“Did something happen there? Did someone treat you poorly? Just tell me. Even though I’m an old man now, I still have some influence in society.”

Grandfather spoke with anger, as if it were a personal matter.

If Grandfather supported me, people would at least reluctantly acknowledge my presence. But I couldn’t rely on something that wasn’t truly mine.

Even if he defended me now, it was a situation I would eventually have to face again.

As I realized at the ball, I was merely the head of a powerless Viscountess family. It was better not to desire things beyond my reach from the start.

Having faced ruin due to excessive greed once before, I didn’t want to experience that again. If I had to confront challenges, I preferred not to depend on Grandfather.

“Nothing happened. If something bad arises later and I can’t handle it, I’ll let you know then.”

I said this, but I probably wouldn’t ask Grandfather for help.

“Alright, if you ever need me, just tell me.”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

I smiled gently to reassure him.

As we chatted for a while, a knock sounded at the door.

“Master, Viscountess Marves, the meal is ready.”

“Yes. We’ll be there.”

Recognizing Rachel’s familiar voice, I stood up from my seat.

A nearby servant approached to assist Grandfather, who leaned on him as he rose.

He used to walk unaided, but now even that seemed a struggle.

Seeing Grandfather’s condition again made my heart ache, causing a sharp pain in my chest.

Just as I was about to take a step, I staggered momentarily.

Fortunately, Rivet, who stood next to me, caught me. I held his hand and took a deep breath.

However, the uneasy pain in my chest showed no sign of easing.

“Cecil?”

As I remained still, holding onto Rivet, Grandfather called my name, perhaps confused.

I didn’t want to worry him unnecessarily, especially since he wasn’t in good health, so I forced a bright smile.

“It’s just… I felt dizzy when I stood up.”

“Is it anemia again? You need to take care of yourself too.”

Grandfather didn’t know I was suffering from Trintz disease. I had begged Dr. Watt to keep my illness a secret, so he only knew about my anemia symptoms.

“Yes. I’ve already seen Dr. Watt and got a prescription. You don’t need to worry too much.”

“Alright, that’s a relief… But still, just in case, I hope you get another check-up from Dr. Watt. Your complexion hasn’t looked good lately.”

“Yes, I will. Definitely.”

After confirming Grandfather was reassured, I took a step. Fortunately, I could move my feet without issue.

I walked at Grandfather’s pace.

Luckily, he wasn’t fast. If he walked with long strides like Ains, he would have quickly noticed my condition.

Still, after a bit of practice, I soon walked as if nothing was wrong.

“Shouldn’t you take your medicine?”

As I released Rivet’s hand and walked alone, he whispered softly to me. After a moment of thought, I shook my head.

“Not yet. If it gets worse, I’ll take it then.”

“Yes…”

I gently patted Rivet’s drooping shoulder before heading down the stairs.

The dining room was on the first floor.

After descending, I entered the dining room to find Grandfather at the head of the table, with me taking a seat next to him.

While waiting for the meal, the closed dining room door opened, and an unexpected figure walked in.

“Ains?”

I called out his name instinctively as I stood up.

Ains entered, acknowledged both Grandfather and me, then strode straight to the table, taking a seat across from me.

“What are you doing? Do you plan to keep standing there?”

Ains scolded me lightly. I looked at him, troubled, before sitting down.

“I didn’t expect the Duke to come. You usually don’t show up…”

Although Ains had intended to dine in the dining room tonight, I thought he might relinquish his seat since I was having dinner with Grandfather.

That seemed natural, considering it had always been that way before our divorce.

However, upon reflection, I realized the situation itself was unusual.

Ains was the owner of this mansion.

Before our divorce, he avoided me completely, but now there was no reason for him to do so.

If anyone should feel uncomfortable, it would be me, the guest, who should consider leaving early.

Yet, Ains didn’t seem bothered by my presence.

“It’s not strange for me to eat in my own dining room, is it?”

“I was worried the Duke might feel uncomfortable…”

I started to get up, and Ains looked at me as if he couldn’t believe it. But the expected scolding didn’t come.

He stared at me for a long moment, then crossed his arms with a wry smile.

“So, what if I say I’m uncomfortable?”

“…I’ll leave. I can’t bear to make the owner of the mansion uncomfortable.”

I turned to Grandfather, who was watching me with a sympathetic look.

“Grandfather, I’m sorry about tonight’s dinner…”

“Stop.”

I was about to rise, but Ains interrupted.

I looked at him, confused. He frowned, as though displeased by something.

“It’s fine, just eat. I came knowing you were here anyway.”

His words were stern but carried an undertone of permission.

I hesitated but chose to stay seated. I didn’t want to worry Grandfather.

“You came knowing I was here?”

“Yes. There’s no way I wouldn’t hear about what happens in my own mansion.”

It was a logical statement, and it was somewhat embarrassing since I already knew that.

But I kept quiet, and Ains didn’t elaborate further.

Grandfather glanced between Ains and me, then sighed softly.

“Ains.”

When Ains turned to look at Grandfather, he wore a serious expression.

“Cecilia was once your wife. Even if you’re divorced, you should treat her with respect.”

“It was an unwanted engagement and marriage, forced by you, Grandfather. You never acknowledged my efforts to endure it until the divorce.”

“Ains!”

Grandfather scolded him sharply. Ains met Grandfather’s gaze for a moment before turning away.

“I’m doing my best, so let’s leave it at that.”

Ains said this as if he wouldn’t accept any more reprimands from Grandfather, then turned his attention to me. His emotionless eyes were fixed on me.

A heavy silence enveloped the dining room.

None of us spoke, caught in the awkwardness. If the meal hadn’t started arriving, I might have felt nauseous from the tension.

“After dinner, take the documents before you leave.”

Ains broke the silence while we continued our meal quietly. At first, I didn’t realize he was addressing me, so my response was delayed.

“…What did you say?”

“The documents Jackson investigated about Viscount Moldovan. They detail how he seduced wealthy merchants’ wives and noblewomen to extort their valuables.”

His words reminded me of my recent encounter with Ains while I was with Cadia a few days ago. The memory made my brows furrow.

“I don’t think I need those documents.”

I had no feelings for Cadia, so even if he was a scoundrel after my wealth, he couldn’t take anything from someone who felt nothing for him.

Moreover, I recalled that Ains had mentioned Cadia twice, making me cautious about him.

“I’ll handle my own matters. Thank you for your concern, but I’ll say it one last time: don’t interfere in my affairs.”

Ains frowned at my firm response.