Raising a child was different from raising an animal. It was a distinct personality that could think and judge for itself.

Rather than hiding everything, it seemed better to tell her at least some part of the story. An explanation about Aria and Oliver was also necessary.

And now, for the time being—

“Do you remember the man we met last time, Oliver? Your uncle. …He’s here for a visit, saying he wants to see you.”

Luke expected Bonita to say it was okay.

If she responded that way, he planned to briefly explain the situation and ask if she still wanted to meet him.

However.

“Is it okay not to meet him?”
Luke hesitated at Bonita’s immediate response.

Even though Bonita had spoken out herself, she covered her mouth with both hands, perhaps considering her statement too direct.

Yet, she did not retract her previous remark.

‘…Does she know something?’

Before hearing Aria’s story, Luke would have dismissed it lightly, thinking she might not be feeling well. However, now even Bonita’s attitude seemed to trouble him.

Bonita was a clever child.

Apart from talents in math and drawing, she excelled in understanding people’s emotions and minds.

Luke, with a slight concern, asked just in case.

“Do you dislike Oliver?”

“W-Well…”

Bonita hesitated.

In an effort to reassure his daughter, Luke spoke gently.

“It’s okay. I won’t get angry, so be honest.”

Her rosy-pink eyes trembled.

The sound of the sheets rustling echoed as her small hands tightly gripped the white blanket.

Luke patiently waited.

“Actually, I’m a bit… scared of him.”

Whether the waiting was effective or not, Bonita, who had been silent for a while, began to speak.

Of course, even if a child said they didn’t like an adult, it would be considered rude and improper. However, Bonita seemed to be conscious of the fact that the gentleman did not particularly like her. Therefore, she assumed that by saying this, he wouldn’t be hurt.

In hearing these unexpected words, Luke felt suffocated.

‘Does he dislike him? Oliver?’

She was a child more sensitive to emotions than anyone.

She wasn’t a child who would lie, so if she said that, Bonita must have felt a negative emotion towards him.

‘…Is this really certain?’

Of course, just with such words, it was difficult to definitively accuse Oliver. However, suspicion deepened.

In general, wouldn’t it be natural for an uncle to have affection for his niece, who had returned alive from death? Especially when she was such a lovely child.

But if you substituted Bonita for a future duchess, the story changed. If Oliver was truly aiming for the position of the Renaissance Duke, then he might see Bonita as an obstacle.

Luke didn’t want to entertain such thoughts.

The situation of suspecting his brother was distasteful. With great difficulty, he spoke.

“Well, don’t worry. Since Bonita said that, we’ll keep it a secret.”

“That’s a relief.”

“But, Bonita.”

Bonita blinked her eyes.

She was such a lovely daughter that even if you put her in your eyes, it wouldn’t hurt.

After thinking for a moment, Luke asked with a trembling heart.

“Has Oliver done anything to you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, like… said something strange, or perhaps behaved in a way that made you feel uncomfortable.”

Bonita remained silent for a moment.

Although it was a silence that lasted only a few seconds, it felt like an eternity. When he was about to endure his pounding heart and prompt her again, Bonita’s mouth opened.
“No…… But, well, it just seemed like he doesn’t particularly like me.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes.”

Bonita nodded her head.

Luke patted Bonita’s head once and then got up from the bed.

“Thanks for telling me. Rest well. Just in case, it’s probably best to take care of yourself for a few days.”

“Where is Duke Delfinium?”

Aria grabbed a passing servant and asked.

“He is probably in the reception room. His Grace ordered me to guide you there.”

“Reception room?”

Aria paused.

During her married life, Oliver had visited the duke’s house quite often.

Every time, Luke had Oliver wait in his room or study. This was the first time he had been directed to the reception room to greet a guest.

‘…You did well to speak up.’

The fact that he showed this level of change in valuing family meant Aria’s words had a significant impact on him.

Aria fixed her expression and moved her legs. She decided to meet Oliver before entering the reception room.

And just before entering the reception room…

“Oh, my. Look who’s here.”

Aria came face to face with Oliver Delfinium, who was being guided by Edward.

Seeing Aria, his eyes curved.

“It’s been seven years, Miss Hilton.”