“It’s been a while, Marquis of Eastern.”

“It’s an honor to have you visit our family. Please, come inside.”

We followed the Marquis of Eastern into the dining room inside the mansion. Over lunch, we engaged in light conversation, inquiring about each other’s well-being.

After the meal, we moved to the reception room immediately. The Marquis of Eastern and the Empress seemed to share some resemblance as siblings, but there were noticeable differences. While the Empress exuded a sensitive and sharp aura, the Marquis of Eastern had a more affable energy.

Feeling more at ease than I had anticipated, I tried not to let my guard down too much and focused on recalling our purpose.

“By the way, how did you come all the way from Gronis?”

“We came to see the flower festival held in Cler. From there, we decided to visit Gronis as well.”

Anticipating this question, I had coordinated with Kaern in advance.

“Oh, you came to see the flower festival.”

“Yes. Since I love flowers, I begged the Duke to come with me.”

Saying this, I intentionally glanced at Kaern and shyly smiled.

“Lady Rosentia, do you like flowers?”

“Yes. I also enjoy cultivating gardens.”

“I see.”

Quickly exchanging glances with Kaern to go unnoticed by the Marquis, I spoke up again.
“I saw it on the way here in the carriage, but the Marquis’s garden is truly beautiful.”

“The young lady also, like Lady Rosentia, has loved flowers since her youth. So even now, she occasionally comes here to take care of the garden.”

“The Empress personally comes all the way here?”

“Yes, that’s right. Although the palace garden would be sufficient, it seems she has an attachment to this place, so she manages this garden as well.”

As expected.

In that case, it was undoubtedly the Empress who was raising Asdel.

“If it’s not too much trouble, may we visit the garden?”

“Oh, please do. Then let’s go together; we can also have a light refreshment.”

“Yes, thank you.”

So, Kaern and I, along with the Marquis of Eastern, headed to the garden outside the mansion. We strolled through the garden, admiring various flowers, many of which were as rare as Asdel.

“It seems the Empress likes rare flowers.”

“Really? I don’t know much about flowers, so I didn’t know if these flowers were rare. Haha.”

“Does the Empress visit the Marquis often, then?”

“Considering she’s a busy person, she doesn’t come too often.”

“Oh, I see. Still, the garden is exceptionally well-maintained. It’s truly impressive.”

Continuing the conversation as naturally as possible, I subtly surveyed my surroundings.
And not far away, I caught sight of the greenhouse garden the old man mentioned. However, unlike ordinary greenhouse gardens, it was entirely surrounded by black walls.

“Excuse me, is that place over there the greenhouse garden?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“A greenhouse garden, huh? I’m curious about what flowers you’re growing. Can we also take a look there?”

“Oh, that’s…”

Marquis of Eastern, who had maintained a composed attitude all along, hesitated to respond.

“That place is particularly cherished by the young lady, so it might be difficult.”

“Oh, is that so?”

I looked at Kaern with a disappointed expression, as if saying it’s a shame.

Then Kaern, embracing my shoulders, addressed the Marquis.

“Marquis. Is it really impossible? My fiancée seems to be really eager to see it
“No, I’m not knowledgeable about flowers. Moreover, as you can see, except for the ceiling that can receive sunlight, it’s completely blacked out from the outside, so even if I knew, I wouldn’t be able to tell what’s being grown there now.”

“I see.”

Kaern and I exchanged glances once again, signaling that it seemed to be the end for today.

After returning to the mansion, eating snacks and having tea, we got up from our seats to leave.

“We visited in a hurry, but thank you for welcoming us so readily, Marquis of Eastern.”

“Not at all. I also had a pleasant time with both of you. Whenever you come to Gronice again, please feel free to contact me.”

“We will. Marquis.”

“Safe travels.”

After exchanging final greetings with Marquis of Eastern, we boarded the carriage. The carriage departed from the Marquis’s residence, heading back to the inn where we had been staying.

“I wonder if the Marquis truly doesn’t know what’s being grown in that greenhouse garden?”

Judging by the reactions and attitudes, it was clear that he didn’t know, but something didn’t seem entirely conclusive.

“We’ll have to keep an eye on it. Whether he genuinely doesn’t know or if he’s pretending not to.”

Kaern seemed to have already put the Marquis of Eastern and his residence under surveillance.

“Now that our business here is done, let’s return to the capital.”

“Yes, sounds good.”

After collecting our belongings from the inn, we immediately set off for the capital.
And after spending two days, I returned to the Duke of Lavellan. Afterward, we were both incredibly busy with our respective tasks. Kaern was occupied with catching up on the work piling up during his week-long absence, and I was busy preparing for the hunting competition that would take place in two weeks. I wasn’t personally participating in the hunting competition, so there wasn’t much for me to prepare. The only reason for my busyness was that I had to make a pouch to give to Kaern as a small gesture of thanks for all he had recently received, even though he didn’t seem particularly interested in the hunting competition. “What flowers should I put in this time?” I walked around the garden to choose the flowers. Although I was staying at the Duke’s residence, I occasionally visited my house to take care of the garden. Of course, there were a few knights assigned by Kaern nearby. While inspecting the garden, I suddenly noticed a blue flower. This one should be good.
I brought a few flowers from the Duke’s garden and started making a sachet, letting the fragrance intensify after drying them thoroughly. Time passed quickly. On the afternoon before the hunting competition, I visited Kaern’s office where he was working. Upon his invitation, I entered, and he was sitting at his desk. “Kaern.” “Herena.” Following his suggestion to sit on the sofa, we took our seats facing each other. “Are you busy?” “No matter how busy I am, I have enough time for you.” “Ah, um, you know that the hunting competition is tomorrow, right?” Kaern nodded. “This is a sachet. I gave you one last time, remember?” “Of course. I still have it.”
“I made one this time too. Although it’s not as dangerous as the battlefield during the hunting competition, it’s still a bit risky.” Kaern accepted the sachet, bringing it to his face to inhale the fragrance. “The scent is nice. What meaning does this flower have?” “Peace.” “Peace?” “Yes. I wished for peace not only during the hunting competition but also in Kaern’s daily life.” “Peace, a good meaning.” He looked at me with a satisfied expression as I involuntarily smiled. “How is it living here? Are there any inconveniences or difficulties?” “No, none. Everyone treats me well.” “Because everyone likes you.” “Really? Well, maybe it’s because they’ve known me since I was young.” The thought of everyone, including him, liking me momentarily stirred my heart.
The thought of how nice it would be if he were included in that everyone lingered in my mind.

“Has there been any particular movement from Viscount Easton?”

To temper my expectations, I deliberately changed the subject.

“Not yet.”

“I see. Well, I’ll get going then.”

Thinking it wouldn’t be right to take up more of the busy person’s time, I stood up to leave.

“Are you leaving already?”

“Yes? I thought Kaern might be busy.”

“If that’s the case, I wish you could stay a bit longer. This time is my break.”

“Your break?”

“Yes.”

“Alright then.”

I, too, found myself constantly occupied, only taking breaks during teatime with people.