Bianca couldn’t contain her laughter in the lively atmosphere of the market.

“If there’s anything you want to try, just let me know. I’ll secretly buy it for you.”

“Really?!”

For a moment, I smiled while watching Bianca, who was ecstatic and grabbing my cheeks.

“But…”

Turning my head to the side, I spoke.

“Why are you here?”

Despite not hiding my bewildered expression, Cedric nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders.

“I thought I might as well take a stroll through the city after a long time.”
“You often visit the downtown because of the Gift Exchange. You were here just a few days ago, what is this about…”

Ignoring my words, he winked at Bianca.

“Bianca, is it okay if I join the two of you on your date?”

After a moment of apparent hesitation, Bianca finally nodded with a bashful smile.

“Of course. In fact, I’d prefer it!”

“But, Bianca…”

As I tried to object, Bianca pouted and extended her lower lip.

“In reality, I… felt very lonely while staying in the capital. I envied the friends who held hands and strolled through the city between their parents…”

Saying that, Bianca ran towards Cedric and me, grabbing both of our hands.

“Your Grace, could you grant me a wish, please?”

With pleading eyes, Bianca looked up at me.

‘I just wanted to walk the streets holding hands with my family.’

It was a wish too modest for a Twin’s Grand Duchy Princess.

Feeling a pang in my heart at the thought, I couldn’t help but nod with a bitter smile.

“Alright. But just for today, okay?”

“Hehe, thank you, Your Grace!”

Bianca, who smiled so brightly, seemed pitiful.

‘Yes. Once the truth of the divorce is revealed, I’ll have to leave soon, so let’s grant Bianca’s wish at least once before then.’

Erasing the bitter expression, I smiled brightly.

“Let’s go, Cedric.”

Upon hearing that, a pleased smile appeared on Cedric’s lips.

“Sure. If we go a bit further, there’s a shopping district frequented by nobles. I’ll guide you there.”

The street Cedric mentioned was near the south gate of the Gift Exchange.

As we entered the street, lively voices of merchants echoed from various places.

While Bianca’s attention was captivated by everything around her, she held onto Cedric and me with even more strength.

On her face, there was an expression that seemed to secretly want to brag to people.

“Bianca, is there anything you want?”

“Huh? Oh, no…”

Smiling shyly, Bianca pursed her lips.

“…I was just curious if nobles from other houses were here.”

“Do you want to show that you’re holding hands with the Duke and me?”

“Huh? Oh…”

Blushing, Bianca nodded slowly.

“Hehe, yes…”

Watching her cute yet pitiful appearance, I raised my finger and tapped her chin.

“Well then. Since it’s the day before the birthday celebration, they might have come out… But considering the crowd and Bianca’s height, wouldn’t it be hard to see?”

At my words, Bianca lowered her head with a disappointed expression.

“Right, it probably wouldn’t work…”

I gave Bianca a sly smile and then looked up at Cedric.

“Cedric. If I count to three, you lift Bianca’s arm. Got it?”

“Bianca’s arm? Why?”

“Ready! One, two, three!”

Simultaneously, Bianca’s body floated up.
Startled, Bianca screamed, but as soon as she landed on the ground, she burst into laughter.

“If we go up this high, won’t we be visible to other noble children?”

Bianca vigorously nodded her head.

“Yes, yes! Your Grace! This is so much fun!”

“Fun? Shall we try it again then? One, two, three!”

It was a moment of joy as Cedric and I, along with the delighted Bianca, shared a pleasant smile.

Somewhere amid the crowd, a voice filled with anger resonated.

“Please, please! Shut your mouth, Camilla!”

“I must have told you! I won’t tolerate your insane actions anymore!”

The aggressive voice cut through the air sharply, causing a commotion.

Turning my head in the direction of the sound without much thought, I couldn’t help but be surprised.

‘That person is… Count Dimitri, right?’

Although there were many onlookers around the Count, he seemed not to notice them, so consumed by anger.

Despite receiving her husband’s wrath, Lady Camilla, who always showed a gentle side, was indeed pleading desperately.

The spectacular sight was not the only surprising thing.

Her once sparkling dress and shoes had lost all their luster, and there was not a single piece of jewelry visible.

A condition so dismal compared to before.

Camilla desperately shouted towards her husband.

“Dar… Darling, please, give me a chance just this once! I can compensate for everything!”

But Count Dimitri, with eyes full of disgust, only glared at her.

“You borrowed money from loan sharks without asking for my opinion and wasted that money on useless investments!”

Shouting so, the Count roughly shook off Camilla’s hand holding him.

With the blue handkerchief she was barely holding onto, Camilla was mercilessly thrown onto the dirt ground.

“Ugh! Darling…!”

As Camilla writhed on the ground, groaning in pain, Count Dimitri paid her no attention.

On the contrary, he began pouring even harsher words.

“Because of you, what should I do about the flourishing wealth of our family? Loan sharks visiting my mansion every day, peasants protesting for compensation…! Now, even looking at your shameless face is disgusting!”