Chapter 74

“Once the children left for their marriages and academies, I started feeling rather lonely. In a place like this, there’s not much to do other than embroidery. That’s why I’m so glad to have the visit of such esteemed guests.”

As Madam Sharon softly stroked the embroidery she had made herself, lost in nostalgic memories, Karentina smiled gently. The Rodon family seemed to embody the life she had always dreamed of.

“A large family… how wonderful.”

Karentina couldn’t tear her eyes away from the portraits and embroidery displayed on the shelves. Madam Sharon, watching her, spoke with a hint of amusement in her voice.

“You’ll be an even better mother than I ever was, my lady. By the way, would you like to try learning embroidery?”

“Embroidery?”

“Before I got married, I was quite the proper lady in society—embroidery, piano, portraits, and all that. I worked so hard, thinking I needed to land a good husband. But who would have guessed I’d end up here at the country estate with my childhood friend, living a quiet life farming?”

“Still, it seems like you two get along really well.”

Madam Sharon flashed another warm smile.

“I’ll go get the embroidery supplies.”

“Alright. I’ll give it my best effort.”

When Karentina balled her fist and her eyes lit up, Madam Sharon burst out laughing.

“In the meantime, Norman and Alon will keep you entertained, my beautiful lady.”

Norman and Alon?

Just as Karentina tilted her head in confusion, Madam Sharon called out their names loudly. The door swung open with the sound of quick footsteps.

‘Oh my!’

Two puppies, about the size of calves, were followed by a line of adorable little puppies, trotting into the sitting room.

“How adorable!”

Karentina was completely taken aback by the sight of these unexpectedly cute creatures.

“The one with yellow fur is Norman, a female, and the one with black fur is Alon, a male. They just had puppies, so now they have a big family. Please give me a moment.”

As Madam Sharon stepped away, Karentina covered her mouth in surprise as a group of puppies approached her. While she liked cats, if she had to choose, she was definitely more of a dog person. She couldn’t stop shivering with joy as the adorable puppies nuzzled against her dress. She carefully picked up the whimpering black-furred puppy and cradled it in her arms. The warmth and softness made a gentle smile spread across her face.

Though the baron’s mansion was much smaller than the duke’s castle, it had a warm and cozy atmosphere that naturally filled her with happiness.

‘I wonder if someday I’ll be able to build a family with the person I love in a place like this, full of warmth and love.’

She was filled with determination to learn embroidery from Madam Sharon. Since they were staying for the day, she decided to treat it like a short trip and learn about the culture of the West.

Karentina gently petted each of the puppies’ heads before sitting down in the rocking chair by the fireplace.

She picked up a vanilla cookie from the table beside the chair. The puppies, eyeing the treat, pawed at her skirt and whimpered.

“Sorry, but I don’t think you can have this.”

Looking at the sulking puppies, she suddenly found herself missing her dolls.

‘Zion. Leah.’

[ Master! ]

[ Lady Karentina, have you already arrived in the North? ]

Hearing the dolls’ warm voices, she couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

They were just like puppies, honestly.

‘I’m sorry, but it looks like I’ll have to stay at Baron Rodon’s place for the night.’

[ What? Karen, are you sure you’re alright? Do you want me to come over now? ]

Zion’s voice sounded urgent and worried. Karentina shook her head to herself.

‘No, it’s fine. More importantly, how are Stella and the others? Is everything alright at the castle?’

[ It’s so quiet, almost too quiet. And without the master around, it feels kind of empty. I guess it’s the first time we’ve been this far apart? It feels strange, and… well, it just doesn’t feel right. Leah says she feels the same. ]

Karentina held back a smile, thinking of the dolls, who seemed just like the puppies, spinning around her with their bright eyes.

‘The weather out west is unpredictable because of the winter rainy season. Luckily, the work’s done, and if the weather is clear tomorrow morning, I’ll head back right away.’

[ Got it! And… be careful of that one who looks like me. ]

“Pfft…!”

Startled, Karentina spat out the cookie she had been about to put in her mouth.

‘W-What do you mean by that?’

[ They say all men are beasts. ]

She let out an exasperated sigh and shot Zion a stern look.

‘Where did you even hear something like that? There’s no way Ignis and I would do something like that.’

Every time she saw him, she couldn’t help but think of his cold expression. Karentina furrowed her brow as she tried to figure out where she stood with him. When Zion hesitated to say anything, Leah let out a soft sigh.

[ I heard he found the forbidden books the maids had hidden away. ]

[ Hey! Rabbit! ]

Karentina rubbed her forehead, feeling the energy of the two of them bickering.

Out of nowhere, Ignis returned to the drawing room after stepping out. Perhaps because of the nonsense Zion had said, she involuntarily flinched and shuddered.