Back then, he was truly a quiet and reserved little dog, but somehow, he had grown into a capable butler who handled both household and external affairs with ease. Although he still gets nervous when the sisters gather around him, just like in those days.

Feeling a sense of contrast, Ivy shook her head alone. Then, returning to reality, she concluded what she was saying.

“Anyway, the culprit of this incident is Marquis. So, revenge should also be directed at the Marquis.”

At Ivy’s mischievous prod, Dias played with the broken teacup fragment and let out a deep sigh.

“The situation has become more complicated.”

“Aren’t you angry?”

“There’s no reason to be angry.”

“Oh, right after a breakup, you probably don’t have the leisure to be angry. I understand. You need time.”

“…As I’ve said before, I don’t like teacups. Please refrain from joking if you’re going to keep doing it.”

Dias let out another sigh at Ivy’s consecutive teasing.
He did indeed cherish the teacups he collected with his own hands, but unlike what Ivy and the maids insinuated, he had never considered that weapon-like teacup shard as a lover.

Moreover, despite his unpleasant past as a hunting dog, Dias was a fairly rational person. So, instead of secretly deciding to kill Marquis who had damaged the heirloom, he quietly regretted the things I had intended to keep being swept away by the flames.

In this way, the very ordinary Dias carefully preserved the teacup fragment Ivy brought him. Then, as he calmly recalled the story Ivy told him, he commented.

“The Marquis’s affairs are problematic, but not being able to find the culprit who cast the curse is also a big issue.”

“Yeah, I thought the saint might be the culprit.”

Ivy responded nonchalantly. However, deep down, her heart was subtly pricked.

Ivy hadn’t told Dias yet. That the culprit who cast the curse might be someone from a different time. Because to say that, she had to start with the complex story of whether the Count Laurel and the astrologer were the same person.

Even though Ivy usually talked endlessly to Dias about almost everything, for some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to say this.

So, while Ivy was lost in thought, Dias spoke up.

“Besides, it’s doubtful whether we can believe the Marquis’s claims without suspicion. He might not lie due to his pride, but anyway, he opposes you becoming a saint.”

“That’s true.”

Ivy nodded obediently, hiding her inner thoughts. But Dias, her sharp butler, sensed something unusual in this appearance.

For some reason, Dias, who was usually calm and reserved, looked at Ivy with a puzzled expression.

A few days ago, Ivy would have responded more vehemently, saying something like, “That’s right, it’s suspicious, we can’t just believe what that person says!” But now, after attending the festival with the Marquis, Ivy seemed to growl less towards the Marquis. In the past, she would have returned and criticized the Marquis’s arrogance and stubbornness, but not this time.

“Was the Marquis cooperative in Tienda?”

“He wasn’t too bad. Why?”

“It seems like you trust the Marquis quite a bit.”

Ivy waved her hand with a face that said it was absurd to consider that. Although she had made up her mind to be straightforward, Dias, who had been with Ivy for the past two years, wasn’t fooled. Rather than being deceived, he questioned her with a strange intuition.

“Is there something you’re hiding from me?”

“Yes, there’s a story I don’t want to tell, so I’m hiding it. …I still can’t get used to this curse.”

After bluntly pouring out her true feelings in response to the butler’s question, Ivy complained with dim eyes, as if the anger had now dissipated. Then, she quickly apologized to Dias, who was staring at her.

“Don’t misunderstand. It’s a bit complicated, and I haven’t sorted it out yet. I’ll tell you when it’s somewhat organized.”

“Sorted out?”

However, even this excuse didn’t work on the butler.

Sorted out? When did you sort things out and tell me?
Dias recalled the usual Ivy who used to follow him around, murmuring random things.

But now, what’s with the sudden seriousness?

Observing Ivy’s unusual attitude, Dias clenched his fist while feigning sleep. Then, in a lowered voice, he asked.

“What happened with the Marquis?”

“A lot happened. We had drinks together, and when I pretended to sleep while hugging, I also borrowed his bed for a few hours.”

In response to the butler’s question, Ivy cheerfully listed her mischievous deeds. Then, she clicked her tongue.

Until recently, Ivy felt a bit embarrassed but still confident. Although the expression might be a bit odd, the words weren’t incorrect, and she hadn’t done anything wrong. So, she thought it was okay.

However, unlike this nonchalant Ivy, Dias’s expression changed upon hearing Ivy’s words.

The obedient butler, who had become submissive, suddenly opened his eyes slightly and stared silently at Ivy.

“Well, why?”

As Dias’s atmosphere changed, Ivy twitched reflexively and retorted angrily.

Even in the silent and reserved puppy-like days, Dias, who had become a competent butler, was always calm.

However, occasionally, very occasionally, he became terrifying like that. It was when Ivy had no choice but to scold him without room for excuses.

But Ivy thought there was no reason to scold herself, so she boldly faced Dias without fear.

With his fist clenched, Dias scrutinized Ivy for a while. Then, in a voice heavier than usual, he asked.

“Did you hide something from me?”

“No, there’s something else I’m hiding. Wait a moment, I’ll tell you when it’s organized.”

“Organized?”

However, even this excuse didn’t work on the butler.

Organized? When did you organize things and tell me?

Despite Ivy’s resistance and refusal, Dias continued to question her.

So, cornered, Ivy overturned the single-seater sofa Dias was sitting on.

Bang! Due to the unexpected attack, even the unbeatable hunting dog was helpless and rolled around.

“Ugh, you…”

Dias, dumbfounded, tried to get up but suddenly shouted at Ivy, who was leaving.

“Where are you going?”

“Nowhere! I’m just running away!”

Ignoring Dias, who was left behind, Ivy, feeling the repercussions of her own blunt remarks, groaned. Then, she went outside, leaving Dias sitting on the floor, staring blankly at her.

It was the first time. Ivy, who always pretended to be strong in any situation, was so clearly flustered.

In this uneasy atmosphere, Dias pondered Ivy’s words.

It’s clear something happened with the Marquis. This uncomfortable certainty sank into his eyes.