Neither Breti nor Karsten ever revealed their relationship within the ducal household.

This was the least they could do to show Meliover some courtesy.

Yet, whenever his hand brushed against hers, Breti worried that her face might give away her feelings.

Even now, as she recalled the brief touch they had shared when leaving the estate, her cheeks grew warm. That single, brief touch had been achingly sweet.

‘I’m happy.’

It was an uncertain happiness, one that might not last, but it left her smiling nonetheless.

Perhaps because of this, she no longer found herself waiting for rainy days.

“I want to keep you by my side, Breti.”

Having heard those words, and knowing their hearts truly touched, she desired nothing more.

As she replayed his voice in her mind, her face flushed all over again. That was when the coachman spoke.

“My lady, we’ve arrived at Viscount Bell’s estate.”

Breti came today at the invitation of the Bell family, who were hosting a tea party.

“Lady White!”

Stepping down from the carriage, she was greeted warmly.

Turning her gaze, she found Joey, the viscount’s youngest daughter, waiting to welcome her.

“Thank you for coming all this way.”

“Not at all. Thank you for inviting me, Lady Bell.”

With a bright smile, Joey guided her into the manor.

Led into the parlor, Breti saw that several young ladies were already gathered, including Vanessa, the youngest daughter of the Fletcher family.

“My, Lady White, it’s been too long.”

“It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

Everyone greeted her with genuine warmth.

Unlike the tea party at the Knox estate, where veiled skirmishes had flared, here all faces shone with innocence. The sight eased Breti’s worries.

With her heart lightened, she settled gracefully into her seat.

“Have you been well, Lady White?”

“Yes, I’ve had nothing significant to worry about.”

It was clear from their eager expressions that they all longed to speak with her.

With a soft, unfaltering smile, Breti continued her conversation with the ladies.

As the conversation flowed easily, it happened.

“Oh, by the way, Lady White.”

Vanessa, the youngest daughter of the Fletcher family, called to her.

The moment Breti turned in response, the teacup slipped from her hand.

With a sharp clatter, porcelain struck the table.

“My goodness, are you all right, my lady?”

Joey exclaimed, quickly summoning the servants.

“I’m so sorry.”

Breti murmured, her expression embarrassed.

“Please don’t apologize. You aren’t hurt, are you?”

“No.”

She wasn’t injured, but an inexplicable unease coiled around her shoulders.

“Lady Fletcher, weren’t you about to say something?”

“Ah, yes. I heard the duke is soon to depart for the front.”

At Vanessa’s words, the young ladies began to stir with whispers.

“Depart… for the front?”

Breti’s eyes blinked wide as she asked.

“Oh, you hadn’t heard?”

From Vanessa’s tone, it was clear the rumor held truth.

That must have been the disquiet she had sensed a moment ago.

All color drained from Breti’s face.

“I’m so sorry, Lady White. I thought you already knew.”

Vanessa looked on with genuine regret.

“N-no, it’s quite all right.”

Breti forced herself to answer, but her expression never recovered for the rest of the tea party.

So distracted was she, she could scarcely recall what was said at the Bell estate that afternoon, nor how the gathering ended.

“Hurry—let’s return to the ducal estate at once. Quickly.”

“Ah… yes, my lady.”

Breti’s urgent command left both Bagi and the coachman momentarily startled.

She slipped quickly into the carriage, biting nervously at her thumbnail.

“My lady.”

Bagi called, cautious at her mistress’s restless state.

“…Yes?”

“Did something happen?”

At her maid’s worried tone, Breti forced a smile.

“It’s nothing. I’m sorry for making you worry.”

“My lady, there’s no need to apologize for such a thing.”

Bagi said, waving her hands. And yet, she couldn’t help but notice the shadow of concern still etched across Breti’s face.

It remained there even when they finally arrived back at the estate.

“My lady!”

But scarcely had she stepped down from the carriage than Breti ignored Bagi’s call and ran straight to her chambers.

Snatching something from her bookshelf, she immediately made her way to Karsten’s office.

“Your Grace…!”

In her haste she forgot to knock, throwing open the door—only to find Tess, Benon, and Karsten deep in discussion.

From the looks of it, they were in the midst of a confidential conversation.

It was only then Breti realized how rashly she had acted.

“F-forgive me. I forgot to knock.”

She quickly shut the door and stepped back several paces.

Leaning her back against the window opposite the office door, Breti let out a long, unsteady sigh.

‘Get ahold of yourself, Breti. You know where you are—how could you let your feelings show like this?’

To lose control and show herself like this—how foolishly short-sighted she had been.

Her sigh escaped once more when the office door opened and Benon and Tess stepped out.

Breti lowered her head to them in greeting.

“Tch.”

Tess clicked his tongue in disapproval, and at the sound, Breti instinctively hunched her shoulders.

But Benon was different. He held the door open himself and gestured politely.

“Please, go in. His Grace is waiting for you.”

Breti stepped into the office, guided by him.

The moment she saw Karsten leaning lightly against his desk and watching her, tears welled up at once.

Karsten gave a faint laugh and walked towards her.

“I had hoped nothing troubling would happen at today’s tea party…”

As he got closer, he gently put his hand on her lower back.

“But it seems something did.”

“Your Grace…”

“You were meant to hear it slowly, in my own time. But you’ve already found out.”

He stroked the back of her head and pressed a soft kiss to the crown of her hair.

“Don’t cry.”

Yet Breti’s tears would not cease. Karsten continued to soothe her, rubbing her back until her sobs at last began to quiet.

When she finally managed to meet his gaze again, he brushed away the tearstains on her face and smiled.

“Don’t smile like that.”

She muttered, pouting, and gave his chest a small, petulant push.

Karsten kissed her eyelids, one after the other, and murmured comfort.

“Is it truly something so bitter it makes you cry this way?”

“How… how could you let me hear of your departure from someone else?”

“I’m sorry, Breti.”

Karsten cupped her cheeks gently.

“Forgive me.”

He brushed a soft kiss across her lips, his mouth curving faintly into a smile.

Breti gave no reply, only buried her face against his chest.

“I won’t forgive you.”

“Oh dear, that’s troubling.”

Karsten murmured, stroking the back of her head with tender care.

In his embrace, her trembling slowly stilled.

Once she had calmed, he patted her back and spoke lightly.

“I believe you have something to give me today…”

At the mention of a gift, Breti pulled back slightly, fidgeting with her sleeve.

Indeed, she had something for him. That was why, the moment she returned to the estate, she had rushed straight to her room.

“Thank you for sharing your fortune with me.”

She was meant to give that fortune back to him.

And yet, looking into his face now, her courage faltered.

As if sensing her hesitation, Karsten lifted her chin, brushing her cheek with his fingers until their eyes met.

“Hm? Breti.”

His coaxing tone left her nowhere to hide.

She tried to avert her gaze, but it was no use. Overwhelmed, she finally drew a small white pouch from her sleeve. Still, she hesitated to hand it over.

“Breti.”

Karsten pulled her wrist closer and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.

She looked up at him with faint reproach.

“…I don’t like it when you call me that.”

“Breti.”

When that failed to move her, he kissed her fingers one by one until, at last, her grip weakened and the pouch slipped open in his hand.

The sudden emptiness in her palm caused her to clutch at his hand desperately.

Tears welled in her eyes once more.

“Please… give it back.”

Her pleading voice wrenched at his heart.

“Don’t go this time. Please, stay. Stay with me, Your Grace.”

“Your Grace…!”

With her desperate cry, Karsten drew her into his arms, holding her tightly against him.