“The front garden of the mansion is pretty, but the back is much quieter and more charming. It will be perfect for you to read books, Miss.”

The place they arrived at, following Martha’s guidance, was literally like a scene from a small fairy tale. White roses were in full bloom over a white pergola, and beside it was a slowly swinging wooden swing. Beyond the fence, lavender swayed as if dancing in the breeze. A subtle floral scent was carried on the wind. Kayla felt her heart brighten with every breath she took.

“You’re right, Martha… it’s truly a beautiful garden.”

As she murmured as if entranced, Martha smiled proudly.

“It used to be desolate. It’s thanks to William, who worked hard to cultivate it, saying it was like a haunted house. His Highness the Grand Duke doesn’t care about things like gardens.”

“That’s right, hehe. Theo wouldn’t care even if the garden was full of weeds.”

Kayla smiled slightly, recalling Theodore’s indifferent expression. She then carefully sat down in the pergola. Shortly after, Martha brought tea and books and placed them on the table. Flower petals fluttered in the hot summer breeze. In the warm yet quiet scenery, Kayla suddenly revealed her inner thoughts.

“You know, Martha.”

“Yes, Miss.”

“Why is Theo being so nice to me? We didn’t even know each other.”

“You’ve never met His Highness the Grand Duke before?”

Martha paused momentarily, then answered with a careful smile.

“No. After my mother passed away when I was young, I never went outside freely. Yesterday at the homecoming ceremony was the first time.”

“Hmm, I’m not sure. But he’s not the type to keep just anyone by his side without reason. You are special, Miss.”

Martha’s words were concise but confident.

“I heard Theo has no interest in women…”

“That’s right. His Highness the Grand Duke has no interest in women. He has no interest in entertainment either. The only ways he spends his time are horseback riding or sword training.”

“Why would someone like that… take an interest in me?”

Martha answered with a slight smile.

“What I can dare to tell you is that His Highness the Grand Duke has never considered anyone but you as a marriage partner. He rejected all marriage proposals, waiting for you.”

Kayla looked at Martha with surprised eyes. Waiting for me? If that was true, her heart fluttered strangely. But looking at Martha’s expression, it seemed better not to ask further. Just then, the sunlight slanted and seeped into the pergola. As Martha was about to withdraw, Kayla reached out and took her hand.

“Martha, the sunlight is harsh. Just sit here.”

“I couldn’t possibly sit here, Miss.”

“It’s okay. Martha, you’re my friend.”

“What? Friend…?”

Martha’s eyes wavered greatly.

“You’ll be my friend, won’t you?”

Kayla’s clear eyes sparkled in the sunlight. For Martha, the idea of a noble and a servant exchanging the word “friend” was something she couldn’t have imagined. Her heart was touched by such innocence. Martha responded to her words with a bright smile.

“It would be my honor, Miss!”

Martha gently sat down beside Kayla. A cool breeze scattered flower petals around them. Before long, Kayla and Martha were laughing and chatting like real friends. What kind of dresses they liked, which season they preferred, what dreams they had as children. Even just this much was an everyday experience Kayla hadn’t felt in a long time.

“So do you have just one friend, Miss?”

“Yes, because I’m so timid, I only have one friend, Oliver. The only friend who’s been by my side since childhood. Though I haven’t seen him for a while…”

“Why haven’t you seen him?”

“My stepmother wouldn’t let me meet him, saying strange rumors shouldn’t spread before marriage.”

Kayla spoke with a bitter expression. Martha carefully took her hand. Just then, footsteps approached beyond the pergola. William bowed politely.

“Miss, a friend has come to visit. Do you know someone by that name?”

“A friend?”

“He said his name is Oliver.”

“What? Oliver? Oh, yes, he is my friend!”

Kayla stood up with wide eyes. Her face was colored with delight. William smiled kindly and asked:

“Shall I let him in? He’s waiting outside the mansion now.”

“May I meet him…?”

“Of course. I will bring him here.”

Kayla’s face brightened with joy at hearing that Oliver had come to visit. But Martha, who was standing beside her, felt an inexplicable ominous premonition chill her heart.

‘His Highness the Grand Duke won’t return during this time, will he…? No, he’s not the type to be jealous over something like this.’

Martha deliberately ignored her foreboding.

Shortly after, following William through the garden under the intense sunlight, a young man with a familiar face appeared.

“Oliver!”

Kayla jumped up with joy and waved her hand. Oliver, raising his head at her voice, immediately rushed past William. With green hair and matching freckles, his face looked youthful, but his eyes shone desperately.

“Kayla!”

Oliver stood before Kayla, breathing heavily. His eyes were anxious, as if he wanted to confirm something right away.

“Oliver! It’s been a while. Have you been well?”

“Well…! Suddenly marrying His Highness the Grand Duke… what happened? Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for worrying about me.”

Though Kayla smiled calmly, Oliver frowned. He was about to say something but stopped, seeming to become aware of Martha standing nearby. Reading his gaze, Kayla turned to Martha.

“Martha, could you leave us alone for a moment?”

Martha couldn’t hide her worried look, but soon nodded.

“Yes, Miss. Please call me if you need anything.”

After Martha and William left, the garden grew quiet. Only the sound of cicadas and the scent of lavender swaying in the wind surrounded them. Oliver carefully sat down beside Kayla.

“What on earth is going on? Tell me what happened. Rumors that the grand ducal family took you away are already all over the streets.”

“…I don’t really know either. Yesterday at the homecoming ceremony, I accidentally fell in front of His Highness the Grand Duke. Then today, he suddenly came to take me.”

“Aren’t you scared? There are so many rumors about how cold and cruel he is… and there were even stories that he prefers men.”

“No, he’s actually very kind and considerate. The rumors are all lies.”

Oliver narrowed his eyes as if he found it hard to believe. After hesitating briefly, he asked more carefully:

“Are you really… getting married…?”

At Oliver’s worried question, Kayla pondered for a moment. Would she really end up marrying Theo like this? It was a future she herself wasn’t certain of. But one thing was clear: she had no choice.

“Yes… since the dowry has already been exchanged. The wedding dowry was enormous. I could never repay it.”

“I’ll pay it!”

Oliver jumped up and shouted. His hands were trembling, and his face was flushed red. The feelings he had been holding back and hiding for so long burst out in that moment.

“I’ll talk to my family and definitely resolve this. I’m going to save you!”

Kayla avoided Oliver’s gaze. She had only just realized his sincerity, but she couldn’t accept it. Gently pulling his sleeve, she said:

“Oliver, calm down. It’s not an amount you can handle. Not even the Viscount could.”

Oliver was the second son of the Robinson viscountal family. He had liked Kayla since childhood but had to distance himself because of Joanna.

Even afterward, he continued to inquire about her well-being and send letters, but never received a reply. Nevertheless, he sent people to check on Kayla’s situation. His love had been sincere for quite some time.

“How much money are we talking about…?”

“I don’t know exactly. But… I heard it’s enough to buy several mansions and still have money left over.”

Oliver collapsed into his seat as if in despair. After a moment of silence, he raised his head again.

“You don’t even know His Highness the Grand Duke. Can you really marry someone you don’t love…?”

At those words, Kayla’s heart wavered momentarily. Oliver’s gaze was desperate, and his fingertips were still trembling. For a brief moment, she wondered, ‘If fate had been different, could I have taken Oliver’s hand?’ But she quickly composed herself.

“You know that’s not the issue, Oliver.”

“Kayla, I…”

“It would be better not to say anything more.”

Kayla spoke calmly. She couldn’t continue the conversation. They both knew it. This conversation couldn’t go on much longer.

“Do you know how worried I’ve been? Joanna kept preventing me from seeing you, and even when I sent letters, there was no reply…”

“…You sent me letters?”

“Yes, I wrote almost every day. Did you really never receive a single one?”

“…No.”

Kayla pressed her lips together. It was clear that Joanna had burned all of Oliver’s letters. Despite this, Oliver had continued to send letters without replies for years. Kayla’s heart ached at his sincerity. Noticing her expression, Oliver forced a smile and brought up old stories.

“Still, we used to play together often before your mother passed away. Do you remember the day of the first snow?”