Joseph von Hastings.

The child offered a wise alternative, as if mocking the narrow-minded thinking of adults, and the Reconstruction Committee accepted it.

Finally, the day came for Jane and Joseph to leave the capital. She packed simple luggage and headed to the train station.

At the train station were Lloyd, Cedric, and the members of Somnium House.

The Somnium House members had moved to a place Cain had prepared before the revolution, then returned to the capital at Lloyd’s invitation after things calmed down.

They worked as employees of Hays Trading Company, waiting for Cain’s return.

“What brings you all here?”

Jane said, looking around at the people surrounding her.

It was an excessive send-off, as she was simply moving, not going off to do something grand.

“We must say farewell. Have a good trip, young master.”

Norbert took off his hat and bowed politely. Mary turned around and dabbed her eyes with her sleeve.

Joseph hesitated upon seeing them. Jane gently pushed his back, and Joseph stumbled forward, walking towards Norbert and Mary with open arms.

The two elderly people embraced Joseph tightly, overcome with emotion and shedding tears.

“Getting old, sniff, makes one cry so easily.”

Jane also felt a lump in her throat and looked up at the sky.

“Do you really have to go?”

Lloyd approached Jane.

Lloyd, who had lived his whole life as a researcher, looked very tired these days trying to adapt to his new role as president of Hays Trading Company, which Cain had entrusted to him.

Contrary to others’ concerns, Lloyd, being such an intelligent person, was handling his new role quite well without much difficulty.

Hays Trading Company was thriving, taking on major national projects promoted by the Reconstruction Committee.

This too, as it turned out, was something Cain had prepared for in advance.

There was opposition from groups who still believed Hays Trading Company to be Cain’s company, but Lloyd actively supported social welfare sectors, diluting the negative opinions.

“You’ve worked hard, Lloyd.”

It wasn’t just Lloyd. Everyone had taken on part of what Cain used to do, keeping his place for his return.

Jane looked around at those gathered.

Everything was falling back into place. The bustling capital had calmed down, and citizens were returning to their daily lives. The Reconstruction Committee was preparing for its disbandment ceremony.

Jane felt she had done as much as she could. She had lent a hand in carrying out her parents’ wishes.

So now it was time to live as Jane, leaving behind Whitney and Hastings.

“Goodbye, everyone.”

Jane bid farewell cheerfully. Tears didn’t suit the threshold of a vibrant future.

“What should I tell Cain?”

“Tell him to come find us well.”

“Without an address? Without any promise?”

Lloyd smiled bitterly, saying it was too cruel. Norbert and Mary also seemed to inwardly hope that Jane would be more lenient towards Cain.

Cedric wedged himself between Lloyd and Jane.

“They’re both adults. They’ll figure it out. We should just support them, shouldn’t we?”

“We’re just sad. We don’t even know where the duchess is… What if we want to see her, want to contact her?”

Mary puffed out her cheeks. She was still cute even as she aged.

“I’m not a duchess, Mary.”

Mary pouted at Jane’s correction. The world was going to the dogs, she thought.

Like Mary, there were those who knew change was right but couldn’t accept it.

Especially the people of Somnium House, who sincerely respected and cared for Hastings, felt this way even more.

That’s why Jane had to leave.

So they could live a complete life beyond Hastings.

“I’ll come back with Cain.”

“When the young master, I mean, when the duke comes, I’ll have to scold him. I should tell him to find young master Joseph immediately, even if I have to spank him.”

“No, no spanking!”

Joseph, who had been listening to Mary’s words, opened his eyes wide. Everyone burst into laughter at the child’s innocent reaction.

The train let out a loud hiss of steam, announcing its imminent departure.

The smiles faded from people’s faces, and they exchanged regretful glances.

Jane held Joseph’s hand tightly and boarded the train. As they waved one last time, the two of them exuded a sense of unburdening.

* * *

Three years later, it was spring.

“Joseph! Is your mother home?”

A clerk who had recently been assigned to the neighborhood approached Joseph, who was reading a book on a mat spread out in the sunny yard.

In his hands were a bouquet of flowers and a storybook for Joseph.

Joseph wasn’t pleased to see him, but he stood up and greeted him first.

That was the gentlemanly thing to do.

“Hello, Mr. Stuart. What brings you here?”

Joseph knew why Stuart had come. Not just Stuart. All the young men who visited Jane and Joseph’s home had the same intentions.

“There’s a new welfare program I’d like to explain to your mother. I came to tell her about it. And I also brought you an interesting book as a gift.”

His awkward smile looked innocent. But Joseph knew the ulterior motive hidden behind that smile.

From Joseph’s perspective, at least.

“Mom went out.”

Just as he finished speaking, the front door opened behind Joseph.

“Joseph, it’s time for a snack… Oh, Mr. Stuart?”

Jane came out, oblivious to the situation. Joseph frowned deeply as he gathered his book and mat.

“Mom, I’m hungry.”

And before Stuart and Jane could even exchange greetings, he grabbed her hand.

“Alright, I baked some scones inside.”

“Let’s go together. I have something to tell you.”

“I’ll just ask Mr. Stuart why he’s here and come right in. Go on ahead.”

“I want to stay here.”

Joseph stood guard-like by Jane’s side.

Another futile attempt today, it seemed.

Stuart had come to ask Jane out on a date, but he had already repeated this several times without success.

This time, he didn’t want to leave empty-handed.

He was determined to succeed today.

Stuart steeled himself and his lips quivered.

Asking for a date in front of a child was difficult even for Stuart, who had come with a firm resolve.

“Mr. Stuart?”

Jane tilted her head when he remained silent. At that moment, Stuart’s heart sank.

Jane was perfectly suited to be called an angel.

Beautiful and wise.

Although she had a ten-year-old child clinging to her like a lump, that wasn’t even a flaw.

There were plenty of people who wouldn’t mind suddenly having a ten-year-old son if they could just go on one date with Jane.

Stuart was one of those people.

“Mom, I’m hungry.”

Joseph tugged at Jane’s hand. Jane smiled and looked at Stuart.

“If it’s not urgent.”

Could she be inviting him in?

Stuart’s face brightened for a moment.

“I’ll visit your office next time.”

Stuart’s face hardened as if he had never smiled.

The reason why there were no rumors of Jane dating despite receiving countless courtships from men was not only because of Joseph the guard but also because of a wall.

That wall was Jane’s iron defense.

Jane drew a line with those who showed interest in her to an almost pathological degree.

“Take care on your way back, Mr. Stuart.”

Jane nodded slightly and was about to go inside. Feeling anxious, Stuart grabbed Jane.

“Um, Ms. Jane!”

Jane half-turned to look at him. Her wide-open eyes had jewels embedded in them.

Beautiful.

Lost in admiration of her face, he suddenly came to his senses.

“Well, that is…”

Jane waited patiently for Stuart to speak.

“If you have time, would you like to have dinner with… I mean, not that I have any other intentions… I just happened to get a restaurant voucher. Um, Ms. Jane?”

Stuart very difficultly conveyed the purpose of his visit.

Jane listened quite seriously. But that was only for the first few words.

At some point, Jane’s eyes became distant, and she stared past Stuart’s shoulder rather than at him.

“Ms. Jane?”

Stuart’s voice didn’t seem to reach her.

What on earth did she see?

Stuart turned his head, following Jane’s gaze.

A tall man was walking up the modest hill. He was a man with a long, slender build and a handsome face.

‘I think I’ve seen him in the newspaper before, but who was it?’

As Stuart tilted his head in confusion, it happened.

A sound of stifled sobs was heard. Jane covered her mouth with her hand. That hand became wet with tears.

And Joseph brushed past Stuart like the wind.

“Father!”

“Father?”

Stuart’s eyes widened.

If he was Joseph’s father, then he was Hastings.

He was the unfaltering hawk of the Strain Kingdom, and one of those who had opened the door for the country now renamed Barcel.

But he was said to be under house arrest.

And people had been gossiping that he and Jane were completely over, but was that not true?

While Stuart was confused, the touching reunion between father and son took place.

“Joseph.”

Cain skillfully lifted Joseph as he ran towards him. Joseph buried his face in Cain’s shoulder and cried loudly.

“Sob, F-Father, you’re, you’re too late, sniff.”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Joseph.”

Cain apologized, ruffling the child’s fluffy hair.

“When, when Father wasn’t here, men kept… to Mom…”

Joseph hadn’t shown it, but he had been anxious watching men court Jane.

Afraid that Jane might abandon Cain and choose another man.

Knowing this anxiety, Jane had drawn a firm line.

Joseph’s unspoken anxiety burst out upon meeting Cain.

Deep wrinkles formed between Cain’s brows.

Joseph hoped Cain would grab Stuart by the collar and throw him away right then and there.

However, unexpected words flowed from Cain’s mouth.