‘What are you apologizing for, you fool?’

Sometimes, Viare felt a barrier between them, wishing he would rely on her more.

Though she felt a bit neglected, she never let it show, hoping her mere presence would provide some solace.

“You’ve done enough. Let’s go now, Sion.”

Viare offered a gentle smile and reassuring pat on his back, understanding the difficult time he was going through.

Having become a duke at seventeen, Dension had been tirelessly rebuilding the tattered knightly order of Verdeum and managing his territory.

He frequently visited his lands, listening to the people, and searched for clues that might have been missed.

Repeatedly, he had sought an audience with the emperor or submitted reports to the government, requesting a retrial for his family’s case, to no avail.

If only the Ruschev family could have been a strong supporter for Verdeum, but her father had long been allied with the royal family.

Viare couldn’t comprehend why her father remained loyal to such an emperor.

Even when she pleaded on Dension’s behalf, her father had firmly declined, citing political complications.

Dension, aware of the complex situation of her family, had implicitly agreed to remain silent on the matter.

‘I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful, Sion.’

Watching Dension’s still somber face, Viare decided to take special action.
Deciding to take Dension to a greenhouse arboretum not far from the ducal residence, Viare led him by the hand to the mysterious location. Upon arrival, Dension blinked in surprise, and Viare burst into laughter.

The arboretum, recommended by a gardener who had developed a friendship while tending to the Ruschev ducal gardens, was a place Viare cherished. Whenever her mind felt cluttered, she visited this fragrant haven, where the sight of blooming flowers seemed to calm her unsettled heart.

Hoping it would also be beneficial for Dension, Viare brought him there. Despite it being off-season, the vast greenhouse was teeming with flourishing flowers.

‘He must need time alone to gather his thoughts,’ Viare mused. She knew Dension well enough to understand that he might return home and immerse himself in work to escape his thoughts, especially considering his recent pallor.

Dension often pushed himself hard when feeling uneasy. Viare’s intention was to offer him a respite, a chance to lighten his burden in a space she loved.

As Dension, captivated by the flowers, wandered through the arboretum, Viare slowly stepped away.

‘Which flowers would suit Sion?’ she wondered, recalling conversations from ladies’ tea parties about how receiving flowers could uplift spirits.

While wandering the arboretum, Viare eventually found a bouquet that resonated with her. She requested an employee to prepare it, and, holding the lush bouquet, walked slowly back to Dension, who was not far off, looking for her.

Seeing her, Dension beamed a bright smile and waved.

‘Good, he seems a bit better,’ Viare thought, relieved.

Approaching him with the bouquet hidden behind her back and a gentle smile, Dension asked with a concerned tone, “Viare, where had you been?”

With a shy smile, Viare paused before replying, “Well, you see….”