As Blair stepped down from the carriage, a muscular man who had been waiting in front of the villa politely greeted her.

“I’ve been waiting, madam.”

Blair, surprised by the unexpected arrival, exchanged greetings in haste. When she looked at Mihael, he smiled and explained.

“It seems like it’s time to add more members to the scandal. Wouldn’t it be more stimulating with three rather than two?”

Blair was shocked by Mihael’s words, but he was right. Scandals were better when they grew.

The three people who exchanged brief greetings entered the villa together.

Inside the villa, it was quiet and clean as there were no people. Although it lacked human presence, it seemed suitable for a short stay as basic necessities for living were provided.

Blair absentmindedly gazed at the lush forest scenery through the large window in the living room.

The sound of wind brushing against the branches and occasional bird chirping created a peaceful atmosphere. Listening to these sounds, her heart also became relaxed.

Compared to the bustling atmosphere in the duke’s residence, where there was always the noise of people, it was a completely different ambiance.

“I would love to live in a house like this when Asiel is born.”

While Blair wandered around near the large window, the caretaker, who had briefly disappeared, appeared with a tea cup.

“You might be thirsty; please have some tea.”

“Thank you.”
After the two finished their tea, Mihael made a suggestion.

“Do you remember when I mentioned that I would show you a nice place?”

Blair recalled their conversation at the art auction and nodded.

“If you’re okay with it, would you mind taking a short walk? I’ll show you something nice.”

“Something nice?”

“We’ll enter a forest path, but if you’re hesitant, please feel free to let me know.”

Blair obediently followed Mihael. She was worried about the path being a bit rough, but fortunately, it turned out to be a pleasant forest trail.

In the quiet forest with few people around, the only sounds were those of mountain birds and the wind.

Listening to those sounds, smelling the fragrance of the grass, just walking made her feel at ease.

Mihael, matching Blair’s small steps, casually brought up a conversation.

“I don’t have words worthy of welcoming you to a place like this, but it’s probably good not to easily trust a stranger, especially when they suggest going to a secluded place like this.”

“It’s not because I trust you. It’s because I trust the promised reward and my status that I disclosed to you.”

In response to Blair’s cold but sincere and non-malicious answer, Mihael burst into laughter. Her straightforwardness was amusing.

“I guess I was worrying for no reason.”

Blair looked at Mihael. As Herdin said, she didn’t know much about him, and considering the rough guild work he was involved in, he might not be as good a person as she thought.
However, at least, she could tell that he wasn’t someone who would forsake his principles. It was evident from the beginning when he gave me such advice.

Since Blair met him again, she carefully brought up the words that had lingered in her mouth all along.

“I want to apologize for what my husband said at the art gallery last time.”

Mihael, initially puzzled by Blair’s abrupt apology, understood its meaning a beat late.

“You shouldn’t have put it that way. He didn’t know what he was saying, so don’t take it to heart.”

“It’s okay. Well, your words were not entirely wrong.”

Mihael shrugged off the situation both then and now, with a nonchalant smile. Simultaneously, his steps came to a halt.

“Oh, we’ve arrived.”

Blair followed Mihael’s gaze and looked straight ahead.

In the middle of the forest, a faint glow was visible, but the distance was still too great to clearly see what it was.

As they approached slowly, the scenery began to unfold.

In the center of the forest, there was a small pond surrounded by transparent, sparkling flowers that seemed to gather light.

The scenery of the pond in the forest was a common sight, but what made the scene in front of them special was the uniquely shaped flowers.

Unseen elsewhere, the flowers swayed like water currents when the wind blew. The scene resembled countless stars falling to the ground and dancing.
“In the world, it’s truly fascinating and beautiful.”

Mihael looked at Blair, who couldn’t take her eyes off the scenery in front of her, and chuckled as he explained, “It’s called Glasica. It’s a flower that’s naturally sensitive, and it quickly withers and dies unless planted in a place where it first took root. Nobles who tried to transplant it to their personal greenhouses reportedly failed repeatedly.”

“Thank you for showing me this beautiful scenery.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

Blair sat on a nearby rock, silently observing the scenery. The outside world was more vast and mysterious than the vague dreams she had in the imperial palace. The realization made her heart flutter.

However, why, at this moment, did Hedin’s face come to her mind like a habit, like a discarded routine?

“Shall we start heading back?”