Fierce energy emanated from their colliding gazes. It was like the roar of a beast protecting its mate. The tension in the room was so sharp that it felt like the glass windows of the reception room might shatter any moment. Rune was the first to break the standoff, seemingly choosing his words carefully as he let out a bitter smile.

“What do you know about her? It was just a brief encounter yesterday.”

Eden couldn’t immediately respond. That had been a lingering question for him as well. Why had he become so infatuated with her after just a brief encounter? Why did he want her by his side, and why did he feel the urge to hold her? He still didn’t know the answers. However, it didn’t matter. For now, obtaining her was more important than anything else. He could figure out the reasons later.

Rune, observing Eden as if he were choosing his words, inwardly clicked his tongue. To be honest, he had an idea about the reasons. Both he and Eden belonged to a similar category, and with Eden’s extensive records, Rune knew there was some connection. Moreover, despite him being annoying, Eden was, in a way, from the same kind of people as Rune.

That’s why Rune had been worried. If Eden showed a reaction similar to his when he met Ria, Rune wondered what would happen. Unfortunately, his precise expectations had turned out to be correct.

“…So, I need to meet her more.”

Rune, with a look of mockery, raised an eyebrow at Eden’s self-assured tone.

What nonsense.

Rune, realizing that he should have been more careful with Eden, shook his head as he mumbled. Eden couldn’t tell Rune’s expression, but he continued with a voice full of conviction.

“If I keep meeting her, I’ll get to know her better. So, I have to meet her.”

Rune, like an older brother telling a naive younger sibling about the harsh reality, coldly pointed out the truth.

“Whatever delusions you have; Ria doesn’t know anyone in this world other than me and the people of this mansion. And she hasn’t completely let down her guard even against them. But you think she would want to meet someone she barely saw yesterday? Ria is more reserved than you think.”

“That’s why I brought gifts.”

“…?”

“I brought herbs that can help her move her legs, which she said she couldn’t. By the way, these herbs only grow in the Carlisle territory.”

“…You!”

Understanding the meaning behind Eden’s words, Rune gritted his teeth, straightened up and glared at him.

The child’s eagerness to see the treasure faded away, revealing his true colors. The Duke of Carlisle, using his hand to get what he wants.

“I came here not as a favor but for a deal. I guarantee the efficacy of these herbs. You can confirm it with your family’s physician right away.”

Eden pointed to the gifts he had brought and Rune glanced at them before turning his gaze back to Eden. Sharp eyes were directed at him.

“There is only one condition of my bargain: that you allow me to spend time with ria on a regular basis.”

“What are you talking about? Did you come to threaten me with herbs that can supposedly fix her legs?”

“Because I’m sincere. This is the only paragon I can use to meet her.”

The collision of their gazes sent a cold and sharp energy reverberating through the reception room.

“Damn it.”

Rune’s tightly clenched armrest made a grating sound under his fingertips. Swearing under his breath, Rune tousled his hair, unable to deny the situation. If Eden hadn’t been sincere, he wouldn’t just push for the deal; he would have been indifferent to Ria’s well-being. Rune’s head felt like it was about to explode. He didn’t know what to do.

But there’s no point in weighing Ria’s well-being and his insatiable desire for dominance, because her well-being will always be the most important thing to him.

Rune, with both hands covering his face, eventually called for the butler to bring the family physician. Once the physician entered the room, Rune instructed him to examine the herbs and provide an estimate of how long it would take for Ria to walk steadily after consuming them. The physician’s response, after a quick examination, was very positive.

“These herbs will be a great help to the young lady. Actually, I thought of these herbs on the first day of the examination, but… it seems to grow only on certain area…”

The physician, glancing at Eden, hesitated before continuing.

“Anyway, the efficacy of these herbs is excellent, so if she takes them consistently, she should be able to walk steadily in at least ten days. By a month, she should be able to walk stably. Using the herbs I’m providing, it would take at least three months for the same result.”

After listening to the physician finish, Rune sighed heavily and motioned for him to leave. The physician bowed and left, leaving the two of them alone in the reception again.

“I think that’s enough to make the deal acceptable. There’s nothing to lose.”

It wasn’t a wrong statement. Ten days versus three months. That’s a ninefold difference in days. Even if Rune considered it solely as a deal, refusing on Eden’s terms two or three times, at most, would have been his limit. From Ria’s perspective, Rune hoped she would understand. However, the real difference was in the severity. In this situation, Eden had practically decided which side he would choose.

“…Ria’s decision is the most important.”

But the choice is still hers. If she doesn’t like it, what can he do? Rune hoped she would say no.

“If Ria dislikes it, the deal ends there.”

“…Sure.”

Ethan nodded reluctantly, a reluctant look on his face. In truth, he knew from the beginning that this deal was unfavorable to him. The herb he’d found on his estate was superior, but it wasn’t the only one that could heal her leg, and no matter how the deal went, if Ria refused, it was over. If it didn’t work, of course, he’d find another way to get her, but this was the easiest way, and right now he could only hope she wouldn’t refuse.

“In return, let me talk to her directly.”

“Why?”

“I proposed the deal, so isn’t it right for me to speak? It’s fine if you’re there as well.”

Maybe, just maybe, she’ll listen to me if I’m sincere.

In any case, Rune thought it would be better for him to speak directly rather than figuring out how to convey it to Ria.

As if to gauge his thoughts, Rune’s eyes narrowed and he was about to nod. Suddenly, the reception room door burst open and a butler entered, the two dukes frowning at the rude behavior. Except for Ria, who was an exception to everything, the two nobles couldn’t tolerate such behavior from a servant.

“I apologize, my lord. Considering the urgency of the matter… Please forgive my impudence. The young lady, she…”

However, the moment the butler mentioned her, the expressions of the two became urgent, and they hurriedly stood up.

“Ria!”