“I had never thought about such a thing. It was surprising enough that someone other than me had come here.

But what if that someone becomes Gillian’s ally, as Sikar claims?! Then all plans may go awry, and who knows what might happen.

“Looking at the fact that there hasn’t been any unusual movement from Gillian’s side so far, it doesn’t seem like such a thing has happened yet, so don’t be overly worried. I’ll make sure to investigate.”

Kian came in with an awkward face, as if asking what had happened.

“Mother. Master had an urgent matter and left early, what happened?”

“It’s not a bad thing, just something to attend to.”

“If that’s the case, it’s a relief. I was worried because Master left without having dinner, wondering what might be going on.”

It might be due to my mood, but Kian seemed to subtly cast a glance towards Sikar as he spoke.

And Sikar, as if it was irrelevant to him, shrugged his shoulders.

It seemed like Sikar and Kian were back to square one, a subtle tension between them apparent.

After all, I might need to ask Kian whether he still feels a chill from Sikar even after Seokchan.

While enjoying Seokchan, Kian and Sikar seemed to get along well. It was probably my imagination that there was tension between them, as much as it seemed.

Still, just to be sure, it would be good to ask Kian.

After the meal, I asked Kian subtly,

“Kian. Do you still feel a chill from the Duke these days?”

Seeing Kian sigh before answering, it seemed like he still harbored some unpleasant feelings, making me a little anxious.

“I hope you can be honest.”

“I still don’t feel warmth from the Duke.”

I see. That’s how it is. So, he still shows hostility.

“But…”

“But?”

“I don’t feel cold either.”

“So you don’t feel anything?”

Kian scratched my cheek with a somewhat embarrassed look.

“A little. I can feel a very slight warmth.”

A slight warmth! Where is that! Sikar has opened up so much to Kian. I felt a sense of relief.

I was quite surprised internally, but smiling at Kian as if expecting it, I said,

“It seems like your relationship with the Duke has really improved. Now I can relax too.”

Kian, seeming immensely happy himself, nestled into my arms.

“I’m so happy that Mother can relax too.”

“Well, then shall we sleep together after a long time? Since you’re all grown up, should I act a bit like a mother?”

When I made a hesitant expression, Kian, as if denying it outright, widened his eyes and said,

“Oh, no! Not at all. I haven’t grown up yet. Mother! I also want to sleep with you after a long time.”
For the past three years, I used to put Kian to sleep every day, but since this year when Kian turned 10, I no longer put Kian to sleep every night.

In this place, being 10 years old is equivalent to being a middle school student in modern terms.

So now, even though I thought Kian might dislike it since he’s grown up, I was secretly grateful and happy that Kian still likes my embrace.

Initially, when I tried to improve the relationship between Sikar and Kian, I wasn’t sure if Sikar, who had never given his heart to anyone in his entire life, could open his heart to Kian. I only thought I would do my best.

But now that he finally doesn’t feel the cold, I can truly feel a little relieved.

If I manage to lift Sikar’s curse from now on, my goal here would be completely achieved.

I hope both Kian and Sikar will have an even better time until then.

And next time, I hope their relationship becomes even more intimate, where heat can be felt instead of warmth.

Sikar sat on his study sofa, stroking his tousled hair.

Duryeon, still wearing a rabbit headband, scratched his cheek and waited for Sikar’s words as if watching his reaction.

Bika, yawning with a tired face, looked at the rabbit headband on Duryeon’s head and said,

“Why are you still wearing that?”

Duryeon smiled awkwardly and gently touched the rabbit ears attached to his headband.

“The young master said I look cute wearing it. And the twin young misses seem to like my appearance.”

Bika opened her mouth as if finding it pathetic.

“So, do you feel good hearing that praise?”

“Of course. People are naturally weak to compliments.”

Then, looking at Duryeon, who laughed shyly, Bika clicked her tongue.

“It’s so disgusting.”

At that moment, Sikar broke the silence and looked up.

“Bika.”

His low, resonant voice seemed to ripple through the air.

“Speak.”

“Bika, find out if there’s another person with black pupils like Yura. And Duryeon, continue to look for Veronia.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Unlike Duryeon, who followed orders without any questions, Bika couldn’t stand her curiosity and stared at Sikar’s face with a face that she couldn’t endure.

“When you give an order, at least explain what it’s about first before feeding it to us. What’s going on?”

“Actually, Yura is a person from another dimension.”

Duryeon and Bika looked at each other with bewildered eyes, then turned their gaze back to Sikar.

“Another dimension?”

“Yeah. To put it briefly, people from that place can see the future.”