The reporters concentrated with tense expressions to not miss a single word from his mouth.

As Tristan ascended the platform, one of the reporters quickly raised his hand and began questioning.

“The new Palma supplement developed by the Helix Institute is causing a sensation in the Empire. Did Baron Regi develop the supplement himself?”

Tristan, extremely nervous, answered slowly.

“It’s true that our institute participated in developing the supplement, but there’s someone else who created it.”

“Who is that person?”

“At that person’s request, I cannot directly reveal who developed the supplement. However, it’s a female apothecary who risked her life and dedicated herself to treating the endemic disease in Green Reed. She’s an excellent person who sends free medicines to poor orphans with part of the supplement’s profits.”

Opinions stirred among the reporters. And people’s gazes focused on Cynthia again.

While many didn’t know she had gone to Green Reed, the only female apothecary acquainted with the small-scale Helix Institute was Cynthia.

The nobles shook their heads, thinking it couldn’t be.

The reporters planned to immediately confirm whether Cynthia was indeed the developer of the supplement once Tristan’s interview ended.

The person who was actually flustered was someone else.

Baron Regi, really… I told him not to mention it.

Cynthia, who had planned to earn money and emigrate to another country anyway, didn’t need to reveal the fact that she had developed the supplement.

She was unaware that Countess Moridge’s influence had strongly played into this background.

A few more questions came from the reporters. When someone asked if another new supplement would be released, Tristan firmly shook his head.

“As of today, the Helix Institute plans to establish a general hospital within the Empire, which I’ve dreamed of for a long time.”

A general hospital?

The audience stirred at once upon hearing the announcement.

“Thanks to the success of the Palma supplement, preparations have been completed faster than expected. Also, with significant sponsorship from His Highness the Grand Duke and the Lenox ducal family, the Helix Institute will establish the Empire’s first hospital at this location.”

Soon cheers erupted, and applause grew louder from everywhere.

Cynthia blankly stared at Kaisel, who was silently listening to Tristan’s words.

When did Kaisel make such a promise?

He was such an unpredictable person.

Anyway, she couldn’t help but smile at the fact that the supplement she made had contributed to a good cause.

As the press conference smoothly ended, many nobles and reporters swarmed around Tristan like bees. And some reporters’ gazes began to focus on Cynthia.

Of course, the gazes that had been concentrated by Kaisel’s sharp eyes scattered at once.

Kaisel muttered in a pointed voice.

“If I had known this would happen, I shouldn’t have sold the Mona grapes.”

“It’s too late to say that now.”

Cynthia made a triumphant expression, saying she already had the contract.

Kaisel let out a chuckle.

The back of my neck feels prickly.

Iris and her followers were glaring at the two with faces that looked like they might charge at any moment.

Though they seemed unable to act directly due to fear of Kaisel.

“Are you busy today?”

At the unexpected question, Cynthia, who had already achieved her goal, answered in a monotone voice.

“Well, I don’t have anything in particular. Since I was invited by the Helix Institute.”

“That’s good. Then play with me today.”

Cynthia moved her lips but then firmly closed her mouth. Even without a returning answer, Kaisel pulled her hand.

Though they heard murmuring sounds from afar, the two moved forward without looking back.

❀❀❀

Walking with Kaisel across the yellowed grass, they arrived at Cherna Central Park, which had changed into colorful autumn clothes.

Cynthia couldn’t help but be moved by the splendid scenery before her eyes.

The unique autumn smell brushed her nose, and the azure sky was beautiful like a painting.

She hadn’t known there was such a wonderful park.

“Do you like it that much?”

A pleasant baritone voice stuck to her ear. Cynthia felt her anxious heart becoming somewhat calmer.

“Thank you.”

When Cynthia greeted him and looked at him, she realized Kaisel’s deep blue eyes were fixed on her.

For some reason, Cynthia found it difficult to look him directly in the eyes and quickly turned her head.

Though the breeze was clearly blowing gently, she felt a scorching air that might burn her, so she bit her innocent lips.

“Since you didn’t answer whether you’d play with me, I’ll have to use a wish coupon. You haven’t forgotten, right? That I retrieved your herbs.”

Kaisel spoke indifferently while gently stroking her cheek. Her eyes, which had been trying to maintain composure, began to tremble again.

I’m happy and joyful when I’m with you too. But……

Unable to speak, she slowly nodded.

Kaisel smiled brightly as if he knew exactly how she felt and gently extended his hand.

With her heart beating so loudly she could hear it in her ears, Cynthia could no longer deny her feelings.

That she truly loved him.

❀❀❀

She leisurely strolled through the park with Kaisel, engaging in trivial conversations.

They walked around making useless talk and jokes, but she didn’t feel tired at all.

After crossing the bridge connected to the beautiful garden’s lake, they reached the bustling area near the opposite exit.

While exploring the busy streets filled with people for the Festival of Saint Asteto and Harvest Festival, they were also able to visit the restaurant they couldn’t go to because of Viscount Blewitt.

Though Cynthia acknowledged Hannah as the best cook, the salmon she tasted at this restaurant was more excellent than what Hannah made.

It was a moment when she truly realized why this restaurant was famous.

The view of the bustling streets and sunset reflected in the open restaurant windows was like watching a landscape painting changing moment by moment.

Cynthia smiled joyfully like a child.

After finishing the pleasant dinner and leaving the restaurant, she suddenly grabbed Kaisel’s sleeve.

“Do you need something else?”

“No. I just wanted to say thank you because today was so enjoyable.”

Kaisel swallowed his laughter, looking adorably at her as her face turned bright red with embarrassment.

“Why? Was the salmon that delicious?”

“No! That’s not it…!”

Thinking there was no point in having a conversation with this person, Cynthia hurried ahead, taking the lead.

“Oh?”

It was the stall of that Berpa shark mobile Kaisel had bought her before.

The lady seemed to remember Cynthia and greeted her warmly.

“Your Highness, I saw this mobile at the mansion in Rananess.”

“My sister wouldn’t like things like mobiles, unless it’s history books or maps.”

“It’s true. Now that I think about it, Countess Meyer might have been worried about Your Highness too. You and the Berpa shark look alike.”

“I don’t think I have such a gentle image.”

Kaisel let out a hollow laugh and narrowed his brow.

Cynthia closed her mouth, unable to say that he looked lonely.

Though she had already completed preparations to leave, she hadn’t yet answered him about extending the contract.

Cynthia deliberately spoke in a bright voice.

“This time, I’ll gift you a mobile. I’m rich now.”

She smiled brightly as she handed money to the owner and asked for a new mobile.

“I really shouldn’t have sold the Mona grapes. You’ve taken away the fun of buying things for you.”

Though he grumbled, Kaisel wore a subtle smile.

❀❀❀

Returning to the mansion after finishing the wish coupon date, the sun had completely disappeared, and darkness had fallen.

Today, Kaisel escorted her to the cottage again.

“There’s no need to walk me back since we’re in the same mansion……”

“I wish you’d stay in the room next to mine. The cottage is too far.”

It’s so close that if you fell, your nose would touch the ground, yet he calls it far.

Cynthia let out a hollow laugh at his absurd comment.

“Is it because of Lady Blewitt?”

“That’s not it. Oh? It’s raining.”

Autumn raindrops began to fall one by one.

The two hurried their steps. Only upon reaching the cottage could they barely escape the rain.

“It rains whenever we’re together.”

Cynthia chuckled and took out a handkerchief to wipe Kaisel’s wet hair.

“Cynthia.”

When she looked up, Kaisel’s handsome face was just an inch away.

Kaisel, seen in the pitch-black night, was beautiful as if painted.

His blue eyes, whose thoughts were impossible to guess, were consistently directed at her.

Too close.

As his breath brushed her cheek like it might burn her, Cynthia’s fingertips twitched.

Kaisel opened his mouth as if whispering in her ear.

“Thank you for granting my wish and playing with me. I enjoyed today.”

“You didn’t need to use your wish coupon for something like this…… I enjoyed it too.”

“Then, can I wish for something else?”

“Since when can you reuse something you’ve already used?”

“I just want to hear it once more.”

“Hear what?”