Published: August 15, 2025
As we approached the castle gate, there was a growing sense of commotion.
“—So, during the state funeral, it would be best to have Ella by your side—”
A somewhat high-pitched, grating voice for an adult man. Even without seeing his face, I immediately recognized it as Marquis Dario. Frowning at the voice echoing through the corridor, I stepped closer.
Marquis Dario Alfonso was still dressed in his usual flashy, lavish attire. It hardly looked like mourning clothes, but if this was the Sphain style of mourning attire, then it was acceptable. Not only in Sphain, but in many cultures, the state funeral of a duke who passed away peacefully of old age was almost like a festival. Therefore, there was no requirement to remain silent-faced from morning — but in this castle, quiet was expected. After all, it was the day Lord Cyrus was sending off his own father.
Lord Cyrus was already standing in front of the castle gate. Dressed solemnly in black, befitting the chief mourner of the state funeral, he stood firmly in front of Marquis Dario. Although at this point the Marquis held a higher noble rank, Lord Cyrus never bowed his head. With an imposing stance, carrying Granado Castle behind him, he declared:
“There is no need. If you take Ella and head to the venue, that will suffice. We will manage our household ourselves.”
“B-but your daughter is a difficult child... There is no other wet nurse besides Ella to look after her...”
“No problem. Lisa, Marie, and my mother will take turns caring for her.”
“B-but... they are all bereaved family members and must be busy, right?”
“You’re being persistent. Even if you were to ask someone else, we would entrust it to our own people. The child is pleasant during the day. Besides, Ella was originally promised to be in our care only until the state funeral. As of today, the employment relationship has ended.”
“N-no way...!”
Marquis Dario trembled. Then, noticing me approaching nearby, his face lit up as if he had found a savior, spreading his arms wide.
“Oh! Lady Marie! It’s been a month, has it not? I hope you are well!”
“There is no reason to be cheerful at my father-in-law’s funeral.”
I said sharply. Marquis Dario seemed slightly taken aback by my cold tone. His face twitched half in discomfort as he carefully chose his words.
“Y-yes... I apologize for that. But when I saw you the other day, you looked much better.”
“Yes, indeed, at that time I wasn’t sleeping well at all. Thanks to you, I’m now able to rest properly.”
“Is that so!?”
Suddenly energized, Marquis Dario nearly spat as he spoke. Lord Cyrus stepped in front of me, shielding me.
Then, Marquis Dario’s expression suddenly brightened. He shouted toward the back.
“Ella!”
We turned to see Nanny Ella standing there. Mio and Thomas were closely following behind, guiding her along. Ella kept her head bowed as she slowly walked toward us, almost like she was being led to the execution platform. An impatient Marquis Dario hurried over.
“Ella! What is the meaning of this!? The letter said you were appointed as the infant’s wet nurse by the count’s favor! Was that a lie!?”
Cornered, Ella let out a terrified cry. As she tried to escape, Mio and the others blocked her path. Trembling, she reluctantly began to explain to the Marquis.
“N-no, that’s true, but Lord Ryuu-Ryuu... wanted to see her grandchild, so I... Then I was in the way and no longer needed—”
“Please stop making it sound so malicious.”
Behind Ella, Mio spoke in an annoyed tone.
“That makes it sound like Lord Ryuu-Ryuu is a spiteful mother-in-law. The master will be angry if you speak ill of his own mother.”
“Eek! I’m sorry! Please forgive me...”
Ella trembled violently. If anyone was angrier, it seemed to be Mio more than Lord Cyrus. But leaving that aside—
As Mio said, Lord Cyrus clearly frowned, his expression twisting with displeasure. Taking a step closer to Ella, he spoke in a low, grumbling voice.
“Enough with painting people as villains. Doing that only breeds distrust toward you.”