MVH 75

-75-

While waiting for lunch to be prepared, we talked about how things had been lately.

“I’ve received your letters from time to time, but it’s a relief to see you in person. I’m glad you seem to be doing well.”

“I’ve been doing just fine, so you don’t need to worry. Everyone at the Grand Duke’s household has welcomed me warmly, and besides, His Grace is always with me.”

I glanced at Lucious sitting beside me, and he gently smiled as he took my hand. I squeezed his soft hand in return, smiling back at him.

Watching the two of us quietly, a faintly complicated expression crossed Edwin’s face. Soon, he regained his usual composure and spoke to Lucious.

“Thank you, Your Grace. It reassures me greatly to know that you’re a source of strength for Tiana.”

“Not at all. I’ve done very little. She has managed everything on her own just fine.”

Lucious shook his head at Edwin, smiling softly as he continued.

“As the Grand Duchess and as the mistress of the household, she has carried herself splendidly. I’m the fortunate one to have married such a wonderful woman.”

“Lucious…”

The tenderness in his voice and gaze showed me just how deeply he cherished me. Seeing him smile warmly at me, Edwin seemed to relax.

“How have you been finding social life?”

“It’s more fun than I expected. Her Highness the Princess helped me a lot with adjusting, and I even made a new good friend.”

“You must mean the Count of Werner’s daughter.”

“You knew?”

Surprised at how easily he spoke her name, I asked, and he nodded.

“I heard rumors. She’s been drawing a lot of attention lately, and I was told you attended the Werner family’s tea party with her.”

“Yes. We first met at the Princess’s tea party, and I found her very charming. She’s kind and beautiful, intelligent, and capable as well.”

“I see. People say the way she carried herself at the tea party has become the talk of society. I’d only known her face through the Count of Werner, but she seemed like an entirely different person. Quite surprising.”

“I think it’s simply that her true self has finally come to light. She deserves all the attention she’s getting.”

Really, it was strange she hadn’t stood out until now. Even if the Werner family’s circumstances weren’t favorable and Angelica had kept to herself, her looks alone weren’t something one could easily overlook.

Perhaps it was because she’s the heroine. In other stories too, heroines rarely receive much attention at first—until they’re tied to the male lead. And now that Angelica had become involved with Rayel, she was naturally drawing the spotlight. The “protagonist effect,” I suppose.

Lenox, who had been listening silently, looked at me with curiosity.

“For you to speak so highly of her, Sister, I can’t help but wonder what kind of lady she is.”

“I’ll introduce you when there’s a chance. But be careful—don’t fall for her just because she’s beautiful.”

“What? Is she really that stunning?”

“She’s the loveliest young lady I’ve ever met. Especially her clear sky-blue eyes—they’re enchanting.”

“Really? Hearing you say that makes me even more curious.”

Seeing the flicker of intrigue cross Lenox’s face, I grew uneasy. Surely he wouldn’t fall in love with Angelica at first sight?

In the original story, Lenox never had a romantic partner, but who knows now? So much had already changed—who could predict what else might?

If he did end up liking Angelica, I couldn’t support him. I had always firmly backed Angelica and Rayel as a couple. No matter if he was my younger brother—it couldn’t happen.

Besides, even if he became a “second male lead,” the odds were against him. After all, his rival was Rayel.

“Lenox, I’ll find you a wonderful young lady to introduce. But if you ever meet Lady Werner… just exchange greetings, alright?”

“…What do you mean by that, Sister?”

Puzzled, he tilted his head, clearly curious, but all I could do was smile. I’m sorry. Your sister will make sure to find you a good match.

Turning from Lenox, I glanced at Edwin, who had fallen silent, deep in thought.

“Is something wrong, Father?”

“…No, I was only wondering about Lady Werner myself. You seem to hold her in very high regard.”

“I’m sure you’ll like her too. Apart from Her Highness, she’s the only person I’ve ever genuinely wanted to befriend. Next time, I’ll introduce her to you together with Lenox.”

“Very well.”

He nodded, and I caught the faint smile tugging at his lips. It was the kind of smile a father wears when his daughter brings home a friend—quietly delighted. It made me chuckle inwardly.

Knock, knock—

“Your Grace, the meal is ready.”

“I see.”

Right on time, Warren opened the door. Edwin nodded and rose, and Lucious, Lenox, and I followed him out of the drawing room.

The air outside was already filled with a delicious aroma. Passing through the hall and into the dining room, we were greeted by the head chef, who beamed at us beside the lavishly set table.

“It’s been so long, my lady. And welcome, Your Grace. It is an honor to serve you my cooking.”

Lucious gave him a slight nod in acknowledgment. Once we were seated as the attendants directed, the chef brought over a bottle of wine.

“This is a wine that pairs well with the beef dish His Grace favors. I hope it pleases your palate.”

He poured the wine himself, starting with Lucious, until all our glasses were filled. From the deep red liquid rose a rich aroma that tickled the nose. Lucious gave a small smile.

“It has a fine fragrance.”

Relieved by his response, the chef signaled to the attendants, who promptly began serving the dishes. Though the table was already laden with food, more and more kept arriving until Edwin remarked,

“This seems excessive.”

“I only prepared as much as I could, since Your Grace hasn’t been eating well lately. And today, with my lady here, you must at least have a little. Otherwise, how could I face her as the head chef?”

“…Fine, I’ll eat.”

Edwin sighed deeply at the chef’s half-chiding tone, but he picked up his fork and tried a bite of meat. Seeing this, both Lenox and the chef smiled in satisfaction. Catching the subtle glances they exchanged, I couldn’t help but laugh quietly.

“Father, are you alright?”

“…Yes, I’m fine.”

Leaning back in his chair, Edwin nodded. Having eaten more than half of what the chef had prepared, he closed his eyes to ease the heaviness in his stomach. Only after taking the digestive medicine Warren had brought did he start to look better.

“From now on, please eat properly. I’ll be asking Lenox to make sure.”

“Alright, I’ll take care.”

“Promise? If you keep skipping meals, you’ll be forced to eat a full feast like this every day.”

“…That sounds like a questionable punishment.”

“The chef would love it.”

At that, he narrowed his brow before letting out a chuckle. After a short while, he rose to his feet again.

“Since you’ve come after so long, you should see the garden. The flowers you love are in full bloom.”

“Really? Alright.”

I’d been thinking of visiting anyway, so I stood with him. Lucious, at my side, rose as well, and we left the drawing room together.

“Where are you going?”

Just then, Lenox returned from the washroom and asked.

“Father says the garden is filled with flowers, so we’re going to see them.”

“Ah, I see. The gardener just refurbished it recently, actually. Many new flowers were planted—you’ll love it, Sister.”

That only made me more eager. Hand in hand with Lucious, I followed Edwin and Lenox out into the garden.

“Wow…”

It was true—the garden had changed a lot. New decorations adorned the grounds, and seasonal flowers were in full bloom everywhere. The sight was so beautiful, I couldn’t help but exclaim in wonder.

“The gardener worked hard even after you left.”

“I can tell. He’s really skilled.”

It was as though the garden had been designed perfectly to suit my tastes. I had known for a while, but the gardener was truly talented and had a wonderful eye.

We strolled leisurely through the fragrant garden. The Grand Duke’s gardens were magnificent, but the Duke’s garden had its own splendor. Since it was the place I had spent the most time in after my room, it felt all the more familiar and dear.

I glanced at Lucious beside me—he was smiling, clearly pleased as well.

“What do you think, Lucious?”

“It’s truly beautiful. The gardener’s skill is remarkable. You can see the careful attention to detail everywhere.”

“Right? More than anything, the love and care he puts into it shows. He’s someone you can rely on.”

“Indeed. Quite the talent—I’d even want to bring him to the Grand Duke’s estate.”

“Really?”

Surprised by his generous praise, I looked at him, but he only nodded earnestly.

“Yes. Gardeners of this caliber are rare.”

“But the Grand Duke’s gardener is very skilled too.”

“True, he is. But if the two of them worked together, the gardens would be even more splendid.”

At his words, so sincere, I saw Lenox glance at him in surprise. Lucious chuckled softly at the reaction.

“But of course, I can’t steal your gardener. Regrettably, I’ll have to give up on that idea.”