“Go and tell your lover. I innocently handed over the contract when he said he would give up the position of a duchess. But I didn’t know it would put you in a dilemma. Maybe he’ll overlook this mistake too, being blind in love. Does he happen to know? If he chose me, there wouldn’t have been such a thing…”

“Gyah!”

And unable to endure a moment of anger, an action that threatened life.

Helena pushed the maid who had been the only one caring for Cloé off a cliff.

“If something happens to Jane, Helena, speak as if it’s some issue with Jane…”

“And if there’s a problem with Jane’s safety…”

And Cloé, who still hadn’t forgotten Jane.
It’s only a matter of time before she learns about Jane’s disappearance. Could she suspect Helena?

“No, it’ll be fine. The maid isn’t from the duke’s household, and… there’s no one to spill the beans!”

Although no one would know what happened that day, she felt unnerved.

It was a lazy afternoon.

Next to where Cloé stayed, there were bushes and a pond. When the curtains were wide open, one could enjoy a scenery that was no less enviable than the southern region.

She, as usual, was observing the harmony of nature. Unlike the northern part, the imperial capital remained warm in winter, with occasional glimpses of vegetation.

“Stay warm.”

It suited Cloé, who felt the cold easily. There was no need to bother with too many clothes or endure the cold without a blanket in the room.

Still, she decided to savor the winter atmosphere.

Today, she had hot chocolate with marshmallows for teatime. Some might mock it as a combination for a child’s taste.

“Jane.”

Cloé, holding two cups in her hands, called out to someone.

Before long, the person came out from another room.

“Come here and sit. It’s sweet and delicious.”

Cloé tapped the couch where she was sitting. Jane, surprised, clapped her hands. It was a gesture indicating that she would do it.

“What can you do? Just sit quietly.”
Subsequently, Cloé sternly restrained her companion. With a firm voice, Jane obediently took a seat.

The milk had been boiled not long ago, so it was still warm. After pouring milk into the teacup, Cloé added pieces of chocolate.

As the pure white liquid gradually turned brown, she stirred it with a spoon. Soon, the milk was perfectly covered in chocolate color.

Not forgetting the marshmallows, she floated them on top, making it tempting. When offered to Jane, she also enjoyed it like a child.

Hot chocolate, whatever it may be, warmed the heart.

“What should we do today?”

Cloé asked Jane. In response, Jane began gesturing various things.

With slightly challenging movements, Cloé was confused. Only then did Jane gracefully untangle the confusion with simpler movements.

Jane’s opposite hand moved busily above her flat palm. It seemed like she was drawing or writing something.

“Do you want to study?”

Nodding.

Jane nodded her head.

“You did it yesterday too; do you find studying fun?”

Jane hesitated for a moment. As if implying it wasn’t the correct answer, she frowned for a while, then shrugged her shoulders. Next, she mumbled a few words.

Considering everything, it could be inferred that she wanted to say, “I study diligently because I want to talk to Cloé as soon as possible.” Quite an adorable child in many ways.

“Alright. I also want to talk to you soon.”
With a gentle smile, Cloé rose from her seat. Then, she approached a small bookshelf that Jane could easily access to take out or put in books.

Jane, who had regained consciousness after fainting, couldn’t speak, possibly due to the shock. According to the doctor, she had expressive aphasia, struggling with both speaking and understanding others’ speech. The primary concern was the patient’s stability, and the attending physician strictly advised against conversations that could remind her of the incident. Cloé agreed, prioritizing Jane’s recovery over finding the culprit. However, there was a problem. Jane, being a commoner, had never had the opportunity to attend school or encounter books. Since she couldn’t read and speak, communication was nearly impossible.

Contemplating the situation, Cloé decided to teach Jane to read, enabling communication. The doctor praised Cloé’s suggestion, stating that learning to read would contribute significantly to the recovery of the impaired areas. Jane, frustrated by her inability to speak, willingly agreed to try. Thus, Jane’s journey of learning to read began.

“Have you memorized all the compound characters?”

In response to consecutive questions, Jane rolled her eyes. It seemed as if she was avoiding eye contact in a peculiar way.

“You said you would work hard, but you haven’t done your homework.”

Jane smiled mischievously, as if deflecting the scolding. It was a cute request to let it slide just this once.

“A cute face is good, but some things just can’t be ignored. Let’s make sure to write each character ten times.”
To enlighten Jane with characters, it was necessary to start by teaching her the characters that form words.

Startled by the mention of ten times, Jane quickly grabbed a pen and began to write hesitantly. Scratch, scratch, the sound continued.

Cloé, who had been quietly observing, also took out a piece of paper. When she wrote, Jane seemed less idle.

However, perhaps out of curiosity, Jane stared intently at Cloé instead of doing the assignment.

“What are you doing?”

Nodding.

“I’m trying to write a letter.”

Then Jane pointed at herself, as if asking who she was.

“I’m planning to host a tea time for the lady and noble ladies. Since Her Majesty suggested holding a wedding reception, we need to invite them and inform them of the facts.”

Kun suggested holding a wedding reception to firmly establish Cloé’s position. Proving to the nobles that her relationship with the emperor was not casual would naturally elevate Cloé’s status beyond that of a mere lover.

At the mention of the word “reception,” Jane’s eyes sparkled. Unlike at the duke’s estate, it seemed intriguing to see Cloé actively engaging in noble pastimes.

Soon, Jane shrugged her shoulders up and down.

“Well… Are you asking if I’m happy, or if I’m looking forward to it?”

Cloé’s question led to more contemplation from Jane, pondering what kind of question it was.
Not understanding my intentions, or perhaps feeling frustrated, Jane hastily wrote something on the paper. It wasn’t pronunciation or anything difficult—it was just a single letter, “ㄴ.”

Cloé, who had been staring intently at it, clapped her hands sharply.

“Who is it?”

This time, vigorous nodding followed.

“With Viscountess Edward… and planning to invite Duchess Argen as well.”

When Helena’s name was mentioned last, Jane’s face momentarily stiffened.

An emotion briefly crossed her face.

An emotion Cloé had often experienced.

It was fear.