“It’s about the sentiment.”

“……. ”

“It’s a feeling of gratitude for the safe return of the grandchildren who almost got into a big trouble. How can you casually use such a thing?”

Baroness Emerge opened her mouth in disbelief. Just as she was about to put on an expression and say something, Hubert stopped her.

“Enough. It seems unnecessary to blush.”

“Just a moment, Viscount. Are you really planning to give all those things to Igraine?”

“She received them. Do you have anything to say?”

Under Hubert’s cold gaze, Baroness Emerge seemed uneasy and covered her entire face with the fan as if she only wanted her eyes to show.

The gaze that turned towards Hubert once and then towards me was intense and fierce.

“Hmph!”

She eventually expressed her anger and turned away.

Regardless of her reaction, Hubert, without caring, stared at me.

“You’ve worked hard, Igraine. Go inside and take a rest.”

His gaze turned to the back. There, Heron’s servants were waiting.

Hubert restrained Baroness Emerge because they were conscious of them.

It shouldn’t be known that Viscount Laurence would intercept his daughter’s property.

Hubert spoke gently.

“The servants should go home too.”

I naturally didn’t refuse.

“I’ll do that.”

Moving forward, Jenny and Heron’s servants followed behind me.

Applause was sent to Heron’s wise choice of leaving a servant behind under the pretext of carrying the jewelry box.

‘I need to deposit it in the bank as soon as possible.’

Before I completely disappeared to the second floor, Hubert said in a low voice.

“The situation will get much more difficult in the future. Especially in times like this, it’s important for the entire family to come together and overcome it.”

I pretended not to hear his words and didn’t stop walking forward.

Hubert’s words that the situation would get difficult were accurate.

Although the rain had stopped, the damage had not been resolved, and there were still many problems. The situation of the Laurence family had worsened. The collapsed buildings and roads, the crops devastated by the flood, were not easily recovered, and the anger and responsibility were poured on Aris, and Viscount Laurence. The amount of compensation for the damage recovery alone was enough to shake the foundation of the family.

And above all, the king’s punishment remained.

In the trial jointly sponsored by the temple and the royal family, Aris was prohibited from entering society and salons.

Judged by the tribunal, which deemed her mental state not strong enough to the point of losing control, Aris was forced to offer prayers instead of enjoying parties, alcohol, and dances.

For Aris, this judgment, which was more horrifying than anything else, was considered a fairly lenient punishment by most people.

They grumbled that she was somewhat lenient because she was considered the treasure of the kingdom.

To receive a punishment and even get cursed. In the face of the reality she didn’t want to accept, Aris eventually crumbled behind.

Aris was not the only problem.
The agricultural festival held to resolve the drought almost turned into another disaster, causing the reputation of Laurence to plummet.

On the contrary, my fame surprisingly increased quite a bit. Lord Heron openly praised me, and people who had received help from me passionately discussed the events of that day everywhere.

The king even sent a letter personally praising my efforts, making it inevitable for my reputation not to rise.

Anyway, an improved image is advantageous in many ways.

However, the atmosphere in the house was at its worst.

Baroness Emerge harbored dissatisfaction with me due to the incident with Heron’s gift.

Hubert, disappointed by the king, became sensitive, and Aris, who was conserving herself, stayed locked in her room and didn’t show her face even at mealtime.

Except for Baron Bakenin, who was satisfied with the new connection with Lord Heron, no one gained any benefit from this incident.

Especially Aris. It wasn’t that I wasn’t curious about what she was doing in her room, but I ignored it and didn’t bother to go see her face.

‘Obvious. She must be thinking all of this is my fault.’

By the way, has she realized that her abilities are gone?

Creak.

The door opened cautiously. The inside of the room was very quiet and gloomy.

It felt like all the air in the room had sunk to the floor.

Stale air entangled my limbs.

Georgiana, who entered with an anxious expression, put a tray on the small table next to the bed.

Then, facing the bundle of quilts that rose sharply on the bed, she whispered.

“Have your meal, miss.”

The bundle of quilts didn’t move at all. Swallowing a sigh and trying to speak again, the door opened again.

“Are you planning to starve again today?”

“Baroness Emerge.”

Georgiana, who had become disheartened, suddenly stood up.

Baroness Emerge, who looked around the room, came in with an unpleasant expression.