In reality, all these clauses were already mentioned before, and these pages behind were there to provide a more detailed definition of what those clauses meant.

It’s just that the term ‘more detailed’ was a bit different, and that was the problem.

“I guess I need to revisit these parts later.”

There was a part that bothered her, especially.

That was the inheritance part.

“I deliberately marked it with the family crest to ensure it has an effect even within the family.”

The content of the clause was simpler than she thought.

“[In the event that Valtter Ertman remains missing for more than three months, all properties under Valtter Ertman’s name will be transferred to Odette Brunoise Celestine.]”
“[After Valtter Ertman’s death, Ertman has an obligation to protect Odette Brunoise Celestine, and from the moment Valtter Ertman’s death is confirmed, Odette Brunoise Celestine permanently loses all the rights and responsibilities she could exercise as Ertman’s hostess.]”

Although the content was somewhat stiff, it was nothing harmful to Odette.

Especially the part that stated Odette would permanently lose all the rights and responsibilities as Ertman’s hostess after Valtter’s death meant that no one could force her to fulfill duties while holding the position of Ertman’s hostess.

In the past, in other families, when the husband left first, leaving the hostess alone, it was common for other family members to pressure the widow. Preventing her from remarrying or leaving the family happened frequently.

This clause was meant to protect Odette from such situations.

Just looking at it, there seemed to be no problem.

“But they wrote the names clearly only in this part.”

Most other clauses used expressions like ‘spouse,’ ‘partner,’ or other terms applicable to both sides.

However, only in this clause were the names written explicitly.

“The death of Valtter Ertman or his disappearance.”

“Why didn’t they write ‘spouse’s death’ here?”

Considering that Valtter was the one who wrote this document, it seemed even more strange.

It felt like…

“…like someone who’s about to die leaving a will.”

It was too uncomfortable to just let it pass.

As Odette was pondering this, a familiar sound caught her attention.

“Ah!”

And immediately, a feeling of warmth welled up on her face.

Through the half-open window, Odette saw her white bird fluttering its wings.

It was the message she sent to Cedric.

Odette put down the contract, approached the bird, and untied the letter attached to its leg.

“Even though Grandfather said he would come back soon.”

I wonder if he wrote this letter to let me know when he’ll return.

With an excited heart, Odette opened the note.

However, the contents were quite different from what Odette expected.

No, the lengthy greetings and affectionate tone were as Odette knew.

The problem was the content written beneath.

[After returning to the capital for a while, it feels strangely quiet and unfamiliar. I can’t help but think that there are no faces I used to see at the palace anymore. I’ll make some time soon; if we spend some time together, my distant feelings as an uncle who left may be somewhat relieved. Remember that. See you soon.]

The vitality in Odette’s hand faded as she held the note.

The content itself was one thing, but what she feared the most was the small drawing at the end.

A drawing of a ‘smiling face.’
Odette had only seen this drawing once before. It happened when she visited Cedric briefly to deliver something to Pavel Duke shortly after Cedric left. Odette witnessed Pavel Duke lifting his hand with a noticeably disturbed expression after reading Cedric’s letter. And at the end of that letter… there was this ‘smiling face’ drawing.

In the end, with a pale expression, Pavel Duke sent Odette away.

” I’m sorry, but, Your Grace. I will check the matter you brought later. For now, I must deal with what His Highness the Crown Prince has asked for… I will see you off.”

” Still, it’s not that serious… Is it? I read the letter, but it didn’t seem that serious.”

To Odette’s question, Duke Pavel, rubbing his wrinkled forehead, explained:

” Your Grace may not know, but in common society, people often use this saying. When you speak nicely with a smiling face.”

” This… means nothing different. It’s already spilled water… but… it’s like saying try to pick it up somehow, even though it’s already done.”

How on earth could Cedric, her elder cousin, turn her step-granduncle into someone so stiff and disciplined?

Odette momentarily entertained the curiosity that had just popped into her mind and soon forgot about it.

At least until this moment.

“He sent me a final warning?”

A sense of urgency surged through Odette’s spine.

She immediately pulled the bell rope to call Emma and started preparing to go to the palace.

However, it wasn’t Emma who answered the door.

“Madam!”

“…Philip? What happened all of a sudden?”

“There’s an urgent matter!”

The butler with a tired face had an unusually anxious look.

Understandably, the current situation was not an ordinary matter, even for Philip, who had experienced various situations.

Exactly.

“The… the imperial army is controlling Duke Ertman’s residence!”

“…What? That can’t be possible. Emperor and Crown Prince Cedric should…”

Odette mumbled, frowning, then suddenly stopped.

She turned to look in the direction where the bird had flown.

Exactly where the palace was.

No way…

“…Cedric, my cousin?”