Chapter 91

"Oh my..."

As Opal murmured, reading the letter that had arrived from the Kingdom of Sosie, Claude, who had been reading the newspaper, looked up.

The two of them had been busy since returning to the Botselli Duchy, but recently they had been able to take a little time to relax after breakfast.

"Is something wrong?"

"It seems that Loana has turned down Duke MacLeod's proposal."

"Turned it down?"

"Yes. She thought it wouldn't work out since there were no romantic feelings between them."

Loana, the daughter of the Count of Croiselle, had met Opal at the ball where they impeached Kiemont, and they had been exchanging letters and cultivating a friendship ever since. During their last stay in the Botselli Duchy, they couldn't write letters, but now that the turmoil in both countries had settled down, they had resumed their correspondence.

"Count Croiselle leaving the decision to Loana is quite admirable," Claude said.

"Yes. Loana mentioned that in her letter. 'I am grateful to my parents for saying it's fine if I remain single. I want to show my filial piety in other ways.'"

Opal lowered her gaze to the thick letter from Loana and read that passage aloud. She didn't raise her face, as she was reminded of her first marriage. She now understood that her father had proposed the marriage out of concern for her, but she still felt a sense of emptiness from time to time.

"Opal?"

"Huh? Oh, sorry. I was just absorbed in reading."

Called by Claude, Opal hurriedly looked up. He must have known what she was thinking, but she pretended to be reading the letter. Claude took the letter from her and placed it on the table, then took her hand and kissed it.

"I love you, Opal. I have always loved you, I love you now, and I will always love you."

"Claude..."

Claude always said the words Opal wanted to hear. When she was in trouble, he helped her, comforted her, and let her lean on him without a word. Yet, Opal couldn't find the right words to respond, and could only look at Claude's hand, placing her own on top of it.

"Can you stop being so lovey-dovey in the morning? It's making me feel sick."

"---Coming over unannounced in the morning without even a call, you're as rude as ever."

Julian suddenly burst in, and Opal turned to him irritably. Julian strode into the breakfast room and sat down in a chair without being invited.

"I'm not expecting any hospitality from you, so don't worry about it."

"Why would I worry? I'm not welcoming you."

Smiling wryly at their usual sibling bickering, Claude gestured to the flustered butler. The newly hired butler was competent, but he seemed unsure of how to handle Julian's sudden appearance. The butler left with a relieved look, leaving the three of them alone.

"So, what's up?"

"Do I need a reason to be here?"

"Of course, you're an uninvited guest. Weren't you enjoying yourself in the capital?"

"Do I have to report to you? Besides, I already have the information, even without telling you."

Opal knew that Julian had stayed in the capital to handle the aftermath in the social circles while they were reforming the duchy. However, Opal, not being one to express gratitude easily, received a mocking response from Julian, who then picked up a muffin from the table. Seeing Opal's expression at that moment, Claude couldn't help but laugh.

"Julian! That's my muffin!"

"Didn't you already have breakfast? Are you still hungry?"

"Be quiet! You know I like them, so you did it on purpose!"

"That's what I'm saying. If you like something, you should get it quickly."

Julian knew that Opal always left her favorite things for last, and he was being deliberately mean. Claude didn't intervene in their banter, but he could hear Naja, who had come in to prepare new tea, stifling a laugh.

"Ah, I'm sorry."

"It's fine, Naja. You're not being rude at all."

"Hey, Naja. It's been a while. I'm sorry for deceiving you back then."

"Oh, it's been a while! I said and did many rude things to you..."

"You really don't need to worry about it, Naja. I was at fault for not telling you."

"But..."

"Anyway, my throat is dry. Could you bring me some tea?"

"Y-Yes!"

Naja, meeting Julian as a viscount for the first time and not as a servant, was embarrassed by her past rudeness. It was unreasonable to tell her not to worry, but Julian ended the conversation by asking for tea.

"So, what are you planning to do now?"

"Well, I haven't decided yet... but I might go home. I've been craving Marcia's muffins."

"I see..."

Claude nodded with relief at Julian's light-hearted response. Julian had been running around without returning to the viscount's mansion, taking unnecessary risks and doing reckless things. Eight or nine years ago, during the plague in the Kingdom of Taishi, he had worked tirelessly to save lives, and afterward, he had been a spy for Alessandro. Claude, who had ties to the kingdom, understood, but he had always wondered why Julian went to such lengths, though he never asked. Glancing at Opal, Claude saw that she looked even more relieved.

"Before you eat the muffins, you should listen to Marcia's scolding. And Trevor will give you a thorough lecture too."

With that, Opal tried to stand up without waiting for Julian's response. Claude quickly stood up to help her, and Julian, out of politeness, also stood but just watched. Opal ignored Julian and smiled at Claude.

"Thank you, Claude. I'll go talk to Duncan. Are you going to Passam?"

"Yes, I'll be back by night."

"Let me know before you leave again."

"Got it."

Claude watched Opal leave the room with a wry smile. Julian sat back down and started drinking his tea. Thinking that neither of them was being very honest, Claude also sat down again.