After receiving congratulations from many people, the banquet ended, and the next day dawned. Early in the morning, after finishing breakfast, Adel sat facing Count Fleure in the study within the Marquisate.

“I heard you’re leaving soon.”

“Yes, once the inspection of the envoy’s carriage is complete, we’ll depart.”

“Yesterday, you went through the coming-of-age ceremony, and it was quite a struggle. Everyone, including your maternal uncle and the elders of the family, recognized you as a member of the Fleure family.”

For a moment, Count Fleure, with a dignified gaze, looked at Adel as if he were impressive.

“Thanks to that, your mother… has been able to wash away the dishonor of the past.”

Remembering the words Adel spoke in front of her maternal uncle yesterday, Count Fleure’s eyes became teary.

[Dashes] Uncle, I have a request.

[Dashes] Speak.

[Dashes] Now that my connection to the Fleure lineage has been proven, I would like to restore my maternal grandmother’s honor.

[Dashes] …Of course. In the future, as your maternal uncle and the former Countess within the Fleure family, I will officially show respect.

It was also a significant part remaining in Count Fleure’s heart. He had lived with regret and self-blame for not properly protecting his former wife, who was unfairly accused… Adel had brought back her mother’s honor, and he was both grateful and sorry.

“Because of a wretched father… you suffered a lot alone. It’s too late, but I want to apologize to you now.”

“No, I understand that my father had the position of leading the family. And I heard from my maternal uncle yesterday.”

Recalling the conversation she had with her maternal uncle alone, Adel continued speaking.

“My father married my current stepmother according to the family’s will to protect my existence, born without fragrance.”

“…!”

“Now I understand. Why my father, who was more devoted to managing the estate than central politics, resided in the Marquisate rather than the Count’s residence… To avoid the family’s blame, he deliberately raised me in the capital?”

Adel smiled as if she appreciated at least the minimal responsibility and actions he had taken.

“My father always treated Roshelin and me fairly. Such a father’s figure was the greatest comfort to me because he was the only one in the family who did not deny my existence.”

“Adel…”

Count Fleure, upon hearing his daughter’s words expressing gratitude, was choked with emotion and stared at Adel with tearful eyes.

“No, if I had been more actively involved in the household… If I had known earlier that Adel was being isolated in the household… If I had known that my daughter would not engage in a contract of marriage and independence after the family’s coming-of-age ceremony…”

Overwhelmed by guilt and remorse, Count Fleure, who unknowingly raised his gaze again, stared at Adel with a painful gaze. Although she was fortunate to be recognized within the family, there were still concerns and worries in his heart.

By successfully undergoing the coming-of-age ceremony, Adel had a strong conviction that she possessed a unique fragrance mentioned in the ancient book, even though she lacked fragrance according to the family. Despite being acknowledged as having the blood of the family running through her veins… What if the ancient book floated to the surface, revealing that someone had caused it?

Especially in the current position closely entwined with the Imperial family and the influential position of the Duke’s wife, if it were to be revealed that Adel was the ‘fragrance owner’ under the protection of the Imperial family, it would be a big problem.

‘Furthermore, Roshelin, that child, siding with the Emperor’s faction, aiming to put my elder daughter in a difficult situation as the Empress…’

Even though she spoke of supporting her sister, Adel couldn’t help but think of Roshelin’s appearance, unable to bear the resentment, after returning from the family’s coming-of-age ceremony.

‘For the sake of protecting both daughters and the family… This must be the best course of action…’
Count Fleure, who had been contemplating something in his heart, once again made a silent resolution and opened his mouth towards Adel.

“Adel, I have something to tell you.”

“Yes, please speak.”

“I don’t know if you remember what I said at the Duke’s residence last time.”

At his words, Adel, recalling the announcement of her marriage and the assertive Count Fleure’s words before leaving the Duke’s residence, responded.

[Dashes] Whenever you want… whenever you desire, return as a Countess. …You are my daughter.

“I remember. You told me to come back as a Countess whenever I wanted. And… you also called me your daughter.”

“Yes. You are my daughter, and now you are a person acknowledged in the family as a true Fleure. So… will you return as a Countess once again?”