Carefully, William opened the box. Inside was a high-level alchemy book, something impossible to find elsewhere.

“Oh…”

Without waiting for a response, Hedel turned and walked away. Hesitating, William quietly said,

“Thank you.”

After the party ended and all the guests had left, the lobby was still piled high with gift boxes. The servants tirelessly carried them to the largest drawing room.

William and Larisa were sitting in front of the fireplace, opening the gifts they hadn’t managed to during the party.

“Look, Willy! A cute music box.”

“That’s yours.”

“Why keep giving them to me? They’re all your birthday gifts.”

“It makes no sense for these gifts to be for me.”

Many gifts clearly suited a girl Larisa’s age. It seemed the nobles had given up on gaining William’s favor and were targeting Larisa instead.

Impressed by their strategic thinking, William noted the names of the nobles who had sent Larisa gifts.

Watching from the doorway, Guinevere quietly stepped forward.

‘At least now William won’t be ignored in this mansion.’

She had deliberately involved herself, overseeing the kitchen, garden, and every aspect of the household, ensuring everyone knew how much she cared about this party.

The change in the servants’ attitudes toward William suggested her efforts were effective.

As Guinevere moved away from the drawing room, Hedel spoke up quietly.

“Why were you crying earlier?”

“I don’t know.”

How could she explain tears that came involuntarily? But Guinevere had something else to say to Hedel.

“What was that gift?”

“What?”

Hedel feigned ignorance.

“The alchemy book. Why did you give him that?”

Hedel cautiously observed Guinevere’s reaction before responding.

“You saw that William likes it, didn’t you?”

Guinevere didn’t reply, but her displeasure was evident. Hedel sighed and added,

“Once he goes to the academy, you won’t be able to keep an eye on him anyway. He’ll do whatever he wants in places you can’t see. It’s fine to let him have that much.”

Guinevere grumbled,

“Why does he like alchemy so much?”

“Of course, alchemy is inferior to magic, but it’s still a commendable pursuit. It’s not entirely useless and has its systematic approach…”

“Quiet.”
Hedel closed his mouth. He hadn’t expected to persuade Guinevere from the start. It was a relief she hadn’t thrown him out the window. As Hedel cautiously withdrew, Guinevere muttered softly.

“What’s good about self-harming at the slightest thing.”

“Did I hear that right?” Hedel asked, eyes wide with surprise.

“…That was the issue?”

“What?”

“That you disliked William hurting himself?”

Hedel rubbed his eyes. Even after a second look, Guinevere’s displeasure was evident. He said, looking bewildered,

“Then you should have said that earlier…”

“What are you talking about?”

“You always look stern and don’t say anything, so everyone misunderstands.”

Guinevere had changed a lot lately. That’s why Hedel felt emboldened to push his luck. He didn’t know what had caused her change, but he didn’t want to miss this opportunity.

“William probably thinks you disapprove of his focus on alchemy instead of spending time on magic studies, right?”

“….”

Guinevere had no response. Hedel’s guess was accurate. However, with a smile, Hedel said,

“Let’s go tell him now. If William knows your true feelings…”

“Ouch!”

Guinevere abruptly grabbed Hedel’s ear as he tried to leave.

“Hey, why are you doing this!”

“Don’t overstep.”

“Ouch, let go!”

True feelings, what true feelings? Hedel’s guess was spot on. Guinevere had resented the time William spent on alchemy, not magic, and had reprimanded him repeatedly. It was just a waste of time.

“You really have a bad personality, you know? William would be happy if you talked to him. He’s quite sensitive.”

“Stop talking nonsense.”

Hedel, unaware of Guinevere’s inner turmoil, was frustrated, but Guinevere kept her mouth shut and dragged him by the ear.

After having driven her child to suicide three times, how could she have the audacity now? Returning to the past didn’t erase her past mistakes.

At least Guinevere couldn’t let it go. In her memory, William had suffered for a long time. She had neither the desire to be forgiven nor to forgive herself.