However, he was obsessed with the idea that Lea must be the daughter of Ariel just because she resembled her.

‘Unless it’s because she resembles Lady Ariel?’

With a chilling feeling in his heart, Akia gripped the glass tightly.

‘Who does this senile old man dare to…’

Flames sparked in his eyes as he looked at Duke Belarus.

“Thank you for inviting me to the meal.”

“Well, did the food suit your taste?”

“Yes. Everything was excellent.”

The winding mealtime had come to an end.

Lea, who found Dmitry somewhat difficult when she started eating, was now comfortably engaged in conversation.

‘He’s quite pleasant, contrary to what I thought.’

Lea looked at Dmitry with a warm smile.

‘I heard rumors that he’s strict and frightening.’

The wariness towards Duke Belarus, who spoke to her like a granddaughter, began to fade away.

“Miss Lea. You’ve had your meal. Would you like to have a cup of tea with me?”

“Tea?”

Lea glanced cautiously at Akia, who had been looking somewhat unpleasant since earlier.

And indeed, he was quietly sending a warning with his cold gaze.

‘No.’

With a short sigh, Lea, seemingly accepting it, spoke.

“I… I’m sorry. I have something urgent to attend to.”

“Well, then, there’s nothing we can do. The old man shouldn’t take away the time of busy young people.”

“Thank you for understanding. We will take our leave then.”

As Akia was about to leave the dining room in a hurry with Lea, Dmitry, with lowered eyelids, whispered quietly.

“The weather is nice today. When Lady Ariel was alive, we used to stroll in the garden on days like this…”

Although it was a quiet murmur, it was clearly conveyed to both of them. Moreover, it was an incredibly poignant voice that anyone could resonate with.

In response to Dmitry’s words, Lea, whose heart had softened, met the gaze of Duke Belarus. Her eyes seemed to ask if she should really go back to her room now.

‘Darn.’

Akia cursed inwardly.

“I understand. Then, let’s take a walk together…”

“Your Grace Heydern.”

Just as Lea was about to say that they would go for a walk with Duke Belarus, the butler approached, addressing Akia.
“What’s the matter?”

“There’s something urgent you need to come see.”

“…For me?”

“Yes.”

What urgent matter could there be for him, a guest, in this place? Akia’s face twisted with a hint of annoyance.

“Oh, there seems to be something urgent. In that case, you can join us later. I’ll go for a walk with Miss Lea.”

Duke Belarus also smiled, seemingly delighted by the situation.

Was Akia’s expression freezing in the face of Dmitry, who looked like a helpless worm, just a misconception?

“No, it’s okay. Butler, I’ll come see you soon.”

Akia, who let out a deep sigh, muttered quietly.

“What? You said it’s urgent. Go ahead.”

At Lea’s words, which stabbed unknowingly into his heart, Akia let out a chuckle. In the end, he had no choice but to follow Button.

“Even last night, I felt it, but the garden is really beautiful.”

“My daughter really liked roses.”

The two stood in the rose garden. Duke Belarus looked content as he watched Lea, who was breathing in the scent of roses.

“Lady Ariel must have been truly happy during her lifetime. Because you, kind Duke, were her father.”

“Unfortunately, it seems my daughter couldn’t be happy. Seeing her leave my side… this mansion might have felt suffocating to the free-spirited child.”

“Duke…”

As if recalling old memories, shadows fell on Duke Belarus’s face.

Dmitry, whose eyes had become moist without anyone noticing, took out the handkerchief Lea had and handed it to the Duke.

“Oh, I made a fool of myself in front of a young lady.”

“A fool? I’m fine.”

Lea waved her hand, denying it. Seeing her like that, Duke Belarus, with a touch of emotion, smiled warmly.

“Young lady, you are so kind.”

With the handkerchief, he wiped away the tears that had gathered in his eyes, gazing affectionately at Lea.

“So, I have a small favor to ask of Miss Lea… Could you, by any chance, stay a little longer in the mansion?”

“Huh? In the mansion?”

“Yes.”

With a gaze that could not be refused, he asked Lea.

“…I.”

Knowing that Duke Belarus was searching for the image of his deceased daughter in her, Lea couldn’t answer rashly.

What did it matter that he used to be a Duke who ruled the Empire?

Now, he was just a pitiful father left alone after sending his child ahead.

Feeling parental affection for the first time from him. Was this the warm love parents give? Lea’s heart became heavy.

‘Well, staying a few days should be fine.’

Feeling her heart weaken, Lea smiled faintly at Dmitry.

“I’ll talk to Duke.”