“It seems the servants of this mansion are loyal to someone other than you.”
“Looks like it… Not that I’m surprised.”
“As soon as we return to the Grand Duke’s estate, fire them all.”
“Even if Your Highness hadn’t said it, I would have done so anyway. Of course, I’ll also find out who’s behind it.”
Daniela responded with a cold, resolute expression. At her words, Ashid’s eyes widened in surprise.
Just then, a loud pounding came from the door, followed by Mela’s urgent voice from outside.
“Oh my goodness! You two…! My lady! Are you all right?”
“…!”
“If you’re okay, please answer me! My lady! My lady!”
At that moment, Daniela and Ashid locked eyes. It dawned on them simultaneously—Ashid was still holding Daniela from behind, and she was still nestled in his embrace. Their ears flushed red in unison.
Daniela was the first to move. She quickly slipped out of his arms as if escaping, letting out an awkward laugh.
“Ahaha… Mela is calling. Let’s go out. We’re done here anyway.”
“…Yeah.”
Ashid turned his head to the side and answered curtly. Soon, the two of them left the wrecked treasure vault of Duke Enchanto.
A few hours earlier, they had gathered to examine the letters Daniela had found. She could feel Ashid’s intense gaze as he sat close beside her, watching as she unfolded the topmost letter.
[To the esteemed Marquess Linburton,]
“…Ah.”
Seeing the recipient’s name at the beginning, Daniela let out a soft sigh. This wasn’t the correspondence between Duke Enchanto and Empress Catherine that Ashid had been looking for.
Ashid clicked his tongue in irritation. He swiftly tore open another letter and skimmed through its contents before speaking.
“There might be hidden codes, so we’ll have to examine them carefully. But at first glance, these just seem to be casual exchanges of pleasantries.”
“I see… I had high hopes, so this is a bit disappointing.”
Daniela sighed.
Ashid raised an eyebrow at her words. Disappointing? What exactly was she disappointed about?
Was it because they hadn’t found the letters between the Duke and the Empress? Or was it because failing to find them meant she couldn’t escape their contract yet?
Either way, watching her openly display disappointment before him unsettled Ashid. Irritated, he stood up.
“It can’t be helped. We’ll have to try again later.”
“Right… Ah!”
Daniela suddenly exclaimed, grabbing Ashid’s wrist as he was about to leave. He looked down at her with a cool gaze.
“What is it?”
“Are you heading straight to your office?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“I’ll call a physician, so at least get treated before you go. Your hand is scratched, and your shoulder and back must be bruised…”
“…Forget it. These will heal on their own.”
Ashid responded indifferently, gently pulling his hand away from her grip. Then, as if escaping, he strode out of the parlor.
The fact that her concern had slightly improved his mood irritated him even more. His emotions seemed to fluctuate unpredictably because of her, and not knowing why only made it worse.
Distancing himself from Daniela was the only way to quell this frustration.
“…Seriously, what’s his problem?”
Meanwhile, Daniela pouted at the door Ashid had just closed behind him. She had shown genuine concern, yet he had rudely brushed it off.
Still, she couldn’t bring herself to fully dislike him—that was the real issue. Ashid had more than enough reasons to resent her, and on top of that, he had even saved her earlier.
‘Why is he like this? Making people worry about him for no reason.’
Daniela shook her head. As expected of the villainous Grand Duke—his twisted personality constantly got on her nerves.
After returning to the annex, Daniela enjoyed a brief period of peace.
In the mornings, she worked with Gray in the study, handling the affairs and businesses of House Alberic. In the afternoons, she sipped tea in the parlor while reading or reviewing Duke Enchanto’s letters.
Occasionally, she prepared for the upcoming social season by selecting dresses and jewelry.
That afternoon, she was staring absentmindedly at an unfolded letter, deep in thought.
‘That discarded letter from Duke Enchanto mentioned “seven” and “dividing”… That keeps bothering me.’
She speculated that the Duke had split his correspondence into seven parts and hidden them.
If so, where were the other six letters? Daniela frowned slightly in concentration.
[…I received the “Saint Polana Flower” extract you sent me. However, this batch doesn’t seem as effective as before…]
What exactly was this “Saint Polana Flower” that the Duke kept mentioning?
Curious, Daniela turned to Anne, the maid serving her tea.
“Anne, do you know what the Saint Polana Flower is?”
Anne thought for a moment before answering.
“Ah, you mean the flower used to make sleep-aiding tea?”
“Sleep?”
“Yes. I heard that people suffering from insomnia drink it regularly to achieve deep sleep. But they must follow precise dosages as instructed by an herbalist.”
“Why?”
“Well… Let me think…”
As Anne pondered, a knock sounded at the door, and Mela entered the parlor.
“My lady, His Highness has invited you to dinner this evening.”
“Oh? Why so suddenly?”
“I believe he has something important to discuss regarding the upcoming social season.”
“…I see.”
Daniela’s expression stiffened slightly. She was curious—and a bit apprehensive—about what this important discussion might entail.
As she walked briskly toward the main residence with Mela and the other maids, Daniela mentally reviewed the key events of the original story.
Upon entering the first-floor dining room under the butler’s guidance, she found Ashid already waiting for her. He stood up when he saw her and, with a polite yet distant demeanor, pulled out the chair beside him.
“Sit.”
Daniela nodded briefly in thanks and took the seat.
As soon as Ashid gestured to the butler, maids entered with the first course—a refreshing fruit aperitif and perfectly seared scallops.
Feeling thirsty, Daniela reached for her fruit wine at the same time Ashid did. Their arms brushed slightly.
“Sorry.”
Ashid barely reacted, merely taking a sip of his drink. His throat felt oddly dry. He wasn’t sure if it was because of the topic he was about to bring up or the fact that Daniela was sitting closer to him than expected.
Daniela glanced at him sideways and internally clicked her tongue. The dining table was long enough to seat dozens, yet they were seated this close. And he was clearly uncomfortable with it.
‘As if I’m any more comfortable.’
Stabbing her fork into a scallop, she took a bite. The soft, fresh seafood melted in her mouth, making her expression relax.
She continued eating, finishing every dish served.
As she sliced into the main course—Chateaubriand steak—Ashid finally spoke.
“You’re aware that the social season starts next week, correct?”
“Yes.”
“As always, I’ve received countless invitations. But this year, they all specifically request that you accompany me.”
“…Surely, you’re not suggesting I attend every single one with you?”
Daniela frowned, turning to Ashid. He let out a short chuckle.
