The expression on Johann’s face turned blank again as he looked where Mikhail was pointing.

“Pfiangse is coming over there.”

Along with Mikhail’s cheerful voice, the music changed to a calm atmosphere flowed into the terrace.

Princess Krantz came out to the terrace.

“You don’t hate me, right?”

Mikhail trembled playfully.

“No.”

Princess Krantz smiled lightly at Mikhail, then turned her gaze to Johann.

“If you’re okay, you should come with us. Grandmother has arrived.”

Johann, who had buttoned up his jacket and was ready, extended his arm to the princess. The princess lightly placed her hand on his arm.

“See you next time.”

With a farewell to Mikhail, Johann walked away with the princess.

“Pleased to meet you.”

Johann greeted the elderly lady with a respectful attitude.

Full of pride that she turned a humble rural family’s daughter into a duchess, her eyes quickly scanned Johann.

As the third son of the Edinburgh Duke, a young man with the title of Count Leopold was perfect to marry the granddaughter who wouldn’t hurt the eyes.

Except for one thing.
“I think we should keep an eye on Missis.”

“Grandmother.”

Irene quietly called her grandmother.

“Did I say something I shouldn’t have? Nowadays, every gathering is filled with that talk. With my heart like this, what about you?…”

The old lady couldn’t continue her words.

As a granddaughter who gave affection out of longing for her daughter who left the world early, Irene was dressed in a burgundy evening dress, looking innocent yet elegant.

To think that such a beautiful girl would have to endure gossip about a lowly illegitimate child in the future was heart-wrenching and seemed like she had lived too long.

“I apologize for causing concern.”

Johann’s tone was polite, but the most crucial sincerity was not felt. The old lady inwardly clicked her tongue at his arrogant attitude.

Even if a star shines, it can’t sparkle with the sun. However, the young duke in front of the highest authority in the country seemed no different.

If only there were no divorce history. The old lady regretted it deeply.

Just because a gold nugget has a scratch doesn’t turn it into copper. After all, a diamond doesn’t even have a tiny flaw from the beginning.

“This old lady just… I only wish for our child to get married and receive the world’s blessing.”

“Yes.”

Johann replied briefly.

“She was an adult-like child from a young age. She’s like a big angel without causing trouble.”

Lady bragged with pride.

“In this corrupted world these days, there’s no gentle lady like Irene.”

Johann felt somehow as if he was facing the Margaret sisters.

It was then that the name Josephine came to his mind. The lady who only plays cards, they say she’s a quiet lady too.

“Grandmother.”

Princess Krantz, whispering softly, gently grabbed the old lady’s arm.

“It’s not something I’m saying because she’s my granddaughter. Irene really is.”

She was a granddaughter with a lot of praise. Constantly being praised, Johann separated Princess Krantz from the old lady whenever he was by her side.

The only person who could stop this talk. But her interest seemed to be elsewhere. Johann stared at where the quiet lady’s gaze was directed.

Christian.

The princess was looking at the crown prince.

“Isn’t it so? Darling. …Irene?”

“Ah! Yes, grandmother.”

The gaze he urgently lifted met Johann’s. It took only a few seconds for the princess’s expression to change nonchalantly.

A woman who came to mind, inexperienced in hiding her expression, was Olivia, who was also involved with Christian.

Johann checked the time by lifting his arm.

It was rude behavior in front of the other party, but since they started it first, he decided not to pay attention.

Having kept this kind of atmosphere, he had fulfilled his role as an engaged person.

“It was nice to meet you, madam.”

He bowed politely and gestured briefly to the princess.

The princess also acknowledged his intention to leave by slightly lowering her head.

Johann turned away without any regrets.

It was becoming a somewhat unpleasant and irritating night as it grew late.

“Now, what should we do, Miss?”

Ann asked Olivia with a gloomy expression. There were no separate needle cushions.

From the scandal at the Rose Ball to the attack by the owner herself.

In the chaos, the birthday present from the absent-minded duke had become a ticking time bomb in front of the two.

There was no way for Olivia to handle it differently. She just felt helpless.

The carriage carrying the two rattled and started moving. The grand department store, Halo, the largest and oldest in Litton, gradually faded away.

“It seems difficult to stop the delivery.”

The words of the Patek’s store employee came to mind. The answer was not much different from what she had expected.

Three months ago, the Patek ‘New Watch’ she had ordered was scheduled to be delivered precisely on Johann’s birthday, and it was too late to reverse it.

Johann’s birthday was tomorrow.

Olivia’s gaze reached the newspaper attached to the carriage wall.

In a black and white photo, Johann and Princess Krantz entering the banquet hall of the Lontos Royal Palace from the carriage looked like a perfect couple.

A birthday present from the former lady in such a situation.

It couldn’t be anything but the worst.