Actually, Bonita didn’t intend to eavesdrop from the beginning. As Luke mentioned, she was just stumbling through books, looking for Aria.

“Hilton, you’re with the Duke in his bedroom. But… he dismissed the servants now.”

“Is that so?”

Bonita, upon hearing Mary’s story, grinned.

‘I should be fine, right?’

If Bonita had just arrived at the Duke’s residence, she might have avoided going in that direction while being cautious.

However, children learn quickly.

Bonita was now confident that whatever she did, she wouldn’t incur Luke’s displeasure.

“Then I’ll go alone!”

“Um, miss!”

“Yes?”

As Bonita blinked, Mary looked around and whispered quietly.

“If you happen to hear a creaking sound when knocking on the door, never open it.”

“Huh…? Why?”

“Oh, anyway, in such a case, you should quietly leave. Got it?”

“But wouldn’t that be painful? I need to check his condition quickly.”

“No, don’t. Well… oh, right. If it could be a contagious disease, you shouldn’t go in. In that case, you need to quickly inform Miss Rebecca for treatment.”

“…Oh! I see.”

Bonita nodded.

“Got it, I’ll do that.”

While Bonita noticed that Mary was wiping sweat from her forehead, she didn’t know why she was so flustered.

So, Bonita, with short strides, headed towards Luke’s bedroom.

‘Oh.’

About to open the door, Bonita recalled Mary’s advice and pressed her ear against the door to listen to the sounds inside.

“Actually, you don’t need tea, do you?”

“…Huh? What are you talking about?”

“It’s not like you came here for a leisurely tea break.”

A slight creaking noise.

Initially, Bonita thought it was Luke and Aria’s conversation, but soon realized that the male voice was entirely different.

‘Is it a recording device?’

She had seen machines like that placed in front of shops during her days in the alley.

Although the shelves mainly played recorded music albums, Bonita always had to watch from a distance because curious kids would rush over, wanting to touch those fascinating machines.

Anyway, as she continued to listen, it was evident that a recording device was playing.

‘It’s Delfinium Master’s voice.’

Their voices, Luke and Aria, were distinct.

And –

“What is this evidence that the master, who appeared at the duke’s residence after 7 years, wanted to show? If he tried to surprise me, he succeeded. I never imagined you would spare the young lady’s life, and not only that, but also raise her.”

‘…Huh?’

Bonita’s heart, which had unintentionally heard the secret, pounded.

Bonita swallowed hard and instinctively held her breath.

Listening in on adult conversations was a bad thing, but due to dangerous curiosity, she couldn’t stop herself.

Thump, thump.
Bonita, with the pounding heartbeat, pressed against the door, having heard all the words from the recording device and the conversation between the two.

After a while, footsteps became audible. It seemed like Luke was about to come out.

Bonita reflexively moved her body away from the door but didn’t run away.

“…Bonita?”

Luke, who noticed her, hesitated.

“How long have you been here?”

Seeing Luke cautiously asking, she could tell that he didn’t want her to know about their recent conversation.

So, Bonita grinned.

“Just now. I was reading a book, but I had something to ask Aria, and Mary said she would be here.”

It wasn’t a lie.

She just didn’t tell the whole truth, and indeed, she had just come here for the reasons she stated.

“…Really? I see.”

Fortunately, Luke didn’t suspect Bonita.

A moment later, Aria peeked out from behind him. Seeing Bonita who had just arrived, she smiled warmly at the familiar warmth.

“Is your body not hurting? Is it okay to wander around like this?”

“I’m fine now. But there’s something I want to ask.”

Although the ‘thing to ask’ had changed, she still wanted to talk with Aria.

“Yeah, sure. Um- no, let’s go back to the room together. Still, lying in bed is better for you.”

Bonita nodded at Aria’s words.

Soon, Luke left, leaving only the two of them. He probably headed towards the study.

It made sense.

If what they just heard was true, Luke would need some time alone to sort out his thoughts.

Watching her father’s retreating figure, Bonita tightly hugged Aria’s neck. Then, she quietly spoke.

“Mom.”

“Yeah?”

Before bringing up the main topic, Bonita hesitated for a moment.

It seemed like Dad wanted to hide the truth from Bonita seven years ago.

Then, wouldn’t Mom be the same? They say couples are alike.

‘But… I’ve already told Mom everything.’

The fact that the current Mom is not the real Aria, Bonita already knows.

So, Bonita gathered some courage to ask.

“Why did the real Aria spare you?”

“…Huh?”

Aria made a stunned sound at the question.

“W-what are you talking about?”

Bonita apologized.

“I’m sorry. Actually, I heard Mom and Dad talking.”

Aria’s eyes shook at the unexpected confession. Hugging Bonita in her arms, she couldn’t see that, but she could tell that Mom was very flustered.