"Yes? Yes! I'll tidy it up right away."
Declan looked at Diana indifferently and then picked her up. Diana was slow to grasp the situation that unfolded so quickly.
"Uh, Father?"
"You're quite troublesome, my lady."
Haha, that's what I said to your son. Diana awkwardly smiled as she was carried like a princess.
"What is all this about."
Felice muttered in the study, which seemed to have been bombarded once again.
As Felice was about to pick up a paper that hadn't been soaked in ink, it happened.
Tug tug— Feeling a tiny hand pulling at his pants, Felice's gaze lowered.
He frowned as he met the bright red eyes looking up at him. He hadn't noticed the presence. And that, against a child.
"Mister."
Felice hid his true feelings and bent down with a smiling face to meet Noel's eyes.
"Hey, little one. Couldn't you call me brother? When your sister marries our brother, we'll eventually become family, right?"
Noel glared at Felice with a disgusted expression, as if he had tasted something bad.
"My family is just my sister."
Does he not understand the concept of marriage yet? Felice shrugged and spoke kindly. He had to humor the sister-in-law's brother, even if he was illegitimate.
"Alright, alright. So, little young master. What do you want from me?"
"Lady Irene of the Count's family."
"Hm?"
"Who is she?"
"How do you know about her?"
Sigh, this mister. He doesn't answer in one go. Noel just wanted to ask about the woman and leave quickly.
He needed to go to Diana's side soon. He didn't like that the mister who looked exactly like Rodrick was by her side. He didn't like anyone in this family.
"She's a lady who came to our house two years ago. Well, I've known her since she was young, but after her parents passed away, she sought refuge in our family. She had a letter from our late mother. So father decided to support her."
Though he heard unnecessary details, Noel nodded and ran out of the study.
"Hey! Little one."
Not even a goodbye? Why are kids these days so ill-mannered? Felice shook his head, thinking like an old fogy who wasn't one.
[This is the timeline separator]
Duke Schwartz's imposing figure created an optical illusion that made the wide corridor seem narrow.
One could see the servants passing by receding like the tide just from his presence.
Where am I? Who am I?
Why was she being carried by someone else's father?
Eek. A startled sound was heard from somewhere, but she ignored it.
Don't think about anything. It's comfortable if you let go. Diana remained still, carried by Duke Schwartz with a transcendent expression.
"Daren."
At the deeply resonant voice, Daren, who was following, bowed his head.
"Yes, Your Grace."
"Did you allow the princess to come out despite her serious condition?"
"I apologize."
The brief joy at seeing a familiar face was short-lived. She later learned that Daren had been constantly by her side during Rodrick's absence.
The knight Rodrick left behind was none other than his right-hand man and vice-captain, Daren.
"I wonder if Rodrick is overestimating you."
No, you don't have to go that far.
"I will rectify it."
"Tell the head butler to schedule a sparring session."
"...Understood."
The response was delayed. Daren felt like dying.
Sparring with Rodrick was already tough, but sparring with the Duke was even more severe. Cold sweat was pouring down his back like rain.
"Any other notable incidents?"
"Nothing except encountering Lady Irene of the Count's family."
"I see."
Daren didn't fully report that Diana had threatened the Count's daughter. He would report the details to his lord later.
Count's daughter? Come to think of it, someone seemed to have spoken to her, but she couldn't remember.
"Father, I think I'm feeling better now and can walk on my own."
Declan looked down and spoke gruffly.
"I see, you do look better."
She didn't look better at all.
Her appearance, sweating profusely, was like a drenched baby rabbit. Her pale face looked like she might die at any moment. The earlier defiant spirit was gone, making her look quite pathetic.
"Call my personal physician."
"Understood."
"No! There's no need for that! Sir Daren!"
Diana couldn't stop Daren who quickly moved ahead. Even if a doctor came, she would just end up taking bitter medicine endlessly.
"My lady, it seems you have something to tell me."
Declan said as he carefully laid her down on the bed. Covering her up to the neck with the blanket was perfect treatment for an invalid.
They're really the same. That tone. When is Rodrick coming back? I'm sick, you man.
Come to think of it, Rodrick seemed to have keenly noticed that she absorbed the curse.
The Duke seems to have caught on too. At times like this, the first strike wins! It was going to be revealed anyway.
"Father."
Diana took a deep breath and dropped another bomb.
"I can remove this family's curse!"
"What?"
Huh? Isn't this what you wanted to hear?
"....."
"....."
In the frozen space, the Duke's expressionless face crumpled nicely.
What nonsense is this now. That was exactly the expression he wore.
Search "seduce" at redcatty [.] com to read ahead up to chap 70.