Cedelloi, who had paused for a moment, let out a short sigh and continued speaking.

“Jocelyn said the same. That someone was trying to smear her with a terrible accusation. The most amusing part is that even I almost fell for her words in that moment. She had such an unjust expression, as if she would strangle herself if you didn’t believe her immediately.”

“If it were me, I would have just let her die.”

“No, Ash. I can’t do that. Especially not with Jocelyn. If she really harmed Vervo and Lilia, I can’t just let her die. It’s not that easy.”

Ash chuckled bitterly.

“So what would you do? Torture that old witch or something?”

“Of course not. There are plenty of other ways.”

Ash seemed to hold back from adding more and instead nodded as if to stop. Then, he filled the glass once again. This time, it was almost overflowing. After downing all that liquor in one go, he let out a very annoyed sigh.

“Your life is really complicated. I’ve said it many times before, especially about Jocelyn.”

“I know. It’s particularly true with Jocelyn. I wonder if Father brainwashed me.”

“What are you talking about?”

Cedelloi’s lips moved faintly as he remained silent.

[When you become the lord, Cedelloi… If you inherit the Valternminster family and succeed me, never mistreat Jocelyn. Jocelyn is a person who will be loyal only to the Valternminster. She has been and will be. So, whatever happens, take care of Jocelyn. Understand? Both I, your mother, and Jocelyn will grow old someday. Treat aged Jocelyn as you would me and your mother. Promise to your father. As a son and as an individual.]

At that time, he didn’t know how terrifying that promise would be. Nor did he know how big a secret it concealed. In this chaotic situation where his mother and Jocelyn suddenly left the mansion, he didn’t understand why his father would say such things…

So he promised. He would do that.

He wanted to keep that promise as much as possible.

“Even without a promise to my father, I treated Jocelyn like a mother when I was young. The attachment from my childhood doesn’t disappear easily, especially when she started to feel less like before. And until I suspected her involvement…”

Ash silently observed Cedelloi with a somewhat softened face. Cedelloi, however, remained indifferent. But the emotions boiling beneath his surface were anything but calm.

“But not anymore. It needs to be corrected.”

At Cedelloi’s words, Ash nodded approvingly.

“Yeah, well. It’s a relief if you’re finally coming to your senses. Anyway, keep an eye on that woman to prevent her from doing anything to Swan. If your words are true, she might do something outrageous again. Whether it’s to harm Swan or Arianthe, I don’t know, but make sure she doesn’t approach the kids.”

Holding the pen, Cedelloi responded by scribbling a signature beneath the letter he had just read.

“I plan to send Jocelyn on an errand soon. To the capital.”

“What is this about, the capital?”

“I need to temporarily separate her. It’s the best way from this house.”

At that moment, a knocking sound was heard. When Cedelloi gave permission to enter, Jemero opened the door.

“Apologies for the interruption, Your Grace.”

“What’s the matter?”

“Lady and Young Master Swan have arrived.”

Ash stood up from his seat.

“Since the kids are here, I’ll be leaving now.”

As he was about to leave the room, he added,

“Cedelloi, remember what I said. Don’t even think about leaving her like this.”
Cedelloi silently acquiesced to his words. As Ash went outside, the cheerful sounds of Arianthe and Swan chatting could be heard. Cedelloi closed his eyes briefly, as if dreaming, listening to their voices, before speaking.

“Jemero, have the children come to my reception room for a while and summon Jocelyn.”

“The head maid Jocelyn, sir?”

“Yes, tell her to come right away.”

As Jemero left, a murmuring voice from outside reached them. It was Arianthe’s voice. She seemed to grumble about why she had to go to the reception room, followed by Maiana’s soothing voice.

Suddenly hit by a throbbing headache, Cedelloi sighed, furrowing his brow.

Jocelyn, summoned by the call, promptly came to the study. Cedelloi, even while she greeted him, averted his gaze and, ignoring her, spoke in a low voice.

“Jocelyn.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Ash said you frightened Swan. Did you forget my order not to get involved in the children’s matters? Or did you knowingly ignore it?”

Jocelyn’s wrinkled face momentarily softened.

“Your Grace, you misunderstand. I would never harm the young master of the Viscount…”

“No need for long explanations. You will be confined for three days.”

“Confined?”

She snapped challengingly, her usually submissive demeanor disappearing in an instant, replaced by the trembling anger of an old woman with wounded pride. But Cedelloi, as if not wanting to repeat himself, stared at her sternly.

“Should I call other servants to drag you out?”

Jocelyn’s defiant lips twitched. She breathed heavily, as if swallowing a boulder, then without a word, she bowed her head and left the study.