With the confident response of the Count, the tightness around the Empress’s lips finally loosened. Then, she picked up the teacup, where steam was rising.

“It is truly reassuring to have the Count.”

The Empress, who consumed the tea with a dignified figure, slowly put down the cup and spoke.

“By the way, the Count’s life is truly robust. I thought he might not renew his life for a few more years. Now that he has become so healthy.”

Ilay’s life was much more robust than his own mother’s. The Empress recalled the young Ilay before he left the palace.

The appearance that was so emaciated that only bones were left and the bright red eyes that shone with intelligence were now lifeless. He was a prince who could die at any moment.

‘And the Count became healthy?’

Not only did he become healthy, but he had also matured into a completely different person. The Empress tapped the end of the teacup with her hand.

‘I should have eliminated him before leaving the palace…’

It should have been dealt with on her own terms before leaving for the Heidern territory after receiving the title of Duke.

Due to the overlapping ceremonies with Ilay’s imperial ascension, she had to endure it because she couldn’t cause turmoil.

‘That boy has grown up to show his claws like this.’

Ilay was no longer the young prince who would cower and lower his body. He had become a sturdy man who could thrust a sharp blade into Count Leolord’s and Ilay’s necks.

“What would you like to do, Your Majesty?”

The Empress raised her head at the voice that broke the silence. Then, without any hesitation, she answered.

“Get rid of him.”

Even if it was just a small spark. It was right to eliminate it before it turned into a great disaster before it came back.

“As always, Your Majesty.”

It had been two weeks since Akiya left for the capital. Today, too, Lea was leaning against the window frame lost in deep thought.

“Sigh…”

A small sigh that burst from her tiny mouth mingled with the wind. Until when should she endure this?

Despite having fully recovered from her injuries, she couldn’t move a muscle in bed due to the excessive protection from her grandfather and the mansion residents.

The only outing she could manage was taking a walk in the garden.

Still, living like a greenhouse flower didn’t suit her at all. Lea suddenly recalled what Dmitry had said a few days ago.

“A life as the beloved of the Count…”

After a few days of receiving people’s excessive protection, she realized. She was more suited to living as the apothecary than the beloved of the Count.
“I should have just followed the Duke at that time…”

Lea mumbled while propping her chin with her hand. Then, the Duke’s words before he left came to her mind.

“I won’t come back.”

Lea, who had been bothered by Akiya’s last words, whispered.

“What’s with that statement? It’s like you won’t see each other again…”

Seeing the Duke’s figure, as if bidding farewell. She couldn’t speak, and her mouth remained silent.

“Disgusting.”

The more she thought about that word, the more Akiya seemed disgusting. Of course, she understood the shock he felt suddenly being attacked.

But he should protect her by his side. Instead, he tried to distance himself without being able to do so.

‘If Akiya doesn’t come back to Belarus like this…’

“What’s the problem? I can go to the capital!”

Yes. It was better to take action than to sit here waiting helplessly. Her body was almost completely healed now. It would be okay to start preparing to go to the capital slowly.

‘I should stick close enough that it’s annoying when I go to the capital.’

With a determined expression, Lea clenched her fist and left the room. She intended to convey her intentions to her grandfather before going up to the capital.

Lea, who arrived in front of the study without realizing it, knocked on the door. The Duke’s voice inviting her in was heard at the end of the brief knock.

Between the opening doors, Duke Belarus, who was sitting at the desk and organizing documents, came into view.

He entered the study and took a seat on the opposite side when Lea sat in the center on the sofa.

“Are you feeling better? If you had called, I would have gone.”

“I’m fine now. Please don’t worry. More importantly, I came to tell Grandfather something.”

“To me?”

As Lea sat in the center, the Duke approached and took a seat on the opposite side.

“According to the doctor, long-distance travel is possible as long as I don’t overdo it. So, I’m thinking of returning to the capital… Would you allow it?”

But contrary to her expectations, Dmitry didn’t say anything.

“Is it because of Duke Heidern?”

When Lea raised her head, her gaze met Dmitry’s gaze, which was staring at her with a grim expression. Dmitry’s pupils were darkened as if he already knew.

Lea nodded.

“Yes. I feel uneasy that the Duke went to the capital alone. In fact, the Duke’s body hasn’t fully recovered yet, and also…”

“It’s not allowed.”

“…Excuse me?”

Lea’s eyes widened as Dmitry opposed, unlike her expectations.

“Heidern Duke asked me for a favor. He asked me to request you to separate from him. Please, don’t linger around him. ”

“Why…”

He continued his words with a gloomy look.

“I didn’t think you would consider the reason you were attacked a simple accident.”

She also vaguely knew. That the reason she was attacked was related to Akiya.