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nThe confrontation lasted for quite a while.

nBut compared to the anger that had built up and hardened in Sir Jenkins’ heart over the years, it was but a fleeting moment.

nIn the midst of the tension, Sir Jenkins snorted briefly.

nHe took the scarf that the Duke held in his hand.

n“This is not something a guy like you could own.”

n“I know.”

nThe Duke bowed his head obediently.

nThe Duke was also a father of two children.

nKnowing how it felt to have children, he believed all of Sir Jenkins’s cold behaviour to be justified.

nThe Duke would likely have behaved in the same manner.

nAny parent with children would.

n“Take your time . . . I hope you stay longer.”

nThe Duke decided to leave the place in order for Sir Jenkins to be at more ease.

nAfter bidding a rather hasty farewell, he passed him by.

nBut, surprisingly . . .

n“The sick kid?”

nSir Jenkins asked him a question.

nFor a moment, the Duke wondered if his ears had heard wrong.

nSir Jenkins had spoken first, for the first time in years upon years.

nThe Duke looked back at him, suppressing the various emotions that surged up.

n“She is still sick.”

nIf he had told Sir Jenkins that Rieta was in good health, would his mood have improved a little bit?

nThe Sir’s face contorted.

n“I knew it. The Duke has never been good at caring for the sickly.”

nThat must have been about Victoria. The Duke’s heart was about to burst when he heard those words.

nSo the Duke bowed his head once more.

n“I’m sorry.”

n“That’s enough.”

n“And . . .”

n“What else?”

n“Darrell and Noel also have a cold.”

n“What a good job you’re doing in the family.”

n“. . . I’m sorry.”

n“Never mind, kids usually catch colds. Even if they do, they’re full of energy and keep running around.”

nSir Jenkins briefly glanced at Victoria’s portrait.

nPerhaps he was reminiscing about her childhood.

n“But you know.”

nHe still had his gaze fixed on her portrait.

n“Parents should not be sick no matter what.”

nWas that a word of concern for the Duke?

n“Stay healthy and stay fine.”

nOr was it a promise to himself?

n“As a parent, should you cause your children to worry?”

nFor a moment, his eyes fell on the Duke.

nIt was a gaze that held a slight warmth.

n“That’s . . . why.”

nThe Duke vaguely understood why Sir Jenkins was still on active duty, when he was well past the age of retirement.

nPerhaps he wanted to display a consistent side to Victoria.

nSo that she wouldn’t worry about her father who was left alone.

nClenching his teeth, he cared for his devastated and crumbling mind.

nHe managed to revive his everyday life.

n“Thank you for your teaching. Sir.”

nSir Jenkins turned his gaze back to Victoria.

n“If you understand, leave quickly. I don’t want to be disturbed.”

nThe Duke bid him a polite farewell.

nAgain, there was no answer.

nInstead, a small mumble was heard.

n“How come the pictures aren’t as real as the real thing? At least it’s still pretty . . .”

nI think so too, Sir Jenkins.

nThe Duke quietly left the family room.

n* * *

nIt was only a few days later that all the illnesses that had occupied the Duchy retreated.

nDoctor declared, “All three are cured.”

nThe Duke had a meal together with his family for the first time after a long while.

nAlthough they were just gathering together and eating like they had before, it was as fun as having a party.

nAnd by the time dinner is over . . .

n“Cough.”

nDuke Mayer let out a dry cough. He covered his mouth with his sleeve.

nRieta, Noel, and Darrell immediately had a terrible, intuitive thought.

nThey jumped up from their seats, looking as though they were about to faint.

n“Fa, Father!”

n“Duke!”

nThe children gave up on the dessert fruit. The three of them joined forces to drag the Duke to his bed.

nThe Duke calmed the children solemnly by saying, “It’s no big deal,” but it didn’t work on the excited ones.

nIn the end, the Duke was forced to go to bed early with the ice packs the children had prepared for him.

nHe wasn’t even allowed to rise without ‘justifiable reason’.

nThe next day, it turned out that he didn’t really have a cold. It was a good thing, so that day’s meal also had a party-like atmosphere.

n* * *

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