Through those steadfast eyes, it was clear who Sylvia meant by “that person.”
After a brief moment of contemplation, Iris answered with firm conviction.
“I believe the money should go where it rightfully belongs.”
Though it might sound biased, from what Iris had observed of their actions, the wealth seemed hardly earned through righteous means.
To accept fortune built upon someone’s tears was unjust.
Sylvia, who had been smiling, added thoughtfully,
“By the way, some of those who harmed you are still alive.”
“I see.”
“So if you wish, just say the word.”
Say what?
Iris blinked silently, and Sylvia’s smile deepened.
Her violet eyes gleamed with a chilling light.
Beyond that glow lay a killing intent reminiscent of the raw menace Cedric wielded.
“Your Highness’s words ring true—money and guilt alike must find their rightful place, no?”
“……”
“Since I know your heart is gentle, I will see to it properly. Do not worry.”
Sylvia’s warm hand holding hers made Iris quietly bury the hidden edge beneath those words.
Seeing the resemblance to Cedric, she was certain of one thing—no matter what she said, they wouldn’t listen.
Iris had long understood that these protagonists lived by their own will alone.
Days in the Tran territory passed enjoyably, and soon the day for the orphanage invitation approached.
Cedric was quite displeased, having had Iris ‘stolen’ by Jana and Tania on his day off.
He had hoped today would be different.
“Why is that one riding?”
Cedric’s finger pointed at Jana, who held onto Iris’s waist.
Jana narrowed her eyes and growled. Cedric lifted his chin, meeting her gaze without fear.
Iris shielded herself from the fierce standoff like a guardian spirit and changed the subject.
“There were no other seats available. Besides, the Count couldn’t come today due to urgent matters and felt lonely…”
“In that case, tell her to ride on the roof with the birds. Good exercise, I suppose.”
Cedric’s eyes held no mockery—only sincere conviction.
He had sized up Jana’s abilities at a glance. She was much like him.
In fact, riding on the roof wouldn’t be a problem at all.
The real issue was how she clung to Iris with feigned frailty, refusing to let go!
Even now, Jana gripped Iris as if terrified to lose her.
Her golden eyes burned fiercely with hostility.
‘That’s the real deal.’
Cedric had wanted to seize Jana and throw her outside, but held back, knowing his wife would be shocked to see such a sight.
After enduring and restraining himself for some time, they finally arrived at the orphanage.
“Jana, you go ahead.”
Though Iris’s voice sent Jana on her way, Cedric didn’t look back.
He didn’t want to show his flawed expression—it wasn’t her fault but his own narrow-mindedness.
Still, a slight weight pressed against Cedric’s back.
Startled, he couldn’t turn around.
A slender arm wrapped tightly around his waist.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t come along.”
“I’m not angry.”
Cedric lied.
He couldn’t admit that to someone so kind.
Knowing Cedric’s heart, Iris embraced him a little tighter.
“I know. I’m just sorry.”
Her voice and gentle breath tickled his chest.
Why had this person appeared before him only now?
Had they met sooner, they could have shared love for longer.
Cedric turned his body and held Iris close.
He pressed his burning forehead against her neck, murmuring softly,
“It’s alright. You’re my wife, after all.”
Though the words seemed meant for himself, they gave Iris great strength.
He opened a mental book once more.
His name was there.
‘That’s right.’
I am this man’s wife.
What was meant to be a brief comfort turned into a long whisper of love.
Though they had done nothing shameful, their cheeks were flushed as they stepped from the carriage.
A woman approached Iris, who was fanning her flushed face.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Duke Leontheim and Grand Duchess. I am Carol, head of this orphanage.”
Carol was surprisingly young for her position.
Under ordinary circumstances, she might have questioned the blushing young couple before her.
But luckily, Carol was overwhelmed with joy to meet the famously rumored noble couple and hadn’t noticed anything else.
Except for one thing that unsettled her—
‘Good heavens.’
Their beauty.
Their skin seemed to glow from within, their eyes like sacred spring waters, lips full and soft.
The Grand Duchess was a vision of beauty only seen in dreams.
Chapter 96