Grace was a disgrace to the Alberton family, who has been blessed with magical abilities for generations.
Her family forced her, an incompetent person, into a political marriage with a cursed monster Duke, which she could not accept and was eventual...
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"Leon, what's that over there?"
"A tree!"
"Right! It's called the Rhynia tree and it looks the same all year round. That's why even the capital city calls it a ghost tree. When other trees bloom in spring, only those trees look so emaciated."
"Really?"
Since it was winter, the only things one could see around were the snow that had piled up yesterday and the dry trees buried underneath, but the two of them were amazed and entertained as if they had never seen such scenery before.
Meanwhile, Leon turned his head at the sound of someone walking their way from the other side of the garden.
"Oh, brother!"
Arthur, wearing a black mask, glanced back at Leon's voice. He, who was dressed somewhat comfortably instead of his usual uniform, raised his hand awkwardly on hearing Leon's voice.
Grace stared blankly at Arthur's appearance and shyly lowered her eyes when his gaze turned to her.
They were meeting for the first time since they parted that night- when he told her, "Don't get close to me."
For some reason, she felt more embarrassed and uncomfortable when she faced Arthur than the first time she met him, feeling resentment for the thoughtless words they had exchanged.
Arthur's face became stiff at the sight of Grace, but soon Leon let go of Grace's hand and ran to him. His face relaxed as usual.
"Are you done with your work, brother?"
"Yes, I've finished some of the urgent matters."
"Then, let's go for a walk with sister-in-law, brother!"
Arthur affectionately stroked Leon's head gently while he was chattering in an excited voice, holding onto Arthur's cape.
Grace, who was looking at the gentle brothers with a warm expression, widened her eyes at Leon's words.
Arthur was taken aback by Leon's suggestion, but as soon as he heard Leon's words, his odd eyes shone strangely under the mask.
He shifted his gaze to peek at Grace. Their eyes met again.
When Grace faced Arthur's odd eye, which seemed darker and deeper than before, she felt her face freeze again.
Arthur's lip thinned on seeing her expression. He had avoided Leon's gaze a little while ago, but now, he gazed down at Leon who was clinging to him, and answered, "Thank you for asking, Leon..."
"...You won't come?"
Arthur's gentle refusal made Leon tear up.
He clutched Arthur's cape tightly enough to crumple it. Arthur replied, licking his lips in a hesitant state, "I'm fine with it, but your sister-in-law will be uncomfortable."
