The next day. Rebecca left the mansion to deliver my letter to the lawyer we met last time, which contained a message that my mother had referred me to a trial and that I would like the lawyer to visit the mansion as soon as possible. "Father has been gone for a long time, so why now?" There's no evidence to make me the culprit, and without evidence, they can't deprive me of my inheritance rights. As I frowned and passed through the hall, I saw Selphius, who had just returned from the academy, ascending to his bedroom on this floor. "Selphius." The boy flinched and stopped walking when I called him. "Your Highness, the Duchess." "How was the academy?" I looked at the clock that dominated the hall. It was a little later than usual. "You're a bit late today." Selphius chuckled and patted his school uniform. "…The kids in my class threw an admission celebration party, so I was a bit late." "Is that so? Is the academy fun? How are the kids in your class?" I felt guilty for not paying enough attention to Selphius's academy life, which had been overshadowed by the events with Aile and Iret. I was worried that he might not adapt well, given his prickly personality and occasional inability to control his temper. "Yes, they're all good." Fortunately, it seemed that Selphius was adapting well. "I'll change my clothes." Selphius, standing at the top of the stairs, turned and quickly ascended to his bedroom. I watched his retreating back for a while, then tilted my head in confusion. "…All good?" I had never heard such an answer from Selphius before. It felt strange, as if there was a gap. 'What is it?' I tilted my head, trying to figure out the cause of the gap, but was soon interrupted by the butler. "Your Highness, the Viscount Fortun has come to see you." If it's Viscount Fortun, it must be Aedus? "Me?" "Yes, he said he came to see Your Highness." I frowned at the butler's words. Rebecca had left the mansion to deliver my letter to the lawyer, and I was a bit hesitant about meeting Aedus alone without her. "I have prior engagements today…" "If Your Highness refuses to meet him, he asked me to tell you to 'repay the debt you owe me from last time'." He must have anticipated that I would refuse. 'The debt from last time…' He must be referring to the time he saved us from the rebels. I smiled faintly, recalling that memory. Then, I muttered to the butler with a reluctant expression. "…Please show the guest to the parlor. And bring some very, very bad tea. Something so bad that he'll want to go home immediately after drinking it." "Yes, Your Highness." *** "I actually expected Your Highness or the Duke to come to me. I thought I would at least hear a thank you for helping you two." "Is that so?" "Yes, especially since the Duke clearly said 'we'll talk later,' so I waited even more." Aedus smiled and sipped the extremely bitter and astringent tea, his smile hiding a sharp thorn. "I was busy." "Yes, so I kept waiting." "I really was busy." "Yes, I understand. I can't imagine the Duchess lying to me. After all, I helped you two, didn't I?" I shuddered and put down the teacup, the bitter taste making me grimace. 'How can he drink this with a smile?' I was amazed at Aedus's composure. He looked at my untouched teacup with a puzzled expression. "Does it not suit your taste? Oh, how careless of me. The tea prepared by the Duchess must suit your taste. I misspoke." "Oh, that…no." "The Duchess must enjoy very bitter and astringent flavors. I should follow her example and try it myself." Ha ha ha, Aedus laughed and demonstratively sipped the tea. His cup was already half empty. 'He's doing this on purpose.' I rubbed my forehead and gestured to the nearby maid. "Bring the tea again." "Yes, Your Highness." As the maids removed the tea, Aedus put down his cup as if he had been waiting for it. He remained silent, only smiling, until the maids brought new tea. When the new tea arrived, I finally picked up my cup. "It's really sweet and delicious. After drinking the bitter tea, it tastes even better. The Duchess is indeed wise." Oh, really. I took a sip of the tea and glanced at Aedus. But his words were true. When no one else would help us, he stepped forward and did. However, neither I nor Terdeo had thanked him. I frowned and sighed deeply. "I was really grateful then. Viscount Fortun." "Such formalities seem too stiff, Your Highness. I'm satisfied with 'Aedus'." "I was really grateful, huh? Viscount Fortun." What kind of relationship is this? I emphasized the title, and Aedus laughed heartily. I didn't understand what was so amusing. "Are you here to hear my thanks?" "No, I came to see you." To see me? I was momentarily speechless but then someone came to mind. 'He came to see Rebecca.' They were once close, so it made sense. I didn't intend to interfere in their relationship. I nodded calmly. "If you want to see her, come whenever you like. She's almost always at the mansion." "Is that really okay?" "I have no reason to stop you." Aedus sighed in relief, his face brightening. "I'm relieved. I was worried you might say no." "Why would you worry about that? You can even go out together sometimes, as long as it's not too late." "Really? I can go out with her? It's a dream come true." "Buy her something delicious." "Of course. I'll prepare a list of delicious places." I was pleased with Aedus's immediate response. He seemed to really like Rebecca. I folded my arms and nodded proudly, and Aedus clapped his hands. "Since we're on the topic, shall we set a date?" "Huh?" "Is there any food she particularly likes?" Rebecca's favorite food? I tilted my head. I rarely ate with her, so I couldn't remember. "You probably know better than I do. I don't know." "I'll decide then. When would be a good date?" 'Why is he asking me? He should set