an exclusive carriage for transport, clearly not wanting him to feel neglected among the crowd, and wanting him to quickly leave the commotion of the dock.

The carriage traveled along the streets of First Island. Evan lifted a corner of the curtain and looked out at the sights.

Unlike the pastoral tranquility of Fifteenth Island, First Island, as the capital, had wide, clean streets. The buildings on both sides were mostly in exotic styles—white walls, red tiles, arched doors, and carved decorations. Many shops were open, the shouts of vendors blending with the footsteps of pedestrians, creating a bustling scene.

Occasionally, Imperial Guard patrols passed by, their expressions solemn, maintaining order on the streets.

After about half an hour, the carriage gradually left the bustling city center and drove toward the suburbs. The buildings along the way became sparser, replaced by lush greenery and neatly trimmed flower beds, the air filled with the fragrance of flowers and grass.

After another ten minutes or so, the carriage stopped. The Aide-de-camp opened the door and said respectfully, "Mr. Evan, the Governor's Mansion has arrived."

Evan stepped out of the carriage and looked up, immediately stunned by the mansion before him. This Governor's Mansion blended Imperial style with colonial exotic features. The main building was a two-story brick structure, white walls adorned with golden carvings, arched red tile roofs, with arched floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies, giving it a dignified yet splendid appearance.

The mansion was surrounded by a delicate iron fence, entwined with blooming bougainvillea, red and pink petals complementing each other. Two guards in full armor stood on either side of the entrance, their expressions solemn. When they saw Evan, they nodded slightly in greeting.

The Aide-de-camp led Evan through the mansion's main gate, and the view of the courtyard was even more exquisite. A stone path crossed the yard, lined with tall tropical trees with dense foliage that blocked the afternoon sun. Under the trees stood quaint stone benches and fountains, the spray from the fountains splashing onto the bluestones, producing a crisp sound. In the corners of the yard, various exotic flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, their fragrance intoxicating. Several servants were tending the garden; they stopped their work and bowed when they saw the Aide-de-camp and Evan.

"His Excellency has arranged the second-floor guest bedroom for you. It's quiet and has a good view," the Aide-de-camp said as he led the way. "The next room is His Excellency's master bedroom. He said that if you feel bored, you can stroll around the mansion freely, and the servants will attend to you attentively."

Evan's cheeks flushed slightly at this, understanding Sara's intent—placing his room next to his own made it convenient to meet and was also a form of hidden concern.

They walked up the spiral staircase to the second floor, where the hallway was decorated with exotic paintings. Light-colored wallpaper covered the walls, paired with golden wall sconces, creating an elegant atmosphere.

The Aide-de-camp led Evan to a guest room door and opened it: "Mr. Evan, please rest here. I'll have someone bring you tea and refreshments."

Evan stepped into the room, his eyes full of admiration. The guest room was spacious and bright, about eighty square meters, decorated in a style echoing the carriage and courtyard, full of exotic charm.

The bedroom held a large solid wood bed, covered with soft silk bedding, and an embroidered tapestry hung above the headboard. The living area had a sofa and coffee table, on which a delicate vase held fresh flowers. French doors led to a small balcony; standing on the balcony, one had a panoramic view of the entire courtyard.

The Maid Doll placed the pet cat doll on the sofa and bowed to Evan: "Master, I'll check the safety of the room." Evan nodded, walked to the balcony, and looked at the courtyard scenery, his heart full of anticipation. He reached into his pocket and felt the love letter, the rough texture of the paper transmitting Sara's feelings.

Soon, a servant brought delicate tea and fruit, arranged on the coffee table. Evan sat on the sofa, slowly savoring a pastry, hugging the doll in his arms. The Maid Doll stood quietly by his side, and the pet cat doll curled lazily in the corner of the sofa. The entire room was quiet and warm, filled with a cozy atmosphere unique to him.

Evan knew that this place would henceforth be his and Sara's home. The sunlight streamed through the French doors into the room, illuminating the warmth throughout, and also lighting up the anticipation in Evan's eyes.