What moves Deon now is not logical thinking but past regrets. The regret of not using his abilities before Lady Ludwick, the Duchess, stopped breathing, wondering if his mother could have survived if he had. But that, too, was Deon’s attachment and lingering regret. Even if Blake couldn’t handle it, there was no way the inexperienced Deon, who had just manifested his abilities at the time, could have done anything. Moreover, using his abilities on Liche now would be meaningless. Liche’s condition wouldn’t improve by regulating her breathing.

That’s why Blake had tried to stop his son’s actions.

“Don’t worry too much, Master Deon. Miss Liche is still breathing, isn’t she?”

Jedd pulled Deon away from the bed.

Since that day, one of the chairs placed against the wall became Deon’s designated spot. It was a place where Liche lying on the bed could be seen.

Deon, while smelling the scents of Zigbert and the people, did not leave the room where Liche was.

“I almost died once but survived.”

“…How did you survive?”

“I don’t know. Did I pray to God?”

“God?”

“Yeah. I asked not to hurt anymore.”

Certainly, didn’t Liche tell me in the demon forest? She almost died, but God saved her.

God is not on my side, but I don’t know if it’s on Liche’s side.

“…”

Watching Liche, who was going back and forth between life and death for several days, Deon made up his mind.

If Liche wakes up safely, he won’t let her go through this again.

That he will protect Liche.

‘So Gerweir is not allowed.’

Deon put down the pen he was writing with and turned his head to Robenhaf, who was sitting next to him.

“Why?”

The embarrassed Robenhaf asked Deon. As if warning, Deon said to Robenhaf.

“You too.”

Dessert Research Club’s club room.

Liche, Ian, and Zigbert were sitting on a crowded sofa.

And on the sofa opposite them.

“…”

A nobleman with a refined atmosphere drinking tea.

Neatly arranged sky-blue hair and well-dressed attire showed his flawless temperament.

‘It’s cold.’

Liche shivered slightly as she looked at the flickering energy filling the upper body of the noble. The ability user handling cold, Marquis Hibetsman.

‘We’ve never talked except for greetings.’

It was the first time that Liche and Marquis Hibetsman had sat side by side like this. Although Marquis Hibetsman had occasionally visited the Ludwick mansion, all they exchanged were brief greetings.

‘I know why.’

Although no one spoke openly, Liche thought that Marquis Hibetsman didn’t like her very much. The Hibetsman family, a prestigious family, values their origins. Liche, a commoner who had taken the position of a noble lady, might not be seen favorably.

So, the current situation was a bit difficult for Liche.

As Liche and Marquis Hibetsman exchanged glances, ‘Oops.’
Eyes as cold as their abilities.

If Robenhaf’s eyes resembled the clear blue of midsummer, the Duke Hibetsman’s eyes were akin to the chilly ice flowers of midwinter.

“The tea isn’t that great. I’ll send you some better tea soon.”

“Thank you…”

Liche awkwardly replied.

The awkwardness seemed to extend beyond Liche. Ian, who was handling the teacup, gave Liche an ambiguous smile when their eyes met.

Having returned to a human form, Zigbert occasionally yawned and sat still next to Liche.

‘I wish Robenhaf brother would come soon…’

Then, this situation might come to an end.

Meanwhile, Duke Hibetsman was pretending to taste the tea while scrutinizing Liche.

Before he came to the club room.

In the president’s office, he visited regarding the scholarship sponsorship issue, and the topic of Triarch was brought up.

The president pulled out a letter from the drawer and asked Duke Hibetsman.

“Your Excellency Duke Hibetsman, have you been in contact with Duke Gerweir by any chance?”

“Duke Gerweir?”

“Yes. I’ve been trying to reach out for counseling about a current student several times, but only got responses saying you were absent.”

“Counseling about a student? …May I know the name of the current student?”

“You must be aware, Your Excellency. Triarch Ludwick. A remarkable student who will shine the future of the Locke Empire.”

Blake’s daughter and Gerweir.

It didn’t feel good. Didn’t that person already have a history of aiming for Derkedion Ludwick?

Duke Hibetsman, looking at the letter handed by the president, casually asked.

“Is that meant for Duke Gerweir?”

“Yes. Even if you’re absent, you can receive the letter. Please respond at your convenience.”

“Sure. I’ll convey it.”

“Oh, no need. Your Excellency, it’s such a hassle.”

“Give it here.”

The letter, taken away as if snatched from the president, was now comfortably settled in Duke Hibetsman’s pocket.

‘It would be good to tell Blake about it.’

Duke Hibetsman put down the teacup. At the sound, Liche and Ian flinched.

“Thank you for the tea.”

“A-Are you leaving?”

“Duke Hibetsman, if you wait a little longer, Senior Robenhaf will come.”

“…Hm.”

Duke Hibetsman watched the children rise from the sofa as he stood up.