Esmeralda, observing Blair’s efforts to present Haldin in a positive light, smiled and gestured.

Understanding the meaning of that gesture, Blair quickly approached and sat beside her.

Esmeralda gently stroked Blair’s head and nodded in agreement with Blair’s words.

“Honestly, Haldin isn’t an easy person. He has a lot of emotional wounds, which makes it difficult for him to interact with people.”

Blair, enjoying the pleasant touch, looked up at her. Esmeralda’s blue eyes had a soft glint, as always.

“But just because his heart is hurting doesn’t mean you have to endure discomfort, Blair.”

Esmeralda lightly kissed Blair’s round forehead and whispered, “You are precious, just like that child.”

Blair felt both pleased and a little melancholic at the affectionate whisper, something she had never heard from Katrina.

With that, a new year dawned.

In the morning, various noble families, including the royal family, went to the winter forest to offer sacrifices to the gods. In the afternoon, there was a worship ceremony at the temple, and in the evening, there was a New Year’s feast at the palace.

Since the New Year’s rituals in the morning and afternoon were events for adults only, Blair spent the day playing with Ivan and her cousins until the evening when she attended the New Year’s feast.

Blair sat with Emperor and Empress Esmeralda, Mother Katrina, and Ivan, receiving New Year’s greetings from the nobility.

As the boring and formal greetings continued, the nobles suddenly became agitated.

Amidst the sudden change in atmosphere, Blair, who was wondering what was going on, only realized the reason when it was her turn to step forward.

It was Haldin.

For the first time today, the young Duke, who had been in seclusion for the past three years after the accident, appeared on the official platform.

The nobles approached Haldin, who was standing before the emperor, and made remarks.

“Oh my, Duke… no, Your Grace, it’s truly an honor to have you here. I thought you wouldn’t come to the feast.”

“Yes, indeed. I was surprised that you attended the morning hunt and the worship service.”

“Anyway, now that you are the head of the Delmark family, you should restore the family’s reputation and be of service to Her Majesty, the Empress. It won’t be easy, though.”

At first listen, it sounded like they were sympathizing with young Haldin, but in reality, it was just an amusing piece of gossip to them.

Blair anxiously observed Haldin as she listened to their conversation.

“Under the reign of Their Majesties, we are truly honored to welcome the new year. Please bless the empire with your virtues and protect it.”
Here is the English translation of the Korean paragraph:

As the head of a noble family, Haldin stood before the Emperor and other nobles. He was still young, but his demeanor was no less impressive than other family heads.

No, in fact, it shone even more brightly because of his youth.

However, was it due to his mood that his effortlessly handling his duties as the family head seemed precarious?

After Haldin greeted the Emperor, Blair continued to watch him as he withdrew safely.

After the New Year’s greetings to the imperial family were completed, the banquet began.

While the nobles gathered in groups to exchange greetings, Haldin remained alone.

No one approached him, but their eyes and murmurs were directed towards him.

“Duke Delmark… No, Your Grace, isn’t it? Weren’t you by the side of the former Duke when he took his own life?”

“Oh my! Poor thing. It’s amazing that he’s holding up so well.”

“It’s quite impressive, but at the same time… for someone so young, he seems quite fierce.”

Everyone talked about the misfortunes that had befallen his family and speculated about the future. They pitied the Duke of Delmark’s misfortunes while also finding amusement in them, and at the same time, they were fearful.

“Rachel, don’t get too close. If he suddenly goes berserk like his father and tries to kill everyone, what will you do?”

If Esmeralda had been present, they wouldn’t have dared to chatter so freely. Unfortunately, Esmeralda was not feeling well and had left after receiving New Year’s greetings, which meant that there was no one here who supported Haldin.

Blair looked at Haldin, who was listening to their gossip in silence, with a worried expression.

He was maintaining a composed façade, but was he really unaffected by what he was hearing?

While they chatted about Haldin and the Duke of Delmark, those who had been discussing him lost interest and moved on to the next topic, just as if they were moving on to the next course of a gourmet meal.

It was only after the crowd’s attention had shifted away from him that Haldin quietly left his seat.

After the people’s interest had waned, Blair, who was concerned about Haldin’s vacant look, quietly followed him out into the courtyard.

As soon as they stepped into the courtyard, the chilly winter wind brushed against their cheeks.

The night garden, bathed in soft lighting, was silent. If it were summer, there might have been people outside enjoying the banquet, but because of the cold weather, no one was there.

“Where did he go?”

As Blair was looking around for Haldin, she heard a painful moan not far from where she stood.