She closed her eyes tightly, thinking emotionally, It's thanks to Laya that I'm only now realizing how beautiful this mansion has always been.
Laya turned to her, overjoyed, and smiled. "I'm so glad you like it."
Night had fallen. In the room, at a dining table laden with delicious food, Gray sat hesitating slightly, unsure of what to say. Across from her was the entire family of Laya, laughing and joking excitedly.
Aiden's eyes widened as he exclaimed, "Central really has so much delicious food."
Laya's father also exclaimed enthusiastically, "There's truly nothing that compares, huh?"
Alen smiled gently and said, "I tried my best to prepare enough to repay what we received, but I'm still worried something might be lacking."
The boy beamed and cried out, "How could you say that, your grace? No, brother-in-law, you're the best."
Right after that, everyone started to eat. A while later, Gray finished her meal. Alen glanced at Laya and gave a slight nod. So she stood up and said, "We'll excuse ourselves first."
He added, "Please continue to chat and enjoy yourselves."
The door slowly closed, leaving Gray alone with Laya's family. Everything grew quiet and awkward. Suddenly, Sophia called out, "Lady Gray?"
She replied, flustered, "Yes."
She smiled and asked gently, "May I call you Gray, or should I address you as the Duchess, like before?"
Gray replied politely, "Please, just call me by my name, ma'am."
Sophia then began to introduce herself. "I understand, Gray, as we were introduced before. My husband and I are Laya's parents. The boy next to us is Aiden, Laya's younger brother."
The boy quickly chimed in, "Hello, Lady Gray."
Then she bowed her head and expressed sincerely, "We are so grateful that you have decided to live with our Violet family, even though we are still lacking. I know I have my shortcomings, but I will do my best."
Which made Gray a little embarrassed. "Ah, we're all going to be living together, so please don't take it so seriously."
Sophia also smiled wistfully. "We lived such normal lives, and now we suddenly have to manage a mansion, a large one with so many servants like this. So we still have a lot to learn. We're so fortunate that Lady Gray was by our side in this difficult situation."
Gray gently placed a hand on her chest, bowing. "I am also extremely grateful to everyone. I hope we can all get along and help each other out."
When the door to the room opened, Alen and Laya could be seen standing anxiously in a corner. Aiden playfully raised a finger to report, "The atmosphere is very good."
Only then was she able to breathe a sigh of relief. "What a relief."
He looked at her comfortingly. "I trust that everyone will do a great job."
The next day, the relatives of Laya and Gray looked as if they had become a true family. They would support one another and begin a new life.
A few days later, Laya excitedly spoke while lifting her teacup. "Alen, I've already heard from Danton. I've even given up on teaching my brother, so we're really so lucky."
Alen also lowered his gaze and said, "Aiden is also giving strength to mother."
She asked with some concern, "Is he being a bother?"
However, he quickly reassured her, "Not at all. Doesn't Aiden have a personality as bright as you and your parents? That's a comfort I can't provide for my mother."
In the meantime, Lady Gray was patiently guiding Aiden. She also smiled happily. "Because Lady Gray is managing the mansion, my parents are very grateful as well."
At that moment, he reached his hand toward her, calling, "Laya."
Laya's face turned red as she replied, "Yes."
Alen gently caressed her hair, proposing, "Now the only thing left to settle is our own work."
She cried out a little confused, "Our work?"
He then leaned in closer, confessing, "I want us to have a child. If possible, I hope the child will be just like you, my lady."
His words made her blush in embarrassment, and she cried out, "Alen!"
Her reaction made Alen laugh. "I was just joking, my lady."
She quickly yelled, playfully scolding him, "How could you make a joke like that in broad daylight?"
Just then, the door swung open and Danton called out, "My lady."
She turned to Danton, bewildered. He was panting continuously as he reported, "You need to read this letter right away."
Looking at the letter in Danton's hand, Laya was puzzled. She took the letter, hesitating a bit. A letter from the main temple. The temple would have no reason to send me a letter.
Then with trembling hands, Laya slowly opened it. The words written inside left her utterly astonished.
Therefore, according to the last will and testament of Countess Lariston, the inheritance shall be transferred to Helena Lariston. Moreover, only Helena Lariston, that is, Laya Violet, may inherit the legacy of the Lariston county.
Seeing her horrified expression, Danton asked with concern, "What's wrong, Lady Laya?"
Her eyes widened in bewilderment as she called out, "Alen, something is wrong. I need to go to the temple immediately. The main temple."
Alen gripped Laya's shoulders, asking worriedly, "My lady, are you all right?"
She looked down sadly and said, "I'm sorry. I need a moment to organize my thoughts. I just found out too many things at once."