“When she asked if it was you, I couldn’t deny it. Above all, this is the first article written under your name.”

Aaron’s voice was careful. Chloe, who had been listening quietly, could fully understand the situation.

The Countess Declen had long shown broad interest in the arts. Naturally, she would have kept up with publications from the Artists Association as well. In fact, the association’s regular publications were rarely encountered by those who didn’t pay attention to the field.

Initially, it was her encouragement that led Chloe to major in Art History. It wasn’t difficult for someone with such discernment to guess her whereabouts.

Chloe also felt grateful to the Countess. However, until now, circumstances had made it difficult to convey news of her situation.

“The Countess seemed to have many questions, but she only asked me to deliver this letter, Chloe.”

Aaron conveyed the brief request gently.

Chloe knew too. That if she had asked the Countess before leaving the capital, she would have tried to help as much as she could. But she couldn’t burden her with such troubles.

Chloe received the letter with a heavy heart. The envelope remained firmly sealed with red wax.

Aaron silently observed her increasingly darkened face. Her complexion, more gaunt and rough than a few weeks ago, concerned him deeply.

With the noisy divorce news having swept through, it was unavoidable for Chloe as the person involved. Moreover, Andert, who had become the young master of Dietrich, was making daily appearances on newspaper front pages.

Even at the gathering held at House Hussler a few days ago, Duke Dietrich’s name was constantly mentioned. Though Andert himself didn’t attend, citing personal reasons.

“So is Lady Chloe staying at House Hardin now?”

“Well. It’s not certain, but rumors say she’s been away from Hanover for a long time.”

“My goodness! Then where on earth is she now?”

“More importantly, I hear the old Duke of House Dietrich is already looking for new marriage prospects for his son.”

“I heard that too. Miss Espin from House Sharlo is the most likely candidate, right?”

The conversations that reached his ears without even trying to listen were endless. He maintained his composure until dawn when all participants had left. Of course, he wasn’t interested in Andert’s affairs, with whom he had no particular friendship.

He was just worried about Chloe. It was only a matter of time before her whereabouts and activities became known. Though for now, only Countess Declen had noticed.

Aaron wanted to be a source of support for Chloe. However, if she refused even that, there was nothing he could do.

Therefore, he had to be as careful as possible. He was about to take out a small box from his bag but stepped back. What caught his eye while passing through the capital’s busy street was the display window of a luxury shop.

“It’s carved from amazonite, which brings luck when kept close.”

The shopkeeper, who mainly dealt with expensive ornaments and accessories, explained kindly.

He hadn’t initially planned to give a gift. It was quite an impulsive choice. The only reason was that Chloe came to mind when he briefly glimpsed a small fountain ornament.

Though he had brought the gift with such thoughts, Aaron decided to wait for another opportunity. No matter how he thought about it, Chloe wouldn’t likely accept this without a special reason. They weren’t close enough yet to exchange gifts freely.

Realizing this cold reality, he casually tried to set up the next appointment.

“Chloe, when are you visiting Tickelon’s studio?”

“I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon because I have something to deliver. Is something up?”

“Really? Could I come along at that time? Last time when it was just me and him, Tickelon barely said a word. I thought if I went with you, he might at least say something.”

Aaron winked as he made his request. It wasn’t a difficult favor, and it would be awkward to refuse. Chloe answered as if it didn’t matter.

“The appointment is at 5 PM.”

Aaron stood up after confirming the time once more. After exchanging brief farewells, Chloe headed to her residence. She opened the letter in her hand right after entering her room.

The contents, beginning with ‘Dear Chloe,’ weren’t very long. But it was enough to feel the Countess’s mixed concern and encouragement.

「……A week ago, Viscount Hardin came to see me. He asked if I knew of your whereabouts. Of course, I answered that I didn’t know.

I respect your choices entirely. And I hope you can fully display your talents that haven’t been fully shown yet. So please, if you come to the capital, I hope we can meet at least once. Finally, if there’s anything I can help with, please don’t hesitate to ask.

This is a request from an old friend of your mother, Lady Hardin.

P.S. I read your article well. I’ll always support you, Miss Chloe.」

After staring at the letter’s final paragraph for a long while, Chloe got up from her seat.

Though she had left her father with a cold farewell, she couldn’t suppress the worry that occasionally surfaced. All relatives had already turned their backs on her father. For her father to visit House Declen…… She had an inexplicably bad feeling about it.

Was he still drinking heavily? Or had some other problem arisen?

Two years ago, her father had already received a doctor’s diagnosis that continued heavy drinking could be fatal. It was right after her mother found her father unconscious one New Year’s morning.

But despite her mother’s desperate prayers, her father couldn’t quit drinking. In the end, he showed his final appearance drunk even at his wife’s funeral.

Even after changing into outdoor clothes and finishing her shower, her heart wouldn’t lighten. Chloe, drying her hair heavy with moisture, blankly stared out the window.

It was a new habit that had formed without her knowing since some time ago. There was no reason to look out the window when there was no one to wait for. But she couldn’t leave the window easily.

It was a night when even the small stream flowing across the street felt stifling.

***

“Duke Dietrich has arrived.”

The servant’s clear voice echoed through House Declen’s main hall.

The gazes of those who had implicitly waited for his appearance all focused on the widely opened doors. Andert moved his steps as if accustomed to the pouring attention.

The tailcoat he wore was nothing special despite his notable height. Just faithful to the basics. Today was an occasion where all prominent noble families were invited.

The young duke’s presence stood out even among those all dressed in formal attire. Moreover, this was his first public appearance since news of his divorce became known.

But the man who had captured public attention appeared aloof as if nothing had happened.

“Poor Lady Chloe, the former Lady Dietrich.”

Someone whispered sympathetically. Of course, with enough caution to be heard only by the person right next to them.

Before Andert could take more than a few steps, Count Declen, the host, greeted him.

“Welcome. It’s a most excellent day to have Your Grace brighten this gathering.”

“Thank you for the invitation, Count Declen.”

After a brief handshake, Andert naturally surveyed the hall. Those invited by Count Declen, who led the parliament, seemed to number well over a hundred at a glance.

Those who briefly met Andert’s gaze came to greet him in turn. After finishing ritualistic conversations that wouldn’t violate attendees’ manners, a man approached him.

“It’s been a while. I pray for infinite glory in Dietrich’s future.”

The one offering greetings and well-wishes was Count Hussler. Andert’s indifferent gaze fixed on the Count’s gray eyes.

Aaron Hussler. The face he had encountered in Bergen came to mind next.

Come to think of it, Count Hussler owned the largest cultural foundation in Artion. It was enough of a connection to somehow link to Chloe working at the Artists Association. Thus, Chloe appeared again at the end of his thoughts.

Meanwhile, Count Hussler didn’t immediately turn away after finishing his greeting. He intended to use this opportunity to have more conversation with Duke Dietrich, who rarely allowed close approach.

“In autumn, House Hussler also plans to arrange a gathering for distinguished guests. I eagerly hope Duke Dietrich will join us. My son is currently traveling between Oslo and Bergen, but he plans to establish himself in the capital soon.”

He even shared his son’s recent activities without being asked. It was an excessively detailed explanation.

Though somewhat embarrassed, Count Hussler steadfastly continued. His only son showed no interest in building political foundations, so he had to help as much as he could.

“Perhaps there are any paintings or works that have caught your eye? If nothing else, I can most certainly help in such matters.”

“I don’t particularly collect any works. I appreciate the offer only.”

Andert drew a polite but precise line.