Unlike the bustling banquet hall, the ducal residence’s garden was utterly tranquil.

Despite it being autumn, quite a sharp wind was blowing, suggesting winter wasn’t far off.

Roina, who had changed into a spare dress prepared in advance, decided to get some fresh air briefly.

She dismissed all the servants and strolled through the garden wherever her feet led her.

“It would be good if I could recover my memories quickly.”

She wanted to know what kind of life she had lived over the past three years.

What had happened between her and her husband during their marriage.

In the fragmentary memories that surfaced, her relationship with him had reached its limit.

‘If only I could help Conrad even now……’

For this, Roina wanted to rebuild the trust that had been shattered.

Perhaps because her troubled heart felt suffocating, a deep sigh flowed from Roina’s lips.

Just as she closed her eyes tightly and opened them, about to return to the banquet hall—

Footsteps that had been faintly audible in the distance began drawing closer.

Realizing those steps were directed toward her, Roina slowly turned her head.

“Roina?”

Light brown hair that shone brilliantly even in the darkness and blue-gray eyes.

A man with a pleased expression slowly approached.

Roina’s eyes trembled slightly upon confirming his face.

‘Why is he…… here?’

Michael Bistanto was her longtime childhood friend.

Hiding her flustered state, Roina greeted him with a light smile.

“It’s been a while, Michael.”

“I heard you were ill, are you alright now?”

It was his consideration to speak indirectly despite knowing she had been in seclusion.

“You’re still as thoughtful as ever.”

When Roina murmured barely audibly to herself, he seemed not to have heard.

Michael, tilting his head obliquely, curved his lips into a gentle smile.

“Why are you outside in the cold?”

“Ah, I came out after changing my dress.”

Roina briefly explained what had happened at the banquet hall. Then he nodded lightly and said playfully:

“Don’t worry though. You’re still beautiful.”

Roina let out a small laugh at Michael’s playful words.

The unchanged appearance of her old friend seemed rather reassuring.

Soon looking around, she tilted her head slightly and asked:

“But Michael, why are you here?”

“I came to attend the banquet in Father’s place.”

The neutral Bistanto marquisate family had long maintained political neutrality.

Michael’s father, Marquis Bistanto, was a politician of great influence, so both conservatives and progressives sought his support.

Therefore, Conrad must have invited Marquis Bistanto to this banquet as well.

Though it seemed the marquis had sent his son due to scheduling conflicts.

The fact that Michael, the heir, had appeared at an official occasion could be interpreted with different meaning.

‘Michael will soon assume the family headship.’

Roina had memorized the genealogies of nobles that had changed over the past three years, preparing for any situation.

However, title changes didn’t occur easily during that neither long nor short period.

She glanced at her friend with puzzled eyes.

As the second son of the Bistanto marquisate family, he had shown no particular interest in succession struggles until now.

Pondering what to say, Roina nodded while hiding her awkwardness.

Michael said with a voice tinged with regret that he had arrived late due to urgent matters to handle:

“It would have been nice if we could have danced together like when we were children.”

Since his personality was gentle and affectionate rather than sharp, Roina had been able to create many joyful memories filled with laughter during their childhood.

Perhaps recalling childhood memories after so long, a gentle smile spread across her lips.

“Indeed. Though I only remember stepping on your feet.”

Staring intently at her, Michael seemed to have something particular to say.

Judging by how he couldn’t easily open his mouth while rubbing the back of his neck.

That was something he had shown since childhood whenever he was in a difficult situation.

Seeing her friend who seemed unchanged, she smiled slightly and casually asked:

“Do you have something to say?”

Then, as if struck right on target, agitation briefly flickered in Michael’s blue-gray eyes.

Soon showing an awkward smile, he cleared his voice before speaking:

“I sent letters during this time, but you must have been very busy.”

Roina couldn’t readily answer and raised an eyebrow obliquely.

‘Michael sent me letters?’

The only correspondence she had received so far were tea party invitations and family letters delivered by spies.

‘What on earth is this about……’

Though Roina felt puzzled, she swallowed dryly and continued calmly:

“I’ve been too busy lately. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. You can be like that when you’re busy.”

Even in a situation where he could reasonably feel hurt, he showed a bright smile.

After the banquet ended, she would need to check why Michael’s letters had been omitted.

While Roina was briefly lost in thought, he carefully opened his mouth, changing the subject:

“Father has decided to pass his title to me soon.”

As she had guessed, Michael said he would become the new head of Bistanto before long.

Since this news hadn’t yet become public knowledge, it seemed he had told Roina first.

Recalling her friend’s efforts in the succession struggle, she was genuinely happy.

“Congratulations, Michael.”

Just as she was smiling gently, thinking it was fortunate she could congratulate him directly without being late, tilting his head slightly, Michael grumbled softly as usual:

“I wrote about it in my letter too, isn’t your congratulations too late?”

“……!”

When Roina looked at him, unable to hide her bewilderment, Michael chuckled.

“I’m joking. Thank you for congratulating me.”

Then his hand, which had been about to stroke her hair familiarly, suddenly hovered in the air.

No matter how close they were, it would be improper toward a woman who had already formed a household.

Only the sounds of insects crying could be heard in the garden again.

It was Michael who broke the awkward silence flowing between them.

“Roina, if you ever need help, tell me. I’m always on your side.”

“Yes, I will.”

Roina nodded slightly toward her ever-unchanging friend.

But there would be no occasion for her to ask him for help in the future.

She didn’t want to reveal her messy underside even to her only friend.

Though Roina was greatly pleased to meet Michael, it was also true that she felt equally uncomfortable.

Whether he might have pity for her appearance over the past three years… there were aspects she didn’t want to show even to an old friend.

‘So I hope you understand me a little.’

※※※

While talking about recent developments, quite some time had passed.

Michael, checking his pocket watch, seemed ready to enter the banquet hall now.

To his polite suggestion that they return together, Roina shook her head.

There was no need to create unnecessary rumors, and she wanted to spend a little more time here.

“If I send a letter next time…… will you reply to me then?”

To her friend’s cautious words, she answered like he were asking something obvious:

“Of course. You’re my precious friend.”

Though it was brief, a light of agitation flickered and disappeared on his face.

“Yes, a precious friend.”

Just as Michael, wearing a lonely smile, was about to bid farewell saying he would go in first—

“What are you doing here right now?”

At the quiet voice heard from behind, Roina startled and turned around.

Then she immediately met a pair of brilliant golden eyes.

‘……!’

At Conrad’s sudden appearance, her eyes widened like lanterns.

Without time to think about why he was here, the conversation between the two men continued.

“Thank you for inviting me to the banquet, Your Grace.”

Even to Michael’s courteous attitude, Conrad answered in a cold voice:

“Thank you for coming. Though I don’t recall inviting you, young marquis.”

Michael’s face hardened briefly before he composed his expression.

“Father had to go down to the territory on urgent business, so I came in his place.”

Conrad’s cold gaze, which had been watching the young marquis answer calmly, soon turned to Roina.