It was not until her hand had bitten onto the handle forcefully enough to make her bleed that the door had finally opened. The sunlit reception room was filled with enough warmth that eventually revealed a person, who straight away rised to his feet at her presence.

Oh, Molitia! How are you?

Have you been well, Father?

Molitia dropped a curtsy while clutching on the hem of her dress slightly. She felt drained already. She immediately took a seat in a chair before loosening the tension crept in her legs.

No way. I couldnt even sleep a wink ever since you left. You are my only first child, no matter what others say. I couldnt rest my eyes at the thought whether or not I have done well as a parent.

You cared about me

More than anyone else; was what Count Clemence would have never thought of and Molitia knew of that fact. She managed to draw a smile without openly displaying her disgust at those sickening words. Moreover, the room felt unusually cold at that moment.

I see. And that being the case, Im doing fairly well. So, please do not worry.

I heard that recently, you have been gravely ill.

How did you know that?

The story of how the Duke had been nursing his wife with great care had disseminated throughout the Empire. He had taken his duties off for a few days especially for his sick wife, which means that work has been piling up.

Ra no, the Duke?

This was the first time she had heard any of this. She was quite sure Raven had already said that he didnt have any work to be done.

Yes and I got worried when I heard that.

The Count smiled and eventually grasped Molitias hand that was on the table. Her hands clearly flinched at the utter surprise.

Have you been good to the Duke?

Yes, kindly so.

I see.

The Counts eyes swept all over her. It seemed like she was not being rude, at least. If that was the case, then it would be fine for him to bring up what he actually had wanted to say.

Molitia, my daughter.

He gave a sideway glance to the butler with a sheer hint of luck.

Theres something that Id like to talk to you aboutalone.

Molitia reluctantly sent the butler to leave the room, who appeared hesitant at the Counts words. The butler had been observing her with concern as he contemplated on what he should do for a while before quickening his steps out of the room.

When the door was finally closed, there was a moment of silence before Molitia slowly opened her mouth.

We are truly alone now. Do tell me if theres anything that youd like to say.

Can you do me a favor?

What kind of favor, exactly?

Ive already asked the Duke to help me with some commercial work of mineCount Clemence. Still, he hasnt replied yet and no reasons have been given as of now.

But why should the Duke be helping out with the Count?

Molitia.

His soft tone altered at once. The Count immediately revealed his anger without concealing it at all.

Isnt it obvious? It has always been beneficial for two families to join forces together. But, are you really rebelling against me right now?

The Count had not changed in any way. He was just oppressing her completely like the time she was still regarded as Molitia Clemence.

Molitia, dont you ever forget mythe Countsgrace, just because you have gotten married to this household. You havent forgotten to take the medicine like youre supposed to, have you?

Molitias eyes trembled violently. It was already time for her to run out of that said medicine.

She couldnt afford to run away. It was that moment when her eyes quivered out of control at the reality that was thwarting her back and forth, from all sides.

Molitia.

Raven bursted into the parlour while still heaving breathlessly.

Duke?

Count Clemence immediately leaped up from his seat at the voice that came right behind Molitia, which had startled her as well.

Oh, how lucky I am. Im here to see my daughter, but I get to meet the Duke at the same time. Its been a long time, Duke.

The chilling atmosphere from earlier had already disappeared without a trace and the Count was already prepared with a great smile, painted thoroughly on his face. Raven then strode across the room before accepting his handshake.

Have you been well?

Yes, of course. Thanks to the Dukes eminence, the empire has been gradually stabilized. Therefore, I can already unwind myself with some good nights sleep.

The Count then smiled broadly. On the other hand, Raven was already turning away to take a look at Molitia.