When Yurik entered, Yune ran towards him. Yurik, without saying a word, gently patted her head.

“You’re back?”

“Yes, Mother. Father.”

After greeting his parents, Yurik turned towards me. Until Yurik entered university, our schools were close, and we often met, but it became challenging after that. The last time I saw Yurik was probably about six months ago.

“Hello, Yurik.”

“Hello, Rezhe.”

We awkwardly exchanged greetings. Unlike me, who avoided eye contact, Yurik stared at my face piercingly.

The moment his gaze moved away, the Duke spoke, initiating a conversation. Curious about his son’s life, the Duke bombarded Yurik with questions.

The meal was ready. As we entered the dining room, a table full of food greeted us. Yurik returning to the mansion seemed to have exhausted the chef.

After taking our seats, we tasted the warm dishes.

“I have a lot to ask, Yurik. Why are you quitting university? Did something happen?”

At the Duke’s inquiry, Yurik lowered his head.

“No. It just seemed like a waste of time.”

“Where is the waste in learning?”

“It was learning I didn’t want, Father.”

“…Well, then there’s nothing to be done.”

With Yurik’s firm words, the Duke did not press further. The lady nodded, understanding Yurik as if not scolding him.

“The problem is with Grandfather.”

“I’ve thought of a few excuses.”

Yurik said with a dark expression.

“Like what?”

“Being entangled in an investigation, having difficulties attending school, or having conflicts with professors. Various things.”

“Your grandfather is not an easy person. He will find out that everything is a lie.”

The Duke rubbed his chin, contemplating along with Yurik. Then, sitting next to me, Yune suddenly raised her hand.

“Oh, how about this? It’s a divine revelation! Tell Grandfather to quit university.”

“……. ”

“Well, if that doesn’t work, tell him you’ve discovered a secret about the university. For example, there are lots of corpses buried under the land where the university was built… or maybe there’s a hidden history buried beneath!”

It was a novel-like story.

At the seemingly logical yet unrealistic story, the lady burst into laughter. Then, the Duke laughed out loud. Yurik, seemingly perplexed, showed a forced smile, continuing the knife-playing scene.

Diverging from the atmosphere, Yune puffed air into her cheeks.

“I was serious.”

“Sure, Yune. It was a good idea.”
“I don’t know if Grandfather will be deceived, Yune.”

The lady and the Duke tried to console and agree with Yune, finding her cute.

Quitting university was a difficult decision. For myself, and for my parents as well. Yet, I envied the atmosphere where understanding prevailed without coercion or anger.

Even if my father resembled only half of the people at the Penton estate…

“He probably wouldn’t force me into marriage.”

But even today, my father will show me a portrait before falling asleep. And he will explain to me which man he finds suitable for me. Fear has already started to surface.

“Rezhe, are you okay?”

If my expression seemed serious, the lady asked.

“No. We are still a harmonious family. It’s enviable… and pleasing to see.”

“…”

The atmosphere fell silent at my words. Ah, I spoke incorrectly. I tried to justify myself belatedly, but the lady’s words were quicker.

“Rezhe, I consider you as my daughter. You are no different from our family.”

“Even if it’s just words, I appreciate it, madam.”

“Earlier, your father mentioned forcing you into marriage, right? Saying such things in front of you is a bit much, but the Duke can be a foolish person.”

“It’s okay. I also think my father is a foolish person. That’s why my mother left. I don’t have any feelings left for my father now. He also thinks of me as nothing more than his tool.”

The Duke and the lady looked at each other and nodded. Soon, the Duke spoke.

“Rather, Rezhe, if it’s too difficult, how about living with us?”

“…What?”

“I also consider you as a daughter, just like the lady. If you’re okay with it, I want to accept you, Rezhe, as my stepdaughter.”

I froze in place. It felt like an extraordinary statement had just come out of the Duke’s mouth. Not only had they treated me to such delicious food, but now they were offering to embrace me. Unsure if it was a joke or not, I didn’t know how to respond to such unexpected words.

Yune, next to me, enthusiastically agreed, expressing her joy. The lady also smiled kindly towards me.

Thud.

Yurik dropped the knife he was holding. At the same time, my mind flashed.

“…No, thank you. That doesn’t make sense.”

Yurik said with a pale face. Even though I didn’t expect it, Yurik’s swift rejection hit my heart like a blow. Still, in the Penton estate, Yurik was the closest and most compatible with me…

I didn’t expect him to reject me.

“…That’s right. It’s not easy to accept as a stepdaughter. Besides, despite my saying it’s difficult, Marson estate is quite decent. My father can’t treat me recklessly, and the brothers in Polon estate would rush to stop my father if he tried to harm me, right?”

The atmosphere became strange. Trying to maintain a smile, I spoke.

“I understand that it’s a difficult topic, Rezhe. Don’t think too deeply. In our Penton estate, you were always considered family. Everyone here is on your side. Do you understand?”

“Thank you, Duke. It really, truly gives me great strength.”

Even if it was just words.

I will love these people to the end.