n

n

n“Cute?”

nThe old man chuckled as if that news was good.

n“He must have resembled his grandfather.”

n“His Majesty the previous Emperor?”

nHe was startled by Rieta’s question and shook his head hastily.

n“I’m not saying such a bad thing! They have nothing to resemble, he’s nothing like that bloodline!”

nMaybe because he yelled a little too loudly.

nAt that moment, he felt someone’s presence in the hallway.

nHe grabbed Rieta, hid for a moment in the darkness, and remained silent.

nRieta also naturally shut her mouth and listened to the sounds coming from outside.

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n

nFortunately, it didn’t seem to be heading toward where they were.

nFortunately . . . ?

nRieta was relieved without knowing it and was encased in a slightly strange feeling.

nAt dawn in the Duchy, an outsider was in the family room. And yet, she was relieved that they hadn’t been caught.

n“Oh my.”

nThe grandfather put Rieta down on the floor, pressing a palm against her forehead and cheek.

n“Are you sick?!”

n“Yes?”

n“Oh my God, why are you running around with a fever like this?”

n“Oh, that’s . . . I’m hungry.”

n“Damned Duke. He has never had a talent for taking care of the sick.”

n“This is really the last time,” he mumbled before putting another one of the chocolates into Rieta’s mouth.

n“If my sugar goes down and I collapse on the road, know that it will all be because of you.”

n“I’m sorry.”

n“I had a hard time infiltrating, so I couldn’t even see my daughter’s face properly. What a fuss this is.”

n“Daughter?”

n“That’s enough, you sick little thing.”

nWhile grunting, he took off the scarf he was wearing over his head and wrapped it around Rieta’s neck.

nWarmth remained on the scarf.

n“Thank you. Uh . . . and . . .”

nRieta took a step back from him, and she bowed her head slightly.

n“I’m sorry to disturb you.”

nLooking at him up close, it seemed to make sense.

nVictoria Mayer and the thieving grandfather somehow resembled each other.

nIt was difficult for her to pinpoint it, though.

nBesides, he even said ‘daughter’.

nShe didn’t know why he came here at dawn, but he must have come to welcome the Duchess.

n“Did you notice now? The future of the Kingdom of Liz is also gloomy. Well, no matter how hard you try, you won’t be as depressed as you are now.”

nSaying so, he approached the portrait of the Duke and Duchess.

nAnd he began to lash out at the Duke.

n“Put on new shoes and step on cow manure.”

nIn addition, he listed a number of unpleasant things that he wanted the Duke to step on when he went out.

n“. . .”

nBut when the dreadful cursing ended, he said nothing.

nRieta knew that his gaze could not even reach his daughter, who was at the Duke’s side.

nPerhaps he hadn’t been able to see the portrait properly before Rieta came.

n“. . .”

nHe barely, barely moved his head.

nHis wrinkled chin trembled beneath his slightly gaping lips.

nAt last, he saw her.

n“. . .”

nHe wiped the rough surface of the painting with his calloused fingertips.

nHis touch was full of deep affection.

nAs though stroking the most precious treasure in the world.

n. . . Treasure.

nRieta only now understood the meaning of the ‘treasure’ he was talking about.

nSoon, his lips touched the solid frame.

nWith a whisper of something.

nBut it didn’t reach Rieta’s ears.

nIt was for his treasure alone.

nHe lifted his head, and with the tip of his sleeve he wiped his eyes.

n“Hmph.”

nAnd he complained in a sulky way.

n“Actually, my daughter is more beautiful than this.”

nIt was exactly what the Duke had said, and Rieta laughed a little.

n“That’s enough. There is nothing to see in a mansion like this anymore.”

n“Are you going back?”

n“Of course. Come here, little Liz.”

nHe walked over to her and lifted Rieta over his shoulder.

nIt was as though he were carrying luggage.

n“. . . ?!”

nAlthough she twisted her body in surprise, she couldn’t beat the sturdy grandfather.

n“Oh my God, be still! This is difficult enough because I’m low on sugar! Shouldn’t you be going back to your room?”

n“My . . . room?”

n“What, do I have a room in this damned mansion? Of course it’s yours.”

nHe strode out of the family room.

nThe hallway was as quiet as it had been when she came down.

n

n

n“I . . . can walk.”

n“Don’t be ridiculous, are you telling me to become the same man as that Duke?”

nWhat a strange person.

nThe tone was rough, but the hand that held Rieta was very kind.

nEven though it was as though she were luggage, it felt more comfortable than she had thought it would be.

nHe followed Rieta’s instructions and took her to the room safely.

nFortunately, the maid, who was sleeping in front of the door, still did not wake up.

nHe laid Rieta on the bed and tucked her in with a blanket.

n“Oh, my back is going to break.”

nHe patted his back with his fist, moaning as though he were going to die.

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