As the story progressed to that point, Swan bit his lip, trying to suppress his tears. It seemed like he was trying to smile, but it didn’t seem to go as he wished.

“…That’s not polite, is it?”

Maeyana shrugged her shoulders and chuckled.

“What if it’s not polite? Children shouldn’t be polite. You still have ten years to become an adult. So, for the next ten years, you can run in the corridors, climb trees, and even knock over candlesticks. It’s legal. The king himself won’t catch you.”

Swan laughed quietly with tears in his eyes. Then, he made a sniffle sound, emitting a shaky sigh. His small fist, clenched tightly, was placed on his knees.

“…You know, what I’m trying to say is, that, Jocelyn… Jocelyn, the head maid’s story. And I might have done something wrong, like Jocelyn… But still, you won’t really hate me, right?”

Maeyana nodded her head vigorously.

“Of course not. There’s absolutely no chance of that happening. And let me tell you one more thing, Young Master Swan. You could never make as many mistakes as Head Maid Jocelyn. Believe me.”

Swan gathered his courage. His throat felt swollen, tingling painfully, but, like thorns, he slowly and carefully uttered one word at a time. The day Jocelyn first took him to the portrait room, and ever since, she kept saying, ‘It’s connected to the bloodline of Balthemins.’ Finally, when the story reached the part about Arianthe’s birth, Maeyana clenched her jaw, suppressing her anger. The sound of biting into her cheek echoed as her soft flesh yielded a creaking sound.

Swan, sobbing, said, “I… I… When Jocelyn said those things, I just listened… I couldn’t say I didn’t want to hear those things. I was scared…”

A tear fell on the back of his round hand. Maeyana took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped Swan’s face, silently bringing a cup of water. Swan, even while drinking water, observed Maeyana closely, holding the empty cup tightly without raising his head.

‘Never leave him alone.’

Looking at Swan’s trembling eyelashes, Maeyana felt an indescribable anger.

Longing for her past life, like a trap always present in her heart, the alienation from a world she had lived in for over twenty years, the occasional pain, and a loneliness akin to solitude, all these emotions, like a volatile mixture, exploded in a moment of anger.

If Jocelyn were in front of her, she would undoubtedly forget the fact that she was older and would have grabbed her by the collar, violently striking her, completely forgetting her age.

“Young Master, listen carefully to what I’m about to say. You must listen carefully.”

Swan nodded obediently, like a sinner waiting to be sentenced. Now, Maeyana would probably call her a traitor.

What would happen to her if the Duke found out about this? She would probably be sent to the wicked Dupree Madame. There, if she made a mistake or burst into tears, she might get slapped…

But Maeyana didn’t blame Swan. She didn’t raise her voice in anger. She only held Swan’s hands tightly, trying to make eye contact and said this.

“It’s not your fault, Young Master. You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s that woman who did something wrong to you. Something very, very wrong.”

“…Even though I just listened to what Jocelyn said?”

“It’s because that woman scared you. Not because you’re a coward, but because she threatened you. She cunningly trapped you in a very wicked and dangerous scheme, pretending to reach out to help you while threatening you. Young Master Swan, everything Jocelyn says is a lie. Don’t trust that woman.”

With a confused expression, Swan blinked his eyes and said.
“Is it a lie? Really? Everything… everything? Everything Jocelyn said?”

Maiana nodded firmly.

“Yes, everything. It’s all a scheme to deceive you, including me, Bridget, Vinti and Ivy, and Lady Arianthe, to separate you from all of us. Including the Duke, of course. So, Young Master, if Jocelyn tries to talk to you in the future, don’t listen and come straight to the east. If she forcibly holds onto you, scream. I’ll come running. I’ll rush to you without giving her a chance to speak, no matter where she is in the mansion.”

“And what about Arianthe? Will Arianthe forgive me too?”

A gentle smile appeared on Maiana’s lips.

“Of course. The Lady won’t hate you for such a thing. Jocelyn is the one who did wrong.”

Swan’s contorted expression finally softened. His pale cheeks regained a youthful flush, and his cold fingertips warmed up.

A knock was heard. Bridget entered, sitting side by side with Swan and Maiana on the bed, pretending to be surprised with a lively tone.

“Oh, were you two in the middle of a secret conversation?”

With a sunny voice, Swan laughed charmingly. Maiana patted his back and deliberately said with a mischievous tone.

“Young Master, please keep the secret. Even if Bridget says someone is giving away tasty pastries, don’t tell her. Understand?”

Wiping his teary eyes, Swan smiled warmly. Nodding, he kissed Maiana’s forehead, and she left the room after a short farewell.