The sky, laden with thick dark clouds, was pouring rain, and not a single ray of sunlight was visible.

The light spring rain gently dampened the flower buds, and the garden was shrouded in a misty haze.

Viare carefully walked through the royal garden, avoiding puddles that had formed in various spots.

She had come to the palace somewhat reluctantly after receiving a message from her father’s messenger through the butler this morning.

The message was urgent, asking her to bring documents forgotten by the Duke for a state council meeting.

However, the council meeting, which lasted until late afternoon, showed no signs of ending, contrary to her expectations. Viare, sheltering from the rain under a large tree, shivered slightly.

She could have waited inside, but for some reason, she felt averse to setting foot in the palace.

‘When will he ever come out?’

The fact that the Duke hadn’t appeared yet made it clear that the documents were not as crucial as implied.

It seemed that her father had summoned her to the palace to create an opportunity for her to meet the Crown Prince.

Unfortunately, the heavens did not seem to favor the Duke of Ruschev’s plans.

The Crown Prince had left after the morning session to attend urgent affairs in another country.

It appeared that her father was intricately bound with the royal and noble affairs.

As Viare, leaning against the tree, watched the relentless raindrops, nobles began to emerge from the palace corridors.

Exhausted from the lengthy state council meeting, they looked haggard.

‘Is my father still not out?’

Just then, a figure with an umbrella approached where Viare stood. As she was about to take out the documents she had brought, she heard,

“What brings the Lady here?”

Shaking and folding his umbrella, the person who joined her under the tree was none other than Dension.

It was natural for him to attend the council meeting as the Duke of Verdium, but she hadn’t expected to meet him today.

Surprised, Viare sighed softly and greeted him politely.

“A pleasure to see you, Duke Verdium.”

She had chosen a secluded tree with dense foliage to stay inconspicuous, yet somehow he had found her.

Still puzzled, Viare hesitated before answering with a soft sigh,

“My father asked me to bring some documents needed for the meeting.”

At her words, Dension raised an eyebrow slightly and alternated his gaze between the persistent spring rain and Viare, saying,

“The Duke of Ruschev might be delayed further.”

“Why is that?”

Not answering her question, Dension took off his uniform jacket and placed it over the shivering shoulders of Viare.

“You don’t need to do that…”

“It’s cold; wear it.”

Then, he responded to the question Viare had asked earlier.

“His Majesty has requested a private audience with the Duke of Ruschev.”

“The Emperor?”

It wasn’t unusual for the loyal Duke of Ruschev to have a private audience with the Emperor.

However, the fact that it was happening in front of other nobles was concerning to her.

As Viare’s face grew pale, Dension, looking concerned, checked her complexion and asked,

“Yes, but… are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

Viare hurriedly masked her expression, but Dension, having already seen it, seemed unconvinced.

“……Is there something troubling you?”
“No, what would I, merely a daughter of a duke, know?”

If it involved politics or secrets among them, she would be unable to discern their intentions.

However, the fact that the Emperor had called her father aside might be related to their children’s engagement, which made her feel suffocated.

Unable to tell Dension about her engagement, Viare barely managed a stiff smile.

Acknowledging her response, he wrapped the jacket he had given her more snugly and said,

“He left the council chamber earlier, so if you wait a bit longer, he should come out.”

“……I see.”

Viare, touched and comforted by his caring gesture, turned her head to hide her slightly blushed cheeks.

In the awkward silence, Dension coughed twice and mentioned the book she had gifted him.

“I read the book you gave me last time.”

“Are you referring to ‘To Reclaim Destiny’?”

Nodding, Dension filled Viare’s heart with joy, like a spring breeze.

Trying not to show too much pleasure, but Dension, noticing her happiness, chuckled.

Viare, puzzled by his reaction, tilted her head as he casually discussed the book.

“It was much more impressive than I thought.”

“I knew you would like it.”

Viare smiled contentedly, and Dension too wore an elegant smile.

Feeling as if she was with the Dension of the past, she cherished this moment with him.

Lost in her memories, Viare listened as Dension, deep in thought, suddenly said,

“But I still don’t understand.”

“What don’t you understand?”

The man beside her, seemingly puzzled, crossed his arms and leaned against the tree.

“The choice of death, leaving behind a wound for the ones left.”