Chapter 8
There was only one way—to convince them she wasn’t hurt.
Sertia smiled as brightly as she could, lifting the corners of her lips.
“I’m not hurt…!”
Immediately, the fox gave her a look that clearly screamed, How pathetic.
“You really can’t lie, can you?”
Despite the fox’s cute and soft appearance, its personality was quite firm.
Realizing there was no way to avoid it any longer, Sertia mumbled softly.
“…I fell.”
There was no way Renoch or the fox would be fooled by her lie.
Soon, the two of them began their private conversation.
“Fox, what do you think?”
“Why bother asking? It’s obvious Tia’s lying.”
“You’re being quite blunt. I didn’t say anything, Tia.”
“Y-You traitor!”
Considering how little time they had known each other, it was impressive how well they got along—like they were meant for each other.
Sertia tried to suppress her guilty conscience and gazed into the air, but the fox’s persistent eyes and words pierced right through her.
“Liar.”
“…Huh?”
“Tia is a liar!”
“I’m innocent….”
“No, Tia is sad. Very sad.”
“…….”
“I can see it.”
Faced with this sincere declaration, Sertia bit her lower lip. There was no point in making any more excuses.
Sensing her discomfort, Renoch and the fox stopped pressing her and fell silent.
Aside from the fox quietly stroking Sertia’s chin, the silence stretched on.
“I’ll see you next time.”
“Oh, okay.”
Sertia avoided the butler’s intense gaze and turned to Renoch.
“I had a wonderful time.”
“I’m delighted to hear that.”
She smiled as she met the eyes of the teary-eyed fox.
“Can I give you a name?”
“Of course. The fox would be happy.”
Sertia gently stroked the fox’s still-sniffling cheek.
“…Primi.”
“Primi. I’m curious about its meaning.”
“It just came to mind when I saw it being so sad.”
Sorrow… sorrowful… Primi… Was it weird?
At her added explanation, Renoch gave a faint smile. She was so cute, explaining with her fingers curled up.
“It’s a name I won’t forget.”
“Thank you. Please call it often for me.”
Renoch nodded, a rare smile breaking through his usually composed expression.
“What do you say to meeting in the city next time?”
“Sounds good. Send me a convenient date, and I’ll keep my schedule open.”
He didn’t refuse her thoughtful suggestion.
“I’ll send word soon.”
The atmosphere around them grew warm and rosy.
At that moment, the butler, who had briefly stepped away, returned.
“The carriage is ready.”
Unable to hide his reluctance, Renoch lowered his lips to the back of Sertia’s gloved hand and whispered softly.
“I look forward to our next meeting, Tia.”
Awkwardly smiling, Sertia stepped into the carriage. She closed the window after offering her final goodbye and tapped the wall.
The carriage began to move slowly.
She gazed out the window at the fading silhouette of the Dukedom of Dicatherion’s grand estate before leaning back against the seat.
“I want to live.”
Even after the carriage disappeared from view, Renoch stood motionless, as if trying to chase after her lingering presence.
Unable to bear it, Paul quietly spoke.
“My lord. The wind is still cold.”
“…Ha.”
Only then did Renoch release a low sigh and shift his gaze.
“Sometimes, even when you get what you want, you must know how to hide it. Otherwise, you might push her away.”
“You’re unusually talkative today, Paul.”
“Haha. Truthfully, it’s because I’m just as happy as you are. She’s the lady we’ve all been waiting for, after all.”
“And why would you be so eager?”
Renoch halted his steps toward his office and shot Paul a cold glare—one that promised swift retribution for any inappropriate thoughts.
Paul felt wronged. If he had married young, he would have children only slightly younger than Renoch. What kind of fool would harbor feelings for such a young lady?
In truth, Paul was more eager to see his master find a companion than anyone else—even more than his own wife.
Perhaps realizing he had spoken out of turn, Renoch resumed walking. Paul followed closely behind.
“I’ve reviewed all the contracts.”
“The conclusion?”
“No issues. I’ll send someone immediately.”
Renoch adjusted the squirming Primi in his arms and gave his next order.
“Investigate the Duchy of Elionne thoroughly.”
There was definitely something he had missed.
“Understood. I’ll relay it to Ron.”
“Even if you find nothing, return immediately.”
“Pardon? Wouldn’t that be grounds to terminate the contract?”
“It doesn’t matter. Proceed according to Sertia’s wishes.”
“But that’s—”
Paul began to mention an unpleasant word, but Primi gently nipped his arm to stop him.
Renoch chuckled and praised the fox.
Paul, left speechless, watched Renoch’s retreating figure with a wistful expression. The bond between Renoch and the fox seemed too close—enviably so.
“Fox, well done.”
“I’m not a fox. I’m Primi.”
Renoch chuckled softly at the fox’s protest.
“I don’t know what you really are, but it’s better for you to remain a small, weak fox in my presence.”
At the sudden coldness in his voice, Primi trembled and quickly corrected itself.
“…I’m a fox.”
“Well, to be fair, you’re no ordinary fox.”
And Sertia seemed to be catching on.
Renoch swallowed the rest of his thoughts and entered his office.
Primi whined softly.
“…Can you feel it?”
“It’s impossible not to.”
“Ugh… it’s so complicated.”
Despite tilting its head in confusion, Primi couldn’t figure it out. Eventually, the little fox slumped in Renoch’s arms, mumbling.
“This is too hard….”
By the time Sertia arrived at the Elionne Ducal estate, she stepped out of the carriage to meet the sharp gaze of Duke Elionne.
“Where have you been?”
The duke’s lips, dry and cracked, twisted as he rubbed his forehead.
Sertia debated ignoring him but decided to take a step back—for the sake of her future.
“You already received the report.”
The sight of Alex fidgeting behind the duke told her everything—how much of a fuss he had caused while she was away.
‘Who can deal with that temper?’
Sighing internally, she clicked her tongue.
“Sertia.”
“Yes?”
The duke fixed his cold gaze on her.
“If you admit your wrongdoing, I will forgive you.”
“…What?”
Was he serious? Sertia blinked in disbelief.
Ah, he was serious.
At this point, she had to wonder if he was testing her patience. Still, she wouldn’t lose her temper.
“Your Grace, I’ll be honest with you.”
His emerald-blue eyes sharpened.
“I don’t appreciate your sudden interest in me.”
“If not me, then who would?”
Sertia took a breath before continuing.
“Your Grace, do you know when I started addressing you that way instead of calling you Father?”
His lips moved soundlessly, caught off guard.
“How would you know? You’ve never cared.”
His expression began to crumble. It seemed he was only now realizing the change in address.
“Just… stop.”
NOTE
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