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Chapter 15
[To my precious daughter Yuse, who is already grown but still so dear that even putting you in my eyes wouldn’t hurt.
Yuse, my daughter,
I am relieved to hear that you are doing well. I already knew from your letters that Duke Killian is a kind-hearted man, but your recent letter made me understand it even better.
At first, I strongly felt that it would be a loss no matter who you married. But now, I think that perhaps Duke Killian might be a good match.
I sincerely wish only good things for your future, my daughter.
You met Floheta, did you? That is surprising. Weren’t you two separated a long time ago? Meeting again like this makes me think how strange fate can be.
Does that child still remember you well? Your ability, and the memories from your childhood? If so, remember to be careful. Of course, I know you are capable, so I am not worried, but as a parent, I cannot feel fully at ease. I am not saying I don’t trust that child, but being extra cautious is never a bad thing.
I apologize for the long letter filled with unnecessary worry. In any case, tell Beila if anything happens, and send a letter here too. I will come running to you without a second thought.
Always remember, my daughter, that I am your father who loves you, worries for you, and will always be on your side.
I love you.
Your father, Liam Lil Krantz, who loves you with a heart unmatched by any other feeling.]
“Looks like you really liked it.”
Yuse thought about the letter from her father and smiled quietly. Floheta, noticing her expression, teased her.
“What?”
Yuse tilted her head in confusion.
“Don’t play dumb. Two days ago, Killian took you to a dessert shop to celebrate your one month here, right? You’re smiling because you remembered that, aren’t you?”
Yuse smirked softly, realizing Floheta didn’t actually know her thoughts, and shook her head.
“That was a happy memory I’ll never forget, but no, it’s not that.”
“What do you mean?”
“Idiot.”
“Eh?”
Floheta, called an idiot so suddenly, looked confused and asked again.
Two days ago, Yuse had received two letters. One from her father, Liam Lil Krantz, and one from Floheta.
Naturally, she opened her father’s letter first. The unique woody scent of the estate on the paper reminded her of home. She read the letter several times, enjoying that familiar scent.
Then she opened Floheta’s letter.
His letter had a similar nostalgic feel, but instead of the woody scent, it smelled of fresh peppermint.
The content was simple: he had sent it because he was bored and wanted to go out together. He had planned to suggest it two days ago, but Killian had arrived first, so Floheta had missed the chance and wrote the letter with a playful hint of disappointment.
Yuse, also feeling bored, agreed to the plan, and they decided to go to the city.
Floheta took her to his favorite dessert shop, which had a more subtle taste compared to the sweet desserts Killian had taken her to.
They were enjoying desserts and talking.
“Why did you call me an idiot all of a sudden?”
“I just mentioned I got letters from you and your father two days ago.”
“Right?”
“So thinking about their content made me laugh for no reason.”
“I see.”
Floheta smiled, a calm, comforting smile that made Yuse feel at ease.
“Do you miss them?”
He asked quietly, watching her.
“A little?”
Yuse answered honestly. Though she enjoyed every moment with Killian and in this space, she sometimes missed the peaceful days at her father’s estate.
Here, no one stopped her from being a little spoiled, but everyone treated her as if she was already officially the duchess-to-be. Naturally, she felt responsible in her role.
“Then why not go for a short visit?”
Yuse shook her head at Floheta’s suggestion.
“Next time. When I have more free time, and Killian isn’t busy, that will be the right time.”
“Oh, so I go with you?”
His voice sounded a little disappointed.
“Of course. And you’re coming too, Floheta.”
Yuse encouraged him without noticing the slight change in his tone.
“My father said he was happy to see you too.”
She added, hinting that Liam wanted to see Floheta as well.
“Let’s go together, okay? It’s a place full of our childhood memories, and a place I’ve wanted to visit as an adult with you!”
Yuse’s bright eyes made Floheta nod without thinking.
“Okay, got it.”
It was impossible to stop a smile from forming.
“Next time, really next time, we’ll go together.”
Floheta repeated her words thoughtfully and nodded.
“Yay! That’s great.”
Yuse laughed instinctively.
“Okay, now finish your dessert.”
Floheta watched her smile for a moment, then offered the remaining desserts.
“Mm, thanks.”
Yuse accepted his kindness with a simple reply and continued enjoying the desserts. Floheta quietly rested his chin on his hand, just watching her.
“Ugh, I’m so full!”
Yuse leaned back, her voice lazy, staring out the window.
“This is why I’ll just sleep when I get home.”
Floheta tapped her shoulder lightly.
“You can do that.”
“Why?”
“You’re not officially the duchess yet, so why live so hard?”
Yuse’s gaze wavered at his question.
“What?” she asked.
“Oh, I didn’t mean to reject you!”
Floheta quickly corrected himself, realizing his mistake. He just wanted her to enjoy the moment since she wasn’t officially the duchess yet. It wasn’t meant to hurt her.
“Sorry. Anyway, that’s not what I meant.”
Before he could finish, Yuse spoke.
“No, I know what you mean. I felt a little pressured without realizing it. I was tense because I couldn’t fully relax, and you’re the first person to point that out.”
Yuse’s small confession made Floheta frown.
“What do you mean? Are you saying Killian pressures you too?”
“No! Not at all. I just feel it myself. It’s the pressure I put on myself. Killian is always kind to me, gentle, and….”
Yuse hurriedly listed Killian’s good qualities, flustered by Floheta’s reaction.
For a moment, Floheta’s gaze, never leaving Yuse, turned beyond her to the window and widened.
“Flo?”
Yuse asked.
“What’s wrong? Did you see something?”
She was about to turn to follow his gaze.
“Yuse!”
Floheta shouted urgently.
“Eh?”
Yuse froze mid-motion.
“Something’s on your dress. On the sleeve.”
He pointed out a spot on her dress sleeve covered with dessert cream.
“Ah!”
Flustered, Yuse didn’t know what to do, but Floheta calmly handed her a handkerchief, and she quickly started cleaning it.
Floheta was relieved that she hadn’t noticed it herself.
