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n

nThen, Arthur looked at Dalia.

nWhen their eyes met, his eyes slightly slant upward and smiled softly. Dalia was startled and averted her gaze.

nSoon the dinner began in earnest.

nDue to the nature of the travel destination, it was an unfamiliar place where people who never met each other gathered. However, the Count naturally led the conversation so that no one would be left out.

nAs someone who owns several resorts, she could feel his years of leadership experience.

nCount Williams recommended must-visit places or souvenirs to buy, introduced specialties, and served dishes made from the specialties in a timely manner to enjoy the meal.

nEveryone was laughing and chatting, and the atmosphere of the dinner was brightened up.

n“Goodness. We didn’t know that Lady Pesteros was already this tall. I’ve been so busy lately that I’ve rarely been to a ball.”

n“Thank you for the compliment, madam.”

nDalia laughed softly. The madam turned her head to Hikan and said,

n

n

n“The Duke must have been worried since she is so beautiful.”

n“Well.”

nHikan replied indifferently.

nShe could feel the madam’s bewilderment by his hard way of speaking. Dalia knew that answer was Hikan’s best.

nHowever, if you are a good sister, you should know how to manage your brother’s reputation.

nDalia poked Hikan’s thigh under the table.

nIt happened a few times today. Hikan closed his eyes and clenched his knife once more, then answered again in a softer tone.

n“In the name of Pesteros, we are doing our best to protect her. But Dalia’s free will is the most important thing.”

n‘……Really?’

nThen somehow, the story went to the children the Count was sponsoring. The young master, Viscount Arthur Pendleton, who was still smiling, spoke for the first time.

n“They’re unfortunate children. What would have happened without Count Williams…….”

nHe lowered his eyebrows sadly.

n“Goodness! Is there any way we can help?”

nA girl who has already been bewitched by him sadly put her hands together. Arthur said as if he had been waiting for it.

n“It would be a great comfort if someone as beautiful as Miss Taras could show your face there. I’m still short of hands.”

nTaras’ cheeks turned red.

n“Oh my, father. Then why don’t we all go together?”

n“Well, if you want.”

n“The children are in the church by the cliff near the sea. I’m there most of the time, so if you’re not busy, please come and see me. The more people, the better.”

n“Th, then why don’t we all go together?”

nTaras looked around the others and asked.

nSince volunteer work has recently emerged as a new skill of the aristocrats, it was fine to subtly refuse if one person actively pushed for it.

n“What will we do if we go?”

nA madam asked a perfectly reasonable question. Arthur replied as if he was waiting for it.

n“Children have developed a hobby of drawing these days. If you are good at drawing, you can watch them painting, prepare meals for the children, and there are many things you can do.”

n“Hmm.”

nThe madam nodded her head.

nThe church where the children are now staying was an old-fashioned building and a tourist attraction in itself thanks to its location on a cliff by the sea. It was a good place to take a look as they were going to go sightseeing anyway.

nSo it seems like everyone who came to dinner today will be going to the church.

nThe date seemed to be set immediately as Taras strongly insisted that they need to strike the iron while it’s hot.

nHikan looked at Dalia naturally.

nUnlike other people who come and go for about a week, Dalia will be here for a month.

nVesta was not a large territory and had limited attractions, so there was no need to rush.

nOn the contrary, it was a problem because there was nothing to do for a month, but it was a good thing because there is something to do now. It was a bit awkward, but there was no reason to refuse, so Dalia accepted it. In fact, there was something that she wanted to see.

nOn their way back, Dalia said to Hikan.

n“Are you coming too tomorrow, brother?”

n“Because I can’t let you go alone.”

n“Brother, have you ever played with children before?”

n“……No.”

nHikan replied gloomily.

nThat’s it.

nDalia smiled at the thought of Hikan being at a loss while being surrounded by children tomorrow.

n“The way I see it, one person will cry tomorrow because of brother.”

n“It won’t happen.”

n“You have to smile if you don’t want them to be scared. Brother, look at me and smile. Now, come on.”

nDalia stopped in front of Hikan and grabbed both of his hands.

nAnd she smiled as if asking him to imitate her.

nAs if wanting to make her flustered, Hikan stared at Dalia’s smiling face and smirked and pressed Dalia’s head with his hands.

n“No, not this……”

n“That’s enough.”

nHer enthusiasm dies down.

nDalia grumbled and returned to the villa with Hikan.

nOn the way, she thought to herself.

n‘Just what on earth is Sir Arthur Pendleton planning?’

nAccording to Dalia’s hunch, there was definitely something he was hiding.

nBesides, the name ‘Vesta’ is familiar for some reason. The two intertwined and complicated Dalia’s mind.

n* * *

nAnd just like that, the day to go to the church came.

nShe thought about taking Adrisha with her, but then she did not want her to overdo it just for volunteer work, so she let her take another day off.

nHikan and Dalia left for the church with a box of cookies in the carriage that they had requested from the employees yesterday. It was meant for the children.

nIn addition, they also give personal donations. It was customary to provide a certain amount of care when a nobleman went to volunteer work.

nThe church was crowded with visitors. Among them, Taras stood out. She was very active in carrying things and helping people. There was a strange aspiration in her eyes.

nThe children were eating bread from other madams and gentlemen here and there, or being taught by the younger one.

nThere was a wide range of children who learned letters and numbers to children who learned painting. Some were writing letters that appeared to be addressed to the sponsors.

n“The children look very happy, don’t they?”

nDalia looked back in surprise.

nShe doesn’t know when he arrived, but Arthur Pendleton was standing there. Even when viewed up close, the unique sense of alienation was still there.

nHe greets Dalia by kissing the back of her hand.

nDalia glanced at the Emperor’s silver ring on her second finger.

nLooks like its good. She greeted him in return without showing any discomfort.

n“Some of them are about the same age as Miss Dalia Pesteros.”

nThere were many different age ranges than she thought. Dalia said, a little perplexed.

n“I, I see. Are you helping all these children?”

n‘Just because you met them by chance while recuperating?’

nShe swallowed something she couldn’t bear to say. Arthur smiled.

n“Yes. However, I am entrusting the pastor of this church with regards to donation for an honest fundraising.”

n“Ah…….”

nDalia felt sorry, wondering if Arthur had done it for the purpose of donation.

nDalia lowered her eyes, and in the meantime, she didn’t notice his strange look.

nWhen she raised her eyes again, Arthur smiled as if nothing happened.

n“How do you want to help the children today……?”

nDalia said what she had been thinking.

n“I brought a bunch of beads. I’m going to sew it together with the children, and give it to them as a gift.”

n“I see. Children who like to create things and paint…….yes, it must be over there.”

nArthur pointed to one side.

nAt that time, a girl ran out of the church smiling with charcoal on her hands. Then she started a sword fight with another boy, banging the charcoal in the air.

n‘Uh, huh?’

nDidn’t he say they were interested in painting?

nAs Dalia was staring blankly at the two of them, she heard a voice from behind.

n“Oh, yes. I see. But I’m sure they like paintings……?”

n“True artists know how to use a variety of tools.”

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n

n‘……Suspicious! As expected, it’s suspicious!’

nDalia narrowed her eyes and looked up at Arthur. Arthur smiled nonchalantly.

n“Sally, Aiden.”

nHe called the two children who were playing with charcoal. The children stopped playing and came this way. Arthur smiled at Dalia.

n“Can you take care of these children?”

nDalia was sixteen. She was old enough to take care of someone younger. Even the children looked a little younger than Dalia, and they were about the same height.

n“……Yes, I will.”

nDalia hesitated for a moment and accepted.

n“Gasp, thank you!”

nThey bowed down and greeted each other. Then the three sat down at their desks and began to thread beads.

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