“Rosentia Yeongae.”

“Lord Warren.”

We greeted each other by calling our names.

“It’s been a long time.”

Blake smiled widely and took the initiative in the conversation.

“Yes, it has been a while.”

I remembered his words from our last parting, and for no apparent reason, I deliberately lifted the corners of my mouth a bit more to smile.

“Do you have business at the academy?”

“Yes. I came for personal matters.”

“If it’s personal, could it be related to your application for studying abroad?”

“That’s right.”

I nodded my head and answered.

“So, you’re thinking of studying abroad.”

“Yes. It seems like a good opportunity, so I applied. Lord Warren, what brings you to the academy?”

I wasn’t particularly curious about that.

Still, he initiated the conversation about his current situation, and it would be impolite to cut off the conversation from my end.

So, with a somewhat resigned feeling, I asked him.

“I also had some business, so I stopped by for a moment.”

“I see.”

“Do you happen to know about it?”

“What?”

“I am the overall manager for this year’s study abroad application program.”

“Oh…”

I had no idea.

Surprised, I opened my mouth and asked him.

“You, Lord?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Blake smiled oddly and looked at me.

“As you know, a significant budget has been allocated for this year’s study abroad program, so you don’t need to worry too much about your acceptance.”

“Is that so?”
“Yes. If there are no disqualifications, you will definitely be selected.”

“Yes. Thank you for saying that.”

I felt a great sense of relief at the positive words and didn’t forget to express my gratitude to him.

“But unexpectedly, you’re going to study abroad.”

“Yes?”

“I thought Rosentia Yeongae was going to marry Duke Laberion soon.”

“Well…”

After organizing my thoughts for a moment, I opened my mouth.

“I still have a lot I want to learn, so I said I would study abroad.”

“You, Yeongae?”

“Yes. And Duke Laberion told me to go without worries.”

“Hmm, I see.”

Blake’s eyes sparkled as if he had noticed something interesting.

“But wouldn’t you be anxious about it?”

“Yes? What do you mean?”

“All the women in the Royden Empire desire Duke Laberion, and I’m sure Yeongae knows that.”

“Oh…”

Understanding the meaning behind Blake’s words, I agreed with him in my response.

“I know.”

“If you know, are you still going to study abroad?”

“Yes. I’m not anxious at all.”

“Not anxious…”

There was no reason for me to be anxious.

I had never considered myself possessing a man named Kaern Laberion from the beginning.

“It seems like your relationship is even more intimate than I thought.”

Blake seemed to have completely misunderstood my words.
However, I didn’t feel the need to specifically correct his words, so I remained silent and chose not to say anything more. Moreover, I didn’t want to engage in a long conversation with this man.

“Well, I have urgent matters to attend to, so I should be on my way.”

So, I made up something that didn’t exist and lied.

“Oh, yes. I was holding onto Yeongae without realizing it.”

“No, it’s not like that.”

“But still…”

Blake stopped his words and paused for a moment.

“It feels like you’ve become more comfortable compared to last time.”

I couldn’t agree less. Contrary to his words, I still felt uncomfortable with this man today, just like last time. However, without affirming or denying, I simply smiled faintly.

“Isn’t it?”

“Oh, no. I feel the same way.”

However, Blake, as if penetrating my true feelings, asked me, and unintentionally, I ended up expressing a positive response.

“Then, could you spare some time for me before you leave for studying abroad?”

“Some time?”

“Yes. I’ve wanted to have a conversation with Yeongae sometime, and if you wish, I could offer advice on studying abroad.”

“Oh, yes. If I have the time, I’ll make sure to visit.”

I had no intention of meeting Blake separately, but there was no immediate need to reject the kindness he offered. Therefore, I concluded my response by saying that I would consider it if the circumstances allowed.

“Then, I’ll wait for Yeongae’s contact. Since you mentioned urgent matters, please go ahead.”

“Yes. Then, I’ll be on my way.”
“Take care.”

After bidding farewell to Blake, I left the academy and returned home by carriage.

⭐⭐⭐

While waiting for the results of my study abroad application, I decided to visit the orphanage after a long time. In case I go abroad for studies, I might not be able to see the children for a long time. After the Lavellion Duke and Duchess left the world, Adelia began sponsoring the orphanage a few years later. It was because she now knew the sorrows and pains of the children that she hadn’t known before and wanted to help them. I used to accompany Adelia every time she went to the orphanage, but today was the first time I went alone. Loading small gifts for the children onto the carriage, I headed to the orphanage.

“Unni Harena!”

As soon as I arrived at the orphanage and got off the carriage, the children greeted me.

“Wow, Unni!”

“Nuna!”