Norbert did not know much about the information related to the Rose Faction.

Until just now, he thought the information had been leaked from the Hastings family, but after hearing Norbert’s words, he suddenly thought it might not be the case.

Cain tends to issue deployment orders close to departure time. So the Black Hawks prepare to deploy at any time, even when sleeping.

Therefore, there is little possibility that the Hastings family passed information to the Rose Faction after the deployment order was issued.

Rather, it was more likely that the information was leaked by someone who knew in advance how he would move.

There were set times when Cain would raid the Rose Faction. When he obtained information that the Rose Faction was moving locations or when they committed a crime that could not be overlooked.

‘Like today.’

Then, who could have the information about when Cain would move?

Himself, the Queen, and.

‘The Carelina County.’

Cain’s eyes flashed.

Cain’s suspicions became more concrete. However, he did not conclude that the Carelina County was the culprit who leaked the information.

Because the motive was weak.

There was no reason for Count Carelina, who should capture the Rose Faction, to release information in advance to help them.

And it was unclear whether it was Scarlet’s independent action or Count Carelina’s intention.

He needs to dig deeper.

“Call Nathan for me.”

Cain remembered that he had previously instructed Nathan to investigate Scarlet’s side.

The face that was happy about having a day off today came to mind, but he thought he could make up for it later with a hefty bonus.

“Understood. By the way, Your Excellency, how about visiting the Tuo Ranch?”

“Hm?”

Norbert hesitated before speaking.

“We received a call from the lady 30 minutes ago. She said it’s difficult to choose a horse, and asked if we could send the Hastings family’s stable keeper. It seems she’s quite concerned since it’s Master Joseph’s first horse.”

“We can send someone.”

“Rather than that, how about you go yourself, Your Excellency?”

Cain raised one eyebrow.

Even though he knew full well that what Cain needed was rest, Norbert found it difficult to shake off the scene of a happy family he had imagined.

“Your first horse was also chosen by the late Duke, wasn’t it?”

Norbert admired Cain for excellently fulfilling his duties as a duke.

He knew he should be grateful for that alone. But Norbert hoped that he would also enjoy the joy of being the head of a warm family.

As the past Dukes of Hastings had done.

“That’s enough. I’m sure she’ll manage well on her own.”

Cain headed upstairs without any sign of consideration. Then he inadvertently turned his head and spotted the portrait of the late Duke of Hastings.

Perhaps because of Norbert’s words, the image of his father gifting him a horse came to mind.

Even his voice was clear, as if whispering in his ear.

Cain sighed.

Honestly, he wondered if he should go this far for Joseph, who wasn’t even his own child.

He was very tired and had a headache because of the Rose Faction.

“The young master is still young, isn’t he? He needs his parents’ care at this age.”

Norbert said.

Cain turned around, rubbing the nape of his neck.

“Go to Tuo Ranch. There’s no time, so I’ll go on horseback. As for Nathan.”

Cain, who had been hesitating, opened his mouth.

“No need to call him.”

Cain went back down the stairs without waiting for Norbert’s response. Norbert watched his retreating figure with a pleased expression.

* * *

“Th-there are so many horses! White horses, brown horses, black horses! There are even baby horses! I-I gave them sugar!”

Joseph, who had just finished the tour, chattered away to Jane about what he had seen and heard as soon as he entered the office.

Jane nodded repeatedly, making eye contact with Joseph.

In doing so, she had to swallow the questions she wanted to ask Cedric.

After listening to Joseph’s story until he calmed down from his excitement, Jane handed him a glass of milk when he had settled down somewhat.

Joseph quickly emptied the glass of milk, apparently thirsty from all the talking.

Jane wiped the milk off Joseph’s mouth with a handkerchief.

“So, did you find a horse you like?”

“N-no. I-I don’t know. Th-they’re all amazing!”

“I thought that might be the case, so I invited someone to give advice.”

“Is it that mister?”

Joseph pointed at Cedric, who was smiling brightly at him.

“No, someone from the Hastings family will come.”

“Wh-who?”

“Who do you think it might be? Who would you like it to be?”

Jane was curious too. She had asked Norbert to send someone who knew about horses well, so she just assumed a stable hand would come.

“F-father!”

Jane’s heart sank.

Cain wouldn’t come because he was busy, and she worried about how disappointed the child would be.

Not knowing this, Joseph chattered excitedly, swinging his feet.

“I-I hope he comes soon. I-I want to ride a horse. My horse.”

Even though he hadn’t even learned horseback riding yet, Joseph’s enthusiasm came first. Jane stroked his head as if to encourage him.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

“Looks like they’re here, Joseph.”

Joseph’s eyes curved like bows.

Joseph stamped his feet as if he might dash out at any moment. His eyes sparkled like stars, full of anticipation.

“Come in.”

As soon as Jane gave permission, the door opened. Jane, who had been watching the doorway, was startled. An entirely unexpected figure appeared.

“Cain?”

No matter how many times she blinked, it was him.

“F-father?”

Joseph’s mouth fell open. Joseph hadn’t expected Cain to come either.

But Cain had appeared!

Joseph’s face brightened. It felt like receiving a gift when it wasn’t even his birthday.

Cain raised his hand in a simple greeting. Then he noticed Cedric sitting next to Jane with a pleased smile. Deep wrinkles formed between his brows.

“Did I interrupt the three of you having a pleasant time?”

“Cain, what are you saying?”

Jane approached Cain as if to restrain him from his sharp tone. Her steps were too slow. Feeling impatient, Cain grabbed Jane’s arm.

Cain firmly held Jane’s waist to prevent her from falling as she was suddenly pulled towards him, and whispered.

“Be careful, Jane. People might misunderstand if they see.”

Jane glared at Cain. The misunderstanding he spoke of was likely some kind of salacious rumor.

“That’s why you should behave properly.”

As Jane was about to say something in disbelief, Cain let go of her and picked up Joseph.

“Joseph, shall we go choose a horse?”

“Yes, F-father!”

He left abruptly, carrying Joseph. Leaving behind the bewildered Jane and Cedric, who had been observing the three of them.

* * *

Cain carried Joseph around the ranch. He taught Joseph how to choose a healthy horse.

Joseph listened attentively to Cain’s explanations and pointed at this horse and that horse. Then Cain would confirm whether it was a good horse or not.

Joseph would smile brightly at Cain’s judgments, or droop his eyebrows.

“The best way to choose a good horse is to ride it yourself, Joseph.”

Joseph listened to Cain’s words intently, as if he would write them down if he had paper and a pen.

“Joseph, I think we’ve seen enough now. Shall we start choosing a horse?”

After carrying Joseph around the ranch once, Cain said this, and Joseph asked with an expectant face.

“M-me?”

“Of course. It’s the horse you’ll be riding.”

When Cain was young, his father chose a horse for him directly. At the time, he was just happy to receive a gift and didn’t realize, but looking back now, he thought it would have been better if he had chosen the horse himself.

So he gave Joseph the opportunity. That’s why he took the trouble to walk around the ranch together, observing the horses directly.

Anyway, until he got used to horses, he would have to ride a pony, and that pony had already been selected, but still.

“It’s t-too difficult.”

Joseph hung his head low.

Horses were quite expensive.

What if the horse he chose was just shiny on the outside, but sick or not a good horse?

Joseph was afraid. Joseph raised his head to gauge Cain’s thoughts. Cain’s firm jaw came into view.

Cain didn’t seem to have any intention of reversing his decision.

The child didn’t want to fail. He wanted to choose a good horse as Cain had taught him and receive praise.

But as he was rolling his eyes around, unsure of himself, he spotted Jane.

“M-m-mother!”

Jane, who had been quietly following the father and son, startled.

She had been thinking about Cedric’s words regarding the deaths of Count and Countess Whitney, and the strange atmosphere that had surrounded Cain when he first arrived at the office.

“Hm? What did you say, Joseph?”

“M-mother should choose a horse too!”

“No, mother is fine.”

‘This isn’t good…’

Joseph’s face was full of embarrassment as he had intended to hear Jane’s opinion.

“Th-then, mother, can’t you ride a horse?”

“I can ride a horse, but…”

“Wow, r-really? I want to see!”

Joseph showed his excitement by clapping his small hands together.

I don’t understand the intention behind the tiny child’s actions.

Does he want to ride a horse?

Jane said to Cain.

“Why don’t you let him ride a horse?”

“N-no!”

Joseph waved his short arms vigorously in refusal.

“M-mother has to ride!”

As Joseph suddenly threw a tantrum, Cain frowned and Jane opened her eyes wide.

“Joseph, Jane is wearing a dress. The road isn’t good either, so it’s better not to ride today.”

When Cain admonished in a low voice, Joseph pouted his lips. He looked like he might burst into tears at any moment.

Cain had only spoken in the same tone he uses with others, but the child probably felt like he was very angry.

“Cain, wait a moment. Let me talk with Joseph.”

Jane opened her arms towards Joseph. Joseph struggled immediately to go to Jane.

However, Cain firmly supported Joseph’s back and didn’t hand him over.

Instead, he lowered his gaze to Jane’s slender wrist.