Of course, Luke, feeling it would be better, decided to get up.

“If you pull off unnecessary antics, you might lose your head, so be careful.”

It was quite a stern threat.

However, contrary to the content of his words, when he got up from the bed, Luke’s hands covering Bonita’s belly with a blanket were exceedingly gentle. It truly seemed like the Marquis was only tender to his people.

“Yes, yes. Don’t worry.”

Looking at the seemingly indifferent Aria, Luke frowned.

As if she didn’t care about his attention at all, Aria, with a cheeky smile, crawled deeper into the blanket, looking at the sleeping Bonita. Honey dripped from her blue eyes.

Luke felt uncomfortable.

He had just imagined the future where Elodie, he, and Bonita would be together.

However, it felt like Aria had taken Elodie’s place.

He didn’t like that Bonita seemed to prefer that woman much more.

But what else could he do?

Even if the ideal family he had wanted to have would never be regained, it wasn’t something he could suddenly tell Bonita not to love that woman anymore. The child was not his doll. Just as Bonita had lived her own life as a distinct individual, he had no right to manipulate the child’s emotions.

Even if he were to claim to be Bonita’s biological father, it would be the same. Moreover, even if he didn’t want to admit it…

If Aria had truly raised Bonita with genuine love…

Separating the two just because he didn’t care about that woman for some reason would be too cruel.

“Are you going to keep standing there?”

Without any haste, that darn woman still talked to him with innocent eyes.

Let’s see how long you can endure.

Such a mischievous tone.

Seeing her expression, Luke inadvertently recalled memories from the past.

“Luke, when are you going to come into the bed? Is sleeping together so embarrassing?”

“Sleep, Elodie…”

“Goodness. My husband is such a lightweight when it comes to alcohol.”

Complaining cutely, Elodie, half-raising her body, grabbed the hem of Luke’s shirt.

It was a feeble attempt.

But in the face of irresistible temptation, Luke, with his entire body reddening, ended up leaning over her.

Elodie grinned.

“I love you, Luke.”

“Marquis?”

Distant memories and the present overlapped.

Unlike back then, the one calling him was not a wife whispering sweet love but an unmatched woman who irritated his eyes in every way.

Luke rubbed his temples.

“Oh, really going away?”

He didn’t want to hear Aria’s voice anymore. He silently left the room.

Alone in the corridor, he muttered sadly.

“…I miss you, Elodie.”

“Your Excellency, a response has arrived regarding the letter sent to Lady Delphinium.”

Edgar visited him in the office after dinner, and Luke quickly accepted the letter. It read as follows:
Dear Brother,

How have you been, brother? It feels like it’s been a long time since I wrote a letter after going up north.

As you asked, I’m still doing well. These days, Bentley seems to be maturing a bit. He’s studying estate management, and the private tutor praises him for enjoying his studies.

And Morgan, for some reason, suddenly wants to go to the Imperial Academy. The Aleph Kingdom said only those equivalent to a viscount or higher can enroll in the political science department. He threw a tantrum, crying. It must have been really painful for him. Even my wife seemed somewhat disappointed.

Oh, and about Bonita.

Can you believe the news that my niece is alive? I don’t know how surprised I was when I first received the notification in the temple.

I’m a bit disappointed you didn’t tell me first, but considering the various situations you’ve been dealing with, forgiving this broad-minded younger brother would be appreciated. Ahem!

Anyway, upon hearing the news, my wife and our sons were delighted to hear that they had a new relative. Among them, Bentley was particularly excited about the news of a cousin. Coincidentally, since you, my brother, kindly invited me to the Marquisate, I’m planning to take Bentley with me then.

I believe Bentley can be a good older brother to Bonita.

So, tomorrow evening (probably today by the time you receive this letter), I will drive the carriage and visit the Renaissance Marquisate.

P.S. By the way, did our mother return to the Marquisate now? Even though I called her, she didn’t come, so I guess she’s more comfortable at the main house.

P.S. I heard there were some strange rumors recently related to the Marquisate in the capital… Do you know anything about it?

Your only brother, Oliver

“Rumors?”

Luke, reading Oliver’s letter with a relaxed face, murmured curiously.

He called for Edgar.

“Ed. Are there any rumors circulating in the capital recently?”

“Rumors… you say?”

Edgar made a subtle expression.

“If you put it that way, I can’t give you a precise answer. The social circles in the capital are a place where all sorts of groundless rumors and gossip change every day.”

“Rumors related to the Marquisate.”

“Ah.”

Edgar sighed.

“If that’s the case, there are mainly two types.”