When Ashe asked, Swan, with pursed lips, hesitated for a moment before answering.

“Uh, well… Oh! We need to avoid bushes with thorns or sharp leaves. You might get hurt if you hide in such places.”

Ashe flicked his fingers twice. Snap, a cheerful sound echoed, and laughter appeared on the children’s faces.

“That’s correct. Now, try to recall what we learned last time. It’s about examining the leaves and stems of plants. Remember which plants have thorns and which ones have prickly leaves. While avoiding the tagger, find a good hiding spot. Now, if you both understand what I’m saying, let’s get up! Let’s go see what we can learn outside.”

Lord Baltheminster, Cidloy’s faithful secretary, Jemero, had been feeling uneasy since the morning. Cidloy seemed more tired than usual, and there was something absent-minded about him, as if his mind was somewhere else.

Although Cidloy had been sitting at his desk all morning, he hadn’t reviewed administrative documents or checked reports as usual. He simply had one old novel open in front of him, untouched for a while, with just over two pages turned since Jemero brought the third pot of tea.

Sensing that something was definitely wrong with him, Jemero, after clearing away the cold tea and pouring a fresh one, cautiously observed Cidloy.

“My lord.”

“Hmm?”

Jemero’s eyes were filled with a hint of anxiety. It was a rare occurrence for him to lose his composure and calmness, traits he usually maintained even in unexpected situations.

However, Cidloy’s gaze was truly… It seemed as if he was bewitched.

“My lord, Duke, is anything the matter with your hip joint? Is there an issue in the capital? Or perhaps, are you feeling unwell? You seemed like that during breakfast as well.”

“Did I? Hmm… Come to think of it, Ashe said something this morning, but I can’t remember exactly. Seems like I didn’t fully wake up.”

“Shall I arrange the bed if you are fatigued?”

“No, it’s fine.”

However, Cidloy didn’t touch the tea Jemero brought this time either, and he didn’t focus on the open book on the desk either.

Jemero, who was nervously pacing around the desk, was about to leave the room when Cidloy spoke.

“Ash took the kids outside.”

Upon Cidloy’s words, Jemero approached the desk again and looked out the window. Indeed, as he said, Arianthe and Swan were walking in the garden, each holding one of Ashe’s hands.

Jemero remarked, “Lord Loren handles children very well. Did you originally have children?”

“No, I don’t. It might be my first time teaching kids that young.”

“That’s quite surprising. Lady, it seemed like you were following Lord Loren very well.”

Cidloy chuckled and nodded.

“He’s a guy who came here feeling bored. Being with kids might be beneficial for him.”

“Come to think of it, is Lord Loren not a noble? I once called him a young master, and he got very upset…”
“He’s the Viscount’s youngest son. However, since his mother is from a concubine position, his status within the family is somewhat ambiguous. Fortunately, he doesn’t show any interest in inheritance or titles, focusing solely on his studies. However, due to divorce issues, he seems to have been completely expelled from the house. Besides, he has various other problems, so he prefers not to reveal his status. If you want to call him Loren, just go ahead.”

“I understand.”

As Jemero nodded, Cedloy, as if signaling it was okay to leave now, turned his gaze back to the book. However, as soon as he found the name ‘May’ in the book, he hastily called Jemero back.

“Would you go to the east and fetch Mayana for me? I’ll be waiting here.”

“Of course, my lord.”

Jemero promptly left the study. As the surroundings became quiet, Cedloy once again propped his chin with his hand, gazing out the window lost in thought.

Much like Mayana, he, too, was absent-minded, reminiscing about the previous night throughout the morning. Jemero’s suspicion of him being ‘out of his mind’ turned out to be quite accurate.

However, unlike Mayana, he had no regrets about the events of last night. If he were to say his mind wasn’t at all in disarray, it would be a lie, but rather than confusion, a sense of satisfaction and joy overwhelmed him.

Every time he recalled the sweet voice mixed with rapid breaths, a sensation crept up his spine. The touch of her skin against his fingertips was surprisingly soft and warm.

It felt as if a beautifully laid trap was prepared to pull Cedloy in. He willingly put his hand into the trap and pushed his entire body into it. Held by her, bitten by her, he felt like he was dreaming.

He might not have known if what she wanted was truly his own heart. Mayana might not have suspected it, but surprisingly, Cedloy had been thinking that far. Could there be countless things attached to the words ‘wanted’? Status, wealth, honor, love, the physical body.

If Mayana wanted just one of those things, Cedloy was ready to give it willingly.

“My lord.”

At Jemero’s voice from outside the door, Cedloy shifted his gaze away from the window. Soon after, Jemero spoke again.