A puzzled voice burst from Nelia’s lips.

“What are you doing here?”

“I waited for Nelia to come out.”

At the Duke’s calm words, Nelia blinked.

“Continuously…?”

“Yes.”

She didn’t know how long he had been waiting, but seeing the Duke’s somewhat haggard appearance, she was sure it hadn’t been for a short time.

“…Why did you wait?”

She had parted awkwardly with the Duke yesterday, but that didn’t warrant him waiting in front of her door. She had clearly stated she wasn’t feeling well.

“Are you okay?”

Ignoring Nelia’s question, the Duke posed another.

His slightly smiling face looked drained.

Regaining her senses, Nelia replied.

“Huh? Yes…”

“I was worried all night.”

Upon seeing the Duke’s listless smile, Nelia’s once resentful heart softened.

There was no reason to resent him, really.

“I’m sorry, for making you worry…”

“As long as you’re not sick, it’s fine.”

Her eyes threatened to tear up at his tender voice.

She doubted she could spend her time with the Duke today just as casually as she had yesterday.

Determined, Nelia looked up at the Duke.

“Your Grace, may I rest in my room today?”

It took a moment for the Duke to open his mouth.

“Of course. You’ve been running around for me even on your days off, recently.”

Her visit to the library to look for documents related to Zigritte had provided a good excuse.

“Rest well, Nelia.”

Nelia nodded slightly.

She waited for the Duke to leave, but he didn’t budge.

He sighed deeply and ran his fingers through his hair, then suddenly grabbed Nelia’s wrist.

His silver eyes met hers, appearing anxious.

“…Nelia, do you have anything you want to say to me?”

Nelia bit her lip.

There was much she wanted to say, but she lacked the courage to utter a word.

The Duke’s anxious gaze had been bothering her.

He didn’t even seem to know what he was feeling, so why was he revealing such emotions?

“Nelia… if you have anything to say to me, please do.”

Seeing his earnest demeanor, a gloomy light returned to Nelia’s eyes.

‘What would the Duke say if I asked him why he was investigating Charlotte?’

She thought she knew, even without asking.

“Your Grace… don’t you have anything to say to me?”

This time, the Duke’s eyes wavered slightly. However, he soon avoided her gaze.

“…No.”

Hearing the Duke’s words, Nelia felt deflated.

He had no intention of telling her that he had investigated Charlotte.

Although her throat felt choked, Nelia managed to feign indifference.

“Yes… I understand.”

.

.

.

Being alone didn’t make a difference.

Her mind was consumed with troubling thoughts.

She should’ve asked the Duke earlier, about his feelings for Charlotte.

Nelia regretted it instantly.

But time flew by, and her stomach growled.

‘I’m hungry…’

Although a maid had left food during the day, she hadn’t had the appetite to eat.

As time passed, her hungry stomach rebelled.

Nelia eventually got up and went outside.

She worried that Duke Hart might be in the corridor again, but he wasn’t.

‘Should I go down…’

She cautiously walked down the stairs.

Reaching the ground floor, a delicious aroma filled the air. The maids were preparing dinner.

The household staff and Duke Hart had to eat.

Nelia once again checked for the Duke’s presence.

‘What if I run into him…’

It would be terribly awkward.

Yet she couldn’t simply return upstairs due to her hunger, nor could she stay in fear of running into the Duke.

Not eating the lunch brought by the maid earlier was the biggest mistake.
Pacing around the dining room in contemplation, Nelia heard a voice from behind.

“Nelia.”

Turning her head, she found Duke Hart standing there.

They had reunited after just a few hours.

Though the mansion was vast, it was natural to run into each other under the same roof.

It was just a bit disconcerting.

No, actually… quite a bit.

“Since you skipped lunch, I was concerned. Will you be able to eat dinner?”

In the Duke’s slightly widened eyes, no intention of mockery could be found.

However, a flush crept up Nelia’s startled face.

“Yes… I think I can eat.”

As Nelia finally subdued her flushed face and responded, the Duke took her hand and led her.

“Let’s go, Nelia. You must be hungry.”

Nelia followed the Duke, unable to resist.

As they entered the dining room, the scent of savory soup wafted through the air.

“I had them prepare soft food for dinner, since you haven’t eaten anything all day. It won’t strain your stomach.”

Nelia’s nostrils flared again at the Duke’s considerate words. Instead of responding, she simply nodded her head slowly.

Mealtime passed quietly.

The Duke, uncharacteristically, didn’t say a word during the meal. It seemed like he was deliberately staying silent.

Only his occasional glances were felt.

Thanks to that, Nelia was able to finish her meal without issue.

Taking a sip of tea, the Duke spoke only after confirming Nelia had finished her meal.

“Nelia.”

“Yes…?”

Contemplating whether she should be the first to rise, Nelia looked at the Duke, shrinking back.

“I actually have something to say to Nelia.”