5.

“You’re doing well.”

Mrs. Poff nodded with a smile.

“Am I really doing well?”

In contrast, Stella’s face was extremely dark. Her brow was furrowed with tension.

If the wind hadn’t been coming through the wide-open window, if the weather had been just a little hotter, she might have broken into a cold sweat.

Eventually, Stella’s hands stopped moving across the keyboard. She shook her head.

“Madam, I haven’t heard much piano playing, but I can tell this isn’t proper music.”

Today was Stella’s first time playing from sheet music. Even though it was just a single page of music, embarrassingly short to even call sheet music. Yet even this sounded awkward and clunky.

Surely piano notes shouldn’t sound like this. Could there be something wrong with this piano?

Stella glared at the piano with suspicious eyes.

“Everyone starts like that.”

Mrs. Poff smiled as if finding Stella’s grumbling endearing.

“And this part from earlier would sound better if you played it more lightly. Relax your fingers.”

Mrs. Poff stretched her arm and demonstrated the part that had sounded awkward, playing it lightly. Clear piano notes spread through the room.

It wasn’t the piano’s fault. Stella swallowed her tears.

“I think the tension is making the notes sound heavier, my lady. Shall we focus on carefully relaxing your hands first?”

“Yes.”

Stella, who had been rubbing her hands, placed them back on the keyboard.

“You’re doing well. Don’t be nervous.”

“Ye-es.”

Play lightly, don’t grip too tightly.

Perhaps because she was obsessively repeating that instruction to herself.

With a jolt, she relaxed her hands too much, causing the keys not to press down properly. As a result, notes were missing here and there.

“Haaa……”

Thanks to continuing to move her hands without stopping, the awful performance somehow came to an end. Stella let out a long breath.

‘Somehow this feels more exhausting than when I first started working.’

I don’t think I was this nervous even when I first started selling flowers on the street.

As she was pressing down firmly on her own shoulders, Mrs. Poff’s bright voice came from behind her.

“Wonderful!”

The lady collected the sheet music from the piano. It meant today’s practice was over.

“You haven’t been learning long, yet you can already play this well. I’m honestly surprised.”

“You’re too kind.”

Her cheeks flushed at the compliment that was clearly meant to encourage her. Mrs. Poff shook her head as she inserted the sheet music back into the music book.

“I knew you would do well, my lady. Countess Ambrose was also famous for her excellent piano skills before marriage.”

My mother? Stella looked at Mrs. Poff at the sudden mention of her mother. The lady was busy organizing the music book.

“I once heard the Countess play the piano, and it was an excellent performance. Her singing was splendid too.”

Was that so? Ah, that’s right.

Searching through her now hazy childhood memories, she recalled that her mother used to play the piano occasionally when she was healthy.

I would hang onto her side and disrupt her playing by tapping the keys with my tiny hands.

‘That’s right, I did that.’

It would have been natural to get annoyed when her performance was ruined. But each time, her mother would smile brightly, sit Stella on her lap, and they would plunk away at the piano together.

She also remembered what her mother had told her then.

That this was a very precious piano, a gift from her late mother’s mother. That she would pass it on to Stella when she got married, and asked her to treasure it dearly. That’s what she said.

The memory of laughing together as they made promises with their little pinkies came back to her.

‘What happened to that piano?’

Stella squeezed her eyes shut as she tried to recall more.

It was sold.

First, they sold the jewelry her mother had brought, then her dresses, expensive old books, valuable furniture, and things they had saved, and sold and sold.

“……”

Finally, even the piano that had been her maternal grandmother’s keepsake was sold.

Yes, that’s when it started.

That’s when her mother began to grow increasingly depressed. That’s when her mother’s chronic illness, which had been manageable with a little care until then, began to worsen—exactly from that moment.

“We may need to find you a new teacher soon. Someone skilled at piano. I can only teach you the very basics.”

“Yes.”

Stella nodded.

“I want to become good at playing.”

If she could play the piano reasonably well, she wanted to play for her mother first. And she wanted to gift her a piano similar to the one that had been her grandmother’s keepsake.

Perhaps then her mother would get better.

“I’ll work hard.”

“Enthusiasm is a good thing. I’ll speak to the Duke about it. And my lady.”

“Yes, Mrs. Poff?”

“The butler asked about redecorating the mansion. Is there anything you would like?”

With a new mistress of the house, it was time to redecorate the mansion according to the new mistress’s hand.

Currently, Rochester Manor was decorated according to the taste of the former Duchess, the Grand Madam of Rochester.

It had an elegant yet somewhat cold atmosphere that suited Kalian well.

“You could change the window glass, relay the tiles. Changing the wallpaper can dramatically alter the atmosphere, which is enjoyable. Or if you prefer, you could just rearrange the furniture and decide slowly.”

Mrs. Poff looked delighted, as if she had already begun the redecoration of the mansion.

“A warm atmosphere would suit your personality, my lady. A light yellow would complement you beautifully. We could place vases instead of ornaments in the hallway. The garden also needs some attention.”

Stella shook her head as she listened to Mrs. Poff.

“No, madam. I don’t particularly want to change anything.”

After all, the time I can stay here isn’t fixed. After that, someone new will come.

It would be too much work and trouble for the people who remain to redecorate the mansion each time.

Or if I knew Janet’s taste, I could decorate according to that.

Stella smiled bitterly.

Ever since hearing about Janet from Kalian, Stella often found herself imagining her.

What kind of person is she?

Since he said she was well-suited to be a duchess, surely she must be beautiful?

Seeing that even the Rochester family relatives approved of her, she must certainly possess outstanding dignity.

‘Didn’t they say she plays the piano extremely well too?’

Thunk, Stella pressed down hard on one key. An unpleasant sound echoed. Moving her finger in that state to press another key, thunk, thunk, dissonant sounds reverberated.

If Miss Weymers’ playing was a beautiful performance that received people’s applause, then hers was probably like these discordant sounds.

Stella took a deep breath.

It’s okay, no problem. Don’t compare yourself. I was never a person suited for this position anyway.

This place is too good for me.

Let’s just think that I became the Duchess of Rochester temporarily because of good luck.

So that I can let go of this excessive happiness given to me anytime.

“My lady?”

“It’s nothing.”

Stella shook her head and said to Mrs. Poff.

“I heard there are several places that need repair.”

“That’s correct. Mrs. Karen has been managing things, but there are still some areas remaining.”

There must have been parts that were beyond the authority of Mrs. Karen, the head maid.

“Then could you make a list of places that need repair and bring it to me? If there are places difficult to repair, I’d like to purchase the same items to replace them.”

Pressing down hard on another key, Stella continued.

“I’d like to keep the mansion as it is without major changes. Thank you for your advice, Mrs. Poff.”

“Not at all, my lady. If you ever wish to make changes later, please let me or the butler know.”

“Yes, I will.”

Stella nodded lightly.

“And could I borrow that sheet music from earlier? I’d like to practice more.”

“Of course. I’ll give you another piece of music besides that one. It’s not difficult.”

“Thank you. Please go rest now, Mrs. Poff.”

Mrs. Poff carefully left the room after taking two sheets of music from the music book and placing them on the piano.

The sound of still awkward playing echoed behind her.

‘How strange.’

Mrs. Poff tilted her head as she listened to the playing.

‘Somehow she looks stable yet simultaneously anxious.’

The lady she served was somehow strange. Well, how should I put it.

‘I don’t know if this is an appropriate comparison, but……’

She looked like someone throwing herself into a dark sea, knowing she would drown and die.

Someone with an infinitely peaceful face slowly sinking downward.

‘She looks lively.’

Kalian stood by the study window, gazing at Stella moving about here and there.

Not long ago, hadn’t he granted her request to invite her family and two relatives? Ah, and he also agreed to grant one odd request.

In any case, since then, Stella had been full of vitality.

Her expression brightened, her cheeks flushed with color, and her steps became lighter.

“Mrs. Poff.”

After gazing at the flowers blooming throughout the garden, Stella called Mrs. Poff with an energetic voice as if something had just occurred to her.

“I’ve been thinking about flower arrangements to decorate the dining room.”

“I wonder which flowers you’ve chosen.”

Stella stuck close to Mrs. Poff, whom she considered her only ally in this mansion, and chattered enthusiastically about something for quite some time.

“Ahaha.”

After discussing something intently for a while, they suddenly burst into laughter.

Could she laugh like that?

The expressions she always showed me were similar. Always with lips pressed into a straight line, or lowering her gaze as if tired or exhausted, or watching cautiously with an insincere smile.

But not now.

It was an extremely charming laugh.

It created the illusion that flowers were blooming all around her.

“Your Grace.”

“What is it?”

My response came late as I had been staring blankly. Kalian replied as if nothing had happened.

“Well.”

It seemed Wilter had something to discuss. He hesitated and carefully held out a telegram.

[Urgent matter, eagle, eye, lakeside, boating, guest.]

It was a telegram from Crown Prince Radny. Roughly interpreted, it seemed there was an urgent matter related to the illegitimate child that needed to be communicated.

‘The King must have noticed something strange?’

The King’s symbol was an eagle with a crown in its beak. Seeing the word “eye” next to the eagle, it must mean to be cautious of the King’s eyes.

The “lakeside” and “boating” written beside it must mean to invite them in the form of a boating excursion at the lakeside right next to Rochester Manor.

The “guest” written beside it must mean they would bring someone with them.

‘The pretext of introducing the Duchess of Rochester to the Crown Prince should work.’

Summer was just ending. The weather wasn’t bad for hosting a final boating excursion.

“We should host a boating excursion at the lakeside.”

“I will make the preparations.”

Even though the matter was concluded, Wilter didn’t leave but remained standing next to Kalian.

“Is there something else?”

“Well, have you checked the back side?”

At Wilter’s words, Kalian checked the back of the telegram. For some reason they had sent it this way, with content written on the back as well.

“……”

It was a date. Presumably requesting to hold the boating excursion on that day.

And the date written there was.

“That’s the date when House Ambrose is scheduled to visit the mansion.”

Wilter asked carefully. Kalian’s brow furrowed.

Inviting two groups of guests on the same date was not uncommon. People often expanded their connections that way.

But this time, the visitor was Crown Prince Radny. Moreover, he was coming to discuss important matters that shouldn’t be discovered by anyone.

They couldn’t invite people from another family to such an occasion.

“Her Ladyship has been looking forward to it very much.”

Now Kalian understood why Wilter had hesitated like that and looked at him with a worried face.

“Unfortunately, we’ll have to meet Count Ambrose another time.”

But he only acknowledged it.

“I’ll inform my wife myself.”

His voice was as casual as if deciding on dinner. Wilter didn’t know how to respond.

“But Her Ladyship has been looking forward to it very much.”

“What can we do?”

Kalian held the end of the telegram to a candle flame.

In an instant, the telegram was engulfed in flames.

“If she has risen to the position of Rochester’s Duchess, she should be able to handle this much.”

⁕⁕⁕

“…Pardon?”

Stella blinked slowly. She couldn’t understand what she had just heard.

“We’ll be hosting a small picnic. By the lakeside.”

“A picnic?”

“Yes, since the weather is still warm, I thought we might go boating as well. Have you ever been on a boat, my lady?”

“I haven’t.”

Stella’s green eyes began to tremble.

Boating… wouldn’t it be difficult once the weather cools down? Then preparations would need to be made right away. Could it be, perhaps.

“Crown Prince Radny will be attending this boating excursion.”

Ah.

“I’ll send a letter to House Ambrose.”

As expected. Stella squeezed her eyes shut.

“……No.”

Stella shook her head. It was such a weak gesture that it might have been mistaken for a slight breeze.

“I’ll send the letter myself.”

Stella gripped the bouquet she was holding tightly to keep from dropping it.

“I think my parents would prefer that.”

“Send gifts along with it.”

Stella looked up. Kalian still showed no sign of remorse.

“House Ambrose must still need many things. The cost doesn’t matter. Buy and send whatever you wish to send.”

Stella swallowed once and barely managed to ask.

“…As an apology?”

“No.”

Kalian answered immediately.

“As a request for understanding.”

Not an apology but a request for understanding. Something welled up inside her.

“Shouldn’t you say you’re sorry first in situations like this?”

Stella stared directly at Kalian.

“This is how things turned out, I’m sorry, would it be alright to invite House Ambrose next time—isn’t that how people normally speak?”

“My lady, you seem to have forgotten something.”

Unlike Stella who had begun to tremble, Kalian’s voice remained calm.

“I am not a person who falls within the bounds of normalcy.”

Stella felt as though she had become an unreasonable child who couldn’t control her emotions.

“And if you are to be called by the name of Rochester, you should have been prepared for this much.”

“I was prepared.”

Stella barely managed to produce a voice from her constricted throat.

“From the moment I came to Rochester Manor, I realized I would have to give up many things.”

“Then why are you acting like this?”

“Because I didn’t know I would have to give up hearing the words ‘I’m sorry’ too.”

Now Stella was glaring at Kalian.

“I didn’t know I wouldn’t even receive a simple greeting.”

Realizing her emotions were excessive, Stella took a deep breath. She wiped her eyes with the end of her sleeve.

“…I’ll send the letter to my parents myself. And thank you for the gifts.”

After a slight curtsy, Stella immediately left the spot.

“My lady.”

No, she tried to, but Kalian stopped her before she could.

“Janet Weymers will also be coming this time.”

Janet Weymers.

Honestly, Stella’s steps halted more at that name than when Kalian called her own name.

Kalian was telling her that his former fiancée and the owner of the white piano would be coming as the Crown Prince’s fiancée.

Stella’s head turned slowly.

She was curious what expression Kalian was wearing.

“She is Crown Prince Radny’s fiancée, so there must be no shortcomings in how we receive her.”

Ah, his face still appeared devoid of any emotion. Stella smirked.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

This time there wasn’t even a greeting. Stella simply turned her head and left.

‘What a rude person!!’

Stella understood that a visit from the Crown Prince was no ordinary matter. She could understand that their family’s appointment was pushed back because important guests were coming.

But still.

“You could at least say you’re sorry.”

Stella’s footsteps came to a halt.

“If you’d just say that one word……”

Tears began to fall. If only he had asked once if she was okay, if only he had said he was sorry.

Then she could have been more than okay; she could have even laughed.

“Haah.”

Stella blinked to let all her remaining tears fall. After wiping away the tears flowing down her cheeks with her sleeve, Stella began to walk again.

‘I should go to Mrs. Poff.’

She needed to tell Mrs. Poff, who had started changing the flower arrangements, that she didn’t need to do it anymore.

Because the guests she had been waiting for would no longer come.

And she needed to select and arrange decorations with her own hands for His Highness the Crown Prince and his lovely fiancée.

Unlike earlier, Stella’s footsteps down the corridor seemed particularly heavy.

⁕⁕⁕

“Hahaha!”

It was an exceptionally beautiful day.

Not cloudy, with warm sunshine and cool breezes—truly a perfect day.

“You speak in such an entertaining way.”

“Perhaps the Colonel is just viewing me too favorably.”

Such a perfect day.

“……”

Stella sat alone on the grass.

Lowering her gaze slightly, she could see people scattered across the green lawn, sitting on cloths under tents, chatting away.

Some were half-reclining, others raising their voices in apparent joy.

Some people were leisurely cruising the lake on white boats prepared in advance.

Lowering her gaze a bit more, she saw people occupying the best spots.

Under a tent decorated with flowers sat only three people.

The mansion and lake’s owner Kalian, Crown Prince Radny, and the Crown Prince’s fiancée Janet Weymers.

Kalian and Radny were inquiring about each other’s well-being, while Janet was admiring the lake scenery from a short distance away.

Stella’s gaze fell on Janet.

‘She’s even more beautiful than I imagined.’

Her glossy black hair looked elegant. Her flawless white skin appeared noble, and her smooth hands without a single small scar clearly showed she had been raised preciously in an aristocratic family.

Moreover, her posture, intonation, smile, and etiquette when they first exchanged greetings all seemed perfect.

If someone asked for an exemplar of a noble lady, even Stella might mention Janet Weymers’ name.

Stella shifted her gaze to her own hands.

Though she tried to look presentable with white lace gloves, beneath them her hands were covered with small scars.

They even had calluses.

No one would call them pretty hands, not even as a polite lie.

She felt dizzy.

‘Why do I keep feeling like this these past few days?’

Stella pressed her forehead and squeezed her eyes shut.

Recently, inexplicable headaches kept coming over her.

This shouldn’t be happening. She should be mingling with others.

Hahahaha!

Someone must have said something amusing as laughter erupted from below again. Though slightly curious about what they were discussing, Stella had no intention of joining them.

“……”

And they didn’t particularly want to include her either. A man whose gaze met hers snickered and quickly turned his head away.

He said something to the others, and they all took turns looking at Stella.

“Hahaha!”

“My goodness!”

And laughter erupted again. They had shown exactly the same reaction when Stella had gathered her courage to speak to them earlier.

Now she wasn’t even curious about what they were saying. Stella simply leaned back against the cushion.

For now, she just wanted to rest a little.

[I wish you wouldn’t worry so much, Stella. Our lovely eldest daughter.]

Important guests are visiting the Duke’s mansion. I’m sorry.

The reply to that letter was that it was fine.

Don’t worry too much, now that you’re married, it’s natural to prioritize House Rochester’s affairs.

It felt as if her mother was comforting her in a gentle voice.

But at the end, there was also this:

[Could you send a separate letter to Mary later?]

Further down, it mentioned that her cousin Julia had become quite sullen too, but all Stella could see was Mary.

‘She must have cried?’

Though she wanted to act grown-up, perhaps she was still too young. Mary often cried even while saying she was fine.

This time too, she probably said she was okay and then cried alone under her blanket.

That image appeared so vividly in her mind that Stella carefully wiped her face.

‘What am I doing here?’

Looking up, a heavenly scene spread before her. Warm weather, fields rich with green, a refreshing lake, various foods prepared before her eyes, and people in beautiful clothes laughing loudly as if they were happy.

But wasn’t this a place where she wasn’t needed?

“Duchess?”

Suddenly a shadow fell over Stella’s head. Startled, she looked up and met purple eyes.

“Are you feeling better?”

A man with a robust physique wearing a red uniform, one of the people Kalian had invited.

What was his name again?

“Colonel Eisen Lawrence.”

As soon as she recalled and spoke the name, Colonel Lawrence grinned. His refreshing smile somehow made even onlookers feel good.

“I’m feeling much better now. Thank you for your concern.”

Perhaps because they were by the lake, the wind was too cold. Stella had retreated using that excuse.

“That’s good to hear.”

Lawrence, who she thought would just inquire about her health and leave, took a seat beside Stella.

“You looked bored, so I came to keep you company.”

“You don’t need to do that.”

Stella shook her head while firmly gripping her parasol, but Lawrence half-reclined against the cushion.

“I’d like to enjoy this lovely sunshine too.”

He smiled as if the warm sunshine felt pleasant.

“Besides, if you look gloomy, it’s sad for everyone.”

“Pardon? What do you mean?”

“It means that when someone as beautiful as you smiles, everyone becomes happy.”

He turned halfway toward Stella and smiled playfully. At this somehow not unpleasant compliment, Stella let out a small laugh.

“There, you see.”

Colonel Lawrence’s eyes widened, and then the corners of his mouth formed a gentle curve.

“Indeed, someone like you should smile. See how I instantly became happy too?”

“If you keep giving me such excessive compliments, I’ll only feel embarrassed.”

“Excessive compliments?”

Now fully turned toward Stella, Lawrence put on a stern expression. But perhaps because of the mischievousness evident throughout his face, it somehow looked amusing.

“I’ve traveled to various social circles following the military unit, but I’ve rarely seen anyone as beautiful as you.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, it is.”

As if this were some important matter, Lawrence nodded solemnly.

“Moreover, you’re the one who married none other than Kalian. That alone is something to be proud of.”

Lawrence glared with disgruntled eyes at Kalian, who was conversing with Radny under the tent.

“That guy, though he always pretends to be indifferent, has an extremely keen aesthetic sense. He would immediately reject anything that didn’t meet his standards. Well, I suppose it’s natural since he grew up seeing only beautiful and prestigious things from childhood.”

I see.

Indeed, that seemed likely. After all, his mother, the Grand Madam of Rochester, was quite a beauty.

And having grown up frequenting the royal court, he would have naturally developed an aesthetic sense.

‘His childhood fiancée is also so beautiful.’

Before she knew it, Stella’s eyes had moved to Kalian.

Until just a moment ago, Kalian’s conversation partner had been Radny. Now it was Janet.

“……”

“……”

Though she couldn’t hear what they were saying, their expressions alone revealed they were enjoying themselves. Janet’s white hand brushed against Kalian’s arm as she smiled brightly.

“……!”

Right then, her eyes met Kalian’s. Feeling as if she had seen something she shouldn’t have, Stella hurriedly turned her head away.

“Colonel Lawrence.”

Lawrence, who had pushed aside his red uniform coat to fully enjoy the sunshine, looked at Stella.

“Have you been on the boat yet?”

“I haven’t tried it yet.”

“You should try it. Actually, the boat was newly purchased for this outing. I’m sure you’ll like it.”

“Hmm.”

Lawrence frowned as if looking at the boat floating on the lake. A shadow fell across his eyes.

“Very well.”

He rose to his feet. After dusting himself off, he extended his hand toward Stella.

“Let me row the boat earnestly for you, my lady.”

“…For me?”

She had called out to Lawrence suddenly to avoid Kalian’s gaze. After calling him, she had nothing to say, so she brought up the boat.

It seemed Lawrence had interpreted it as an invitation to go boating together.

“I’m fine. I only suggested it because it appeared you hadn’t tried it yet, Colonel.”

“You haven’t been on the boat either, my lady.”

Lawrence scanned the others who were still busy chattering among themselves.

“Everyone else has already tried it once. Besides, if you say the boat will be enjoyable but haven’t tried it yourself, wouldn’t that be somewhat strange?”

His words left Stella speechless. She thought that someone of Colonel Lawrence’s stature could approach anyone and they would immediately agree to go boating with him, but she couldn’t say that.

“Alright.”

Finally, Stella nodded while suppressing her headache.

“Let’s go boating together, Colonel.”

What is she doing?

Kalian’s gaze fell on Stella sitting in the back and then moved away.

When greeting and guiding the guests, Stella had been perfect. Though she must have learned everything in a hurry, she displayed etiquette and speech patterns that seemed as if she had practiced them for years.

Moreover, the boating preparations were impeccable.

She had set up tents around the lakeside and laid out separate cloths for those who wanted to enjoy the sunshine.

Cushions were placed on top, with cool drinks and light meals of sandwiches and scones prepared and ready.

Since the ferry boat seemed beyond repair, she had purchased a new one from elsewhere and had it placed on the lake.

Though she had clearly borrowed the hands and advice of Wilter, Mrs. Poff, and others, this was still worthy of a passing grade.

Even those who hadn’t thought well of Stella had nodded in approval.

However, the problem began after everyone had settled in their places.

“Cough, I apologize. I’m not feeling well…… I’ll sit in the back.”

“Would you like to return to the mansion and rest, my lady? If you’re unwell, please don’t push yourself.”

Kalian had asked with the intention of suggesting she leave, but whether she was oblivious or just pretending to be, Stella shook her head.

“I’m fine. I think I just need to rest briefly in the sunshine.”

And so Stella ended up sitting apart from everyone else.

Kalian’s gaze fell on Stella again.

There was nothing to be read in her calm expression or downcast eyes. Stella had worn that same expression for the past few days.

Was she protesting?

Was she behaving this way deliberately to show her displeasure about him canceling House Ambrose’s invitation?

“Kalian?”

“Yes, Your Highness?”

Thanks to his attentiveness, he could respond without delay. Radny lowered his voice further.

“I’ve done my own investigation. About that, my father’s… my half-brother.”

Perhaps disliking the term “illegitimate child,” Radny deliberately used different words to describe him.

“There’s nothing particularly unusual about him. It seems he grew up in a country noble’s mansion.”

That much Kalian already knew.

Most likely, until recently, he hadn’t known he was the King’s illegitimate son. Or perhaps he still didn’t know.

“But recently, House Briarton’s movements have been suspicious.”

House Briarton. One of the prestigious and renowned families, loyal royalists. To be more precise, they pledged their loyalty to the current king, Dukren.

“It seems Count Briarton is looking to adopt a son. I hear he’s been checking necessary documents and frequently visiting orphanages.”

Kalian’s eyes narrowed.

The orphanage visits were just for show. They were groundwork to later tell others about his desire to adopt a son.

In reality, the person he wanted to adopt was someone else entirely.

“His Majesty has made his move. Since it would be difficult to immediately place him in the Crown Prince position, he plans to bring him into society first as Count Briarton’s adopted son.”

“Yes, exactly.”

Radny nodded heavily and then sighed.

“Father is already moving steadily. He’s even realized something is wrong with me. But I don’t know what to do, Kalian.”

“It’s simple.”

Kalian fixed his eyes on the blue lake and answered coldly.

“Kill him.”

Radny’s eyes widened.

“You can send someone to kill him or disguise it as an appropriate accident.”

“No, that’s not it.”

Radny firmly shook his head.

“Look, Kalian. This might sound stupid and pathetic to you, but I don’t want to cause great harm to that child.”

“That child,” “half-brother,” “the King’s illegitimate son”—all referring to the same person.

“At first, I was furious to the point of thinking the same as you, Duke, but not anymore.”

Radny felt his anger cooling the more he learned about his half-brother.

He had expected someone flaunting the King’s favor and acting as if he could become king at any moment.

But upon further investigation, his half-brother turned out to be a truly ordinary young man.

“I heard fishing is his hobby.”

Radny looked at the lake and casually remarked.

“They say he enjoys fishing from a boat the most. He seems quite good at catching fish. Judging by how widespread the rumors are.”

This was information Kalian didn’t know. Understandably so. What he had investigated was the illegitimate son’s backing, forces supporting him, or his assets.

Details like fishing were unnecessary information to Kalian.

“I also heard he’s a son who follows his mother’s words well. Recently, he attended high society for the first time and apparently gained the favor of many people.”

This too was unnecessary information. But to Radny, it seemed more important than anything.

“What do you think? Except for the fact that his father is the King, isn’t he just an ordinary young man?”

“……”

“Moreover, it seems his mother doesn’t even know her husband is the King.”

Those who could directly see the King were predetermined. Even entering the royal palace was a privilege.

Furthermore, since the King’s portrait wasn’t easily viewable, it was entirely plausible that she wouldn’t know her husband was the King.

“They’re an ordinary family. Both the mother and son are nothing more than extremely ordinary.”

Radny leaned forward, resting both his elbows on his legs.

“And I have a duty to protect such an ordinary family. Isn’t that the greatest duty given to royalty?”

After clearing his throat once, Radny lowered his voice further. Even Janet, sitting a short distance away, would have difficulty hearing.

But that didn’t seem enough for him.

“So I just want to sever the relationship between my father and that family. Then we can end this without anyone getting hurt.”

Right now, Radny was essentially declaring that he would take the difficult and messy path instead of the quick and clean one.

Kalian stared at him with disapproving eyes.

“I know. I know I’m speaking like a dreamer right now.”

This was a battle for the throne of a nation, no less. Moreover, the opponent was the current king, Dukren, Radny’s father.

He should be getting ahead by any means necessary, even dirty ones, but Radny disliked that approach.

“Above all, that fellow is still my brother.”

With a deep breath, Radny revealed a piece of his true heart.

“…Although I’ve never seen him, I wish for my brother’s existence to continue.”

The wounds from the two siblings he had sent ahead hadn’t fully healed. Could they ever heal? They would probably just accompany him for life.

Radny smiled bitterly.

“Please lend me your wisdom, Duke Rochester.”

“Understood. I’ll look for a solution.”

When Kalian nodded, Radny’s face instantly brightened.

“Thank you, thank you!”

After expressing his gratitude several times, Radny smiled broadly.

“Now then, shall we enjoy the picnic with lighter hearts? Oh? Viscount, it’s been a while.”

“It’s been a long time, Your Highness. This is the first time since you left as part of the delegation.”

“Has it been that long already?”

Radny cheerfully began chatting with people he was acquainted with. Only Kalian and Janet remained under the tent.

Their eyes met. Janet, who had deliberately avoided looking in their direction, smiled brightly.

“I didn’t hear anything. I was a bit curious about what interesting conversation you two were having, though.”

Then, as if to prove it, she subtly removed the cotton balls she had been using to block her ears and discreetly dropped them down.

“Isn’t that right?”

“Indeed.”

Kalian nodded lightly. His gaze returned to the lake. Janet also turned her attention back to the lake as if she wanted to continue admiring it.

“You’ve married a good person, Duke Rochester.”

Janet was the first to bring up a topic.

“She’s a beautiful person. Truly.”

“My wife is indeed very beautiful.”

“Yes, truly.”

Janet turned her head to look at Kalian.

“It was the kind of beauty one might quickly tire of.”

Janet’s eyes sparkled with hope.

“Her personality is also, how should I put it, too timid. No matter how beautiful she is, with such a personality, a man would quickly grow tired and leave.”

Janet’s voice became animated, as if she already considered it a foregone conclusion that Kalian would abandon Stella.

“Sometimes you might want to try different food, Duke. I’m fine with that. I can wait.”

One corner of Kalian’s mouth twisted crookedly.

“I didn’t realize you would compare yourself to mere food that disappears after being eaten once.”

He reached out and picked up a chocolate from the small table, put it in his mouth, and chewed it down.

“Well, I suppose it is similar in that it disappears after being eaten once.”

“…I see.”

Her voice was clearly mixed with anger, audible to anyone.

“But what should we do about this, Duke? It seems the Duchess of Rochester is trying to walk a similar path as mine.”

Janet subtly pointed to one side with the tip of her fan, and Kalian immediately shifted his gaze.

“Please come down carefully, my lady.”

At the end of his gaze, he saw Stella holding Colonel Lawrence’s hand tightly as she descended to the lakeside.

A fluffy blanket and cushions were placed on the white boat for the lake excursion. Lawrence, who had boarded the boat first, rolled up his sleeves. Then he extended his hand to Stella, who was still hesitating.

As he smiled refreshingly while saying something, Stella seemed to gather courage, took his hand, and boarded the boat.

When the boat rocked greatly, her light green eyes widened in surprise.

After Stella carefully settled in her seat, Lawrence vigorously rowed toward the center of the lake.

“They look good together.”

Janet whispered while fluttering her fan.

“If the Duchess were unmarried, everyone would be buzzing about what a splendid couple they would make.”

That would certainly have been the case.

Even to someone like him who had no interest in things like lovers or love, they appeared to be a well-matched pair.

Moreover, though he couldn’t tell what they were talking about, Stella’s expression looked quite comfortable.

‘Eisen Lawrence.’

House Lawrence was a prestigious family that had produced military men for generations. Among the many Lawrences, Eisen boasted exceptional skills.

He had enlisted immediately after graduating from the same school as Kalian, distinguished himself, and followed an elite path, sitting at the rank of colonel at a young age.

Of course, his family’s help wasn’t entirely absent, but considering his achievements and skills, his advancement was understandable.

A refreshing appearance, robust physique, bright personality, and a man who had reached an officer’s position at a young, almost childish age.

Wasn’t that enough to catch the eye of unmarried women and their mothers?

There must be many people desperate to board the same boat with him, so why did he choose that woman in particular?

By now, the boat carrying the two had reached the center of the lake. Lawrence stopped rowing and said something, causing Stella to lean toward him and focus on the conversation.

“Aren’t you curious about what they’re discussing?”

Janet asked, still half-covering her face with her fan.

“If we went closer, we could hear what they’re talking about.”

“I’m not curious.”

Kalian withdrew his gaze and leaned back against the chair.

“Lawrence has always enlivened his surroundings with his excellent eloquence.”

The topic of conversation itself wasn’t particularly special. It was just Eisen Lawrence’s inherent vitality and outstanding eloquence that made the conversation enjoyable.

His handsome appearance would have played a part too.

But what on earth were they talking about that made her show such interest?

“Duke Rochester.”

Janet, who had been staring at Kalian all this time, smiled and extended her hand.

“I haven’t been on the boat yet.”

She meant for him to take her to eavesdrop on the conversation by getting close to the two.

“That’s right, Janet hasn’t been on the boat yet.”

Radny suddenly joined the conversation. He seemed to have approached out of curiosity after seeing Janet and Kalian talking.

“That’s right, I haven’t even been on the boat yet.”

Janet looked at the lake with a regretful gaze.

“I was looking forward to it since it’s been a while since I’ve been here.”

“Hmmmm.”

Radny fell into contemplation. He seemed eager to immediately take Janet on the boat so she could enjoy the lake view. However, a viscount who hadn’t finished his conversation was waiting behind.

“Duke Rochester.”

Finally, his gaze fell on Kalian.

“Can you take Janet on the boat? I don’t trust anyone else, and I can’t let Janet go on the boat alone.”

Radny was showing his own trust. It was to demonstrate that he was now fine with Kalian and Janet being together.

“Very well.”

He would have refused if it had been an ordinary request.

In the end, Kalian accepted the Crown Prince’s request.

“Shall we go then?”

Kalian extended his hand. Janet took it and slowly descended to the lakeside.

A boat was launched, and the two boarded the same vessel. Kalian rowed skillfully.

“This reminds me of the past.”

After they had moved some distance from the shore, Janet began to speak while admiring the surroundings.

“When I was young, I always spent two seasons here.”

Under the pretext of fostering friendship between the two families and the young couple, Janet often spent spring and summer at the Duke of Rochester’s mansion.

“But I was afraid of water, so despite having this splendid lake, I couldn’t properly enjoy the summer.”

That statement was true.

When she was young, Janet had nearly drowned. After that, she would panic at the sight of even slightly deep water.

It often made daily life impossible, and Marquis and Marchioness Weymers’ concern grew with each passing day.

“But strangely, Kalian, I could trust you. I had this belief that ‘this person won’t let me fall into the water, and even if I do fall, he won’t let me die.’ Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?”

Janet giggled softly.

“Well, my courage in trusting you paid off handsomely. I was able to see such beautiful scenery.”

The mansion located between boundaries showed the forest landscape from one side and the mansion view from the other.

The sunset settling over these two landscapes created a magnificent spectacle.

“I thought I had fallen in love with this scenery.”

Launch a boat for me, Kalian. Launch a ferry boat for me.

Janet would plead like that whenever she saw Kalian. She would tightly grasp his small hand and ask him to launch a boat for her.

Although she would still freeze up when entering the water, it was much better than before when she would freeze just at the sight of water.

Marquis and Marchioness Weymers were greatly pleased and promised eternal friendship with House Rochester.

“I thought then that this beautiful scenery had helped me overcome my phobia. But that wasn’t it.”

She closed her eyes.

“What I truly loved wasn’t just such a trivial thing.”

When Kalian had left the mansion to join the military, Janet had asked the Grand Madam of Rochester to launch a boat on the lake.

But no matter how much she looked, no matter how long she waited, it didn’t appear as beautiful as before.

Only when the sun had completely set and darkness arrived did Janet realize.

“What I loved was you, Kalian.”

She had loved the boy who fulfilled her nonsensical requests, who personally launched the ferry boat and rowed so that she could see the scenery.

“So I’ll give you an opportunity, Duke.”

Janet stared at Kalian with confident eyes.

“An opportunity to choose between me and the Duchess.”

“You’ve been saying strange things for a while now.”

Kalian smiled.

“I will never choose you.”

“Is that so? Well, we’ll see about that.”

While they were talking, the boat slowly advanced and encountered Lawrence and Stella in the center.

“Oh! Kalian!”

Lawrence, who had been engrossed in conversation without noticing their approach, waved happily.

The two boats stopped at a distance close enough to reach if they extended their arms.

“Miss Weymers.”

Lawrence lightly saluted. After all, Janet would soon become the Crown Princess.

“Colonel Lawrence.”

In response, Janet also bowed her head slightly. Then she smiled brightly at Stella.

“So the Duchess of Rochester was here as well.”

Janet, smiling brightly, leaned toward Stella.

“Thank you for hosting such a wonderful party today. It was a beautiful party. Everyone enjoyed it.”

“I’m merely grateful for your kind praise.”

Stella bowed her head lightly, expressing her gratitude. Lawrence’s expression became somewhat complex.

Janet had long been Crown Prince Radny’s fiancée and was about to get married soon.

But not yet. Janet’s status was still that of a marquis’s daughter and an unmarried woman.

She couldn’t be above Stella, who bore the Rochester name and was married to a duke.

“However, I noticed some deficiencies. I’ll have my lady-in-waiting send you a list of the shortcomings I’ve compiled. So that you can host better parties in the future, Duchess.”

But judging from what Janet was saying now, she displayed an arrogance as if she had already ascended to the position of queen.

Moreover, she deliberately mentioned sending it through her lady-in-waiting. She was flaunting a kind of privilege that only royalty could possess.

“I will heed your advice, thank you.”

But Stella simply nodded lightly without showing any sign of displeasure. The smile on Janet’s lips deepened.

“You might have thought it rude, but thank you for accepting it so kindly, Duchess. Actually, I knew you would accept it this way.”

Janet smiled broadly.

“Aren’t we like sisters?”

“Pardon?”

For the first time, Stella asked back. Janet nodded and continued speaking.

My head hurts.

But due to the oncoming headache, Stella missed what Janet said.

“I’m sorry, but could you please repeat that?”

Stella’s body leaned toward Janet. Of course, she replied kindly and also leaned in.

Thanks to this, Stella could hear clearly this time.

“Since we’ve shared the same bed with the same man, how could we not be like sisters? Don’t you agree, Duchess?”

“What is this—”

She tried to pull back in rising displeasure, but Stella’s hand was firmly gripped.

Janet’s eyes met Kalian’s.

Go ahead, choose.

Splash!

The two women fell into the lake.

⁕⁕⁕

I can’t breathe.

The cold water of the lake mercilessly dragged Stella down.

The folds of her dress absorbed water and kept sinking further down.

If she relaxed her body, she wouldn’t sink as much.

But every time she unconsciously flailed her arms and legs, the flowing dress folds tangled around her. Stella’s face contorted in pain.

Why is she doing this, why on earth?

She covered her mouth to conserve breath. But she had already swallowed a lot of water.

It’s alright, it’s alright!

Colonel Lawrence is up there, and so is Kalian. They’ll surely come to rescue me.

I just need to hold on until then, somehow I need to endure.

‘I need to relax my body.’

She recalled what her father had told her when she was young. Hadn’t he said that if she fell into water, she should relax her body and wait for someone to help?

At first, her body wouldn’t relax easily. Still, it was better than not trying at all. Her rapidly sinking body was now descending a bit slower.

As Stella struggled to survive, something caught her eye. It was noticeable even in this life-or-death situation.

Janet, who had pushed her into the water, was sinking.

The flowing folds of her dress billowed upward, and her black hair swayed.

Between those black strands of hair, a white face with tightly closed eyes was visible.

‘……!’

Her face was so pale that if Stella hadn’t known it was Janet, she would have mistaken her for a corpse. In that state, Janet continued to fall toward the dark bottom of the lake.

She’s fainted. I need to help her, at this rate she’ll surely sink completely to the bottom. But, I… but she…

Countless thoughts rose and quickly sank in an instant. Stella reached out and grabbed Janet.

Upward, somehow we need to go upward.

Stella struggled. She fought to survive using the method she had learned once from her father when she was young, and to help this person too.

‘Ah!’

But suddenly her wrist stung. It seemed like some floating piece of wood had pierced her.

Janet fell down again. What should I do? Should I go up now? Or should I go down again to help Janet?

What on earth should I do?

Her body went limp. She couldn’t breathe. Her vision began to blur.

‘Help me.’

Having experienced poverty for a long time, Stella had stopped asking for help.

Those who could help her had already done so and had fallen into the swamp of poverty with her.

Asking such people for help would be too shameless.

Her family was incompetent and sometimes felt like a heavy burden.

Someone help me.

That’s why Stella always swallowed those words. When they rose up, she swallowed them again, and when they came up with bile, she barely pushed them back inside.

‘Please help me.’

Stella, who had been like that, thought of one person’s face for the first time as an adult.

‘Kalian, please!’

It was Kalian, her first love and husband.

As if responding to that thought, Kalian appeared in her blurry vision.

You’ve come to help me.

Stella reached out her hand. She was truly at her limit now. She felt like she would suffocate and die at any moment, and it was impossible to endure any longer.

Please, just…

She stretched out her last remaining hand with all her might, but she couldn’t hold on anymore. Stella’s eyes closed.

“Cough!”

“Duchess Rochester, are you alright?!”

“My lady!”

When she opened her eyes again, Stella was sitting by the lakeside surrounded by people. Someone was gripping her arm so tightly it hurt.

Could it be the Duke?

She barely opened her eyes that kept closing. Through her blurry vision from having swallowed water, she saw…

“Duchess!”

It was Lawrence. Colonel Lawrence, soaking wet, was looking down at her with water dripping from his hair.

“Even though it’s difficult, you mustn’t close your eyes. Keep them open as much as possible! Someone bring more blankets!”

“…Col…onel.”

A voice so broken it was hard to believe it was hers came out.

“Where is…”

Stella’s body heaved again. After spitting out water, she continued with difficulty.

“The Duke… where is he?”

She could barely speak, breaking a single sentence into several fragments.

“Well…”

Lawrence’s face darkened. One of the people surrounding her unconsciously shifted their gaze elsewhere.

Following that gaze with difficulty, she saw Kalian standing there.

And preciously cradled in his arms was Janet.

No way.

Only now did she understand the situation—she was in Colonel Lawrence’s arms, while Kalian was standing over there holding Janet.

He rescued Janet first instead of me?

And I was saved by Colonel Lawrence?

“My lady? My lady! Open your eyes!”

Lawrence called out desperately, but it was too much. Stella’s eyes closed helplessly.

⁕⁕⁕

Damn it.

Kalian inwardly cursed.

To think she would do something this insane.

Choose, she had clearly mouthed those words. Then Janet grabbed Stella’s hand and pulled her into the water.

She had done this knowing that she would faint just by falling into water.

“My lady!! Miss!!”

Lawrence, in panic, called out to both women.

What an idiot.

People who had already fallen into water wouldn’t crawl back up just because someone called their names.

Kalian hurriedly took off his outer clothes and threw them aside. By then, it seemed the situation had been assessed from the lakeside as well.

“No, Janet!!”

“It’s dangerous, Your Highness!”

People were barely restraining Radny, who was about to jump into the water to save his fiancée.

“Duke Rochester will save your fiancée!”

“Doesn’t the Duke possess excellent swimming skills? So please calm down, I beg you!!”

Damn it.

Things were getting messy. They were selling him out to calm Radny down.

Couldn’t those hole-headed fools see that his wife had fallen in too?

“Lawrence.”

At least there was someone useful nearby. Lawrence, who had taken off his outer clothes and all cumbersome items, nodded.

It was a silent agreement—he would save Janet, while Kalian should save Stella.

But a cry like a wail from afar held Kalian back.

“Kalian, please!! Save Janet, save my love, please!!”

It was a bestial howl. So desperate that even Lawrence, who was about to dive in, flinched.

Damn it.

Kalian cursed again and jumped into the water.

Both women were wearing dresses. Long, cumbersome skirts with many heavy accessories.

‘Did that woman know how to swim?’

No, don’t expect it. Count Ambrose was an idiot who hadn’t given his only daughter a proper education.

As if such a man would have bothered to teach her how to float.

‘Where are they?’

The bottom of the lake was darker than the night sky. Worse yet, dusk was falling. If he didn’t find them right now, there would be no hope. Stella and Janet must be somewhere in that darkness.

Where are you?

Kalian’s heart grew anxious. His vision kept narrowing.

Come out now.

Quickly appear before me.

Hurry!!

In that moment, two scenes overlapped in Kalian’s eyes. When the young, lost Stella turned to look at him, flowers suddenly bloomed and lights turned on. Fully turned around, she appeared as she had before the altar.

‘Found her.’

The folds of her dress fluttered below as if calling to him.

Looking closely, Stella was somehow struggling to rise upward while holding onto the unconscious Janet.

Each time she tried, the dress folds wrapped around Stella’s arms, immobilized her legs, and strangled her neck.

‘Stupid woman.’

From the current situation, Stella was in far more danger than the unconscious Janet. If she had just fainted quickly, she would have swallowed less water. Struggling like Stella was only making it more painful.

And she was even carrying the burden of Janet.

Stella probably thought she was rising to the surface. But that was an illusion. Both women were rapidly sinking to the bottom.

Kalian moved. At that moment, Stella lost her grip on Janet.

Whether she let go intentionally or by accident was unclear, but Janet’s body sank deeper.

Amid all this, Stella recognized him and reached out her hand. It was a desperate movement, as if she knew he wouldn’t choose her.

Go ahead, choose.

Janet’s voice echoed in his ears again. It truly was a situation where he had to choose one person.

Stella reaching her hand toward him, and Janet, his childhood friend and fiancée who would become the Crown Princess.

‘……’

Without the slightest hesitation, Kalian grabbed one person’s hand.

It was Stella’s hand.

⁕⁕⁕

“Janet, wake up.”

Janet’s pale lips had turned purple. Her complexion was so ghastly she wouldn’t have looked out of place lying in a coffin.

“Open your eyes, just once…… Please.”

The first to emerge from the water was Lawrence, holding Stella. Following him, Kalian came out of the lake carrying the unconscious Janet.

On the surface, it appeared that Lawrence had saved Stella and Kalian had saved Janet, but people knew the truth.

Kalian had saved Stella first.

Hadn’t Lawrence checked elsewhere before going back into the water? And after just a few blinks, Lawrence had climbed onto the boat with Stella.

Clearly, someone had guided Stella to Lawrence underwater. And that someone must have been Kalian, who emerged later.

Shortly after, Kalian came out carrying the limp Janet, but Radny’s vision had completely narrowed.

He knew it too.

That Janet was so afraid of water she would faint just by entering it.

She’s such a fragile person—and Kalian knew it too!

Even as he held the limp Janet in his arms, disturbing thoughts continued to plague him.

If only she had been rescued a little earlier, her condition wouldn’t be this bad, she wouldn’t look this tormented!

The usual Radny would have been able to restrain such thoughts on his own.

But now he was still reeling from losing his two younger siblings in a fire not long ago.

Hadn’t he said he didn’t want to kill even his father’s illegitimate child who was after his position, because that child was still his sibling?

“Why on earth!”

“Your Highness.”

Fortunately, there was someone by his side who could stop Radny.

The Viscount who had been conversing with Stella and Janet just before they fell into the lake spoke carefully.

“She is the Duke’s wife.”

A husband saved his wife who had fallen into water.

What part of that was wrong?

“……!”

Radny’s face contorted. Though anger toward Kalian still remained, it was now covered by self-loathing.

“I’m sorry. I seem to be too sensitive these days.”

Radny apologized to Kalian while rubbing his face. It was obvious he was suppressing the urge to lash out and blame him.

“I’ll thank you properly for this later. I’m sorry, and again, I apologize.”

Radny gestured for him to go. Kalian gave a slight bow and left.

“Duke Rochester.”

Following behind Kalian was the Viscount who had restrained Radny.

“It seems His Highness the Crown Prince is quite on edge, having lost his two younger siblings not long ago. Please don’t take it to heart.”

“I understand.”

Kalian nodded briefly and quickened his pace. The Viscount, mistaking his reaction for anger, anxiously paced behind him.

Is she safe?

Is that woman alright?

The lakeside was getting closer. People were still gathered there. In the middle was Lawrence, shouting something to the crowd.

“……”

And in his arms was Stella, eyes tightly closed as if in deep sleep.

“Is there anyone who can lend us a carriage? We need to get her to the mansion quickly! Or we could send someone back to the estate—”

“I’ll take her.”

Kalian practically snatched Stella from Lawrence and swiftly mounted his horse.

“Wait, Kalian. It’s dangerous!!”

How long would it take to call for a carriage and wait for a doctor?

Ignoring Lawrence, who wanted to carefully transport the unconscious woman, Kalian rode off.

Someone had already gone to the estate.

Wilter would have prepared a carriage and a doctor by now.

“…Cough.”

The horse’s movement caused Stella to cough slightly. Water she hadn’t yet expelled flowed from her mouth.

Damn it.

Kalian bit the inside of his cheek. How much water had she swallowed to still be like this?

‘Just let go.’

Let Janet, who pushed you in, sink to the bottom or not, just come up by yourself. Instead, you could have used that hand to cover your mouth.

Then you would have swallowed less water.

No matter how he thought about it, she was a foolish woman.

⁕⁕⁕

“My lady!!”

When she opened her eyes, the first thing Stella saw was Mrs. Poff’s face, tightly holding her hand and sniffling.

Behind her stood Baizel, looking down at Stella with a worried expression.

“The lady has awakened!”

“Child, you’re awake.”

When Stella opened her eyes, Mrs. Poff shouted with joy, and Baizel approached to wipe the cold sweat from Stella’s forehead.

“Are you alright? Not too cold?”

“I’m… fine……”

Just saying those few words felt like her throat was being torn into a thousand pieces. Something must be wrong with her throat. Stella tried to raise her hand to touch her neck but soon gave up.

No matter how hard she tried, her arm wouldn’t lift.

The only thing she could move was her eyelids.

“I’ll go fetch Wilter the butler and the doctor.”

Mrs. Poff left the room with quick steps.

“Uncle……”

“Yes, go ahead and speak.”

“…How did this even happen, cough!”

“Drink this first.”

Baizel offered a cup of water. Though it must have been ordinary water, it tasted so sweet.

She wanted to drink the entire cup but managed to empty only half.

‘Where is Kalian?’

She painfully looked around the room but couldn’t find any trace of Kalian anywhere.

Seeing that Mrs. Poff went to find Wilter and the doctor first, not Kalian, was he not at the estate?

Baizel, who had carefully helped Stella lie back down, asked:

“Do you remember falling into the lake with Lady Weymers?”

Stella nodded slightly. She had lost her composure at Janet’s ridiculous provocation and then immediately fallen into the water with her.

“What about… Miss Weymers……”

“She’s safe.”

Baizel nodded as if to say not to worry.

“I heard her condition is actually better than yours. Apparently, she fainted as soon as she fell in, so she swallowed less water. The quick rescue by Duke Rochester and Colonel Lawrence helped greatly too.”

I see, that’s fortunate.

She wasn’t sure if that thought had been spoken aloud or remained in her mind.

“However.”

Baizel continued with a heavy tone.

“Because of this incident, the Duke has been summoned to the palace. He might face disciplinary action.”

“What?”

For the first time, her voice came out clearly. Stella unconsciously sat up.

“Even though it was an accident, it happened at the Rochester estate. They’ll likely hold the Duke responsible as the owner.”

“Ah……”

“Don’t worry too much.”

Baizel gently laid Stella back down on the bed and continued slowly.

“Miss Weymers isn’t yet part of the royal family, and since it was an accident, he’ll probably just get a stern talking-to. I heard Crown Prince Radny also said to let it go.”

“Ah.”

That’s a relief. Stella breathed a sigh of relief. Baizel clicked his tongue.

“You silly thing. Right now, you should be worried about yourself. Your condition is the worst. You not only swallowed water but also caught a fever. If your condition had been any worse, it could have been truly dangerous!”

The face of her uncle worrying about her showed genuine concern. Was her condition really that serious?

“And yet you worry about others first. I knew you were kind, but you should take care of yourself first. And what’s this wound on your wrist?”

Baizel, who had been wiping Stella’s limbs with a wet cloth, grabbed one of her wrists. It was the hand she had desperately used to hold onto Janet when they fell into the lake.

“Did something pierce it? It almost looks like fingernail marks……”

“Uncle.”

After drinking half a cup of water and resting a bit, her voice finally came out properly.

“I’m curious about something.”

It was something she had been debating whether to ask. Should she inquire about the truth, or let it be?

Intellectually, she knew it would be better not to ask.

But Stella couldn’t abandon her curiosity, her hope that it wasn’t true.

“Who did… Duke Rochester rescue?”

“Ah.”

He fell silent. His gaze dropped, then he put on an unnatural smile.

“You, of course, Stella. After all, you and the Duke are husband and wife, even if you married by royal decree. Oh my, I need to wipe here too.”

Baizel started wiping Stella’s arm again with the cloth. It was a spot he had already cleaned.

Though his words denied it, his actions were already showing the answer.

Stella smiled sadly.

‘Still.’

The fever began to rise again. Her mind grew hazy, and she helplessly fell into sleep.

I wanted to believe that the warmth I felt when I fell into the lake was real.

⁕⁕⁕

“Fortunately, the medicine seems to be working well.”

This was said by Miller, the house physician of Rochester, as he packed his medical bag.

“The fever has subsided, so you can breathe a sigh of relief now.”

“That’s truly a relief.”

Mrs. Poff smiled with reassurance. She must have worried a great deal, as her once plump cheeks had sunken in.

“However, her strength has diminished considerably, so she’ll need to rest for a while. She should eat well if possible, and above all, please make sure the Duchess doesn’t worry about anything.”

“Yes, yes.”

Mrs. Poff nodded, listening attentively so as not to miss a single word from Miller.

“A peaceful mind is the priority. Family members should stay by her side as well.”

“Of course.”

When Miller spoke while looking at Baizel, he nodded.

“I’ll stay by her side in place of my brother. Despite appearances, I’ve often nursed Stella—I mean, the Duchess of Rochester—when she was young.”

“Haha, that’s reassuring. In that case, I’ll take my leave now. If the Duchess has seizures or if the fever rises again, please call for me.”

Miller bowed and boarded the carriage that had been waiting in front of the mansion.

“It’s fortunate the fever subsided quickly. I was so worried about what would happen if it got worse.”

Mrs. Poff, who had returned after seeing Miller off, let out a relieved sigh. Then she smiled brightly at Baizel.

“Thank you for coming despite the sudden request. Actually, at first, I sent a telegram to House Ambrose, but……”

Mrs. Poff trailed off. She hadn’t even thought the Countess or the two siblings would come. She had hoped Count Ambrose might come, but even he had replied that he couldn’t.

“Still, I’m grateful that you’ve come, Sir Ambrose.”

“It’s about my beloved niece. I should rush to her side wherever I am. And I’m sure my brother didn’t stay away without good reason.”

“That’s right, he must have had some urgent matter.”

Her answer revealed an attempt to forcibly understand the Count. Baizel smiled.

“Shouldn’t Mrs. Poff rest now too? I heard you’ve been busy since early morning attending to the Duchess.”

It was Mrs. Poff who had organized this boating party with Stella, who had no experience hosting parties yet.

No matter how good her stamina was, her body was starting to show signs of strain.

Moreover, the party had ended with such a major accident, which had mentally exhausted her as well.

As if considering Mrs. Poff’s condition, Baizel continued with courteous words.

“You can go rest. I’ll stay by the Duchess’s side.”

“Then I’ll leave her in your care.”

It wasn’t difficult for family to watch over a patient. Mrs. Poff left Stella’s room with peace of mind.

Creeak. After the door closed, Baizel put his ear against it.

Tap, tap.

The footsteps were growing distant. After waiting a moment, they completely disappeared.

‘Quiet now?’

No other footsteps could be heard. It seemed they had cleared people from the area out of consideration for the sick person.

With me in the room, no less.

Baizel grinned and headed toward the bed where Stella lay.

“Stella, are you asleep?”

This girl has sharp ears and wakes up at the slightest sound.

Only after asking several times and waving his hand in front of her face did Baizel feel reassured enough to reveal his true nature.

With wide eyes, he scanned Stella’s room.

“Now, let’s see.”

Is there anything interesting here?

⁕⁕⁕

‘I’m lonely.’

This thought came to her every time she opened her eyes in bed. She felt sick and lonely.

It was an emotion she hadn’t known when living in the house on the street.

“Sis, are you in a lot of pain?”

“I made the soup you like.”

“My child, our beautiful child.”

“Sisterrr.”

Whenever Stella fell ill, hadn’t her family members taken turns staying by her side?

Sanderson frequently checked on her, Count Ambrose awkwardly made cabbage soup, the Countess wiped her forehead, and Mary filled Stella’s bedside with things she liked.

There was always warmth beside her whenever she opened her eyes or reached out her hand.

But now……

“Cough.”

The images of her family that had appeared in her blurry vision disappeared. All that remained was a lavish but empty room.

After Uncle Baizel left, Mrs. Poff, the house physician Miller, and other maids took turns watching over her, but it couldn’t compare to what her family had done.

‘I’m lonely.’

The flames roared fiercely in the large fireplace. The feather-filled blanket was thick, the bed was soft, and within arm’s reach were cold water and an array of soft foods to eat.

But she felt lonely.

Stella curled up as much as possible under the blanket and hugged herself.

Where were the people who should be by her side at times like this?

Where was the person who could be called her only family here?

‘Am I forgetting something?’

It had been over a week since she fell into the lake and started suffering from a cold. But no matter how hard she tried to remember, she couldn’t be certain if Kalian had visited her.

I want to ask.

I want to ask if he really saved Janet Weymers first instead of me.

And I want to believe it isn’t true.

I want to believe that the warmth I felt in the lake when he saved me first was real.

But no matter how long she waited, the person who could tell her the truth didn’t appear.

Perhaps he’s busy dealing with the aftermath of Miss Weymers falling into the lake. He must be busy with work.

Though she tried to comfort herself like this, loneliness continued to eat away at Stella.

“Excuse me, my lady.”

After some time, a maid entered to change the wet cloth.

“Excuse me.”

Stella spoke to the maid who was wiping her face and body.

“Where is… the Duke right now?”

“The Duke left early this morning to take care of some business.”

“Then perhaps.”

Swallowing once as her throat felt like it was tearing, Stella carefully asked again.

“Has the Duke visited my room at all……?”

Even as she asked, she felt miserable. A wife asking about her husband’s sick visit. How must she appear in this maid’s eyes?

‘How would I appear?’

She would appear exactly as she was now. Stella bit her lip hard.

“Ah, well.”

The maid looked around nervously, then bowed her head deeply.

“I’m sorry, my lady. I’m on day duty, so I don’t know if the Duke has visited.”

This meant the Duke hadn’t visited during the day. What about at night? Or dawn? Could she be certain?

“I see.”

I should just believe he hasn’t visited at all.

“Thank you for letting me know.”

Stella managed to smile.

I shouldn’t have asked, I shouldn’t have asked at all.

‘I should have never asked……’

Stella’s gaze dropped. Meanwhile, the maid who had diligently completed her tasks was organizing her things and about to leave the room when—

Knock, knock.

A polite knocking sound was heard.

“Excuse me, my lady. It’s Wilter.”

The maid looked at Stella, asking if it was alright to open the door. When she nodded, the maid immediately opened it.

“What is it?”

“There’s someone downstairs who has come to visit you, but if you’re uncomfortable, I can try to politely turn them away. Since they didn’t make an appointment, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Both Stella and the maid’s expressions turned peculiar at Wilter’s words.

It was the first time Wilter, who had worked for House Rochester for many years, had offered to turn away a guest.

“Who has come?”

Wilter bowed at Stella’s question.

“It’s Lady Janet Weymers, my lady.”

The first thought that came to mind upon hearing the visitor’s name was: why?

Why would she come to visit her?

‘Has she come to receive an apology?’

The accident had occurred at the Rochester estate. She had been the one who prepared the party.

So it was entirely possible.

“Could you bring me something to wear?”

This was perfect timing. Didn’t she have something to ask Janet?

“I need to prepare to receive the guest.”

Stella lifted her head.

“Yes, understood, my lady.”

Thanks to the maid’s quick movements, Stella was soon able to receive Janet.

“I came to see if you were alright, Duchess of Rochester. Thank you for making time for me without an appointment.”

Janet, who entered the room, was full of energy. If someone who knew nothing had seen her, they wouldn’t have believed she was the person who had fallen into the lake.

“I’m glad to see you’re healthier than I expected.”

Janet, with fresh flowers adorning her hair, smiled brightly as she looked at Stella lying on the bed.

“Not at all.”

Unlike Janet’s high and lively voice full of energy, Stella’s voice was small and weak.

“I should be the one apologizing for receiving a guest while in bed.”

This was the best Stella could manage right now. Seeming to notice this, Janet dropped the corners of her eyebrows as if in pity.

“I heard you were very ill. I should have come sooner, but I wasn’t feeling well myself.”

Janet raised her sorrowful gaze and smiled brightly.

“I have a fear of water, you see, and I fell into the lake. I was bedridden for days. Someone like you, the Duchess of Rochester, would understand how shocked and distressed I was.”

It was clearly a statement meant to elicit an apology. Stella struggled to speak.

“…I’m truly sorry about that. How shocked you must have been for such a thing to happen at the Rochester estate, a place filled with your memories.”

Stella looked at Janet and smiled.

“I’ll make sure to manage things well so that your memories won’t be tarnished in the future.”

For herself, Stella emphasized “in the future,” “I,” and “well.” For Janet, she emphasized “memories.”

It was a statement that Janet had the past, but Stella had the future.

Janet stiffened as she understood Stella’s meaning.

“I see.”

Though she smoothly moved past it, the corner of her mouth trembled slightly. She quickly concealed it with a deep smile.

“I’m relieved to hear you say so. As you know, this estate holds my memories and the imaginings of my childhood. I always imagined how I would decorate it if I became the Duchess of Rochester.”

“I see.”

Stella nodded.

“It’s a beautiful mansion. The kind of place that stimulates a child’s imagination. That’s why I’ve been thinking a lot about how I would decorate the estate.”

“…For all that talk, not much has changed from before. Ah! I did notice some minor repairs had been made.”

“Yes, as I just mentioned, it’s a beautiful estate with a long history. I found it difficult to make significant changes.”

I can give you advice—. Janet was clearly about to say that. But Stella preempted her.

“Decorating the estate is my responsibility as the mistress of House Rochester. I’m being somewhat cautious about it.”

“……”

Janet’s hand gripped her fan tightly.

“Oh my.”

Janet turned her head somewhat unnaturally. Her gaze fell upon a beautiful vase filled with flowers.

“What lovely flowers. They smell wonderful, and they’ve bloomed so beautifully. They must have been grown by someone skilled. From which flower shop did you order them?”

“They were grown in our garden. If you like them, I can tell the gardener to prepare some for you to take home.”

“From the garden?”

Janet’s eyes widened. For a moment, Stella had to reconsider if she had made some mistake.

“Is there a problem, Miss Weymers?”

“Ah….. Well, actually.”

Janet bit her lip firmly and stared at Stella.

“The truth is, I came today to express my gratitude to you, Duchess.”

“…To me?”

What reason could Janet, of all people, have to thank her? Especially after showing such malice toward her right up until they fell into the boat.

‘She even pulled me into the water with her.’

Whether she did it deliberately or desperately grabbed her in panic as she was falling, Stella couldn’t know, but somehow it seemed like the former.

“I can’t imagine why you would need to thank me.”

“Well.”

Janet trailed off as she touched her hair. Her elegant hairstyle, braided and pinned up, was adorned with a few vibrant fresh flowers.

They were such bright and luscious flowers that it was hard to understand why she had complimented the ones in the vase.

Having sold flowers on the street, Stella could estimate their price.

One gold coin per flower, no, maybe two.

Only certain people could afford such expensive flowers.

“Actually, these flowers were sent to me by Duke Rochester.”

Ah, of course.

Stella barely managed to swallow something that was rising in her throat. Meanwhile, Janet continued speaking.

“He came to visit me with an armful of these expensive, beautiful flowers. He stops by briefly every day. He always did that whenever I was sick, and I’m grateful he remembered.”

Janet’s eyes grew distant with memories.

“He truly is a kind, warm man. Kalian. Oh my. I’m sorry.”

Janet’s eyes curved.

“I got lost in memories……”

That’s alright. I understand.

Had she said that out loud or had it remained a thought? Stella didn’t know.

But judging by how Janet continued without comment, it must have been spoken aloud.

“So I wanted to come and thank you, Duchess. After all, it takes a wife’s understanding for her husband to treat his former lover with such kindness, doesn’t it?”

Janet approached the bed and firmly grasped Stella’s hand.

“Thank you, Duchess. For allowing your husband to be with me.”

This was getting ridiculous. I need to say something. I can’t just stay silent. As Stella tried to force words out, Janet continued first.

“As a token of my gratitude, I’ll tell you something good.”

Though only Stella and Janet were in the room, Janet lowered her voice and whispered in Stella’s ear.

“Actually, I don’t have any fear of water.”

“……!”

“To be precise, I did have it, but it was from when I was so young that it disappeared after I became an adult.”

Janet’s hand began to trail down Stella’s arm.

“And Kalian knows this.”

She traced the wrist area. It was the arm Stella had used to hold onto Janet in the water, trying to save her.

“There are nail marks left. I’m sorry. That truly wasn’t intentional.”

Janet sat up and stared at the speechless Stella.

“Let me say again, thank you for helping me confirm Kalian’s feelings. Seeing him save me first assured me that he still has feelings for me. And.”

Janet looked around the room, specifically at the vase of flowers, and smirked.

“Finally, your lonely appearance right now also gives me confidence.”

That was it. Janet, looking even more vibrant than when she had entered the room, left with a smile playing on her lips.

“……”

Stella began to vomit what was inside her. The white bedsheets turned red.

⁕⁕⁕

“Did you have a good visit?”

Quickly bring Sir Miller!

Leaving the commotion behind, Janet boarded Marquis Weymers’ carriage. She nodded at her nanny’s question as the woman waited in the carriage.

“Yes, it went well.”

Janet pulled out the flowers decorating her hair. She held the stems, which had been cut short to fit in her hair, and slowly twirled them.

“They’re pretty.”

“Indeed they are. They’re among the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever seen. They’re perfect for adorning your appearance, Miss.”

“Aren’t they? But you know what, nanny? I—”

Crunch!

“I hate these flowers.”

The luscious flower was instantly crushed in Janet’s hand. And it wasn’t just once. She removed all the flowers from her hair and threw them on the carriage floor.

“I hate all of them.”

She lifted her foot and trampled the flowers. Her nanny’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Goodness gracious, Miss! What are you doing!”

“That  worthless thing dares to take my place.”

“The Duchess of Rochester will kneel and apologize, and then I’ll accept it?”

She had been confident that this situation would unfold according to her wishes. That’s why she had done what she did.

A few months ago, two princes had died, leaving only one prince remaining. That was Radny.

Wasn’t she Radny’s fiancée? Due to their long engagement, people regarded her as almost part of the royal family.

And she had fallen into the water? Despite having a fear of water? Moreover, the Crown Prince had been present.

People who realized the danger to the last remaining prince would not easily let this matter rest.

‘So I was certain things would go my way!’

“What nonsense you’re talking, Miss Weymers.”

But that man, Kalian Rochester, didn’t comply with her wishes. Hadn’t he scoffed when she said she wouldn’t forgive him unless the Duchess apologized?

“You no longer have any fear of water, Miss.”

“……”

“What would happen if Marchioness Weymers and His Highness Crown Prince Radny knew this?”

The situation could be reversed. Anyone could see that Stella’s condition was worse right now. Even if public opinion outside was unknown, at least her mother and Radny would begin to doubt her.

In the end, she had to settle for accepting the flowers.

But that wasn’t enough to satisfy her anger, so she had visited the Duchess, only to be rebuffed like that.

‘We’ll see about this.’

The last remaining flower in Janet’s hand was crushed.

She intended to reclaim what was originally hers by any means necessary.