Whether it was a banter or exchanging trivial jokes, the conversation continued. Meanwhile, the carriage continued to run, and finally, it arrived at the entrance to the castle after passing through the expansive garden. Some nobles who saw the Duke’s carriage were sending curious glances, even visible through the window.

Maiana commented, “My lord, you’re really popular.”

“It’s not what I wanted, but that seems to be the case. Well, Ariante. Let’s get off. Hug your father.”

“I can get off by myself, you know?”

Cedroy grinned.

“I know. But when you get a little bigger, your father won’t be able to carry you anymore. So today, please allow your father to do so.”

In fact, there was no need to allow or not. It was just a formality, just knowing that this place was vibrant and the most important place in the country. Ariante was always prepared to be held by Cedroy.

The moment the carriage door opened, Maiana could hear simultaneous surprised gasps and murmurs erupting from various places. Probably because of Ariante, who was held by Cedroy and got off first.

‘I hope the lady is not too surprised.’

But it was just a staged act.

Ariante, with wide-open eyes, did not seem intimidated at all by the unfamiliar people staring at her. Instead, while tightly hugging Cedroy’s neck and shoulders, she confidently faced the people.

“Who is that woman?”

“Could it be Duke of Bauteminster…?”

“No, that’s impossible. Maybe she’s a maid or something.”

As a voice without any intention of whispering was heard, it was surprisingly Maiana who seemed embarrassed. Until now, not even once, truly not once, had she cared about her status or class here.

‘It feels like being a needle. If I could prick people with my gaze, I would probably be a thorn.’

The gazes pouring in from all around were various in types. While simple and mischievous curiosity was somewhat better, sharp and contemptuous glances were sharp and hostile.

“Maiana.”

As Maiana raised her head, which had gradually lowered, Ariante’s face appeared. The innocent pupils twinkled for a
Maiana smiled. However, it was a much more awkward smile than usual.

“The Duke is holding you, my lady. Are you worried that the Duke might drop you?”

“No, it’s not that. Just hold my hand. Quickly.”

Ariante, turning her body in Cedroy’s arms, extended a small hand towards Maiana. As Maiana took that hand, the murmurs among the people gathered around grew louder.

At that moment, Cedroy spoke.

“Maiana, you can confidently raise your head. You haven’t committed a crime and come here.”

“It’s not as easy as it sounds.”

“I understand. But still, please do it for Ariante, not for me.”

Maiana looked at Cedroy with a momentarily puzzled expression, but soon she followed his words. If she hunched down as if she were a criminal, people would become more malicious, and ultimately, it wouldn’t be good for Ariante.

“Who is that child, by the way?”

“The Duke is holding her. Then…”

“No, he hasn’t even married! And look at her. She looks like she’s in her twenties at least.”

Certainly, among the many educations that nobles receive, there was undoubtedly no lesson that said, ‘When talking behind someone’s back, make sure it’s not audible.’

“Is she perhaps a bastard…?”

Suddenly, Maiana’s expression, which had been stiff and rigid unlike usual, changed abruptly. The nobles who had been muttering words of disdain towards her, like ferocious beasts, involuntarily closed their mouths when they saw Maiana looking around with a fierce expression.

Cedroy said, “Now your true self has come out. I’m relieved.”

“Did you just hear that?”

He glanced at Maiana with a side-eye.

“I heard it. I have ears too.”

“But are you going to let that go?”

“Hush, it’s better to lower your voice a bit. We don’t know if someone is listening. Let it go for now; it’s not the right time. Because I’m holding our seven-year-old daughter, and right now, I can’t kick the impolite lady’s behind even if I wanted to.”

Maiana chuckled with an amazed expression. However, unexpectedly, Cedroy’s expression seemed serious. In other words, if Ariante weren’t there, the atmosphere seemed like he would gladly kick someone who uttered rude words.

At that moment, a sturdy man was seen rushing from the end of the corridor. Maiana unconsciously tried to block Ariante’s path, but he was Coleman, who served as Cedroy’s secretary and assistant while Cedroy stayed in Vanseng.

“Duke, have you arrived?”

“Just arrived. Is everything ready?”

“Everything is prepared. Please follow me.”

When Coleman appeared, the nobles who had gathered and whispered dispersed in all directions. As he not only served as Cedroy’s secretary but also was an associate of King Elmerat, there was nothing good about acting conspicuously in his presence.

“His Majesty has instructed to prepare Alice’s room. Would that be acceptable?”

“That’s fine. It doesn’t matter.”

Ariante, tapping her toes, asked.

“Father, where is Alice’s room? Is the owner’s name Alice?”