Aria swallowed hard as she looked at Luke, who seemed to have been struck by lightning.

For her, bringing up such words was akin to gambling. If Bonita hadn’t collapsed and lost consciousness while being with the governess recommended by Delphinium, there would have been no reason for her to suddenly speak like this.

Originally, she planned to investigate Hildley Rothern thoroughly to find out what Delphinium was scheming.

Hildley’s face, facing Luke head-on, turned ashen. He trembled, looking as if he might collapse any moment, as he desperately defended himself.

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about…! I really didn’t do anything to Miss Bonita! I’ve never received anyone’s fortune either!”

Perhaps caught up in speaking, tears welled up in his swollen eyes as he spoke.

“I, uh, really feel unjust…!”

Seeing a grown man stammering and almost crying was both embarrassing and pitiful.

However, his desperate struggles had some effect. The grip of Luke, who was holding Hildley’s shoulders, weakened slightly.

“Huk.”

As the duke’s face got closer, Hildley, who had been sniffing his nose, stiffened. Despite being objectively handsome, his bloodshot eyes without any luster made one uncomfortable.

His huge build played a role as well. Being smaller than the average adult male, Hildley felt like he was being swallowed up by a massive landslide when facing Luke.

“Can you really take responsibility for those words?”

“Of course!”

“There wasn’t a single additional word when my brother recommended you, right?”

“That’s… of course…”

As he was about to confidently answer, Hildley suddenly stopped. Faint memories of the conversation he had with Oliver flashed in his mind.

“Wouldn’t it be curious to know how my niece is doing? Can you occasionally share updates?”

“The second request is to tell me in detail about the exact relationship between that woman and my niece, and how she stands with my brother.”

It was a request that seemed to pass casually.

He received it, but Oliver didn’t hand over anything monetarily. Hildley also somewhat understood the explanation he added.

Especially since he had forgotten everything after receiving his first day’s pay from the duke.

‘No, really?’

Is it because of this?

‘But to say it’s because I received someone’s fortune, it’s a bit, no, still…’

Hildley’s tense throat stiffened.

Not missing that sign, Luke sternly pressed on.

“If you hide even the slightest thing…”

“I did receive a request!”

“Speak.”

As Luke nodded slightly, Hildley quickly explained.

“Master Delphinium wanted to know how his niece is doing and occasionally asked me to share updates.”

“That’s it?”
“He did express concerns about Miss Hilton. He wondered if it was not a cunning scheme to seduce you, sir, using your position as his brother…”

Luke’s eyes squinted upon hearing those words. His expression seemed much more uncomfortable than before, and startled by the intensifying atmosphere, Hildley exclaimed.

“But I only received the request, and I haven’t shared any information! I haven’t received any payment either!”

“…”

“I truly haven’t…! Moreover, Master Delphinium must have misunderstood Miss Hilton. Even after just a few classes, you could clearly see how much Miss Bonita liked her. So, I didn’t say anything!”

Luke remained silent. It seemed like he was deeply lost in thought, contemplating whether to handle the current situation well or if rumors would spread about how he dealt with Hildley.

Hildley trembled.

“Uh, excuse me. It’s really not a lie. So, could you please let me go? Haha… I did accept the request, but honestly, I thought it was just a mere formality, and since then, I completely forgot about it and didn’t say anything…”

He added various excuses while glancing around nervously. If his shoulders weren’t grabbed, he would have rubbed his hands together at least.

Meanwhile, Aria, who had been watching the conversation between the two from behind, had a deepened gaze. It was clear that she would not tolerate any words attempting to disparage her coming from Hildley’s mouth.

‘As expected…’

Delphinium was undoubtedly paying considerable attention to both her and Bonita. Moreover, it seemed to be on the negative side.

Aria didn’t think that Hildley Rothern would fabricate words without a reason. He genuinely looked unfair, and in such extreme situations, the words he confessed were usually truthful.

“Fine.”

Then, Luke spoke in a subdued voice and released his hand that was holding Hildley’s shoulders.

“Rothern, I’ll allow you to return home. If it later turns out that you’re not related to this incident, I’ll pay an appropriate reward.”

Hildley’s complexion brightened at the mention of a reward.

“Oh, haha, no. Miss Bonita fainted like a baby; it’s natural to be suspicious. Haha.”

He was truly an easily understandable man.

Rubbing his hands together while bowing, he flattered the duke a few more times, then quickly left the room. His skill in escaping was exceptional.

Naturally, only Luke and Aria remained in the room. The silence was heavy.