Chapter 21

With the Grint Viscountcy’s assets, which had been intended for Marcus, now under Amelie’s control, the funds for re-enrollment at the academy were naturally secured.

“Amelie Grint, your re-enrollment has been completed.”

Amelie stared at the re-enrollment documents she received from the admissions office with a dazed expression. She hadn’t expected to return to the academy so soon. However, as a noble holding a title, she was obligated to manage her family estate, which required appointing a legal representative in her territory before she could re-enroll.

During that time, Amelie traveled to the Grint Viscountcy and registered the butler, who had been managing the mansion, as her legal representative. He was a loyal butler who had kept the location of her parents’ will and the treasury key—hidden inside a tree hollow in the garden—from Marcus.

‘And….’

Amelie glanced to her side.

Kailo stood firmly next to her, arms crossed.

Naturally, the academy staff and students couldn’t ignore his overwhelming presence. They seemed so distracted by Kailo and Amelie that they didn’t even bother pretending to look away or act uninterested. They barely maintained a polite distance, all the while sneaking glances at Kailo.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace. This must be uncomfortable for you. Please, let’s return to the mansion….”

“I don’t like it.”

“Pardon?”

Kailo, as though he hadn’t heard her, glared sharply at the male students who were staring in their direction.

“Those boys are looking at you with such lecherous eyes, Amelie.”

He growled, shielding her with his broad back. Amelie was left speechless, her mouth opening and closing silently.

‘No matter how I see it, they’re all looking at you….’

While Amelie pondered how to correct his misunderstanding, Kailo took things a step further.

“What about you?”

“Excuse me?”

His voice dropped, becoming softer and more suggestive.

“Did you imagine yourself being touched by those boys and… get aroused?”

“What are you even—”

“Whether it’s true or not, I’ll find out soon enough.”

His gaze on Amelie was now filled with intense desire. Despite having confirmed their feelings for each other, his fear of losing someone as beautiful as her to another man hadn’t subsided. That fear, buried deep within him, often surfaced in moments like this, coupled with his longing for her.

“I, uh….”

“Let’s go.”

Kailo interlocked his fingers with hers, gripping her hand tightly.

After Amelie disappeared, hand in hand with the Duke of Estricen, the onlookers were left with expressions of excitement and envy. The way Kailo looked at Amelie was unmistakably that of a man deeply in love with a woman.

Shortly after, as the Estricen family carriage sped away from the academy toward the mansion, faint, suspicious movements could be seen inside.

***

“Ethan, come here!”

“Have you been resting well with your uncle while Mom and Dad were gone?”

Amelie had never expected this revelation, but Ethan’s parents were alive and well, living separately.

First, Ethan’s father wasn’t Kailo. However, it made sense that they resembled each other. Ethan’s father, Sir Cedric, was Kailo’s younger brother and looked so much like him that they could be mistaken for twins.

Moreover, Ethan’s mother was alive and well—and of very noble status.

Ethan’s mother was a princess. The nanny’s testimony that she was the most noble woman in the world was entirely accurate. 

So noble, in fact, that instead of being tied down by the duties of raising a child, she traveled the world with her husband, Sir Cedric, enjoying their youthful years. This time, the couple had returned from a trip to an emerald beach on an island in the southern continent.

〈 Mother went far away. 〉

Recalling Ethan’s words, Amelie buried her face in her hands.

‘She really just went on a trip far away!’

Though she had completely misunderstood the situation, she was relieved to learn the truth, even if it was late.

“You must be Miss Amelie, right? I’ve heard so much about you in my brother-in-law’s letters. Thank you so much for teaching Ethan so well!”

The princess, whose golden hair was slightly darker than Amelie’s, greeted her warmly.

“It’s because your son is so bright.”

Amelie replied politely, and the princess’s smile deepened.

“Let’s go, Ethan.”

Ethan, who had been clinging to his mother’s skirt, turned to look at Amelie.

“Oh my, look at him.”

Ethan stared at Amelie as though reluctant to leave. The princess chuckled without a hint of jealousy and, after seeking permission, Amelie approached to pat Ethan’s head.

“How well must you have treated him in such a short time for him to be so attached?”

The princess muttered as she watched Ethan lean into Amelie. Her tone was one of curiosity rather than envy, as though she found the situation fascinating.

“Ethan, we need to return to the palace. You can meet your teacher whenever you want.”

Unable to watch any longer, Sir Cedric stepped forward to guide Ethan away.

“Yes, you can meet her anytime.”

The princess alternated her gaze between Amelie and Kailo, who stood quietly by her side.

“Take care, Duke of Estricen, Viscountess Grint… though I suspect the latter title will soon change.”

With a meaningful smile, she left the mansion.

“I’ll miss him.”

After Ethan’s departure, Amelie sighed lightly in the now-quiet mansion.

The hallways and gardens where the child had played caught her eye. Near her desk, the educational toys she had once used with Ethan were neatly arranged, and she could almost hear his childish voice echoing in her ears.

“Things feel so empty without Ethan. While the mansion is splendid as it is, I think it’s better when the laughter of a child fills it.”

“There’s no helping it.”

Kailo, who had been sipping tea across from her, replied.

“This mansion only raises children of Estricen blood, so you’ll have to take responsibility, Amelie.”

“…What?”

Amelie blinked in surprise.

Ethan’s surname wasn’t Estricen but Fersen—the imperial surname. Since the princess was the only child of the current emperor, it had been agreed that their child would take her family name instead of Sir Cedric’s.

Thus, the only children to bear the Estricen name would be Kailo’s future offspring.

‘For such children to live in this mansion, I’ll need to….’

Amelie’s pale cheeks turned a soft peach as she considered the implications.

As if to confirm her thoughts, Kailo added with a smile.

“Of course, Amelie, I’ll actively cooperate if you wish. Whether physically or emotionally.”

“…”

“But….”

Lowering himself to one knee, he gazed up at her with a sincerity that made her heart race.

“I know you still have unfulfilled dreams.”

Amelie looked at him, slightly startled. Unlike the playful tone from earlier, Kailo now spoke with utmost seriousness as he mentioned her dreams.

“No matter what happens between us, I won’t let you give up on your dreams.”

“…”

“Whether you dream of becoming an excellent educator or wish to be the greatest scholar in your field, the Estricen family promises to spare no effort in providing all possible support.”

Amelie, pursuing her dreams, was radiant. Kailo vividly remembered the star-like sparkle in Amelie’s eyes as she hunted for new books in the library. He also recalled her appearance during Ethan’s lectures, glowing like the morning sunlight.

Kailo did not want to tarnish that beauty. He wished for Amelie to remain vibrant and alive, just as she was, while embracing her in his arms.

He gently pulled Amelie’s soft, white hand and placed a heavy, gleaming silver object on her palm.

The object was a key. Judging by the emblem engraved on it, its purpose was clear—it was a master key that could unlock every door in the Estricen household.

At this moment, Amelie had essentially been granted the authority to access all the doors of the Duke’s estate by the head of the Estricen family. This was a privilege passed down to the lady of the house since ancient times. For Amelie, it was like receiving wings that would allow her to soar freely and boldly.

Amelie recalled the library in the Duke’s estate, which she had visited once before. 

There, books that were hard to find even in the academy’s library were neatly arranged. Perhaps it could even rival the Imperial Library.

She also thought of the educational experts from across the empire who had gathered upon hearing that the Estricen family was seeking a private tutor.

If the Estricen family so desired, they could hire scholars whose expertise matched those of the academy’s faculty, allowing her to study under them personally.

A smile slowly spread across Amelie’s lovely face.

She truly liked him. From the moment they first met, she had been drawn to him. Although the circumstances were somewhat unconventional, at some point, she had come to hold him in her heart. Despite his cold appearance, he was incredibly kind.

He had listened to a passing tale about her childhood memories and helped her recover a cherished family heirloom. Even now, as he confessed his feelings in a way that any woman in the empire would envy, he paid careful attention to protect what might seem insignificant to others—her dreams.

Tilting her head slightly, she whispered softly.

“You’re missing the most important thing.”

“W-what is missing? I’ll fix it immediately….”

“Kailo.”

Amelie’s hand gently caressed the cheek of the man, whose features seemed sculpted like a masterpiece. With a sweet smile, she asked, 

“Can you give yourself to me?”

A sigh, as if releasing tension, escaped his lips. At the same time, Kailo’s eyes, filled with joy, glistened slightly with moisture.

“You already know the answer, Amelie.”

With a low murmur, their lips drew closer together.

“Gladly.”