“There’s nothing to be thankful for.”

Carady held Ariana’s hand with both hands and spoke.
“Ariana, this is something we naturally have to do. Understand? It’s not something for you to be grateful for. Rather, we should apologize for not taking care of you properly all this time.”

Ariana couldn’t comprehend the culture of the White family.

Rachel always emphasized that Ariana should repay the values instilled in her. It was only natural to express gratitude when something was done for her. However, both Duke Seojehu and the elder Duke and his wife consistently told her not to say such words of gratitude. It left Ariana wondering what she should say to these people.

Teodore spoke, “Can you manage to embark on the journey? You can rest more if needed.”

“I’m really fine now. The medicine Isaac made for me was truly effective.”

“Yeah. The Ferren family has had talents in that field for generations. We’ve received help from her father several times in the past.”

Preparations to leave for the Eastern Territory were already complete. The departure was scheduled for the next morning.

Afterward, Ariana visited Duke Seojehu. Russell, who was reading a book in the study, hurriedly closed the book and approached Ariana.

Worried blue eyes scanned Ariana up and down. Looking at Russell’s slightly furrowed face, Ariana recalled the Russell she first met at the royal party.

She thought his gaze was filled with contempt, but maybe it wasn’t. It was because of a strange dream she had had after fainting.

‘What was that dream really about?’

In that dream, she became Russell. Whenever she recalled the emotions she felt as Russell, her heart inexplicably dulled. She kept interpreting Russell’s gaze, the slightly furrowed expression, the firm lips, all in her favor.

“Ariana, is it okay for you to walk around now?”

Even his blunt voice sounded affectionate.

Ariana firmly suppressed the loosening of her emotions and replied, “Yes, I’m completely healed now. Thank you for taking care of me during this time.”

“There’s nothing to thank for. This is something I should naturally do. There’s no need to be grateful; don’t say such things, Ariana.”

Again, he said the same thing.

Although it was something to be grateful for, why did he keep telling her not to say words of gratitude?

“We’ve informed Dongyeong. People in Dongyeong should be eagerly awaiting the return of the princess by now.”

Would they really be happy and eagerly waiting? Would there be anyone pleased that a child born in Seoryeong but raised in Seoryeong would return now?

Having lived a life where joy was never brought to anyone, Ariana had no choice but to accept Duke Seojehu’s words skeptically.

“Seojehu left for the Empire the day before yesterday, so there shouldn’t be anyone here who would plot against you. If you wish, you can roam around the city before leaving. Make sure to bring a guard with you.”

“Yes, Your Grace. I’ll do that.”

Ariana slightly bent her knees to express her gratitude and left the study. Lance, the knight, was waiting in front of the study.
As Ariana headed towards the central gate, Lancer asked, “Are you going out?”

“No, I just want to get some fresh air in the garden.”

Ariana had no intention of wandering around the city. She had been conspicuous enough during the custody trial, and until she returned here again, she didn’t want to reveal her identity.

As Ariana walked towards the garden, Lancer said, “Everyone will be delighted when the princess returns.”

“Well, I don’t know about that. I was living in Seoryeong, and now I’m suddenly the princess of Dongyeong. Won’t there be strong resistance?”

“The Lord often talked about the princess.”

Ariana stopped and turned to Lancer.

“He talked about me?”

“Yes. When you were born, you were this small.”

Lancer made a fist the size of a baby.

“He used to say it was careful to even hold you in case you broke, and he would express a longing for you. Our knights felt bittersweet whenever he mentioned that.”

“…”

“Since there is only one memory with the princess, he always talks about that one. We hoped that the princess would visit Dongyeong at least once and create another memory for the Lord. But now that the princess has become Dongyeong’s princess, of course, we’re happy.”

Ariana swallowed hard, suppressing the tears that welled up in her eyes.

“I didn’t want something like you.”

“I wish you had died when you were still in the womb.”

“I wanted to hold our baby’s hand.”

“Do you think you shouldn’t contribute to the cost of the meal?”

“It’s all right; let’s take a break for now, okay?”

“Why are you in that state? Shouldn’t you do what you’re told properly?”

“Why are you doing something you don’t want to do here too?”

“Don’t say you’re in so much pain. Don’t bother me and go out for a bit.”

“Think of your uncle as the only one and relax. Got it?”

Different voices mixed in with Rachel’s constant curses and the numerous layers of chains she had put on. The warmth spreading from the rough but warm voice pushed away the chilly tones.

A small opening was made in the many layers of curses Rachel had woven. Just a little, Ariana could breathe.