“Lady Vienne, there’s something I’d like to ask.”

“Oh, Vienne. Go ahead.”

“It might be out of line, but… What should we do with the gift box you prepared to give to the Grand Duke?”

It was a gift box containing a kravat prepared as a gift for the Grand Duke. It was the only item that Vienne hadn’t yet gathered while preparing the Grand Duchess’s belongings.

“Ah…”

Idel sighed softly as she looked at the gift box on the table. Presenting a gift to Kaeron had been something she had contemplated throughout the time since she woke up.

The feelings she intended to convey to him at the hospital had been kept within her, untouched. The hesitation persisted, but she resolved to hold onto her wavering heart and continue.

If Kaeron returned to the Grand Duchy, she would definitely express her feelings for him without reservation.

However, several facts she learned while staying at the Grand Duchy had confused her thoughts. Among the lingering hesitations, one reason loomed large.

It was because of what Pierre had asked her.

The situation he was in, and the worry that expressing her feelings might cause him trouble, had made her hesitant.

‘A lonely battle he is fighting…’

The fight Pierre mentioned had yet to be precisely understood by Idel. However, judging by the flow of the conversation and the context, she speculated it might be related to the truth behind the death of Empress Mariel Sun.

‘Is he fighting against those trying to conceal that truth?’

Idel wanted to know why he was struggling alone. She wanted to fight alongside him and be a source of strength.

But if the reason behind his struggle was related to his family, which wasn’t really his family but merely a contractual relationship…

‘Not really family, but a contractual relationship…’

As Idel pondered over this fact, her face began to gradually darken, like the melancholy that started to seep in beyond the window.

‘The reason he hasn’t told me in detail is probably because our relationship is only to that extent.’

A heart that had once started sinking was gradually becoming numb.

‘No. I shouldn’t jump to conclusions before having a proper conversation with him.’

Idel forced herself to lift up her weakened spirit.

‘If I bring up Empress Sun’s story first…’

Wouldn’t he naturally tell me? About the truth behind Empress Sun’s death and who he’s currently fighting against…
If he opens up and tells her the truth he hasn’t revealed to her, it seemed that she would also find the courage and opportunity to reveal her own hidden feelings.

‘Lady Vienne…’

Meanwhile, as Idel became deeply absorbed in contemplation with a serious expression, Vienne, who was by her side, fidgeted with her feet.

Thinking of conveying the thoughts of the Grand Duchess toward Prince Rainian to the Grand Duke, the atmosphere surrounding Idel seemed somewhat different from before.

‘If only this gift could be conveyed to the Grand Duke, their relationship would surely deepen.’

Until Idel returned, Vienne had always cherished the gift box, praying earnestly. According to her fervent prayers and wishes, the Grand Duke rescued the Grand Duchess, and upon her safe return, she could now deliver the gift to the Grand Duke.

As Vienne’s loyalty towards the Grand Duke, who had rescued the Grand Duchess, grew even stronger, Idel’s affection for the Grand Duke, who had rescued her, was expected to deepen.

As a clear demonstration of the depth of her affection, Idel eagerly awaited his return by gazing out of the window every day until the Grand Duke returned to the Grand Duchy.

‘However, why is Lady Vienne hesitating…?’

Even though the Grand Duke had returned after concluding all the trials, Idel, while looking at the gift box, remained lost in deep thought.

‘Prince Rainian has also left…’

Last night, they had tried to make time for the Grand Duke and Duchess, but due to the dominance of the Grand Duke and Prince, their attempts failed. However, today, Rainian left for the capital first.

Vienne thought that now, with Rainian, the intruder between the Grand Duke and Duchess, gone, was the most opportune moment.

‘Besides, it’s the last night in the Grand Duchy before going to the Grand Duke’s residence.’

If they returned to the capital’s Grand Duke’s residence, the Grand Duke and Duchess would likely become busy with their usual routines. Although everything was like that, there was nothing as crucial in love between a man and a woman as the right timing.

‘I absolutely can’t miss this night!’

Vienne clenched her fists and made a firm resolution. Taking a deep breath, she proposed to Idel with a determined expression.

“Lady Vienne. If you are going to give a gift, wouldn’t tonight be the most appropriate? If you go to the Grand Duke’s residence tomorrow, both Your Highnesses will be busy. How about having some time just for the two of you before you go back? You can share any delayed conversations during that time.”

“Tonight…?”

“If you go to the Grand Duke’s residence tomorrow, both of Your Highnesses will be busy. How about having some time just for the two of you before you go back? You can share any delayed conversations during that time.”

“Tonight…”

Upon hearing Vienne’s suggestion, Idel sank back into her thoughts.

‘Before conveying my feelings, I need to understand the situation he is in.’

Only then could any hesitation and anxiety be resolved, allowing her to fully convey her feelings.

Finally making a decision, Idel opened her mouth to Vienne.

“Vienne.”

“Yes, Lady Vienne.”

“Through Pierre, would you convey my intentions to His Highness?”

Although it was a promise made before the kidnapping incident, it was now time to keep the promise she hadn’t fulfilled yet.