If she were to relay his words, she would arouse Lucernes suspicion for no reason.

I heard something troublesome. The patriarch is right. It wont do me any good if Lucerne finds out about this conversation.

Deep suspicion and mistrust were chronic illnesses of the members of the Cartier family. It was no different from a chronic disease passed down from birth. Unfortunately, the same was true for Lucerne.

Gaju didnt stay long and stood up. Elisha stood up and followed after him.

Alright then, Ill just go.

Yes, my lord.

Elisha hesitated and then opened her mouth again,

Well, Gaju, about the laundromat where I used to work . Thank you. The collateral that was used at the laundromat belongs to Jacob. So I know it wasnt easy to convince him to sort it out.

Oh, you mean that thing?

The patriarch continued,

Say thank you to your husband.

yes?

The last time he visited the mansion, Lucerne brought it up first. Please remove the women who work at the laundry from the mansion so that in the future, no one will slander you about your origins. Besides, dont you have a lot of bad memories of that place?

.

He said he wouldnt be able to visit the Dukes estate often if such a place continued to exist.

Elisha was inwardly surprised.

Lucerne . you did something that didnt benefit you at all?

If she had not discovered those flowers just a couple of days ago, Elisha would not have not dared to have such hopeful doubts. But . itt was truly remarkable. Lately, it seemed a lot of amazing things transpired when Lucerne was concerned.

***

Lucerne and Elisha had dinner alone with the Heads absence. Since Lucerne did not like servants standing around waiting during meals they were now completely alone.

So on days like today when the head of the family was away, the dukes large dining room was only occupied by the two of them.

I heard the patriarch came by.

Yes, they are making new rooms.

Elisha calmly delivered the news.

Was that it?

That was just an excuse, but his purpose was to motivate his grandchildren. He wondered if we are intentionally not having children.

Elisha did not hide it from him. It wasnt wrong. Although the head of the family hinted at more than that, that was only his true intention. She had no intention of fanning Lucernes suspicions by telling him that story.

Its obvious what the old man is upto.

I just evaded it and gave an ambiguous answer.

Well done.

Lucerne moved on. Elisha felt her tension melt away.

He doesnt even interrogate me anymore. Is this person really.

She inadvertently stared at Lucerne.

Whats the matter?

No. Just . I got full quickly today.

Eat properly. You are too weak,

Lucerne said bluntly.

Lucerne, well .

Elisha quietly opened her mouth.

I cleaned out your drawers a few days ago. But I happened to see the flowers. The royal familys hydrangeas.

.

I didnt mean to pry on purpose. You said I could pack your luggage.

Its fine.

Lucerne was only a little shaken for a moment, but soon became calm.

The hydrangeas I gave during the hunting festival . Did you save them?

Lucerne didnt seem to notice how shy and cautious Elishas question was. He answered calmly, a little coldly, as usual:

Huh.

At Lucernes answer, Elisha felt the back of her neck heating up. Her eyes wavered.

Why . did you keep them instead of throwing them away?

Elisha asked softly.

The Shadow likes them.

The Shadow?

Elisha had a strange feeling.

Shadows often swallow flowers and play with them. Its not a hobby for a monster, right? The Shadow wanted it so I gave it to him to play with.

oh.

Come to think of it, she heard something similar from Nora.

Thats right. The Shadow likes them.

Her cheeks felt hot. She didnt know what she had imagined or expected.

And Lucerne said indifferently.

Yes, and I like it too. [t1v: in Korean he could also be saying I like you too]

.

Who gave it to me? Of course I should like it, right? [t1v: Of course I like you]

Lucerne laughed.

Elisha suddenly went numb and her mind felt dizzy. Her hands and feet were tingling. She remembered her fantasy again.

The moment in her past life when she was enchanted by him. Memories like scattered stars from that time. Countless nights from her past life.

It was like that at the time. Lucerne was able to rule Elishas life with just a handful of attention. And he played with Elisha in the palm of his hands and could discard her whenever he wanted.

And in an instant, the power structure between Elisha and Lucerne became unfair again.

It was always like that. He could buy everything from Elisha just by keeping one flower.