I-I-I dont I dont feel good.

To Regen, Gilbert was his only, precious brother and the strongest person in the world.

Regen had never seen Aedis exercise his power but had seen Gilbert swinging his sword a lot.

He also remembered how huge the beast Gilbert hunted was.

Gulp.

Regens saliva slipped down his throat. He wanted to meet the Grand Duchess, who would become his stepmother, but he wasnt ready to face someone strong enough to hurt Gilbert.

I-I want to go home. I want to go. No, this is my home

Regens mind was in a state of chaos.

With a confused expression, Maevia sat down next to Aedis.

The consomme soup Aedis ordered arrived, but Maevia paid attention to Regen.

You look bad, My Lord. Is there anything wrong?

She didnt know Regen was trembling because of her.

Regen nodded weakly.

Im fine

Dont overdo it because of me. If youre tired, please tell me, okay? I want to get along with My Lord, so I prepared a gift.

Aedis smiled as Maevia proudly showed Regen the gift box.

A gift. Come on. You can open it now, Maevia confidently presented the box.

Regen desperately held back his tears as he was handed the box.

Im scared, but its still a gift directly from the Grand Duchess herself!

After taking a deep breath, Regen cautiously opened the box, allowing something eerily similar to black smoke to rise.

What is this?

Whats wrong, Regen? Aedis called out to Regen, who had stopped moving.

Regen opened the box so that Aedis and Maevia, sitting opposite of him, could also look inside.

Aedis looked puzzled. A diamond?

Its not just any diamond. Its a 44.4-carat black diamond.

In Regens eyes, the black diamond seemed like an object that should never be touched.

The unknown black smoke gradually faded, but the ominous energy remained.

If he owned it without knowing what it was, he feared three generations of his family would be cursed.

Do you like it? Aedis asked Regen, who was sweating profusely.

Eve, when was the last time you spoke to the kids?

What are you implying? The value of the jewel is excellent, and itll be of use to My Lord even if it isnt right now.

Regen managed to raise his head.

Maevia convinced herself she knew what Regen was about to say, so she smiled and waved. Ah, dont thank me. Just know that I want to be close with My Lord. How about you? Can you feel my sincerity? I wrote a hand letter because you might seem worried about it costing too much money.

Regen wanted to ask Mavia what he had done so wrong.

No, it is too much to ask.

If only he could ask for forgiveness

Regen closed the box, feeling somewhat dizzy.

Th-thank you. I will cherish it.

Regen decided. In the future, hed live as quietly as possible to not be noticed by Maevia.

After the gift-delivery ceremony was over, meal time proceeded.

Maevia asked where the onion smell came from, causing Regen to drop his tableware. However, the atmosphere was still warm.

Regen had reached his limit. He was so scared of Maevia that he didnt know where his food was going.

I-Can I leave first? I dont feel..I dont feel good.

When Regen asked for their pardon, Maevia quickly raised her hand. Ill take you.

What?

Youve been looking pale, and you havent eaten properly. You cant be left alone.

Oh, its okay, its okay! Its really okay! I can go alone! Please! Regen desperately pleaded, but Maevia didnt listen.

Sarah, can you bring me some digestive medicine? And the Lord is sweating too much. Is he or the nanny sick?

Regen looked at Aedis, asking for help.

Now, the only person who would save Regen was Aedis. Aedis laughed and said to Regen, Her intentions were pure.

What the hell were you looking at?

As Regen sniffled, Maevia stood from her seat and wiped her lips. Come on, My Lord.

She didnt allow him to veto her decision.

Regen left the dining room with a pale face.

Even though he was nearly out of his mind, he still squeezed his gift to his chest.

He took careful steps as he walked up the stairs, watching Maevia, who was full of delight.

Wow, this is your bedroom!

Regen arrived in his room and opened the door while looking at Maevias eyes.

May I come in? Maevia asked politely, and Regen nodded with a shudder.

Regens bedroom was one of the most windowed rooms in the Cyclamen Castle.

The windows allowed sunlight and moonlight as precious as emerald to filter in.

There was a cat pattern that dotted the curtains, shielding the windows.

Maevia, who had an astringent expression for a while, walked in past Regen, who gave her time to appreciate the room.

The sweet scent of raspberry, marshmallow, and vanilla pudding emanated from Maevia.

Regen thought she must like sweet and sour desserts. At the same time, a cat cried, as though it were smelling an entirely different scent.

Meow.

The pure white cat lying on the bed woke up and straightened its legs in a stretch.

Regen responded quickly. Isabelle, you cant be here. You have to go to your room.

Suddenly, Maevia frowned.

The cats names are very old-fashioned. The tuxedo cat is Maximus, and this is Isabel. Whats the name of the other one?

Carolina, it is Carolina.

Who named them?

Count Elliot.

I see.

Regen shuddered.

Can I bring Isabelle to her room?

Is there a separate room for cats?

Regen became scared as Maevias expression continued to shift.

Yes, Maximuss room is the smallest, and Isabelles room is the largest.

Meow.

Isabelle cried briefly to note that it was correct.

Maevia reached for Isabel.

Regens eyes went wide.

Oh! Your Highness Vi, Isabelle is-

Isabelle was famous for being the most frivolous of all the cats staying in Cyclamen.

Regen struggled to get to know her, and Isabelle had even scratched the back of his hand multiple times.

Contrary to Regens expectations, Isabelle did not lay a claw on Mavia.

She didnt even move at all.

Huh? Regen, who had tried to stop Maevia, blinked.

Youre a territorial animal, and youve been all over the castle. Is the castle your territory? Maevia cutely muttered as she hugged Isabelle.

She looked as though it was the first time she had hugged a cat.

Nevertheless, Isabelle allowed Maevia to embrace her and even let out a satisfied purr.

Maevia looked back at Regen.

Isabelle threw a glance at Regen so as not to disturb them.

As the Lord must rest, so Ill ask someone else to return the cat. Which maid can I leave her with?

Regen was confused if this was his bedroom or not.

His answer was slightly delayed because of his shock. Uh, well, Daisy is taking care of the cats.

Thank you for letting me know. Ill keep it in mind.

Maevia relentlessly sent the cat who didnt want to part from her away and received the medicine the maid brought.

It was a digestive medicine for Regen. As soon as Regen swallowed the medicine, Maevia asked, How are you feeling now?

Well, its been less than 10 seconds since I swallowed it

Her Highness Vi was a little impatient, and Regen laughed awkwardly.

Its okay.

Ill be with you a little while longer.

You really dont have to

Regen hesitated.

Maevias eyes sparkled like stars as she checked to see if Regen was really okay.

My Lord, in fact, I dont know children very well. I didnt have many opportunities to get close to them. I cant help it, but Id like to be here until Mrs. Theresa arrives. Will that trouble you?

It was a quiet and calm voice that made Regens face hot.

Maevia was scary, and Regen felt awkward and uncomfortable around her. But because of her sincere honesty, he felt his heart stir.

It was a different feeling than being worried for by the nanny or the employees.