Klaus put down the documents he was examining and let out an irritated sigh.

A headache seemed to be approaching.

Antonio, who had rolled his round eyes, trapped in his product in the study that night, couldn’t leave Klaus’s mind.

Is he insane? Why would he do this?

Alejandro, who interpreted his expression differently, cautiously spoke up.

“The budget for the school construction project has increased more than expected, but it’s still within a reasonable range.”

Despite Alejandro’s words, Klaus remained silent, glaring at the desk with a stern gaze.

Alejandro, who felt a slight sting, hastily added some explanatory words.

“As you know, due to the collapse of the framework we had built from the last incident, we have to start the construction again. Of course, there were no casualties, which is fortunate, but…”

Having finished his words like that, Alejandro, who was watching Klaus’s reaction, quickly continued.

“When you consider the labor costs, material costs, and so on, in reality, it should be more than double. Fortunately, I negotiated well and got a good deal…”

“Proceed.”

“Um…?”

Despite playfully teasing him earlier, Klaus’s words were abruptly accepted, leaving Alejandro momentarily stunned.

“As for the Grand Duke.”

In response to a question completely unrelated to the documents, Alejandro, who had a slightly puzzled expression, hesitated but opened his mouth without delay.

“There doesn’t seem to be any unusual movement at the Grand Duke’s residence. However…”

As Alejandro hesitated to continue, Klaus’s gaze turned sharply towards him.

Under Klaus’s intense gaze, Alejandro lowered his head deeply and cautiously continued.

“As expected, it seems the Grand Duke has assigned people to Antonio as well.”

Klaus’s expression crumpled at Alejandro’s report.

While discussing the most sensitive issue of money, Klaus had been indifferent, but his face changed instantly at the mention of Antonio.

“Well… Still, our shadows are promptly reporting, so there shouldn’t be any significant problems.”

Apparently displeased with Alejandro’s response, Klaus’s expression remained unchanged.

Alejandro, who had expected the construction site-related matter to pass without incident, was at a loss when an unexpected problem arose.

Quietly observing him, Klaus finally stood up quietly without looking at the documents.

Seeing him suddenly stand up and put on his coat without checking the documents, Alejandro wore a puzzled expression.

“Uh, where are you going?”

“Count Bernas has some business. I’ll review the documents when I return, so organize them in the meantime.”

As Klaus said that and decisively left the study, Alejandro froze in bewilderment.

Why suddenly to Count Bernas…?

Come to think of it, according to the shadow report, Antonio visited Count Bernas today.

Could it be that, therefore…?
Alejandro stared blankly at the door of the study that Klaus had just left.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rozalia, who inevitably visited the Viscount’s residence, observed the Viscount playing chess alone by the sunny window. According to the Crown Prince’s words, the death notice of the Viscountess was sent to the Viscount six months ago….

Whether the Viscount was unaware of the Viscountess’s death or intentionally erased it from his memory was unclear.

“What are you looking at?”

“Oh, nothing.”

The Viscount, who seemed to have noticed Rozalia staring at his face too intently, wrinkled his impression and asked. Rozalia awkwardly smiled at the Viscount, who looked at her like that.

“Grandfather, have you by any chance… not received a letter from Eskiban six months ago?”

“A letter? It seems like one came…”

Indeed…

According to the former servants of the Viscount, the Viscount began showing symptoms of dementia about six months ago. It was reported that he suddenly grabbed his neck and collapsed, and he had been in that state ever since….

Perhaps… the Viscount, who learned of the death of the Viscountess, collapsed in shock.

And as an aftereffect, dementia began….

If that’s the case, should Rozalia tell the Viscount the truth?

Originally, she had intended to alleviate dementia symptoms to allow the Viscount to paint a little earlier….

However, she became worried if it was the right thing to bring back his memories.

While Rozalia was contemplating, the Viscount, playing chess and glancing out of the window, suddenly spoke.

“It seems that a distant carriage is waiting for you outside.”

“Huh?”

Checking outside the window at the Viscount’s words, Rozalia saw a black carriage. Suddenly, memories of the thugs who had tried to attack her before came to mind.

Could it be… did they already assign someone from the Ducal residence?

Suspiciously looking out the window, Rozalia, for a moment, had to put on a puzzled expression at the sight of a familiar figure lingering in front of the carriage.

With an arrogant expression, the one loitering around the carriage was none other than Klaus.