“Yes. The direct descendants of the Uptar Royal Family are born with black hair and blue eyes for generations.”

Adel, now aware of this fact, widened her eyes. Then the current Emperor, who had blonde hair, and the previous Emperor…

“Empress Maryelle is undoubtedly a direct descendant of Emperor Uptar, but unfortunately, she was born with blonde hair. Because of this, the Crown Prince received scrutiny from society, suspecting the authenticity of his lineage from an early age.”

“I see. So, the union of Emperor and Empress…”

“It was to secure the legitimacy of the royal blood, the only weakness of Empress Maryelle, and to gain the support of the Roman Ducal family, the most powerful aristocratic family at that time, for the Emperor’s ascension.”

The higher the nobility and royalty, the more strategic marriages are made under thorough considerations of interests and objectives. Emperor and Empress seemed to have such a relationship.

“Nevertheless… I think it was a strategically significant marriage in history. The Duke Viscount was born from the union of both of you.”

“I also believe that the Duke Viscount’s birth was a blessing from Emperor Uptar. However, there is one thing I cannot agree with.”

Pierre’s eyes looking at the portrait of Empress Maryelle were filled with tears. From the way he spoke about Empress Maryelle, it was evident that she was cherished as much as Marlene, his own daughter.

“Empress Maryelle may have had different intentions, but at least, the union with Empress Maryelle was not a loveless strategic marriage. She sincerely cared for Emperor Uptar more than anyone else.”

“That’s how it was…”

“Empress Maryelle dedicated herself to strengthening the foundation of Emperor Uptar. Sometimes, even in opposition to the Roman family. The former Duke Roman, my master, was deeply saddened by the sight of his beloved illegitimate daughter standing against the family for her husband.”

“As much as Empress Maryelle loved Emperor Uptar, it seems to have distanced her from Lady Roman.”

“Unfortunately, yes. It was to balance the imperial family and the Roman Ducal family, the highest-ranking aristocratic family at the time. However, as time passed, the former Duke Roman deeply regretted it.”

“Regret?”

“If Empress Maryelle knew she would depart before him, she would have fulfilled all her wishes while she was alive. That’s what he says.”

The self-blame and remorse didn’t seem to be exclusive to the former Duke Roman alone. Pierre’s eyes were also reddened. He took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his eyes.

“I apologize. In my old age, all I can do is reminisce.”

“No need to apologize. The illness that Empress Maryelle suffered is something that all citizens of the Uptar Empire would feel sorrow for.”

“An illness… if you look at it as an illness of the heart, it might be seen that way. However, Empress Maryelle did not die of an illness.”

“What? Not of an illness…”

Pierre’s eyes, now free of tears, were sharp and bright. Adel gasped at the unbelievable story he had just shared.
“Someday, the truth will undoubtedly be revealed. Because the Duke is present.”

Pierre’s voice was filled with unwavering conviction. He looked at Adel with earnest eyes as he spoke.

“The Duke is fighting a lonely battle. I hope you can be a source of strength for him.”

“Ah…”

A low sigh escaped from Adel’s lips. A lonely battle… and now, even the truth about Queen Marielle’s death… It was all a story she had never heard before.

“Until now, the Duke has allowed only one person to be close to him, and that is you, Lady Adel. Although I’ve only heard about it through news, I didn’t know that the Duke could express affection to someone like this.”

“Well…”

“That’s how special your presence is to the Duke. I believe that if you are together, you can overcome any hardship or trial.”

With hope and trust in his eyes, Pierre’s gaze sparkled. Facing that gaze, Adel’s face momentarily blurred.

‘Between him and me is a contractual relationship with a predetermined term…’

Every time she faced the genuine feelings of the servants who were unaware of this fact, a heavy sense of guilt and sadness overwhelmed her.

“…I will do my best to support the Duke.”

At this moment, this was the only promise she could make. However, now there was one more sincere statement she could clearly make.

“…With my affection towards the Duke.”

“Thank you for saying that; it is much appreciated.”

The Duke blushed at the direct expression of affection, and he slightly bowed his head, like a grandfather looking at his adorable granddaughter.

“Would you like to see this portrait? It shows a younger version of the Duke than the one you saw before.”

As if refreshing the atmosphere, Pierre pointed to another portrait. The painting depicted the Duke in his childhood, appearing to be around five years old.

The chubby cheeks with lingering baby fat looked adorable, like a baby angel. Even though he wasn’t smiling like other children, his characteristic expressionlessness, combined with his young appearance, made him simply charming.

“Amazing…!”

Unconsciously, Adel covered her mouth with her hand and took a deep breath. Observing the Duke, who couldn’t take his eyes off the portrait, Pierre smiled with a nostalgic smile.

For him, there was still an unfulfilled dream due to his unmarried daughter Marlene. A grand plan to solidify the future of the Ducal family passed through his mind at this moment, using the satisfaction of this dream.

The excellent strategy he had accumulated while overseeing the Duke’s household from the former Duke Roman to the present Duke was now, once again, being applied.

“A truly lovely sight.”

“Even His Grace had such a time.”

“Wouldn’t you like to see this for yourself?”

“Of course, it would be nice if I could see it in person, but His Grace has already matured.”

“From ancient times, the seed sown is what grows. It’s a law that beans grow where beans are planted, and red beans grow where red beans are planted.”

“…?”

Looking at the perplexed Adel, Pierre added with a meaningful smile.

“In short, His Grace’s child will surely resemble him closely.”

…!

Now that Adel understood Pierre’s meaning clearly, she once again covered her mouth with her hand and took a deep breath. The feeling of embarrassment, as if her ears were burning, returned.