Since that day, it somehow became difficult to meet Lord Joseph.

Of course, the specificity of the location plays a role.

Unlike the Daiern mansion, the imperial palace is not a space I can control.

‘Still, to miss even breakfast.’

Today again, I stood at the entrance of the dining room where Lord Joseph was not visible, biting my lip.

I was especially worried about Lord Joseph, who had said he managed his headaches by kissing my fingertips every morning.

‘Should I go find him?’

Hmm, but I don’t have a proper reason to do so.

It would also be strange to suddenly go and offer my hand for skinship.

Is there any suitable excuse?

“Stepmother. You don’t look well.”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

Kardiel, who saw me standing at the dining room entrance with raised eyebrows, spoke with concern.

Only then did I enter the dining room with a smile on my face again.

“Did you sleep well last night?”

“Yes, Kar. How are you feeling?”

“The doctor said I should be fine to move around now. It would be better to rest for a few more days, but he recommended frequent walks.”

“That’s good. How about your siblings?”

“They seem to be resting in their rooms. The doctor said both Euphemina and Chersion should have no health issues, so please don’t worry too much.”

There’s probably a problem with something else.

‘Still, it’s a relief that there are no health issues.’

That fire left various aftereffects.

First, I had to accept the death of Rosier, the teacher I trusted and followed.

Sergei had to get used to seeing the world with only his right eye.

The children had to stay in bed for over a week, and their bodies were marked with burns large and small.

The person who suffered the most physical injuries was Kardiel.

It must be because he stayed at the fire scene for a long time.

So until just yesterday, he was confined to bed without moving.

‘I suppose it’s fortunate that the burns are in places that can’t be seen.’

Apart from the burns on his back and legs, we also had to worry about his respiratory system, but being still young, they said there would be no aftereffects once he recovered.

Compared to him, Euphemina, who escaped from the mansion first, had no major problems except for minor burns on her arms.

Fortunately, they said the burn marks would fade quickly.

The problem was that she still hadn’t taken a single step out of bed for days.

She seemed to be quite reluctant even to have visitors.

Chersion was in a similar situation.

The only one of the three children who attended Rosier’s funeral, he had lost his smile since that day.

Hmm…

‘I guess I should go see them today.’

It might sound like an excuse, but I’ve been quite busy.

It couldn’t be helped, as the damage from the fire didn’t just affect me and my children.

After confirming that the children were safe, I first checked on the injuries of Sergei and the tutors.

After that, I had to take care of the servants.

There was also the issue of calculating the property damage to Daiern, but I also had to express gratitude to those who willingly lent a hand to extinguish the fire.

In the midst of all this, I even had to prepare to return to the duchy, so every day was truly hectic.

‘Wouldn’t it be nice if Lord Joseph helped at times like this?’

No, that’s not right.

That’s clearly the husband’s job.

Although I’m planning to remarry Lord Joseph, I can’t demand husband duties at this point when we haven’t even announced our engagement.

‘…Or can I? Since he’s going to be my husband anyway, should I start assigning him tasks from now?’

Yes, that seems good.

Though it was somewhat forced, I smiled contentedly, having found a suitable(?) excuse.

Alright, let’s go find Lord Joseph after finishing the meal.

“By the way, stepmother. Is Lord Joseph late today?”

Pffft!

I almost choked on air before the meal had even been served.

Fortunately, I didn’t show an unsightly appearance in front of my son, but I couldn’t help but be startled for a moment.

“Stepmother?”

“No, it’s nothing. Ohoho.”

My mind was already full of thoughts about Lord Joseph.

When Kardiel, who is usually quite perceptive, mentioned his name, it felt like my thoughts had been exposed.

It’s not like I’ve committed any crime.

“Do you, do you have something to say to Lord Joseph?”

“Rather, hasn’t he always been here earlier than you, stepmother?”

…That’s true.

“I was worried if Lord Joseph might also be seriously injured. Besides, I heard it was Lord Joseph who saved me, so I should properly express my gratitude.”

“Ah…”

Come to think of it, Kardiel doesn’t know the detailed news of the damage as he’s been receiving treatment continuously.

Of course, I personally informed him about Rosier’s death, as it was such a significant event.

“Lord Joseph is fine. His hand burns were severe, but he’s recovering well. You can thank him when you get the chance.”

“That’s a relief. Then perhaps…”

“Yes?”

After a moment of choosing his words, Kardiel asked.

“…Did something happen between you and Lord Joseph?”

“Cough.”

Wait, wait a moment. This time I really choked.

“Stepmother, I think we should call the doctor.”

“Cough. I’m fine, cough cough.”

I quickly emptied a glass of water while patting my chest.

Even in the midst of this, my heart was pounding as if it would burst. What’s this all of a sudden?

“Wh-what do you mean something happened? Who said that?”

“No one said anything. But since the day I arbitrarily introduced Lord Joseph as your fiancé, I felt that your attitude towards him has changed.”

“My… attitude?”

Kardiel blinked his eyes heavily, substituting an affirmative answer.

I let out a hollow laugh in disbelief. Haha. My attitude has changed, he says.

‘Is, is it that obvious?’

But thinking about it, it’s only natural that it would change.

Until then, Lord Joseph was just an ally who helped protect the children and Daiern, but from that day on, our relationship changed.

Yes, although it was a contract based on mutual needs, I accepted him as my remarriage partner.

It was also the children’s wish, but I also thought he was quite…

‘Goo…’

No, not bad as a covenant partner.

‘…Well. I think I was wrong.’

I was too emotionally invested in a contract partner.

I realize it now. My attitude must have made the children quite anxious.

Especially from Kardiel’s perspective, who has to inherit Daiern, it must be displeasing to see me unnecessarily bonding with Lord Joseph.

‘I should make it clear.’

That Lord Joseph and I are absolutely not that kind of relationship…

“Stepmother. It may be presumptuous of me to ask this, but could you treat Lord Joseph a little more kindly?”

Huh?

“I know you’re drawing a line with Lord Joseph, but it seems you’re treating him more harshly than necessary.”

It felt like I’d been hit on the back of the head. Should I call it cognitive dissonance?

“Of course, I know that my siblings, I, and Daiern are your top priority. But because of that, I think it goes against principle to mistreat Lord Joseph, who has agreed to maintain the awkward position of fiancé for three years due to our needs and stubbornness.”

Mistreat? What an incredibly unfair accusation!

I blinked in bewilderment. I couldn’t comprehend what Kardiel was saying at all.

It looks like I’m treating Lord Joseph badly? Isn’t it the opposite?

“On the contrary, isn’t Lord Joseph trying to make it appear that your relationship isn’t bad, at least on the surface? Even on the day of the fire at the mansion, he purposely went with you to the Landgritz Baron’s mansion. From my perspective, it seemed he was pushing himself to avoid being blamed by Sir Sergei.”

“…”

“But since then, you’ve been acting as if you shouldn’t get any closer to Lord Joseph. You don’t even eat meals together.”

That’s because he doesn’t show up, not because I told him not to…

“But you don’t need to worry too much. Lord Joseph didn’t act that way because he loves you.”

Uh…?

For a moment, it felt like my fingertips trembled. Or should I say they stiffened?

“It’s just duty. It’s the proper etiquette to show to one’s fiancée.”

“…”

“Lord Joseph has no personal feelings for you at all. Just like you.”

“That’s only natural…”

It was strange. From earlier, every word Kardiel said felt piercingly sharp.

Moreover, an inexplicable pain seemed to stab me unpleasantly. Even though there was nothing wrong with what Kardiel was saying.

‘Why? Am I just feeling wronged?’

I am the type of person who particularly can’t stand being falsely accused.

Ah, that must be it.

It’s me who’s being pushed away by Lord Joseph, but instead, I’m being accused of treating him coldly, so the rebuttal rose to my throat!

While I was hesitating like that, Kardiel, thinking his persuasion had worked, nodded contentedly.

“Then, taking your agreement with my words, I hope you’ll personally go and improve Lord Joseph’s mood after the meal.”

“…?”