"So is it true that this man is now in the lands of the Empire?"
"Its also true that he doesnt leave the Drua estate."
The na of the Drua family that ca up didnt surprise much.
Now I wondered if he was the son of a Duke?
Even when I t him for the first ti, I felt that he was an unusual person.
And when he appeared at the reception of Marquis Sios, I realized that he was a nobleman. When we arrived in the Lund Kingdom, my conclusion was confird.
His manners, his small unconscious gestures, were so smooth and graceful that I naturally understood his high status.
And if he really returned to the Empire, Id like to help him with sothing.
I wanted to repay him for his help.
"I think, Ellie knew in advance that this man ca from the Drua family? You are not surprised at all."
"I guessed."
"If he's from a Duke's family Wouldn't it be better if we didn't interfere?"
Lumont anxiously asked if I dreaded attention from Duke Drua.
The Duke, who only had his na left, was already teetering on the edge of the abyss without .
I wasn't particularly worried about the Duke.
Although his greed was widely known in high society.
And if I didnt know Jeremy, this case would have beco completely uninteresting to , but now
Of course, the point here is not that I will rush to the aid of a family rejected by the Emperor.
It's just that if Jeremy needed help, I'll go to et him, even if it ans opposing Drua.
I smiled at Lumont, who was sitting on pins and needles.
"Everything will be okay. I know we need to stay away from Duke Drua. Thank you for finding out everything. "
"No problems."
I looked at my watch. Noon has already passed.
"I think I should go. I'll send soone as soon as I get the perfu."
"Yeah."
"Jed, shall I go?"
"Um? Uh yes."
Jed muttered to himself, sohow avoiding my eyes.
Today he was on his mind. But what can I do? Soone else's soul is darkness.
* * *
"Milady!"
As soon as I returned to the estate, the butler hurried to .
I was worried if sothing terrible had happened, but the butler's expression suggested otherwise.
Rather, his face was delighted and even sowhat proud.
"Good news?"
"An official letter from His Majesty has just arrived. Congratulations to Duke Croft and thanks for your large donation. "
"Oh, this"
The announcent should be in a few days, right?
So that's why there was such a noise in the square?
All the way to the estate, I saw heralds reading the latest news here and there.
"And not only that, but also the gifts of His Majesty."
"What?"
While the unexpected words confused my mind, the butler turned and pointed aside.
Piles of boxes in the middle of the lobby.
And beside Raymond's personal servant and my father.
I went up to my father.
"Lady Croft."
The servant bowed and greeted.
"Are these gifts sent by His Majesty?"
"Yes. The finest fabrics from the southern rims and gold ingots. And I have to give you sothing personally."
A servant handed a small velvet-lined box.
I open it slowly.
There was a necklace in the box.
A beautifully crafted flower-shaped piece with a deep purple spinel in the center and small diamonds on the sides. It looked like a violet.
The glittering necklace was beautiful enough to hold any gaze, but I couldn't even squeeze out a smile right now.
It was just another hint.
"These flowers are like you."
I rembered what he once said to .
His current behavior contrasts so strongly with his indifference from the past.
The words I will never love you and his current affection ford a very strange picture.
Has your heart suddenly changed, Ray?
The question stuck in my throat.
Is that what you have been looking for for 6 years? Because it's too late for you?
If that is true
While I was looking at the necklace with a burdened gaze, my father called .
"Ellie."
Turning my head, I saw that everyone was looking at now.
I just received a gift from the Emperor and froze there without saying a word of gratitude.
I answered the servant with a forced smile:
Please convey to His Majesty my thanks for such a generous gift. Tell him, I will soon pay him a personal visit."
"Now, I have fulfilled the will of His Majesty, so I have to go.
The father saw the servant out of the mansion. The cart left and my father ca back to .
"Is there sothing wrong with the gift?" asked the father with a preoccupied look.
"No. I was just really surprised. What a surprise."
I closed the box and handed it to the maid.
"Put it in my room."
"Yes Milady."
"By the way, such a breadth of his generosity says that the Emperor really wants to return his right hand to its place."
I looked at the pile of gifts.
It was too much of a gift for a simple gesture of appreciation.
An expensive gift was needed to emphasize how much the Emperor treasured Duke Croft.
The servants and the escort witnessed such a phenonon, which ans that in just a couple of days rumors will spread with great speed.
From servants to nobles.
And since Raymond made such a move, I wanted to speak in person and clarify everything at once.
"Father, I need to hold a big party."
"What kind of reception?"
"I returned ho, and my father was acquitted. I think it would be nice to have a party to remind them of the dignity of the Duke."
The Emperor personally took the initiative to rehabilitate the Duke, so now was the best ti for such an event.
The news of the Emperor's gifts will clearly interest them. They will definitely co.
My father agreed.
"Okay. It would be fantastic."
"I'll arrange everything right now."
"Don't overdo it there."
I smiled and went to the office.
* * *
"Is His Highness feeling better?"
Garden of Marquis Sios.
Lisa drank tea with Rose, the youngest daughter of Count Vistein.
She smiled at Rose's concern.
"The courtiers said the bones would quickly heal."
"Oh, thank God. As expected, he isnt only wise, but also strong in body. He will surely sit on the throne, and his fa will sweep across the continent."
"Hes just a prince so far. Please hold yourself."
"Ah, but it's obvious that he is our next monarch."
The current Emperor had no children besides Edmund.
Lisa didnt answer and calmly sipped her tea. Unlike the chatty Rose, an atmosphere of elegance reigned around Lisa.
Rose fussed even more, wanting Lisa's approval.
"My sister is too shy. You are the future mother of the Emperor, and you can afford a lot."
"You're going too far. As I just said, Eddie is still just a prince. Don't talk nonsense."
"And what is the matter? We are alone in the garden. And even if everyone is silent about this, but I know for sure. His highness will be the Emperor."
Lisa's calm expression was replaced by a grin from the phrases that continued to pour from Rose.
"The Empress's palace is still empty. And now, unless he wants to bring Ellie Croft back"
"Rose."
Lisa put down her cup and quietly called Vistein by na.
The latter bit her tongue when she faced Lisa's cold eyes.
It was only now that Rose rembered how sensitive the story of Lady Croft had been.
Vistein swallowed, looking at Lisa's petrified face.
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