“Sister will return safely. She is working harder on preparing for the reception to celebrate her coming-of-age ceremony. She wants to make it even more splendid for that occasion.”

Responding to Viscount Fleuret’s pointed comment with an audacious smile, Roselin decided to present herself more confidently before her father, who suspected her of trapping her sister.

“Why are you worrying? Surely, Father doesn’t think like the other families, believing that Sister won’t return?”

“Well…!”

Of course, Viscount Fleuret also believed that Idel would return safely from the Fairy Forest. However, for some reason, as Idel’s absence prolonged more than expected, his worries grew.

“Even if my sister was born without fragrance, being a member of a family protected by the fairies, the fairies will guide her well. I’m not worried at all.”

Roselin smiled with a cheeky expression. Her last words, saying she wasn’t worried at all, were sincere.

‘She won’t be able to return alone. I’m not worried at all because my sister, who was born without fragrance, will surely return safely with the guidance of the fairies.’

Looking at Countess Fleuret, who was full of concern, Roselin’s smile deepened even more as she recalled her conversation with her.
Silently lowering her head and observing the worried Viscount Fleuret, Roselin’s lips twisted even more deeply as she recalled their conversation.

[Dash] What happens if someone not of Fleuret lineage enters the Fairy Forest?

[Dash] Well… they would receive the punishment of the fairies for entering the sacred land without permission.

[Dash] Punishment of the fairies? What’s that?

[Dash] It means wandering in the forest for a lifetime without being able to leave, ensuring that no one from the Fleuret lineage can ever come out without the guidance of a Fleuret.

A punishment from the fairies! Rather than that, what else would suit my sister?

As her mother, the Countess Fleuret, had mentioned, it was certain that her sister was born as an entity without fragrance.

The thrilling excitement from the tip of her toes surged through Idel, who had not undergone the coming-of-age ceremony due to the fairy punishment, thinking about proving it all in front of everyone.

“We must prepare for the reception splendidly. So that all the nobles from the diplomatic delegation attending the reception can celebrate together. I’ll go finish the preparations.”

Thinking about the nobles who would soon finish the envoy meeting and come to the reception hall, Roselin moved with cheerful steps. The hem of her dress fluttered as if responding to her lively movements.

“Ah…!”

As if something had come to mind from Roselin’s words, Viscount Fleuret, who sighed, hastily left for the reception hall.

“Your Grace!”

“Viscount Fleuret?”

As soon as the envoy meeting ended, the one who urgently sought Kaelon was Viscount Fleuret. In the banquet hall where everyone had left, only the two men remained, and the viscount spoke to him in a low voice.

“I have something important to report to Your Grace.”

Kaelon’s entire body tensed, experiencing the sensation of the abduction when Idel disappeared.

“What’s going on?”

“That… The Duchess is currently not in the Viscount’s residence.”

“…!”

Remembering the recent incident of Idel disappearing due to abduction, Kaelon’s nerves tensed.

“Not in the residence? What does that mean? I heard she was having lunch with the family members today! Where on earth did she go?”

Recalling the Duchess’s schedule, Kaelon blinked his eyes and interrogated the viscount with an expression of incomprehension.

“The Duchess is currently in the Fairy Forest.”

“The Fairy Forest?”

“Yes. The Duchess went there to undergo the coming-of-age ceremony for the Fleuret family.”

“The coming-of-age ceremony?”

With a sudden statement from Viscount Fleuret, Kaelon frowned with a face that showed he didn’t understand. In response, the viscount explained about the coming-of-age ceremony within the Fleuret family.

“So, the Duchess went to the Fairy Forest to undergo the coming-of-age ceremony personally?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Even though she entered the forest that one can never escape from unless they’re of the Fleuret lineage… But she still hasn’t returned yet?”

“It seems to be delayed more than expected… Probably because she is searching for the orchids, which are the proofs that must be brought back.”

The viscount, who hesitated for a moment, continued his words.

“Although Idel doesn’t have a fragrance… She is my daughter, who inherits the bloodline of Fleuret.”

“Right. I’ve heard about the natural fragrance of your family members. However…”

With a meaningful look, Kaelon questioned Viscount Fleuret.

“Do you really believe that the Duchess has no fragrance?”

“……!”

As if piercing through him, the sharp gaze of the Duke caught Viscount Fleuret off guard. In response, the viscount, seemingly embarrassed, answered in a trembling voice.

“Y-Yes. Since no one has ever smelled her fragrance.”

“If someone appears who can smell the Duchess’s fragrance?”

“No! Absolutely not! It must not happen!”

Viscount Fleuret vehemently denied Kaelon’s words, as if adamant that no such person should appear.
Observing Viscount Fleuret’s reaction, Kaelon’s deep blue eyes narrowed with curiosity.

“Why is that? If the Duchess has a fragrance, she could receive even more recognition from the family, couldn’t she?”

“No! It’s better if she doesn’t have a fragrance.”

Viscount Fleuret refuted with a firm voice.

“If it becomes known that she has a fragrance, Idel will become even more unfortunate.”

“……!”