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Chapter 34
“His Highness the Grand Duke is aware of Count Clement’s concern. Lady Clement is doing well.”
The Count of Clement quietly observed the man, who had arrived earlier than expected.
He was the Grand Duke’s messenger, the same one who had previously delivered the Duke’s marriage proposal directly to Psyche.
When the proposal was handed to his daughter, the messenger’s blue eyes had been fixed on Psyche the entire time. The Count of Clement had noticed it before anyone else.
From the moment he first met Psyche, the messenger had been curious about her.
Many were blinded by her beauty, eager to gain her favor. The pile of marriage proposals she received by the time she entered society was proof enough.
If it hadn’t been for the Countess, who insisted on preserving Psyche’s appearance just before she became of age, baseless rumors about her might never have spread.
If that had happened, her life might have been a little more peaceful.
But the messenger’s gaze was unlike anyone the Count had seen. It was difficult to describe it as mere admiration or desire.
“There is certainly a secret.”
The man carried an air of authority, not merely a servant delivering a message.
The Count had observed powerful people from afar before and knew how subtle their arrogance could be.
“It was a safe and successful engagement ceremony. As promised, a bishop carefully chosen by the Grand Duchy’s clergy witnessed the engagement vows.”
While watching the messenger, the Count felt uneasy. He sensed something familiar about him.
The pale skin, sharp features, and striking appearance—he was certainly handsome.
But Psyche resembled the Count too closely. That made the feeling strange.
I feel like I should recognize him… but from where?
“His Highness the Grand Duke says if you wish to see Lady Clement for yourself, you are welcome to visit the Grand Duchy.”
“…I can meet my daughter?”
“Yes. Lady Clement is also hoping for your visit.”
He had never even been able to properly send off his daughter to such a distant place. That thought weighed heavily on him. Now he could meet her again.
“I will go.”
He answered without hesitation. There was no need to think.
The journey to the Grand Duchy was harder than expected. They sailed for a week across the sea, then crossed mountains and rivers for four days.
“Lady Clement crossed the snowy mountains. It was a much harsher and more dangerous path.”
Every wave that rocked the ship made the Count feel uneasy, but he reminded himself that Psyche had endured far worse. Compared to her suffering, his discomfort seemed small.
The Grand Duke’s messenger also gave him other updates.
“Lady Clement is strong and composed. She has adapted well to the Grand Duchy and is managing better than you might worry.”
Hearing this reassured him. Soon, he would see her with his own eyes.
Yet guilt still pressed on his heart, so he could not smile fully.
Upon arriving at the Grand Duke’s castle, he immediately saw his daughter.
Bright golden hair that glowed in the light, and pink eyes that lost focus when troubled. She resembled him not only in appearance but also in personality.
Watching her grow, he often worried. Psyche’s resilience meant she faced life’s hardships head-on, just as he had.
I wish Psyche could have lived more peacefully.
If she had simply accepted life as it came, she might have had a calm existence. But like him, Psyche never bowed before her own beliefs.
The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.
“Psyche…”
“Wait a moment, my dear,” his wife said, as the Count gently patted her hand to calm her.
Though it pained him that his daughter had to survive so far from home, he could not show it as he watched her stand with her hands neatly folded.
“Could you let her know I’ve arrived?”
He asked a servant to inform Psyche gently, not wanting to startle her.
Soon, the servant approached Psyche, and her gaze lifted, trembling as she looked at him.
Slowly, her expression changed—color and warmth returning to her face.
Joy, longing, and delight.
Psyche ran to him, calling out:
“Father! Mother!”
She hurried forward, and the Count spread his arms wide to embrace her.
“Was the journey not too difficult?”
Psyche pressed her forehead against his chest, murmuring softly. Usually, servants would have pulled her away, but not today.
The Count gently patted her back. She inhaled deeply, trembling slightly. She seemed thinner than before.
“Seeing you again makes the journey feel effortless. And thanks to Sir Aster, who accompanied us with the Grand Duke’s permission, your mother also arrived without trouble.”
“Yes, thanks to Sir Aster, I was able to enjoy the beautiful sights on the way here.”
“Ah.” Psyche let out a small sigh. Then, glancing at the messenger behind her parents, she began speaking again.
“Nothing happened to either of you, right? I was worried about father’s health in this cold, and about mother being exhausted from the journey.”
The Count smiled softly, knowing her worry came from love.
“Nothing happened at all. The journey was easy, and as long as you’re well, I even thought we might visit more often.”
Contrary to his expectations, the path to the Grand Duchy had been smooth. Roads were maintained, and despite rumors of snow trapping travelers, they arrived safely.
“By the way, your clothes are too thin.”
Psyche smiled faintly at his concern. Her bright smile tugged at his heart.
“I guess I’m getting used to it here. It’s not that cold.”
“That’s good, my daughter.”
The Count smiled, meeting her gaze.
A small cough from the Countess drew Psyche’s attention. She quickly took her mother’s hand.
“Mother, you must be tired. Let’s go inside.”
Psyche gently led her father’s arm as they were guided into the castle.
