Wiltsbrook Castle had enough rooms to easily accommodate over fifty guests.

Those visiting the castle for the first time were in awe, unable to hide their amazement at every turn.

Alec passed by the people marveling at the castle and headed up to the lord’s chambers.

Louise had already gone somewhere with Merian and Eloise.

Covering his mouth with his hand, Alec still couldn’t shake the shock.

“Hand-kissing.”

… What is this, really?

‘No matter how much time passed, there was one thing I still couldn’t get used to in this world. All the men were kissing women’s hands as a form of greeting.’

To the people here, it was just a simple gesture, but every time he saw it, he couldn’t help but be shocked.

He couldn’t understand why a man would kiss the hand of a woman who wasn’t even his, and it seemed quite bold to offer one’s hand to a man they’d never met before.

Even earlier, Vali and Louise had looked so natural doing it.

“Have I always been this conservative?”

Alec perched on the edge of the desk, lost in serious thought.

Did that mean he would have to watch random men kiss Louise’s hand for the rest of his life?

It was something that really bothered him.

Yet, knowing it was a gesture of respect and greeting, Alec couldn’t help but feel that it was strange he was so concerned about it.

Besides, noblewomen like Louise always wore gloves.

Still, the idea of other men touching his woman’s hand and placing their lips on it was something he couldn’t accept in his mind.

After thinking for a moment, Alec pulled two cords.

A little while later, James and Jane entered his office.

“You called, master.”

“Is there something you need?”

James and Jane both smiled kindly as they spoke in turn.

Alec fiddled with his lips for a moment, then lowered his hand and crossed his arms.

“I called because I wanted to ask something.”

“Yes, master. Please, go ahead.”

“…”

Alec opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again.

For some reason, the words wouldn’t come out easily.

It felt too strange to be asking such a question.

Finally, he spoke as if to break free from his hesitation.

“Do all noblewomen normally have to receive hand-kisses from men?”

“Pardon?”

“Hand-kisses?”

“…”

James and Jane looked at him in surprise, as if they hadn’t expected such a question.

In that moment, Alec regretted asking.

It must be such a natural thing that people of this world wouldn’t even think to question it.

Jane, quick to catch on, asked cautiously.

“Did something happen, by any chance?”

Alec concealed his embarrassment and shifted his posture, trying to act as casually as possible.

“Recently, with the Empress and everything, I’ve been worried about my wife’s safety. I think it would be better to avoid unnecessary contact.”

“Ah, I see!”

“That does sound like a good idea, master!”

James and Jane both clapped their hands in agreement, as if his suggestion was a brilliant one.

At that, Alec inwardly sighed in relief.

The servants were also deeply concerned about Louise after the incident with the Empress, where she had almost lost her life.

James clenched his fists with determination.

“If anyone approaches the madam, I’ll personally fend them off.”

“I’ll be keeping a close watch too, master! No one will ever be able to give the madam a hand-kiss again!”

“Thank you.”

Alec answered as nonchalantly as possible.

But as the corners of his lips started to lift, he quickly covered his mouth with his hand and cleared his throat.

***

“This place is incredible!”

“I can’t believe there’s a castle like this in our empire!”

“It’s even more magnificent than the Imperial Palace!”

Everywhere we went, Marianne’s awe and praise never ceased.

Following behind her, I covered my mouth with my hand and laughed softly.

I never expected calm, composed Marianne to be so excited.

Though I wasn’t the one who built Wiltsbrook Castle, her enthusiasm made me feel proud.

Suddenly, Marianne turned around and grabbed my hand with a serious expression.

“This place is truly amazing, Louise. I can’t believe I was invited to such a grand place. It feels like a dream. And to think that the mistress of this incredible castle is my close friend—it’s unbelievable.”

“Pardon?”

Close friend…?

Her words caught me off guard, and my eyes wavered.

“Close friend?”

“Of course. We’ve faced life-and-death situations together, Louise. If we’re not close friends, then who is?”

“Marianne…”

Hold on a second, I need to wipe away these tears.

I took a deep breath.

How long had I longed for a true friend in high society?

After dealing with harsh noblewomen like Julia for so long, I not only met a kind woman but also heard such heartfelt words from her.

Tears filled my eyes as I was overcome with emotion.

In the three years since I came to the Rilt Empire, this was the first time I’d made a real friend.

“I’m truly happy. I never thought I’d have a friend like you, Marianne. As you know, Alec and I haven’t exactly been in a position to socialize much in high society.”

“Louise… You’ve been through so much, haven’t you?”

“No, I’m fine now. The past is behind me. I feel like only good things are ahead.”

“They definitely are. I’ll be cheering you on by your side.”

“Marianne.”

Our gazes met, filled with shared emotion as we held each other’s hands.

Now, what does Marianne like?

For the first time since coming to the Rilt Empire, I had a friend, and I wanted to give her something.

I finally spoke up.

“Shall we rest in our rooms for now? There’s still some time before dinner.”

“Yes, Louise. I should rest well if I’m going to explore the rest of this amazing castle.”

I looked at the servant nearby after hearing Marianne’s response.

When I gave a look asking for guidance, the servant escorted Marianne away.

I stared at her back for a moment.

I felt truly relieved that Marianne and her family had come to the North.

Touching my hand under my nose, I sniffled slightly and turned around.

I already had the feeling that the plans I had made to develop the North into a tourist destination were a great success.

Whoosh.

Just then, a breeze came from somewhere, and at the same time, I heard Alec’s gentle voice.

“Louise.”

“…Alec?”

Startled, I turned around to find Alec gently grabbing my arm and glancing around.

After confirming no one else was around, he lowered his gaze to meet mine.

Why is my heart suddenly racing?

“There’s something I want to show you. Please follow me for a moment.”

“What is it?”

“It’s best to meet them first.”

“Who?”

Before I could even ask further, Alec slightly shifted towards me and wrapped his arm around my waist.

In an instant, everything blurred, and before I knew it, we had arrived at a staircase leading underground.

Who on earth are we here to meet?

The underground of Wiltsbrook Castle hadn’t been used for any purpose yet.

“Why are we here…?”

When I trailed off, Alec once again glanced around.

After confirming we were alone, he stepped on a mechanism that opened an entrance in the floor, revealing a staircase that seemed to lead endlessly down.

“Shall we go down together?”

Suddenly, he spoke and extended his hand to me.

I looked up at his face once before placing my hand on his.

“Yes.”

He cautiously watched me as we began to descend the stairs.

The sound of the door closing behind us echoed above our heads.

The underground of Wiltsbrook Castle didn’t have the usual musty smell of such places; instead, it exuded a sacred atmosphere, almost like a temple.

When we reached the hall, I spoke up.

“Surely, you haven’t hidden someone here, have you?”

“…Yes. They can’t be seen by others just yet, so they’ve been staying here.”

“Who on earth is it?”

It seemed Alec had been busy going back and forth between the capital and the North, handling many things.

Rather than answering, he stopped walking and stared intensely at something.

Following his gaze, I slowly turned my head.

“…!”

“…”

The moment our eyes met, mine widened. The other person also stared at me with their mouth slightly open.

A boy, about seven years old.

He was a small child with short hair the color of the bright blue sky, his bangs covering his forehead. His intelligent-looking silver eyes were immediately endearing.

And those chubby cheeks.

His adorable, plump cheeks felt like they were piercing right into my heart.

The boy was hugging a thick book tightly to his chest.

Shocked, I raised a hand to cover my mouth.

“My goodness, who is that child?”

So cute!

Startled by my exclamation, the boy flinched.

Alec cleared his throat and approached the boy, who then reached out and grabbed Alec’s hand.

The boy clung to Alec as if hiding behind him, looking up at me with cautious eyes.

“….”

What?

Does Alec have a child he’s so close to?

I glanced back and forth between Alec and the boy, looking for an explanation.

The boy gazed up at Alec with a longing expression.

“Alec. I waited.”

“…?”

Why does he speak like that?

At last, Alec’s voice broke the silence.

“This child is someone I brought here. I’ve been meaning to introduce him to you, Louise.”

“What?”

Did he secretly adopt a child without telling me?

The next words made my heart sink.

“This is Prince Ridit.”

* * *

TL NOTE: More advanced chapter of this story is already up to the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories