A few days before meeting Liliana.

Yvette went out to the city to get some fresh air and buy a gift for Liliana.

Since she had decided to win Liliana’s favor, she was willing to do whatever she could.

“Count, how about this? It’s a perfume that’s popular among young ladies these days!”

Excited about the outing after a long time, Philia peeked around various shops, recommending gifts suitable for Liliana.

Yvette followed behind Philia, carefully examining the items.

“I don’t know Liliana’s tastes well yet, so I’d prefer a gift that doesn’t depend on personal preferences.”

“A gift that doesn’t depend on taste… Then, how about giving her something she might use often in daily life?”

“Something used often in daily life?”

“Yes! For example, since you often write, Count, giving you a quill pen as a gift would be appropriate!”

Yvette nodded slightly at Philia’s words.

“That sounds good. Liliana likes to draw, so I should focus on art supplies.”

“As far as I know, the art supply store is this way! Just follow me!”

Philia exclaimed confidently, thumping her chest.

Yvette followed her with a slight smile.

‘I’m glad Philia is here. Otherwise, I would have gotten lost.’

Having been born and raised in the capital, Philia knew the city like the back of her hand. Thanks to her, Yvette only had to follow along.

***

A while later.

The two arrived in front of the art supply store.

After much deliberation, Yvette purchased a set of high-quality brushes made from marten hair.

She even paid extra to have the name engraved on the brush handles.

‘I hope Liliana likes the gift.’

Yvette left the store with a mix of worry and anticipation.

Now that she had bought the gift, it was time to head home.

However, Yvette stopped after just a few steps.

An unwelcome figure blocked her path.

“What a coincidence to run into you here.”

A man who had approached her unnoticed smiled brightly, his golden eyes shining.

“…Viscount Magnus.”

Yvette instinctively took a step back.

Meeting his golden gaze made her feel as if every hair on her body was standing on end.

‘Of all people to run into, it had to be him.’

Viscount Magnus was someone she wanted to avoid entangling with at all costs.

However, contrary to Yvette’s feelings, Viscount Magnus seemed interested in her.

“Since we’ve met by chance, how about having a cup of tea together?”

“…I’m sorry, but that won’t be possible today. I have a prior engagement.”

Yvette smiled slightly and signaled to Philia beside her.

“Philia, isn’t it about time for the Duke to arrive?”

At first, Philia looked puzzled, but she quickly caught on to Yvette’s intention.

She nodded hastily.

“Yes! We might be late if we don’t leave soon.”

“We should hurry then. I can’t keep my fiancé waiting.”

Yvette subtly emphasized the word ‘fiancé’ as she spoke to Viscount Magnus.

“Well, as you can see, I’m quite busy. I’ll take my leave now.”

Just as she was about to pass him by with Philia, it happened.

“Wait.”

Viscount Magnus grabbed her arm and whispered discreetly.

“Aren’t you curious about where Baron Larishi is?”

Yvette stopped dead in her tracks at those words.

In that moment, warning bells rang in her head.

“…What do you mean?”

“If you’re curious, follow me. I’ll tell you what you want to know.”

Viscount Magnus, his tone suddenly changed, smiled slyly.

Yvette lightly clenched her fist and turned to Philia.

“Philia. Can you go back first and tell the Duke that I might be a little late?”

“What? But…”

Philia looked back and forth between Yvette and Viscount Magnus with worried eyes.

She seemed to have sensed that something was amiss.

“Don’t worry about me, just go and tell the Duke. Tell him I miss him very much and to please wait for me.”

Yvette smiled brightly to reassure her.

“Alright. I’ll go right away and tell him.”

After hesitating, Philia finally nodded and left.

Yvette watched her leave, biting her tongue lightly and then releasing it.

‘I hope Noel understands well.’

Today wasn’t originally scheduled for meeting Noel.

But she felt she should contact him, just in case.

‘Philia is quick-witted, so she’ll convey the message well.’

Yvette took a deep breath and turned her attention back to Viscount Magnus.

‘For now, I need to hear what this man is up to.’

Under normal circumstances, she wouldn’t want to get involved with Viscount Magnus either.

But if he knew something about Baron Larishi, that was a different story.

‘Perhaps, as I suspected, he might be controlling Baron Larishi.’

She had been concerned about the two of them for a while now.

This was her chance to turn her suspicions into certainty.

***

Meanwhile, at the same time.

Herbert, who was tidying up the house as usual, raised his head at the sound of a knock.

‘Who could be visiting at this hour?’

He wondered as he headed towards the entrance.

However, before he could grasp the doorknob, the front door opened by itself.

Simultaneously, a familiar face appeared.

“It’s been a while since I’ve visited this house.”

As the familiar soft voice resonated, Herbert’s eyes widened.

Soon, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

“Young Master Kervel.”

“I think I’m well past the age to be called ‘young master’. How long do you plan to use that title?”

Kervel grumbled as he removed the hood he had been wearing low over his face.

Herbert, who naturally took Kervel’s outer garment, replied with a smile.

“Then, shall I call you Master?”

“…No. Just call me as you have been.”

Kervel waved his hand as if bothered and stepped into the mansion.

It was then.

Hurried footsteps were heard from the direction of the stairs, and an excited Eden appeared.

“Herbert! Herbert! I just smelled the Master’s scent…!”

Eden, who was charging towards Herbert, stopped abruptly upon seeing Kervel.

At the same time, he shouted loudly.

“It’s the Master!”

“The little fox seems to have grown quite a bit since I last saw him.”

Kervel tilted his head sideways and gazed at Eden.

As he stretched out both arms, Eden fell into his embrace as if he had been waiting for it.

“I missed you, Master!”

“Eden, you should mind your manners in front of the Young Master.”

Herbert lightly scolded Eden, but a smile lingered on his lips.

He too was excited about the reunion after a long time.

“I’ll bring some tea, please wait in the drawing room for a moment.”

“You remember my preferences, don’t you?”

“Of course, that goes without saying.”