The moment of regret is already irreversible.

Relationships are like sandcastles, meticulously built, yet prone to collapse with just one high tide.

It was no exception even in parent-child relationships.

If you don’t always express and say that you are thinking and doing things for someone, how can they know?

When Elodi mentioned earlier that she had something to say, Temis finally thought the time had come.

“…I’m going to become independent.”

The confession Elodi made in the past.

Temis could not forget the expression Elodi had at that time.

It was an empty gaze, devoid of any expectations, like worn-out eyes that had once sought affection but at some point stopped desiring anything.

Since when?

The time when the surface, worn, gnawed, and eroded, had lost even the moment when this child stopped wanting anything.

Temis didn’t want to imagine how many wounds she had received until the decision to become independent was made with indifference.

Temis himself was the one who made Elodi like this.

‘Even though I knew it shouldn’t be left like this.’

Even if promises were made not to pay attention to the child’s existence, it shouldn’t have been like this.

In fact, he thought it was already too late, but he felt he had to do something.

But Sylvester…

“I wish you’d stop this story.”

Once again, he casually brushed off Temis’s words as if they were insignificant.

If someday Elodi speaks about independence, how will this man react?

Temis hoped he would bitterly regret his past choices and feel the pain of not making any effort for relationship progress due to his unfamiliarity with emotional expression.

That was the reason for the contradictory feelings of hoping Elodi wouldn’t become independent while also wishing for her independence.

Temis recalled Elodi’s recent unusual behavior.

It all started when she suddenly tried to make a deal with me, claiming her abilities had developed.

I accepted the deal because she offered to bring an antidote for any poison, but as soon as I found out that the condition was to be poisoned, I made her stop immediately.

‘She doesn’t seem to be poisoned these days.’

Temis kept a watchful eye on Elodi, afraid she might secretly use her powers.

However, apart from occasionally looking tired, there were no unusual signs.

Apart from that, Elodi Ferdia had become the most interesting topic in social circles lately.

The first prince and the separation. Moreover, the first prince claimed he himself was separated.

Since Temis did not attend the magic tower reception, he only learned about the incident as a knight.

“I hear Elodi is constantly receiving invitations these days. Do you know?”

“I heard from the steward.”

“If serious people approach her, what will you do?”

“Dare.”

In just one word, many meanings were implied.

The back duke was undoubtedly making his moves again.
“That would be good if you make it a bit obvious.”

Anyway, he was an honest man. But no matter how many times I say it, he won’t change his attitude, so I kept my mouth shut.

After taking a sip of tea, Temis brought up another topic.

“When do you plan to bring Kahl to the capital?”

“Not yet. It’s his prime time, so I told him to relieve stress there.”

Temis had no objection to Kahl’s treatment.

Since he possessed extensive offensive abilities, it would be better for him to use his skills against demons.

‘It would be nice if he matured a bit.’

Cultivate some patience.

But Temis’s wish was in vain.

Carrying the remaining gift box, I arrived at the front of Yanzy’s bedroom in the main mansion.

Carefully knocking, intending to deliver the gift quickly and leave, I asked, “Yanzy, are you inside?”

After a few seconds, the door creaked open.

“……Lily?”

Yanzy looked momentarily surprised as he saw me. It seemed like he didn’t expect me to be here.

Whether he hurriedly opened the door or not, Yanzy, who usually maintained a compulsively neat appearance, looked somewhat disheveled compared to usual.

Untidy hair or a few shirt buttons unbuttoned, unlike his usually meticulously arranged appearance.

“What’s the matter, no, do you want to come in first?”

“Uh, can I come in?”

“Of course.”

Although I initially planned to deliver the gift and quickly leave, I accepted Yanzy’s invitation, considering that rejecting it might disturb Yanzy’s feelings.

‘Come to think of it, it’s the first time I’ve entered Yanzy’s bedroom.’

In fact, I had never entered Carl’s bedroom either.

There was no need to visit each other since there was no interaction between us.

As much as there was no need to visit, I didn’t know he would invite me in so readily.

Yanzy’s bedroom, which I entered for the first time, was as desolate as if Yanzy had been moved here as is. There were no ordinary decorations in the bedroom, only the essential furniture.

‘I wonder if he’d like a pink cushion here for no reason.’

It would be fun to have a randomly placed pink cushion in this somewhat barren room.

Admiring the impulse to destroy the interior, I sat down on the sofa for a moment.