I felt unnecessarily concerned.

Should we make the child suffer this much? Isn’t it being displayed in the pet shop like this because it’s adoptable, even if a bit young?

Just then, as if hearing Lord Joseph’s words, an employee came running out. As Lord Joseph said, Jeomsam-i was a puppy just over 2 months old.

“Though young, it eats well and is strong and healthy. There shouldn’t be any problems adopting now. Besides, many people prefer them at exactly 2 months when they’re smallest and cutest.”

Having never raised an animal before, I nodded at the employee’s words.

‘If it’s healthy as they say, wouldn’t it be fine to take it?’

Thinking that, I was about to suggest to Chersion that we adopt Jeomsam-i.

“No.”

But unexpectedly, Chersion, despite his eyes brimming with tears as if about to cry, maturely put Jeomsam-i down.

“It’s still young, so it’ll be sad to part from its mother. As Lord Joseph said, when it’s a bit bigger later… it would be better to take it then.”

Jeomsam-i, who had been barking loudly in Chersion’s arms, was put down on the floor without knowing why.

But soon it moved its short legs and ran towards the corner where its mother was.

“I thought it was cute…”

Euphemina also looked at Jeomsam-i regretfully, but Chersion’s decision seemed already firm.

“Oh, Mother! There were fish over there too!”

Chersion, quickly putting on a bright face, trotted towards the direction of the aquarium.

Euphemina, also interested in ornamental fish, soon followed Chersion, and Kardiel, worried, also moved towards his siblings.

In the end, it turned out as Lord Joseph said. Chersion chose three small goldfish as his first pets.

Should I say it’s fortunate? But in another sense, I also resented Lord Joseph.

‘Is there meaning in going this far?’

Of course, I admit his information is reliable. Surely it’s thanks to that that he saved me today.

But constantly having to follow Lord Joseph’s advice without knowing the reason is not very pleasant.

Especially since I’m worried if it might have hurt my son.

“Don’t look too disgruntled.”

Lord Joseph, who kissed my fingertips as I was finally boarding the carriage to return home after today’s schedule, said.

“The young master’s decision saved that puppy’s life.”

“…?”

What did he just say?

There was no time to ask in detail about the words whispered in passing.

Lord Joseph soon let go of my hand and stepped back with his characteristic enigmatic smile.

“I’ll see you in two days, Duchess.”

I’m concerned.

“……”

I’m really intensely concerned.

That Kardiel hasn’t said a word the entire carriage ride home.

Usually, he would have already noticed something suspicious and persistently questioned the doubtful parts.

Yes, about Lord Joseph, that is.

I was careful not to let the tension rising to my throat overflow.

Because I didn’t know what action of mine might provoke an unmanageable question to burst from Kardiel’s lips.

‘If he asks, what should I answer?’

How did Lord Joseph know that your stepmother was in danger?

‘Well, I’m quite curious about that too.’

Lord Joseph’s swordsmanship seemed to be beyond the level an ordinary person could gauge.

‘Is that so? I don’t know much about swords…’

…There’s no way I could answer like that.

That would be pushing everything onto Lord Joseph.

‘But I can’t share the secret either!’

Indeed, there was no good solution at present.

I rather hoped that Kardiel’s long silence would not end during the time the carriage headed to the mansion.

“Mother.”

“Ah, y-yes?”

Oh, that startled me.

“I-I’m sorry. I scared you…”

“No, no. I just dozed off because I’m tired.”

Perhaps because I was too tense, I became sensitive to even minor stimuli.

I gently stroked Chelsea’s head, who was looking at me with a worried face.

“Mother, what should we name the goldfish?”

The goldfish names.

Of course, in this tense situation, there was no way my head could come up with anything creative.

“Well, does our Chelsea have any names in mind?”

“I… thought of ‘Big Eyes’ for this one since its eyes are big, ‘Spotty’ for this one because it has brown spots, and ‘Twist’ for that one because its front and back patterns are different.”

“Hmph. Chelsea’s naming is childish.”

“It’s not childish. Yupi sister, you’re so mean!”

“Now, Yupi. They’re Chelsea’s goldfish, so wouldn’t Chelsea’s favorite names be best? Mommy thinks they’re very cute names.”

“Really, Mother?”

“Of course!”

Chelsea, smiling brightly and peering into the small fish bowl in his arms at my words, was incredibly lovable.

Moreover, his voice greeting them as if believing the goldfish could understand, saying “Hello, Big Eyes, Spotty, Twist? I’m Chelsea,” was so heart-tickling.

Indeed, children already have their own ideas. I was relieved that not giving names myself turned out to be the right answer.

Phew, seeing such a peaceful scene makes the tension that had stiffened my whole body loosen a bit.

Above all, the carriage was now passing in front of the Daiern ducal residence. Kardiel still seemed deep in thought.

‘It should be fine now, right?’

Fortunately, today seems to be passing without any problems.

‘Let’s skip dinner with the excuse of being tired. Lie down in bed early and think of excuses.’

If I can buy time until Lord Joseph visits, it would be good to consult with him.

‘But didn’t he say he’d see me in two days?’

Why specifically in two days? What’s tomorrow?

Just as I was catching my last breath waiting for the carriage to stop,

As if to blame me for letting my guard down, the moment the carriage wheels stopped, what I was worried about happened.

“Stepmother.”

“…!”

“I have something I’m curious about.”

It’s ruined.

A voice that shouldn’t have been heard was heard. It was Kardiel’s chilling voice.

“What… is it?”

My back feels drenched in cold sweat. Even though the November night is full of chill.

‘Please, open the carriage door quickly. Please, tell us we’ve arrived soon!’

And it seemed the heavens were helping me.

“It’s about Lord Joseph…”

“My lady. Young master, young lady, young lord. Have you returned home now?”

Before Kardiel could utter his question, the butler’s voice was heard from outside the carriage.

Naturally, the question was cut off, and I inwardly rejoiced.

It seemed Kardiel had no intention of continuing his words.

“Go on, Kar.”

“…It’s nothing. I’ll speak of it next time.”

“Very well. Let’s alight for now.”

However, I declare.

This is not the kind of conversation I wanted to hear by arriving home quickly.

“My lady. I have something to report.”

“What has happened?”

“Well…”

This time, as I alighted from the carriage with Kardiel’s escort, it happened.

The old butler, looking at me with a face full of concern, said.

“There’s been a request for a visit permission tomorrow afternoon.”

Ah, another marriage proposal talk.

Not hiding the furrowing of my brow, I said.

“I’m tired tomorrow and don’t wish to receive visitors. Send a reply of refusal.”

“It’s a matter that cannot be refused.”

“What do you mean?”

I, who was about to turn and enter the mansion, stopped in my tracks. The butler handed me the visit request card in perfect timing.

Who on earth could it be that I can’t refuse someone coming to my own home?

…Such arrogant thoughts of mine had to be canceled soon.

Because on the card in my hand was stamped a golden emblem so familiar it was tiresome.

The emblem of a lion with a mane spreading like the sun.

“This is…”

“It’s a request from His Highness the Imperial Prince.”

It’s ruined.

If one were to name the person drawing the most attention in this year’s imperial social circle, every noble would undoubtedly think of this person without hesitation.

Joseph Obreim Alperon.

This man, who arrived in the imperial capital a month before the social season began, introduced himself as ‘Lord Joseph’.

He said his domain was Alperon, but no one knew where Alperon was located.

In fact, such things weren’t that important.

The point was that he was recognized as a count, being a tremendous asset holder that even the Emperor would be surprised by.

Moreover, Count Alperon, who soon after appeared in social circles, possessed beauty sufficient to focus everyone’s attention.

His appearance made observers doubt their eyes, his voice made listeners’ minds hazy, and his etiquette made those facing him hearts race.

His scholarship also awakened respect in those who conversed with him.

It was said that anyone who had even once had their fingertips touch his lips would long for his smile every night.

“Damn it.”