It was a familiar gaze, and the words were nothing special.

Iren silently accepted their gazes mixed with fear and disgust. It had been a similar context when she turned her efforts to Lahart.

As someone born in Phaeson, she was destined to be unloved by people.

It was an unconscious action when she gave her medicine to Hilda, who collapsed at the farm. It was because Iren was the first person to discover Hilda who had collapsed due to an illness. Even if it would cause misunderstandings that she had used poison, she wanted to save a person.

Hilda regained consciousness, and the chronic illness she had suffered since childhood was completely cured. Since then, Hilda stood up and supported Iren. Hilda was also the first person to use the growth promoter and fertilizer developed by Iren.

“Honey! Hilda!”

Upon hearing Brown’s shout from afar, Iren awakened from her reverie. Hilda pointed at him and scolded Brown before getting up from her chair.

“Why!”

“Bring me the flower I picked! Michel scratched his arm while fooling around and he’s making a big fuss about the pain!”

“That’s a good thing. That’s a good thing!”

Iren tilted her head slightly. From the conversation between the two, it seemed that the dried flowers were being used as a substitute for ointment.

Home remedies are not always bad, but she cautiously asked because the flower could potentially be poisonous.

“What kind of flower is it?”

“It’s the Irelaide flower. Oh my, now that I think about it, it’s the same as Madam’s name. It’s a violet wildflower, just as beautiful as Madam. I wonder if Madam knows since it only blooms in the mountains?”

“Iren, there’s a flower with the same name as you. We’ll plant them all over our mansion and make a flower garden.”

Iren pushed aside the vague voice that came to mind and asked again.

“How effective is it? Do you grind it and use it?”

“When applying to wounds, we grind it and use it as an ointment, and when there’s pain, we boil it like a tea. Oh, and if there’s a bruise, it heals quickly if you apply it, too.”

Irelaide. I never thought about using a flower with the same name as mine.

I tried so hard to erase it from my memories. But whenever I think of that flower… I miss the time I can’t go back to.

But… maybe.

Iren, who slightly bit her lip, said to the curious Hilda.

“Do you have any remaining flowers?”

“I’ll take a look. You! Michel, clean your right arm thoroughly. Don’t let any dirt get in!”

Hilda entered the house with quick steps. While waiting for Hilda, Iren thought about herbs that would go well with irelaide flowers.

After a while, Hilda returned to Iren with an apologetic expression.

“Madam, what should I do? I forgot that I threw away the remaining flowers from last time. Would you like this instead?”

In the dish that Hilda handed over, there was finely powdered dried flower pollen. Iren poured a small amount of the powder onto the empty plate that once held a pie. She touched it with her fingertips, sniffed it, and finally tasted the powder directly.

It was a peculiar flower with a bitter and sweet taste, accompanied by a unique fragrance.

It’s a material worth investigating. If properly processed and combined with the right methods…

Iren’s eyes sparkled brightly.

“We’ll probably need a large quantity. Where can we gather it?”

“My husband knows since he brings back the flowers while hunting. You, come here! The madam has something to ask.”

“The madam?”

Brown came running and Michel, with his arm wrapped in a handkerchief, followed along.

While Hilda mixed water to the powder and applied it to Michel’s arm, Iren asked Brown where he had seen the irelaide flowers.

“They only grow in snowy fields. They’re scattered everywhere on the mountains during winter, but nowadays the snow is starting to melt…”

“Would they still be blooming near the summit?”

“You want to go there? I’d like to advise against it, even if there are flowers. Aside from the fact that the path is really dangerous, at this time the foundation becomes weak, leading to frequent avalanches and snowslides. Even hunters like me try to avoid going if possible. I’ve said enough.”

Brown said seriously and shook his head.

It was advice born from the experiences of a hunter who had lived his life hunting in the mountains.

“What about the ‘Forest that Never Cries’? Perhaps flowers would be blooming there? It’s less dangerous than the mountains.”

Michel, who had been eavesdropping on the conversation, spoke up. Brown glanced at Iren.

The ‘Forest that Never Cries’ was located in the territory of the Duchy of Cardius and was also a restricted area. It requires permission from the Duke to enter.

“Well, if it’s that place, there might be flowers remaining… But unless you urgently need them, madam, why not wait a few months?”

“That’s right. Winter will come in the blink of an eye anyway. I’ll gather plenty with you then.”

Under normal circumstances, Iren would have followed the two’s advice. Northern winters arrived quickly, just as Hilda said.

However, it was precisely because of that, that Iren had to obtain the flowers even if it was difficult.

The laboratory would no longer exist before winter even arrives.

If she couldn’t produce the antidote by then, she would never be able to wash away the guilt she owed to Lahart.

The Forest that Never Cries. Will Lahart permit it?

“Thank you. I’ll think carefully.”

Iren smiled quietly.

As always, it was an elegant and gentle smile, but Hilda and Brown felt that her smile somehow seemed fragile.

* * *

“I will leave the castle from tomorrow.”

Lahart said suddenly.

He had spoken like this on a spring day after their first meeting since their marriage.

Leaving the castle was a very important matter for the duchess. If Lahart left, Iren would become the acting Duke.

Lahart had not given Iren any time to prepare then or now.

“I understand. Do you have any instructions?”

“I have them written down. Receive them from my aide and confirm.”

“Yes. I will handle it as you instructed.”

The clever Iren was no longer swayed by the cunning Lahart. Five years had been enough time to make her a perfect duchess.

She meticulously handled the Duke’s work without any gaps, even if Lahart left the castle for some time. Of course, as with matters related to agriculture, everything she handled was Lahart achievement.

Iren carefully applied ointment to Lahart scar and dressed him in a shirt. As she tightened his belt and fastening his buttons, her lips opened and closed several times.

Is it okay to ask?

I need research materials, so I wonder if it’s okay to enter the ‘Forest that Never Cries.’

But if it’s Lahart, he will refuse without asking what materials they are.

If, by any chance, he asks about the materials, and if she honestly answers it’s the Irelaide flower.

Iren held her hands tightly together. It seemed that she must never speak about the flower.

She hesitated and pondered, and Lahart clicked his tongue.

“Speak. Don’t act so frustratingly.”

“…When will you return?”

After much contemplation, Iren gathered her courage and asked.

Lahart eyes widened briefly. Iren was only looking at his chest, so she didn’t notice.

It was a very common question for an ordinary couple, but a very difficult question for Iren.

Lahart remained silent. Iren finds his lack of reaction the scariest thing.

Is he upset? Will he sarcastically ask if she really thinks she have become a duchess?

Nervously, Iren calmed her pounding heart and spoke.

“I’m sorr—”

“What are you scheming? You’re asking a question you’ve never asked before.”

It was a voice that seemed to find it amusing.

The word ‘scheming’ made Iren flinch. She cautiously looked up. His bluish gray eyes that looked down at her narrowed slightly. It was a mischievous smile.

She thought he was suspicious, but it didn’t seem like it.

Iren was extremely surprised by her husband’s expression, which she hadn’t seen since they got married. The Lahart she saw was always cool and expressionless, or had a sharp sneer.

On the other hand, she felt relieved that her purpose was not revealed.

“What’s your answer? I asked you.”

“…Ah, yes. I always wanted to ask, but I couldn’t. Today, I gathered up the courage.”

“Hmm.”

Lahart tilted his head slightly. In the next moment, Iren found herself pushed onto the bed. Lahart got on top of her. His face next to her, which she held with her arm, felt soft and warm.

“Duke…?”

“I’m curious about your sudden burst of courage, but it doesn’t matter.”

After finishing his sentence, Lahart buried himself in Iren’s neck. Then, he gently sucked on her tender flesh, leaving a mark. With a stinging and tingling sensation, Iren tightly closed her eyes.

Red bruises appeared on her fair skin in an instant.

But Lahart was not satisfied with the faint traces he left behind. No, rather, the marks on her neck excited him.

After tonight, he won’t be able to embrace her for a while.

Yes, the intense thirst that made his whole body tremble was because of that. Not because of the unexpected question Iren threw at him.

Lahart pressed his body against Iren’s.

“Haah.”

Unknowingly, Iren let out a sigh. The man’s well-trained and firm body was as hot and solid as heated iron.

Is it because she snuggles up to him almost every night? Or is it because she can’t give up her feelings for him? Even though it was just their bodies touching, moist breaths and a tingling sensation welled up from her stomach.

Iren bit her lip and held her breath. She didn’t want Lahart to know about her condition.

Longing for an affection she couldn’t have, and ultimately hoping for a physical connection, she was a pitiful sight.

But it wasn’t just Iren who was excited about the upcoming affair. Even before their bodies met, all Lahart could think of was pouring out his burning passion onto her. Her smooth skin, delicate body, and the scent that could only be found on her were all factors that fueled the flames.

“Open up.”

An oppressive voice crushed Iren. She weakly released her tightly closed lips. Refusing Lahart’s command was absolutely impossible. Her emotions and thoughts were useless against Lahart’s will.

It wasn’t just because of her sense of guilt or responsibility towards him. She still loved him. As much as he hated her.

“It meant spread your legs, not your mouth.”

“Ah…”

“Do you want both to be filled on both holes? You’re quite greedy.”