During that time, Yune finished her ice cream, ordered another slice of cake and a drink.

“Invitations are the same. Suddenly, Father gives an invitation.”

“To participate in high society?”

“Yeah. Go out into society, make connections with other nobles, and all that. It sounds plausible, but in reality, it’s about bringing in a guy. The guys in society are all children of high families.”

The invitation is now on my desk. If I don’t go, Father will undoubtedly make unpleasant remarks every time he sees my face.

“Why not just go? Usually, young ladies debut into society around your age.”

“I don’t want to go. I don’t like getting involved in rumors.”

“Isn’t it better to show your face once? If you keep hiding, rumors about you will spread.”

Yune’s words were right. To save the remaining half-piece of cake, she put down the fork.

“It’s probably better to show your face at this society party. It’s not at the Royal Palace, right? Which mansion is hosting it?”

Where was it again?

While I was thinking, Yune couldn’t hold back and picked up the fork again.

“Oh, I remember.”

“Where?”

“It’s the Renault Marquisate. It’s located just above the HoSha Village.”

“Renault?!”

Yune dropped the fork she was holding. Seeing her widened eyes, I was also surprised and hugged my chest.

“Why, why are you like that?”

“Why, why?”

“Renounce Marquisate! You have to go! You must go to that society!”

She, who had no interest in parties or balls like me, said excitedly. Is there a treasure trove in the Renault Marquisate?

Yune put down the cake plate in front of her and took my hand.

“And I’m going with you!”

“You too?”

“Yes. Please, please!”

“You’re only twelve now.”

“Where’s the age limit for society? Even if there is one, I look older than other kids. Not quite an adult, but I might look similar to you.”

Her face looks so young.

“You can just put on makeup! You’ll look more mature with makeup!”

“Still…”

Mother will oppose it.

“Let’s keep it a secret from Mother! Just say we’re going out to play!”

“Have you learned the art of deception?”

“Sister. Beloved Rezhe sister!”

Yune came to my side and held my hand tightly. Although her height is similar to mine, her earnest eyes remained unchanged, and my heart quickly softened. In fact, it was cute, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“All right, let’s hear the reason.”

“The Renault Marquisate is very wealthy. If an auction is held, they’ll sweep everything away.”

“You want to see those auction items?”

“Yeah! They’re very famous items. Of course, the extremely precious ones will be stored away, but others will be displayed in the mansion. At least that’s what I heard.”

How could I refuse when she liked it so much?

“We were talking about the Renault Marquisate?”

“Oops!”

“Brother!”

Our screams echoed at the sound from behind. Ulric, who seemed to have no intention of teasing, awkwardly smiled and revealed himself.

“Sorry. I was just trying to greet you. But why the Renault Marquisate?”
“Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, it’s nothing! Renault Marquisate. My brother must have, well, misheard.”

Yune, gripping her heart, stammered, breaking into a cold sweat. It was evident that she was blatantly lying. Ulric found it suspicious and sat in the front, resting his chin on his hand, observing Yune.

“…I’ll get going now! Something came up. You two continue talking!”

“Just a moment, Yune…!”

In my confusion, I caught Yune, who had stood up. She forcefully removed my hand and leaned towards my ear.

“Do I really have to take her? In that case, I’ll persuade my brother too. Tell him to invite you as the daughter of the Penton family.”

“What?”

Before I could continue, Yune quickly slipped out of the terrace. With long legs and a swift pace, she reached quite a distance. Unbeknownst to me, Yune waved her hand vigorously towards me and Ulric.

“……”

“Would you like something to eat?”

As I initiated the conversation, Ulric nodded.

He ordered a refreshing lemon juice, and I opted for coffee. I tried to pay, but Ulric declined and took out his wallet first.

“Thanks for treating me.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“……”

“Am I still awkward to you?”

“…A little?”

Speaking honestly, Ulric smiled faintly. I thought he might be disappointed, but thankfully, that wasn’t the case.

“Don’t cater too much to Yune. Otherwise, she’ll ask for everything.”

“That’s fine. But where are you coming from?”

Ulric was currently dressed comfortably in training attire. Whether he had just taken a shower, his hair tips were damp, emitting a pleasant fragrance. In contrast, his white hands were full of bruises and scars.

It hurt just looking at it.

“You look hurt.”

“It’s nothing.”

“There should be a pharmacy nearby. Wait here; I’ll get some medicine.”

“It’s okay, Rezhe! Really!”

Ulric urgently grabbed my arm.

“……Then, would you like me to see your injuries again?”

He cautiously extended his injured hand towards me. Upon closer inspection, the bruise was more severe than I thought.

The bruised area had turned red, and there were calluses on his fingertips, not to mention numerous scratches.

“What exactly have you been doing?”

“It’s really nothing. So, can we stop touching it now…?”

“Ah, sorry! Did it hurt?”

Without waiting for Ulric’s response, I gulped down my drink. Despite the drink being cold, strangely, his face turned slightly pale.

“I’m undergoing training. It was the Violet Order of Knights before, but I retired under someone’s guidance.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I… want to become a knight, Rezhe.”

“……”

“I don’t want to spend time sitting at a desk. The world is dangerous, and crime rates are soaring. Instead of running away during uncertain times, I want to choose protecting, you know.”

Ulric said, holding his sword belt tightly.

“So, I’m learning swordsmanship and how to shoot. I’ve already started, and I want to reach the highest position. Later, I want the person by my side not to be ignored by anyone, to avoid harm from anyone.”

“You will surely reach the highest place, Ulric.”

And later, the person next to Ulric will become the happiest person.

I was focused on his gesture and noticed something attached to the sword belt. It sparkled incongruously, a cute and small ornament.

‘…A rabbit.’

A rabbit-shaped charm with a fresh expression. That was the first birthday present I gave to Ulric.