Though young in age, he was a duke. Except for the imperial family, no man in the empire was more noble than the master of Larson.

Seeing the man kneeling before her, completely disregarding rank and status, Marchioness Baldwin was so taken aback she couldn’t find words.

“Please allow me to see Vivi. I beg you.”

Kian pleaded and bowed his head once more. The Duke of Larson kneeling for his mistress? Who would believe it? It was an unbelievable sight even as she witnessed it with her own eyes.

However, despite his surprisingly humble behavior for a nobleman, she had no intention of yielding easily.

“Duke, you seem to misunderstand something. I merely took her into my residence out of moral obligation. My position remains unchanged.”

“I completely understand your concerns. I sincerely apologize for all the discourtesies I committed earlier when my emotions got the better of me.”

His demeanor was completely different from before when he had threatened to take Vivianne away. He seemed to have changed his approach from forceful to persuasive since aggression hadn’t worked, but rather than being moved, she only felt perplexed.

“If you understand my position, please stop this eccentric behavior and leave.”

“I heard you’re like a mother to Vivi.”

“Did she say that?”

“Yes.”

Marchioness Baldwin’s eyes widened slightly. When she glanced down at the man lowering himself before her, she met his pitch-black eyes staring directly at her.

“Duke, you hardly need my permission. Haven’t you already met Vivi as you pleased?”

“I don’t want Vivianne to feel guilty.”

Kian bowed his head respectfully once more.

“That’s why I absolutely need your permission. Please grant it.”

* * *

She seems to have something to say.

Marchioness Baldwin had already noticed the anxious glances repeatedly cast her way while she was embroidering.

She wanted to pretend not to notice until the end, but it must be important to her.

Reluctantly, Marchioness Baldwin put her magnifying glass down on the table and looked straight at her.

“That’s a necklace I haven’t seen before. Did he give it to you?”

“…Pardon? …Yes.”

“Let me see.”

Her blue eyes widened, apparently surprised by such interest. Vivianne hesitated, her lips moving wordlessly several times before finally continuing.

“When you open this lid, a small compass appears. Isn’t it cute?”

She showed the necklace with shy embarrassment. The sapphire embedded in the pendant was clearly precious at first glance.

“He even had it engraved for me. Vivianne von Lars…”

Vivianne stopped mid-sentence and pressed her lips firmly shut. Suddenly, she seemed to realize the weight of what the engraving implied.

“Vivianne.”

“Yes, madam.”

“You look like you have something to tell me.”

Seeing her fidgeting like a frightened small animal was frustrating, so she spoke first. Immediately, Vivianne began to confess, clearly having waited for the opportunity.

“Actually… the Duke proposed to me.”

“With that trinket instead of a ring?”

“It’s not a ring, but it seems to be something meaningful to him.”

Of course, judging by the size and quality of the sapphire, it was undoubtedly worth more than most engagement rings.

Still, a proposal? They hadn’t been together at Baldwin for long since returning from Romaunt.

So this was the ulterior motive behind the Larson Duke’s sudden submission. How vexing.

But she couldn’t ignore the practical aspects.

While she was alive now and could serve as a solid support, realistically, she was old and frail. No one knew when her condition might deteriorate or when she might leave this world.

She wasn’t comfortable with finding a suitable match and marrying Vivianne off either. Despite her best efforts in teaching her, Vivianne rarely acted with proper caution.

She was so naive and innocent to a fault that it was frightening to let her out into the world. Though she had arranged to bequeath a certain portion of her assets to Vivianne, she worried whether the girl could protect it herself.

She didn’t want to send her off as a nobleman’s mistress or second wife.

‘Well… perhaps a man madly in love with her is better than someone she barely knows.’

He had waited in the rain for a long time and knelt without hesitation. Even if it was an act, he had paid a price of sorts. He had willingly pushed himself to physical limits and didn’t shy away from humiliation.

When the doctor examined the collapsed Duke of Larson, he said the Duke probably hadn’t eaten properly for a long time. Given that he needed sufficient nutrition and sleep, he must not have been sleeping well either. Perhaps his desperation for Vivianne wasn’t entirely false.

Moreover, he had shaken her resolve by using the word “mother.”

He was certainly a cunning man. Perhaps it was better that one party was cunning since the other was so naive.

“So, what did you answer?”

“I said I wasn’t sure.”

“Why? Don’t tell me it’s because of me?”

“No, that’s not it… I’m scared.”

She lowered her long eyelashes, casting shadows over her eyes.

“What are you so afraid of?”

“I’m sufficiently happy here now. It’s all thanks to your care, madam. I’m afraid that happiness might shatter.”

She was grateful for such dependence. She wished the girl would continue to rely on her, but Marchioness Baldwin knew that was her own selfishness.

It was all the girl’s life and her choice. She wondered if she had been too insistent due to her concern and worry.

“Listen, Vivi.”

“Yes, madam.”

“Shall I tell you a secret?”

“A secret?”

When Vivianne nodded with a puzzled expression, Marchioness Baldwin gestured lightly, suggesting she lean in to hear.

“The truth is, you’re a child who can be happy wherever you go.”

“Really…?”

“Of course.”

“How…?”

“Because happiness is within you, Vivi.”

Her large eyes welled up with a mixture of surprise and emotion, looking unbearably adorable. Marchioness Baldwin gently caressed Vivianne’s cheek.

“You don’t know how precious and lovable you are. I found happiness I had forgotten because of you. That’s probably why the Duke of Larson is so desperate for you. The same would be true for anyone else. Absolutely.”

“…”

“So if that’s your concern, I think you’re worrying unnecessarily.”

She had thought Vivianne was uncertain, but now tears filled her large eyes. She seemed deeply grateful for those words of encouragement.

“Thank you, madam.”

“Why are you crying if you’re thankful? Someone might think I scolded you.”

“Just, just, because… I love you so much, madam.”

Vivianne hugged Marchioness Baldwin tightly. Her shoulder felt damp, suggesting the girl was crying. How could she let go of such an endearing child?

Though reluctant, she knew she couldn’t keep her forever.

“That man came and knelt before me without warning. Did you two plan this together?”

“What? He knelt?”

“I’m asking if you told him to prostrate himself before me.”

“Oh, no. Not at all…”

“Well, it doesn’t matter either way. Whatever the process, the result is the same. It was quite satisfying after so long.”

Marchioness Baldwin wiped Vivianne’s wet eyes and laughed heartily.

“Tell him not to kneel carelessly anywhere from now on. It looks undignified. Better yet, he shouldn’t do anything that requires kneeling in the first place.”

“I truly didn’t know.”

“Well, his status and wealth are sufficient. His appearance is decent too. Though I don’t care for his personality, he’s a man who doesn’t hesitate to kneel for you. What do you think? Shall I give him one chance?”

“Are you allowing us to meet?”

“They say no parent can win against their child. Since you consider me your mother, I can only pretend to give in. But I have a condition.”

Vivianne was about to throw herself into another embrace out of joy when Marchioness Baldwin stated her condition.

“What condition?”

“How about truly becoming my daughter?”

It was quite a bold proposal. Vivianne froze in surprise.

“You’ll need status to marry a high nobleman. Baldwin would be better than being adopted into a family in name only. Having a strong family behind you will allow you to speak confidently. Of course, becoming my adopted daughter means you’ll have to listen to my nagging.”

“…”

“However, I don’t want you to marry right away. Just get engaged and meet him for at least four seasons. If your memories return and you come to dislike him, or if you simply grow tired of him for no reason, kick him to the curb. Understand?”

“…”

“Why aren’t you answering?”

Vivianne hugged Marchioness Baldwin tightly again and whispered.

“I’ll do better. I’ll do my best to continue making you happy. So please stay healthy for a long, long time, madam.”

That was both Vivianne’s pledge and wish.

But that happiness was only fleeting, like a momentary glimpse.