A while later, their conversation ended, and Laya walked away dejectedly, constantly bowing her head. She thought, Maybe I understand a little about the meaning of creating and preserving happiness. I've always longed to be with my family, and all this time I've had to meet them in secret. I don't want to leave Alen, but Central is still too dangerous a place for my family.
Suddenly, the director approached from behind and called out, "Duchess, there you are."
Laya exclaimed with some surprise, "Ah, were you looking for me?"
He smiled gently and reminded her, "You don't need to be doing trivial chores like this," seeing her holding the broom.
She just smiled and explained, "Ah, actually, I was just getting bored sitting around. You don't have to worry."
The director spoke up a bit shyly. "You're a guest, yet you've helped the abbey so much. We are very grateful."
Just then, Laya asked a question. "Oh, were you looking for me for some reason?"
Then the director got to the main point. "Yes, the Duke is looking for the Duchess."
She cried out in surprise, "Alen?"
Laya couldn't help but wonder, Isn't Alen with Lady Gray right now? So she went to find him immediately.
Laya looked down sadly and asked, "Do we have to leave the abbey already?"
Though he didn't want to, Alen quickly confirmed, "That's right. I have to manage affairs in the territory now, and mother also wishes for us to return to a peaceful life soon."
This made her wonder. "Did Lady Gray say we should return early?"
He nodded and replied, "Yes, I'm not joking with you."
Laya asked hesitantly, "Gray said she was going to stay at the abbey, right?"
Alen also nodded sadly. She then asked with a regretful expression, "That look on your face. Does it mean you already tried to persuade her?"
He replied reluctantly, "Yes, but mother is so determined that it seems we can't go together. She wants it for our sake and for the Thodell family. She doesn't want to be a burden to us anymore."
Laya nodded as if she understood. Though Alen had explained it wasn't like that, Lady Gray remained very firm. Alen was also very understanding.
"I understand how my mother feels. When she goes back, society will gossip about her issues, which will be very difficult for her, especially since she is still sick."
She lowered her head sadly and hesitated. "I respect Lady Gray's choice, but if she stays here, Lady Gray will still feel very lonely. Even if the nuns take good care of her, this is still a strange place to her. That's why in my past life, Lady Gray and I relied on each other."
Laya recalled the very happy times she and Gray had shared in the past life.
And Alen sadly came to a realization. "You're right. It's embarrassing, but no matter how hard I think, I just can't seem to find a sure way to make my mother happy."
His words left her a bit bewildered. Happiness?
Laya recalled that Gray had once told her, Happiness is something you can only create and preserve for yourself.
Then she immediately looked up and spoke. "Alen, I understand now. I've just thought of a way for Gray, you, and me to all be happy, Alen."
Completely astonished, he stared at her dumbfounded. "What is it?"
Laya shared enthusiastically, "Alen, you also hope that Gray won't have to live a lonely life, don't you?"
He affirmed without the slightest hesitation, "That's right."
At that, her voice suddenly dropped. "But as you said, if Gray returns to Central, she will be forced to return to the world of the aristocracy, even if it's against her will. On the surface, perhaps no one would dare to disrespect the Duchess. But behind her back, there will surely be a lot of speculation and gossip about Gray, which will cause her a great deal of stress."
Alen wholeheartedly agreed with her opinion. He said, "Right, even though mother is gradually recovering, these matters are still too much for her. Perhaps bringing her back to Central is truly just me being incredibly selfish."
Then Laya made another suggestion. "In that case, why don't we take Mother to a quiet mansion near Central? Let's keep Gray's return a secret from the nobles in Central."
Alen exclaimed in utter surprise, "That is an excellent idea, my lady, but if she is to live alone, wouldn't it be more comfortable for her to stay at the abbey she's familiar with?"
Laya closed her eyes and shared her thoughts. "That's why I suggested it. I don't want Gray to be alone anymore."
At this, he became confused. He cried out, "If she's not going to be alone, then don't tell me you're talking about that place."
Seeing that he'd guessed her intention, Laya replied with great satisfaction, "That's right. I want to bring Gray to live with my family."
Alen wholeheartedly agreed with this. It was obviously much better than letting his mother live alone.
So Laya affirmed, "Yes, and that way we can both visit our families together."
His gaze fell as he hesitated. "Although I'm very grateful for your offer, if the condition of my mother worsens, it will surely cause your family a lot of trouble. I'm just worried that my desire to bring my mother back will end up being a burden on your family."
However, she quickly cut in. "I don't think so. Since we know the treatment, her condition will definitely improve. Besides, my family really needs Gray."
Alen turned to her in confusion and asked, "They need my mother?"
Laya immediately began to explain, "That's right. My family is still not used to life in Central and the culture of the nobility. If Gray could teach them about etiquette and customs, it would be very helpful."
He looked down, flustered, and asked again, "You mean we would live together and help each other?"
She affirmed without hesitation. "Exactly. They can live together and complement what the other lacks. If so, I would also feel more at ease than just getting news of my family by letter. Don't you agree, Alen?"
At this, Alen smiled enthusiastically. "I'd also feel much more relieved if mother didn't have to stay at the abbey. What a truly brilliant idea, my lady. How did you ever think of that?"
Laya smiled and replied, "It's all thanks to Lady Gray. Gray told me that we can avoid misfortune, but happiness is something we must create and maintain for ourselves."
Alen's face flushed as he called out to Laya. At that moment, she lowered her head and confessed, "Alen, we've lived for too long and have hurt the people we love, including our own families and each other. Because we didn't want to be hurt and didn't want to hurt others, we pushed away the people we love. But let's not be like that anymore. Let's live together with the people we love."