The three answered in unison. But Ash, not very satisfied, just snorted. Well, why would he be satisfied… Meiana thought. She felt that she could grasp Ash Laurence’s unique and picky personality that Sediloi had mentioned.

Then Ariante, completely dressed, appeared. Even without turning her back, Meiana could tell it because Ash suddenly burst into a big smile.

When Vainty and Bridget glanced back, the two had expressions as if they had seen a ghost.

“Teacher Ash!”

Ariante rushed over and stopped in front of Ash. Then, spreading the hem of her skirt, she bowed with a somewhat elegant posture.

Ash, kneeling down with one knee, matched his eyes with Ariante’s and gently patted the child.

Ash said, “You’re wearing a lace headband, Ariante. Did you pick it?”

“Yes, I picked it. Does it look good on me?”

“You have a very good eye. It goes well with the dress. It’s sophisticated. Should I introduce you to Her Majesty like this?”

Ariante’s face lit up. When Ash reached out his hand, the child grabbed it without hesitation. Then, happily shaking hands with the maids, they went into the study room.

After the door to the study room closed, Bridget sighed deeply. It was a breath sound as if someone who had dived deep into the water had surfaced.

Vainty said, “What is that guy anyway? Isn’t he a split personality?”

Meiana’s shoulders twitched lightly.

“Don’t ask me. I’m suspicious too.”

A familiar knocking sound was heard. Sediloi, looking at the closed door for a moment, fastened the buttons on his neck and spoke.

“Come in.”

Jocelyn opened the door and entered. She looked like someone who had recovered from a serious illness. Comparing her to a few months ago, her appearance had deteriorated significantly, and her already slender body had become even more haggard. As Sediloi, who had been carefully watching this, turned his head back towards the mirror.

“What’s the matter, Jocelyn?”

“I’ve received a letter from the capital, my lord.”

Sediloi nodded, and Jocelyn politely handed him the firmly sealed letter. The round seal impressed on the wax was the emblem of the King of Emerald. Seeing that, Sediloi guessed the content before opening the envelope.
Jocelyn stood silently a few steps away as he opened the letter. As if not even breathing, she stood still with an expressionless face.

The letter sent by the King of Emerald was as expected, related to Swan.

It contained the content that Madame Duflie had been ‘persuaded’ to appoint Cedeloi as Swan’s temporary guardian. It also mentioned that Swan, until she came of age, could have the inheritance left by Marquis Gledon stored in the trust designated by the royal family.

Madame Duflie and Huzzle must have been thrilled… Cedeloi, recalling their frenzied and leaping figures, let out a chuckle-mixed sigh and folded the letter. According to the contents, Swan was expected to arrive at the marquisate within four days.

“Jocelyn.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Cedeloi, who had been looking at her for a moment, put the letter into the envelope and spoke.

“It’s time for you to talk about this matter too. The son of Marquis Gledon will arrive at the marquisate soon. Since both the marquis and his wife have died… I have become the temporary guardian of that child.”

“The heir of the Marquis.”

Jocelyn’s eyes flickered strangely.

“He’s just a child. Only ten years old now.”

Cedeloi said like driving a nail. At that moment, the ominous glint that had appeared in Jocelyn’s eyes seemed to be sucked into a hole and disappeared. As if she had no interest at all in this matter…

She said, “The Marquis’s young master is Your Grace’s heir. You should have a grateful heart for the kindness Your Grace shows.”

“I’m not trying to show kindness to the child, and I have no desire for overwhelming gratitude. The child’s situation has become difficult, and I intervened because I didn’t think Madame Duflie, the legal guardian, would take proper care of the child.”

A bitter laugh mixed at the end. Jocelyn seemed to decide not to say more about this topic. Suddenly, as if turning her head unexpectedly, she turned her head.

“But this Mr. Ash Laurence seems to be an admirable person.”

Cedeloi’s gaze slightly faltered.

“He’s my friend. Treat him with enough courtesy.”

“Of course, Your Grace. However, associating with someone whose actions are so frivolous… I’m afraid it might tarnish Your Grace’s reputation. It’s fine here, but in El Rautica…”

“Jocelyn, I’ll take care of my own affairs. The same goes for my friends.”

A heavy and uncomfortable silence flowed. Cedeloi thought Jocelyn would step back by now, but she still stood in the same place. Like a statue, like a stubborn tree that would never be uprooted.

With thin, dry lips closed, Jocelyn, who had a stern expression, spoke.

“Your Grace has changed.”