Being a “stupid woman blinded by love, abandoning parents to marry an enemy” had led to fingers being pointed at Rose by commoners and nobles alike.

Even if Rose endured all of this for the sake of love, it was certain that she would be torn apart by the blame directed at her.

“Nonsense! A scandal!”

No matter how much the Duke explained, touching his unmarried daughter was unacceptable.

Demon’s voice was so loud that it entered Rose and the Duke’s ears. Everyone in the room looked at Demon.

When the Duke felt the attention on him, he awkwardly cleared his throat and turned his head.

“Father, what’s going on?”

With round eyes, Rose asked Libera and Demon.

Were the usually close two fighting? Somehow, the atmosphere didn’t look good.

“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

Demon spoke to Rose with a distant expression. Libera, holding Demon’s hand, spoke to Rose.

“We’ll talk for a moment outside.”

“Yes, go ahead.”

Before Rose could finish speaking, Libera took Demon’s hand and disappeared outside the door.

Closing the door, Libera spoke firmly.

“It seems we can’t allow this. Let’s take Rose back.”

“Sigh, calm down. I know you’re worried about Rose, but it’s not like that.”

“Our daughter has just managed to get rid of Eric. I don’t want Rose to be talked about by people anymore.”

Libera couldn’t hide her embarrassed feelings as she revealed her inner thoughts.

“It hasn’t been long since the divorce. What if she suddenly gets pregnant? What if our Rose wants to enjoy her life a bit?”

“Why worry about something that hasn’t happened.”

In response to Libera’s words, Demon, as if to calm her down, grabbed her shoulders.

“It’s worth worrying about… Rose doesn’t see anything once she falls in love.”

Since Demon agreed with Libera’s words, there was nothing more to say.

Rose is currently a person who thinks reasonably, but at that time, she was a foolish child blinded by love.

Demon let out a quiet sigh. Then, he said quietly to Libera.

“I don’t know if Duke Artem has feelings for our Rose, but wouldn’t it be better if things didn’t work out? If Duke Artem fills Rose’s empty heart, even if someone like Eric comes again, Rose won’t waver.”

Demon emphasized that love is forgotten with love and advised not to stop the arrival of new excitement for Rose.
“So don’t worry too much. I don’t know how you feel about Duke Artem, but he’s completely different from someone like Eric, that parasite.”

In response to Demon’s words, Libera eventually raised the white flag.

Although she was concerned about Rose, she hated the thought of Rose falling into Eric’s hands again, just as Demon said.

The Duke, Rose, and the Serbian Count and Countess gathered in the reception room. Libera, still worried, had an expression that hinted at her concerns as she fiddled with the empty teacup.

“Let’s call it a night. It’s quite late.”

Demon was the first to get up from his seat. Libera also awkwardly smiled and rose, following Demon.

“Please take care of our daughter. Your Grace.”

Demon firmly grasped the Duke’s hand. The Duke, feeling the focus on him, glanced down at Demon’s hand.

Demon’s grip on the Duke’s hand was stronger than necessary, as if he was holding on tightly.

Although Libera pretended to be strong in front of her, she was worried about her daughter, and this was just an act to reassure Libera.

‘Don’t worry. Duke Artem is inexperienced with women because he hasn’t met many.’

Rose has no interest in the Duke. The Duke’s feelings are still one-sided.

Demon made an effort to comfort himself, saying that Rose and the Duke would not rush into each other’s arms.

Demon, who heard unnecessary words from Libera, felt his steps getting heavier.

While Demon and Duke Artem shook hands, Libera slowly walked towards Rose. She tenderly held Rose’s hand.

“There will be many eyes watching, so you won’t be able to come often.”

She gently stroked Rose’s hand with a voice filled with regret.

It had been three years since she had seen her daughter, and it was heartbreaking to be separated like this.

Although she didn’t want to let go, everything was a decision made for Rose.

With a voice full of affection, Libera spoke gently.

“Take care of yourself.”

“Yes, I will.”

“If you miss us, feel free to come by anytime.”

Rose nodded in response to Libera’s words and smiled.

However, Rose’s smile didn’t last long. It was because she blurted out words that she hadn’t even thought about towards Rose.

“And be sure to use contraception, my dear.”

“…What?!”

Rose, who had been quietly nodding, stiffened in shock at Libera’s unexpected words.