After delivering the report, K had something to say to Arthur.

In a nonchalant tone, K planned to calmly tell the truth.

It was because he knew that sometimes the truth had the strongest persuasiveness.

“It seems there was a misunderstanding. Taylor Lawrence wasn’t her lover. I found out during last night’s meeting.”

And he planned to speak after observing Arthur’s reaction.

“……When Your Excellency opened the door and came in, I actually thought I might have made a mistake. You seemed angry.”

“Did I not hide it well?”

And he planned to speak calmly.

“Lady’s circumstances are as written in the report.”

“As you saw, all she asked for was one thing. She just wanted to persuade Taylor Lawrence to be on Arthur’s side for her grandmother’s sake. Then she said she would do anything for Arthur.”

“Even if she demanded Taylor Lawrence, you don’t need to be concerned; it’s not because they are lovers.”

Even if that was taken as a bit of sarcasm, it didn’t matter.

K’s goal was to cool Arthur’s head.

“……. ”

The report stated that she had nothing else she desired other than her grandmother’s health.

It simply mentioned that she wanted to live with her grandmother, having given up on dreams of a normal marriage or creating a family herself.

She even mentioned that she might not be able to get married.

It was a timid, harsh, and dry life without dreams or a future.

And it wasn’t even likely for her to live forever with a grandmother over seventy.

She had no plans beyond that.

“I met Taylor Lawrence and he seemed to have some value to bring in.”

“He is cooperative here, seems quite intelligent, and has a good sense. As a doctor, he is competent, and he doesn’t seem blindly devoted to Marquis Julius. Seeing Lady’s sincerity towards him, it seemed like the relationship would work out.”

“Lady also trusted him for her grandmother, and he seemed to be such a person.”

And there were details about the meeting with Taylor, what he had tried in front of the knights for Reyna, Taylor’s minimal journal entries for her grandmother, and Reyna’s moved reaction after reading them.

It also included evidence that he was in a situation where he didn’t have to be tied to the Marquis.

It was written to make anyone realize that Reyna could be quite happy if she ended up with him.

So that anyone could see that it was the best for her.

After that, K planned to speak.

“But if Your Excellency does not wish, I will discard it.”

“……. ”

“A doctor’s job is to save others. If he can continue to watch over her grandmother, she will accept it.”

“Shall I do that?”

Will you do that?

Even if they’re not lovers.

It’s okay even if you do that.

“How would you like to proceed?”

If you want, you can take her.

Even if they’re not lovers.
Honestly, don’t you want to cut ties with her?

K had no qualms about saying it.

“Will you report that woman to the authorities?”

“……. ”

“Will you refuse her request to persuade Taylor Lawrence?”

“……. ”

K was convinced that Arthur wouldn’t do that.

Given how Arthur had restrained his feelings and protected her until now.

Absolutely.

He wouldn’t reach out.

“……. ”

But after learning that Arthur had gone blind.

K found himself unable to say a word.

Had he overestimated his own indifference?

Was it simply more shocking than he had imagined to learn of his blindness so suddenly?

Or was it because there was a bigger gap than he had thought between the imagined scenario of speaking dryly while he read the report, and

Watching in real-time as Arthur listened to his own report with his own mouth, focusing slowly on his expression that didn’t waver.

“……. ”

After reading it all,

K put the report down on the desk,

And finally closed his mouth.

“……. ”

Having realized from the beginning that Reyna had no lover, Arthur, who had been waiting for Reyna, couldn’t say a word and sat quietly.

For quite a while.

And after some time had passed, he slowly leaned his arms on the desk and washed his face.

“……. ”

From Arthur’s expression, K could tell.

Even without me saying it, Arthur already knows.

What he should do with his feelings. Already.

So K could only say one thing.

“……Would you like to meet Lady.”

Reyna was asleep.

She had waited for Arthur all night yesterday and could barely sleep a little,

Relieving the long tension because K had readily accepted Reyna’s request.

A cool breeze came in with the evening sun, tinged with a reddish hue through the open window.

It was cool and warm.

K went outside.

And Arthur sat by her side for a long time.

“……. ”

The sunset illuminated her sleeping face.

Do you know that it’s not Miss Christina?

Yes.

…What will happen to Reyna?

An impatient question came up.

He couldn’t afford to be leisurely with someone who could give clues.

Lord Arthur told me not to touch her as his wife.

What does that mean?

Is Lord Arthur planning to take Reyna as his wife?

It’s strange, but isn’t she related to the Julius family?

K answered calmly.

I don’t think it’s a question I can answer about Lord Arthur’s intentions.

What is clear is that Lord Arthur will have to accept Miss Christina someday.

Lord Arthur plans to send Lady back safely.

I’m just a little concerned that there might be some disruption.
……Send her back……?

Yes.

At the moment, we are borrowing her temporarily due to our needs and treating her with respect.

Well, it may not look like that.

If everything is resolved well, we will provide ample compensation and send her as you wish.

……Where to?

To be by her grandmother’s side.

Because it reflects her wish.

And I also think it’s not bad to be by your side.

…….

You might be a bit annoyed to see the possibility of you.

But you won’t try to take away a good future for Lady Reyna.

Such audacity is unacceptable.

“…….”

So far, Reyna… Are you going to substitute for Lady Arthur?

How far… will you substitute?

I don’t think I can answer that question.

I just want to say that Lord Arthur’s audacity does not go beyond.

He is not someone who will do things that harm his honor and future.

But, since it’s my job to always consider the worst, if there’s even a slight possibility of a bad outcome, I need to be prepared,

That’s why I’m meeting you right now.

What do you think? It seems like our understanding matches.

……What does it mean that you want to negotiate?

What do you want me to do?

Are you asking me to play the role of Reyna’s affectionate lover?

K chuckled softly.

No. Lady doesn’t seem to have the talent for acting.

“…….”

I will tell Your Excellency the truth.

You just have to act as you are.

If you appear to be a good man,

She will eventually step back.

And she will be able to return to her place more quickly and find stability.

…I understand what you want.

But what benefits can I gain from doing that?

I will give you a substantial congratulatory gift.

Cough.

“……What?”

I have never said that I would marry Reyna.

We’re just friends.

No.

But if you like her so much, don’t you want to get married someday?

Don’t give up.

…So, when did I ever say that I like Reyna as a woman….

It’s not hidden.

K said without a smile.

As much as Lord Arthur.

“…….”

And you, aren’t you staying here because of Lady Reyna?

You received quite a few scouting offers.

There were surprisingly attractive places, even to the point of refusal.

In the Imperial Capital…

…Wait a moment.

Did you investigate me?

Surprising. Even if you were in my position, you would have done the same, right? It’s not really an investigation, more like a forward-looking survey.

Anyway, is it because of Lady that you continue to stay at Julius Mansion?

“…….”

I will congratulate you. A lot.

Shall I give you a mansion where you two can live together?

What? A mansion?

With Lord Arthur’s money?

No. Of course, with my money.

Surprisingly, I have savings too.

You will buy a mansion with your savings?

Why?
“Just.”

K said brazenly.

“Isn’t it my heart?”