Chapter 87.2

To Geore.

Anher accepted the letter Kieran handed and looked at the senders name. Canillia. It was a letter from Canillia to her mother, who had gone to Geore. Just before she left for Del Casa, Canillia had come to him, limping and in discomfort, with the letter in hand. Anher held onto it.

After the marchioness was sentenced to pension, Kieran did not visit the Marquis townhouse. He had chosen to stay at the mansion where Canillia used to live.

In order to accept Prince Wades offer and abandon the Bale family, several legal disputes had to be resolved. With the marchioness, who had fiercely opposed Kierans decision, now collapsed and Gliad gone to Cosoar, Kieran was making all the decisions on his own for the first time.

Anher, go back to Cosoar after this. Take care of father, Kieran said.

Young Master, are you alright? It will be difficult for a while after you lose your t.i.tle, Anher said, concern etched on his face.

Im fine. Even if I lose my t.i.tle, the t.i.tle itself is still alive. And I have Rosina. That is enough. A sincere smile bloomed on Kierans face for the first time in a long time. It even seemed relieved at first glance.

He awkwardly prepared the food and made the bed by himself, his actions clumsy and imperfect, but sufficient.

Not long after Anher left the mansion, there was a commotion outside the door. Kieran, who had just rolled up his sleeves to put firewood in the fireplace, looked out and saw the imperial carriage.

Rosina, accompanied by three maids and two attendants, grinned brightly when she saw Kieran.

As Rosina ran into Kierans arms, he couldnt help but feel a sense of bewilderment as he watched the attendants pulling out all sorts of luggage from the wagon. Whats going on? What is all this? he asked.

I brought what I thought was necessary, Rosina replied. I plan to stay here as well until the imperial family gives their approval.

My lady, you cannot, Kieran protested. This place is dangerous and too shabby for you to stay.

But Rosina was determined. It doesnt matter because you are here, she said with a bright smile. And its also very important to me. My brother said not to let you decide by yourself the surname that would be added next to your name. So I think its a matter that should be decided together, dont you think?

Kieran couldnt help but feel touched by Rosinas words. As he caressed her cheek, he was reminded of Canillia, and his heart felt heavy at the thought of what could have been if she had lived and grown up to be a confident woman like Rosina.

I respect you, my lady, Kieran said as he kissed the back of Rosinas hand. Blus.h.i.+ng, she smiled and touched his cheek.

Where should I unpack? she asked.

***

Ihars house of Del Casa was immense, almost matching the size of the imperial palace. It was like a beautiful fortress, with a large castle wall to the north and a taller ice mountain. To the south, the terrain seemed to embrace the whole of Del Casa, and it was impressive.

Del Casa had suffered the most damage in the war, but there was not a trace of sadness on the faces of the people. The personnel involved in the rapid reconstruction project took off their hats to pay their respects as the Grand Dukes car pa.s.sed by, and the citizens stopped what they were doing to welcome their owners return with joyous expressions.

Canillia watched Claudes expression with a strange face. Ever since they had arrived at Del Casa, he had not taken his eyes off the scenery outside the window for a moment. She could understand what he was feeling. The war had broken out right after the death of the previous duke, and he had stayed in the capital ever since, not leaving for even a moment. He didnt have to tell her that he had stayed for her.

Her legs went numb with tension as she pressed on them, and a large hand covered the back of hers. Relax, Claude said.

I cant, Canillia replied.

Dont worry. Im sure my mother will welcome you, Claude rea.s.sured her.

What kind of person is she? Canillia asked.

A magnificent one, Claude replied, not saying more.

As they talked, the car pa.s.sed over the bridge connected to the waterway and entered the main gate of the grand dukes house. On both sides of the road that stretched straight to the main building, sycamores, which had begun to turn green, reached high into the sky. Canillia saw endless gardens and striking statues, and in the gla.s.s greenhouses scattered throughout the property, colorful flowers were in full bloom, creating a bizarre spectacle.

The car came to a stop, and all of the servants of the Grand Dukes house emerged, guarding the front of the mansion. Lia was surprised by the number of people, which was incomparable to the staff at Cosoar. In the center of the group stood a woman in a black dress, a middle-aged woman with her hair up in a bun, who exuded a stiff yet pleasant impression and was wearing a soft smile.

The attendants who opened the car door put down the footrest, and as Claude stepped out, applause erupted. Mother, he said, getting down on one knee in front of Jasmine von Ihar. She hugged him and patted his back in welcome.

Duke, she said.

Im sorry Im late, Claude apologized.

Youre not late. Im glad youre safe, Claude, Jasmine replied.

Ivan held out his hand to Canillia, who was looking for an opportunity to get out and introduce herself. She took Ivans hand and stepped out of the car, and as Lia appeared, the servants eyes shone and Jasmines face lit up.

This must be her, Jasmine said. The lady you talked about.