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Dana focused all her energy on managing her expression. She hoped she hadn’t let any sign of joy show. “Is that so?”
“Yes. Before Viego left on his business trip, he ordered the servants to prepare an office for you.”
That’s a relief. Given there had been so much bloodshed in the Windsor territory, she’d worried it might be considered a failure.Fortunately, he sees it as a success.This meant that he was giving her a place within the Windsor family. Which meant—
If I just break off my engagement with Raios.She would truly be drawing close to the position of deputy head. Only the direct line of the Windsor could hold the position of deputy head. If Carl Windsor were to step down from that position, then…It would probably become mine.
Dana glanced at the sparkling gem on Carl’s finger.
“Aren’t you cold?”
Her words trailed off. It was because Carl wrapped his scarf around her neck. Then he placed his hand on her shoulder, drawing her closer. His warmth was so comforting…
“Huh? What is it, Dana?” Carl asked with a soft smile. “Do you have something to say?”
“Just…” Dana forced the corner of her stiff mouth upward. “It’s just that you seem to say things like that to me quite often, Uncle.”
“Uncle often says I look cold.”
“Do I?” Carl chuckled as if only now realizing it.
The sight of him was rather splendid and utterly revolting.
“Is it because of back then?”
“When you first came to this mansion. Was it about a week in? You caught a terrible cold.”
“You kept saying you were cold, even while bedridden.”
Right. It had been such a terrible cold that Dana remembered it clearly.I was really scared at that time.Surrounded entirely by an unfamiliar world and unfamiliar people, she couldn’t even allow herself to be sick in peace. Even lying in bed, she couldn’t sleep for a long while because of anxiety. Above all, she felt unbearably cold. To the point she’d repeated that she was cold over and over, like sleep-talking. And back then…
“It’s alright. Get some good rest.”
Carl had held her trembling hand and said that.
“Don’t worry. There’s nothing dangerous for you in this mansion. You can sleep peacefully.”
His warm voice seeped into her fading consciousness.
“You won’t be cold anymore.”
It was so vivid that it seemed like he was whispering in her ear, even now…
“I’ll protect you.”
A laugh almost burst out of her, so Dana bit down hard on the inside of her cheek.
Had he been eying her assets since back then?
“I can’t forget the sight of you shivering from the cold.”
“Yes. That’s probably why, every time I see you, I feel like giving you something to wear.Haha.”
Hahaha. Dana laughed along with him.
“We have to ensure her premature death.”
At times like this, his razor-sharp words from back then came to mind.That’s why I’m afraid of you.And she couldn’t help but grow unbearably curious.How did you plan to kill me? With poison? A blade? Or…
Or with these hands directly?
“Your hands are cold too.” Dana placed her hand over the one resting on her shoulder. “They’re like ice.” Beneath her fingertips, she felt smooth yet firm skin, sharply defined tendons, and… the holy relic. If only she could take it right now. “I suppose I should buy you some gloves.”
“Thank you, even if it’s just words. Truly, only you worry about me, Dana.”
“Of course, I always worry about you, Uncle.”
Speaking affectionately, Dana glanced up. She had felt a piercing gaze since a while ago. The owner of that gaze was Sandra, looking at them with a sinister look from inside the mansion.
How does it feel to see the person you despise being cherished by your husband?No matter how well Sandra knew there were other motives involved, it would still have to be unbearable to watch. It must be hurtful and infuriating too. She might even hate her husband…
So, hurry and throw this man away.
Dana wished Carl would be abandoned by everyone and left completely alone. Entirely separate from stealing the holy relic, she genuinely wished for that. After all, she wanted Carl Windsor to become deeply and utterly unhappy.
“Congratulations, Lady Windsor! You have your own office now!” Viscount Manus came with a bouquet to congratulate her.
“Thank you. I look forward to working with you, Viscount Manus.” Dana caressed the desk that had become hers. “By the way, when will my brother return?”
“Hmm, probably in about a week. He mentioned he’d have work for you as soon as he returns.” Viscount Manus gave her a look as if to say prepare yourself. “So please rest well until then. You went through quite a lot in the Windsor territory.”
It wasn’t only Viego who was absent.Lethe hasn’t returned either.She had sent him to investigate matters suitable for negotiating with the emperor, but he hadn’t come back yet. The emperor was still at the Holy See as well…
Dana’s schedule was suddenly wide open. In that case, resting a little wouldn’t be bad.I should reply to the letters I’ve neglected.Quite a few letters had piled up while she was away. But then…
[To the beloved Lady Danae Windsor,
From Justin Lancaster]
He still hasn’t given up?She hadn’t replied to him before. That had been Dana’s way of declining, yet he hadn’t given up and had sent five more letters. One of them had even arrived just yesterday.
[If my feelings have burdened you, I offer my deepest apologies. I’m sorry. If you do not wish it, I will give up so as not to trouble you further. So please, this time I beg you to give me an answer. Please show me mercy, Lady.]
Hmm. Danae furrowed her brow slightly. This seemed like…Is he a bit dense?Well, he was the same age as Noah. A mere seventeen-year-old boy might not understand that silence was a polite rejection.It might be better to be straightforward with him.
As she thought that, Dana noticed something else inside the envelope. It was a ticket for a piano concert. A solo performance by the famed genius pianist. And the date was…Today. And it’s starting soon.
Dana pondered for a moment, then stood up. Perfect timing. She could take this opportunity to reject him clearly in person.
In front of the concert hall, Justin Lancaster was standing there, holding a bouquet of white roses.
“La-Lady Windsor!” Spotting her, Justin Lancaster shouted. Then he covered his mouth with his hand. He seemed to have shouted without realizing it. “I-I apologize. I was just so surprised!”
“Thank you so much for coming! I’m truly happy!” Justin held out the rose bouquet to her. His hands were trembling uncontrollably from nerves.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept this.” It would be better to say it quickly. Smiling apologetically, Dana gently pushed the bouquet away. “Cadet Lancaster, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t send me such letters anymore.”
“That’s what I came to tell you. I’m sorry I didn’t say it sooner.”
“W-What don’t you like about me?’
For a moment, Dana was at a loss for words. Why? She hadn’t expected him to ask why so directly.
“Well.” There were too many reasons for it not to work. Dana chose the most reasonable one. “Cadet Lancaster, you’re too young for me. Besides, you’re still a minor.”
“I-I had my birthday just the other day! I’m an adult now!”
“…Happy birthday. Even so, you’re still too young for me.”
At that, Justin looked completely unable to understand. “But Lord Carl married Madam Sandra, who was ten years older than him, when he was fifteen, didn’t he?”
Why is that man suddenly being brought up?