Amelia’s head tilted in response to the Master’s question about whether she liked the Grand Duke. She couldn’t guess why he was asking such a question. Could it be that such information had become known to the information guild? The truth about her and Raphael’s relationship?

If that wasn’t the case, then it was a well-known fact that the Grand Duchess liked the Grand Duke. Everyone already knew that, especially the people of Sigfried. Of course, no one would know the details of Leonel’s birth.

Only she and Raphael knew that secret. Even May didn’t know the truth of that night until Leonel grew up and asked Raphael. Until then, no one knew.

“Do you know what the Master is asking right now?”

“Is it a difficult question to answer?”

If she said it here, he would think it strange. She couldn’t reveal her ultimate goal, even to the Master.

“How could I have gotten married without love?”

It is publicly known that the Grand Ducal couple married each other because they loved each other. Otherwise, it would have been an impossible marriage to accept. Of course, no one believes that now. The Grand Duke’s attitude towards his beloved wife was not affectionate.

“You can take the desserts on the way home.”

“Thank you,”

“Oh, just in case you’re worried, this dessert is a courtesy from your partner.”

Contrary to her fears that he might ask for something more, the Master cleanly retreated. He handed her a handful of desserts. It was an amount that even two maids together could not carry, as though he had packed all the dishes being sold on the menu.

“I told you not to worry.”

If someone heard this, they would think she was just worried. Amelia only nodded her head at the Master’s words, telling her not to worry about the brooch until the end. It couldn’t be helped; she spoke casually to others even when there were other people around.

What she’s sure about is that it will take longer this time than last time. It was impossible to excavate the deep mine and retrieve the brooch in a short time without being noticed by people.

***

“Mother!”

As soon as she arrived at the grand mansion, Amelia waved her hand at Leonel who came running out. He must’ve been waiting long for her since he noticed her immediately.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes…”

Even though he was lying when he said it was okay, she had no choice but to let it pass. Perhaps he had been worried that she wouldn’t come back as he trembled with anxiety.

“Nothing happened, right?”

“No.”

She inwardly sighed at his response, always answering the same way no matter the question. He was someone who would never speak up about anything, no matter what.

“I bought some delicious desserts. Shall we eat together?”

“O-okay!”

His face brightened when she mentioned desserts, and she couldn’t help but laugh. Just as she thought, she should have properly answered the Master’s question.

Do you love your husband? Did you get married because of love? She felt that even if she said it herself, it sounded absurd.

“But we have to eat dinner, so let’s have just a little.”

The face that quickly turned gloomy was adorable. Amelia couldn’t understand why everyone seemed to dislike this cute child so much.

“Jane, could you prepare the dessert?”

“Yes, I understand.”

She thought it was just a short outing, but it was already getting chilly outside with the evening air. In the northern regions, where it was unusually cold, nightfall came quickly as well.

“It’s cold, let’s go inside quickly.”

“Yes, Mother.”

As she gently patted his cheek, which was as soft as sweet rice cakes, she could feel a warm gaze above her. She suddenly remembered something she had forgotten. She and Leonel weren’t the only people living in this house.

“Ah… Father.”

As soon as Raphael appeared, the air instantly froze. The soft warmth that had enveloped his lively cheeks stiffened up abruptly.

Without saying a word, Amelia embraced Leonel in her arms, gazing at Raphael with her eyes. She didn’t know why she had been seeing the person she could never meet face-to-face until recently.

“So you went out.”

“…Yes.”

Amelia wanted to say something to his lips that had closed again, but, unable to find more words, all she could do was glare at him. If there was nothing to talk about, she wished he would just step aside, so why was he just standing there, staring like that?

His build was so massive that it blocked her entire field of vision. Not only that, his overwhelming presence felt like she was facing a colossal mountain, causing her lips to dry up nervously.

“Ha…!”

Just how long had he been standing there, staring so intently? He was a man who disappeared completely on his own whim. As soon as he vanished, Amelia exhaled the breath she had been holding back. It was only a moment, but it felt very long to her.

“Mother, are you all right?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Perhaps, with his characteristic beastly intuition, he was suspicious of her. It seemed like it wouldn’t take much for him to figure out that she was someone else.

“Mother!”

The night before the storm. It was said that it’s peaceful and quiet before a big storm comes, and that’s exactly the situation right now. It was so calm and relaxed that it was unsettling.

“Leonel, are you done studying?”

“Yes!”

Nothing had changed. She continued her uncomfortable cohabitation with Raphael, not knowing where her meals were going. If there’s anything that has been added, it seems like Raphael has completely changed his mind. She didn’t know his plans, but it seemed like he had decided to keep an eye on her.

“Mother, let’s go out.”

“Do you want to go out?”

“Yes….”

Unable to ignore Leonel, who clung to her pretending to be cheerful, she couldn’t help but notice the change that had started when she began going out. He seemed to think that she would like him if he became a bright child.

“Should we stay inside after all?”

“No, I feel suffocated just staying in the room.”

Because of Raphael, whom she constantly encountered face-to-face, she hadn’t been going outside lately. She didn’t know how uncomfortable it was. His gaze seemed like he was watching her, following her face. It was impossible for her to complain when he disappeared as soon as she tried to meet his eyes.

“Are you still receiving training education from the Grand Duke these days?”

Although it didn’t seem like he was going out to the western forest boundary, knowing Raphael, she didn’t know if he might have asked Leonel something else to do under the pretext of training.

“It seems like Father has been busy these days.”

The person who comes to directly observe her every day, busy? His attitude is easy to misunderstand. She had given up on finding May’s figure by now. Maybe she had been greatly shocked by Raphael’s continuous visits.

“Yes, it seems so.”

How busy can he be? If she goes to the garden again, he will probably come nearby or watch from above. What on earth convinced him that she wasn’t Amelia? A normal person wouldn’t be able to realize that she wasn’t Amelia. It’s true that she can’t make such an assumption.

“My blood is getting dry¹“피가 마른다” literally translates to “blood dries up.” It is used to describe a situation where someone is extremely thirsty or dehydrated. The phrase can also be used figuratively to describe a situation where someone is feeling exhausted or drained, both physically and emotionally.. Dry.”

Judging from Raphael’s recent actions, she could tell that she didn’t have much time left. He wasn’t a foe easy enough for her to be as leisurely as this. It took almost a month for Aaron to obtain the brooch. It appeared when he had almost given up.

“I can’t hold on for such a long time….”

Looking at Raphael now, it seemed like something had happened before. The same goes for their sleeping arrangements. She had spent days unable to properly fall asleep because of the burning gaze she felt behind her.

Perhaps I should contact the Master and tell him it’s urgent.

“Mother?”

“Oh… I was lost in thought for a moment.”

I couldn’t concentrate even with Leonel in front of me. Raphael might be watching me from somewhere, even now. I have to behave like Amelia… The only way to do that is to abuse Leonel while being drunk every day and go searching for Raphael.

It’s impossible to do such a thing.

“Should we go inside?”

“No, it’s also nice to admire the garden.”

Amelia patted the anxious child’s head and reassured him. It was vexing for Leonel to notice her uneasiness. She has decided to contact the Master in a week, just one week. There was no time, so she had to proceed quickly.

All her worries were groundless. Her plan to contact the Master in a week became unnecessary. She had already contacted her before that.

“Your Highness. An invitation has arrived.”

“An invitation?”

“Yes, it’s for you, Your Highness.”

I couldn’t hide my confusion at Ann’s words about the invitation. Amelia does not engage in social activities. Neither does she have any close relationships, nor is there any noble lady daring enough to invite her.

“Is it really for me?”

“Yes, it has come from the Chester Merchantry. They want to present a special item…”

The invitation stated that they wanted to introduce a special item to Her Highness, the Grand Duchess, who is their distinguished and elite customer. I’ve felt it since last time, but the Master’s improvisation skills are truly outstanding.

“Your Highness? Where are you going?”

She couldn’t hear the voices of the maids holding her back as she opened the door. She couldn’t help but wonder if the Master had really gotten the brooch. Did he really find it in less than a week, when it took a month, according to the book?

“This can’t be true….”

Maybe he was lying to her? Her heart raced with anxiety, despite knowing that it was unlikely.

“Where are you going in such a hurry?”

“Your Grace?”

It was none other than Raphael’s hand that grabbed her as she swiftly walked down the corridor. Amelia’s mouth opened in disbelief at his hand gripping her forearm.