What method could convince Arnolt was once again on his mind.

Of course, it wasn’t much of a surprise since it was Odette who had first suggested it.

They were in a carriage heading towards Duke Ertman’s residence.

In other words,

“We’ll need to use that method once we arrive at the residence. I trust you haven’t forgotten.”

“……”

He had completely forgotten.

He had remembered it until he was at the ball, but had forgotten because of something with Louis.

And Walter too had already guessed that Odette had forgotten.

‘Will she blush again?’

While it’s unclear how prim the royal education was, Odette often missed the mark in such matters.

In fact, when she first brought up this ‘method,’ he thought it was quite unexpected.

However, seeing her react that way made him wonder if she would get embarrassed again.

But,

“……I’m ready in my heart.”

Odette seemed composed. Somehow, she also looked resolved.

Walter felt both interested and slightly regretful, and slightly raised an eyebrow.

“I thought you’d say you can’t do it?”

“It was my idea. Of course it’s embarrassing, but… it has to be done.”

“A good attitude. Especially considering the future.”

“The future?”

Odette looked at Walter as if she was puzzled.

However, Walter had no intention of telling her what awaited her in their married life.

So, instead of explaining, he naturally pointed out the window.

“Odette.”

“Yes?”

“Would you look over there?”

As Odette turned her head to follow Walter’s gesture, she saw a brightly lit, large mansion on the other side of the road.

“That’s Duke Ertman’s residence.”

Whether they intentionally left the garden lights on or not, one could easily gauge the scale of the mansion even from the carriage.

But most of all,

“Wow, it’s really beautiful!”

The night view, glittering in the dark, boasted tremendous beauty.

Especially for Odette, who had never had the opportunity to see such a view because she was always in the palace.

She had nothing more to see since she came last time with her eyes closed and left when the sun went down.

Unable to hold back her admiration, Odette clung to the window, and the smile on Walter’s lips deepened unnoticed.

“I’m glad you like it.”

This was the moment Odette made her first entry as the hostess of Duke Ertman’s residence.

Late at night, when the moon was high, at Duke Ertman’s residence.

There were footsteps wandering around the room, unable to sleep easily, even when everyone would likely be asleep.

The gentleman with neatly combed gray hair, Arnolt Ertman, was the owner of those footsteps.

He had not left this room since earlier today.

The reason was one.

‘Walter Ertman, this reckless fool…! How dare you think you can get married without me!’

It was a protest against his grandson, who had defiantly announced he would marry despite his objection.

Of course, his rage was directed only at his grandson Walter, and not a speck towards the person—Odette—who might become his granddaughter-in-law.

‘How could such a good child exist?’

Arnolt recalled the last time he saw Odette.

Although it was clearly rude for Arnolt to show up unannounced, Odette didn’t snub him.

She didn’t even frown when Arnolt went on about opposing the marriage.

Unlike some brat from the Ertmans!

“…Therefore, I wish you would meet another young man. If you want, I can introduce you to a suitable one. I can at least do that much.”

“I haven’t done anything for you, yet you offer such kindness. I’m really thankful for your concern.”

Odette didn’t stubbornly insist she wouldn’t marry.

At first, she nodded along to Arnolt’s recommendation as if she would take his advice.
“Ah! What’s all this fuss about! You look exactly like my granddaughter, perhaps that’s why I feel this way. Besides, was Walter such a disgrace? Feel free to accept this as a token of my apology, I’ll get you a better gift next time!”

“It’s not a disgrace at all. Of course, Walter may be a bit rough around the edges. But he’s still a great knight, isn’t he? If anything, it’s an honor for me.”

Arnolt would have protested any praise for Walter from miles away, but when it came to Walter’s accomplishments, he couldn’t help but feel pleased.

“Exactly, exactly! He may lack diplomacy and manners, but I’ve trained many knights and there’s no one like him! And I don’t say this just because he’s my grandson!”

“Well, if you put it that way, he must truly be remarkable. Whenever I go out in society, I hear stories of admiration for Walter, so I’ve been curious.”

“As embarrassing as it is to say, my lineage, the Ertman family, has never been lacking in muscle! I’ve got it, Walter’s got it, even his father had it! Everything we eat turns into muscle!”

Was it because he had never bragged about his glory days even while raising his only grandson Walter?

Arnolt excitedly rambled on about his prime years and how amazing Walter was.

This left Odette contemplating whether she should applaud him, but that was her little secret.

Especially how Arnolt secretly cherished his grandson in many aspects.