That he had reunited with Chloe in Daloa.

The relationship between the Duke and Chloe was difficult to define in a single word. But there was no doubt that the Duke held considerable affection for her. Roman waited with his back straight until Andert put down the newspaper.

He had lived his entire life with pride in House Dietrich. Serving the Duke was like wearing a medal on his chest. At least, that’s what it meant to Roman.

‘To think there was a hidden flaw in the flawless Dietrich name!’

He felt confused when he first learned the truth.

However, that didn’t completely damage the pride engraved in his heart. Rather, he felt fortunate that Patrick, who had royal Daloan blood but would clearly have brought the family down, hadn’t taken over.

At that moment, Andert closed the newspaper and stood up.

Roman saw off the Duke as he left the mansion, as he always did. Standing in the midst of brilliant sunshine, the master of Dietrich was young and strong. Even those who scoffed at his illegitimate birth couldn’t raise a single objection about Andert’s abilities.

That was enough.

Even beasts choose their own masters to follow. Roman had long recognized Andert as the Duke’s successor. So he decided to set aside any unnecessary personal opinions.

“Take care, Your Grace.”

Roman stood rigidly in place until the carriage carrying the Duke went around the garden fountain and left.

Not perfect, but this was a fine morning.

* * *

After several cloudy days, the sky cleared as if it had never been otherwise. Chloe started her day by completely drawing back the curtains. She prepared a simple breakfast while watching the golden waves of light pouring through the window.

The table was neatly arranged after she finished her warm soup and boiled egg. The pattern that followed was also fairly consistent.

Chloe divided her time between morning and afternoon to prepare for the exam she would take in two months. Having not seriously studied with a pen in hand for several years, she initially struggled to gain momentum.

Still, she didn’t feel frustrated or overwhelmed. She knew too well how grateful it was to be able to choose what she wanted to do.

After finishing her scheduled afternoon studies, she continued with her modest daily routine. She would slowly walk around the nearby park before sunset or go out to buy necessary items.

“Here you are. Thank you. Oh, and Wednesday and Saturday are the days when vegetables and fruits arrive. If you visit then, I’ll select the freshest ones for you.”

“Yes, I’ll remember that. Take care.”

Chloe left the shop after completing her purchase.

Walking to and from the store, which was about 20 minutes away, wasn’t too difficult. If only it weren’t for the tingling and discomfort that occasionally rose from her feet. Still, she enjoyed this time that doubled as a walk.

She took her medicine faithfully, but it seemed she would need consistent treatment for several months.

According to the doctor, it might never fully heal, but she decided to think positively. Considering that severe frostbite often leads to amputation, she felt grateful that wasn’t the case.

Rather, she worried about Andert’s gunshot wound.

“It’s nothing. It will heal in a few weeks.”

Though he had shaken his head as if it were nothing. Still…… When Chloe, who had been stopping and starting repeatedly, finally arrived slowly in front of her house…

A man who was about to turn around holding something brightened when he saw her.

“Excuse me, are you Miss Chloe Hardin?”

“Yes. What is it?”

Chloe put down what she was carrying and asked curiously. Immediately, yellow flowers appeared before her.

“I was going to come back, but I’m glad I caught you. These flowers arrived for Miss Chloe Hardin. Well then, have a nice day.”

Having completed his task, he hurriedly turned away. After handing Chloe a large bouquet.

Having received the yellow bouquet somewhat abruptly, she picked up the card attached to the ribbon.

「Chloe,

The last Sunday of December. I’d like to celebrate your birthday with you.

I’ll wait for your reply. The wind is cold, so be careful not to catch a cold.

—Andert」

Birthday? After confirming the brief message, Chloe suddenly realized her birthday was approaching.

Her gaze, which had been looking at the calendar entering the final days of the year, turned to the flowers placed on the table. Daffodils. The yellow petals that had bloomed resiliently despite the cold were beautiful.

Since she had been bringing in only necessary items one by one, she didn’t yet have a vase for flowers. After pondering briefly, Chloe retrieved a glass cup and scissors from the drawer.

The flowers that had been spread out now leaned against the transparent cup with their neatly trimmed stems. One and then another. Only after changing the position of the last flower a couple of times did Chloe pick up the cup.

After filling it with water, her steps, searching for a suitable place, stopped in front of the second-floor balcony. This spot, where the sun entered earliest, seemed perfect.

And so the yellow daffodils found their place on a small side table that reached her waist.

As she slightly adjusted the direction of the cup, a water droplet precariously clinging to a petal fell with a plop. Chloe lightly wiped away the small round stain.

Though other water droplet marks formed next to it, she didn’t mind. Stains could simply be wiped away. Or if they left marks that wouldn’t erase, she could cover them with other patterns.

Though not comparable, she thought memories left like scars would be the same.

If good memories piled up layer by layer…… There would come a day when she could shake off all past resentments and smile completely.

* * *

Time flew by.

The streets of Vasa, welcoming the year-end, bustled with crowds day after day. Andert’s carriage passed through the busy main street and entered a quiet residential area.

Chloe’s house.

Recalling his destination, he checked his appearance before getting out of the carriage, unlike his usual self.

The awaited reply had come a week ago. Chloe had accepted and suggested dinner at her home. He followed without question when she said a quiet dinner would be enough.

It was a time when everywhere was crowded with people. That also meant many eyes would be watching him and Chloe together.

The news of Fabiana’s trial date had already caused enough commotion. He fully understood Chloe’s desire to avoid unnecessary attention in this situation.

“You’re here? Please come in.”

The voice welcoming him at the door sounded pleasant. Andert handed over the cake and wine he had brought and smiled as if to say there was no need to feel burdened.

“Roman prepared these. Along with his congratulations.”

“Ah, please thank him for me.”

Chloe’s smile was warm as she wore a light apricot-colored blouse and a long skirt of the same hue. Her complexion looked much better than last time.

After checking the almost fully set table, he asked without sitting down,

“Is there anything I can help with?”

Since no staff was visible, Chloe must have prepared everything herself. Andert wanted to help with something, anything. Although he had absolutely no experience in such matters.

“No, everything’s ready. Just sit down, I only need to bring out the meat.”

Chloe, who burst into a faint laugh as if surprised, hurried away with quick steps.

The table prepared piece by piece by the birthday celebrant herself was neat but not careless. Of course, he had never tasted food made by Chloe. There had been no reason for her to prepare meals at the Dietrich mansion.

He didn’t want to add any unnecessary comments to Chloe who managed all aspects of daily life by herself. Such as suggesting she hire staff.

Andert carefully looked around the interior within his sight. It was a space that emphasized practical necessity, with all purposeless decorations excluded.

“Be careful with this, it’s hot.”

Chloe, who brought out the meat, carefully placed the steaming baked potatoes as a final touch.

“I’m not sure if it will suit your taste, but it won’t be anything special. I’ve just been learning to make things one by one lately.”

“I’ll enjoy it, Chloe.”

Despite her modest words, the freshly baked pie was crispy, and the potatoes filled with butter and cheese were soft. After neatly swallowing his food, he asked casually. He was curious about Chloe’s ordinary daily life.

“How is your studying going?”

“I’m just working hard within the set scope. How have you been?”

“There’s nothing special for me besides waking up at a fixed time and completing the day’s tasks.”

Andert, slightly tilting his wine glass, stared at her intently. That really was all there was to his recent life.

Though invitations had arrived at House Dietrich for the party season, that was all. Roman was sending polite refusals on behalf of Andert, who never attended such gatherings without purpose anyway.

Light conversation occasionally passed between them as the meal continued. Though the topics weren’t significant, his companion was Chloe. He felt grateful just to be sitting across from her like this.

After confirming that the fork was neatly placed on the plate opposite him, Andert put down his glass rippling with red liquid.

“Happy birthday, Chloe, sincerely.”