"Young Duke Hall."
Ian stroked his chin, deep in thought. For an androgynous man, two grown men were openly and secretly jealous of each other and never missed a chance to casually diss one another between the lines. But right now, the person they cared about was not present.
As the substitute for her older brother, Callian did not even have the right to sit at the table and eat. Only because her mother feared that she would steal her brother Jaelan's spotlight.
But everyone present thought highly of Callian, so they asked why he was not there. The lady actually smiled and lied, saying that Callian was not feeling well and was resting.
"Because I am away from the estate all year round, Callian's health has also worsened quite a bit."
Claude did not believe a single word of Anata's explanation. All he could think about was that Callian had cried just now. Actually, even if Callian appeared at a meal in this kind of setting, he would probably feel so sick that he would vomit or even faint. So that was why he had deliberately stayed away and not come, right? Today he would probably only be able to make do with some candy for a meal.
At that thought, the candy before his eyes suddenly caught his attention. "Come here. Take this to Callian Bell."
Unexpectedly, Ian was also worried that Callian had not eaten properly. "Tell him that not eating properly is a bad habit."
This handsome gesture made even the crown prince look at him in a better light.
"If Callian's condition keeps getting worse, then this time I will take him to Gear."
Hearing this, Anata was instantly terrified. She absolutely could not let Prince Ian disrupt her plans. Unexpectedly, Jaelan also jumped in to add to the chaos.
"Thank you for your kindness. If his condition really worsens, then we will do as you say."
In fact, Ian was not speaking casually. He was serious. In a place like this, a child with no ability to protect himself would find it hard to truly endure. Maybe it would even be better for him to go to Gear.
"I think this place is not suitable for Callian. What do you think?"
Claude, who was suddenly asked, was full of question marks.
"I'm asking about that piece of meat. That meat is from Gear."
Without hesitation, Claude spat out all the meat he had just eaten. "Please forgive my rudeness. Gear's food really does not suit the taste of people from the empire very well."
"Is that so?"
As he said this, the corner of his mouth lifted into a meaningful smile.
"It does not even look very appetising. It was not made from rotten meat, was it?"
At that point, the crown prince urgently stopped him. Only then did Claude stop talking.
"Sorry, I will excuse myself first. I will definitely attend the after-dinner banquet."
At this moment, he did not want to see the person before him at all.
Trying every possible way to avoid me, yet chatting so enthusiastically with that foreigner. It really makes me furious.
As soon as he came out, he happened to see a maid carrying meat. The maid was startled by Claude's sudden shout. So these foods were meant to be sent to Callian. But in his impression, compared with anything else, Callian liked sweets more. So an interesting idea immediately popped into his head.
"Take that away and bring the candy from the banquet."
To think he wanted to use Gear's food to please Callian. It seemed he did not understand Callian at all. At that thought, his mood instantly turned from cloudy to sunny.
"Go and get what Callian really likes."
The maid carried the candy and knocked at Callian's door for quite a while, but there was never any response. Claude could not help but frown slightly.
At this moment, in the back garden of the Marquis's estate, the maids were holding a farewell party for Callian.
"Everyone is very reluctant to see you go."
Callian had felt like she was sitting on pins and needles every day in the estate, but without realising it she had also come to have so many people who cared about her.
"After you go to the capital, don't forget us either."
"Thank you for always treating me so well."
Betty was like a mother. The one most unwilling to see Callian leave was her. So Callian hugged Betty tightly.
"Thank you."
It was just like the eldest son of a family leaving home for a long journey for the first time, and Betty repeatedly reminded Callian of many things.
"Don't get hurt, and don't wander outside alone late at night either. The kinder people are to you, the more you should keep your guard up. Especially those who tempt you with food. You must be careful."
Of course, the most important thing was still to find her mother. Encouraged, Callian was now full of confidence. This might be the last time she would ever see these people.
Just then, a large bowl of candy was handed in front of her. She lifted her eyes in confusion, but the maid opposite her merely gave a respectful bow, then turned and left. Just as she was wondering who had sent it, a familiar back came into her sight. It was actually the young duke.
Only then did she feel at ease and pick up the candy on the table.
Actually, ever since she was little, she had always thought Claude was scary. It was hard to define this person in just one sentence. He always made people inexplicably nervous, afraid that if they were not careful he would laugh at them. Sometimes he also liked playing pranks. He was like the scent of lavender. And sometimes he would also be inexplicably gentle to people.
Callian picked up a piece of candy and put it into her mouth. The sweet taste instantly spread through her mouth.
"Honestly, I'm no longer a child who likes sweets."
But the burning tips of her ears exposed what she was really thinking at this moment.
Time quickly came to the next day. Her older brother was the first to come and see her off, but he looked utterly exhausted. When she learned that their mother would not come to see her off — although she had long since stopped expecting it, she still could not help feeling a little disappointed.
Seeing this, Jaelan pulled Callian into his arms, but considering the difference between men and women, Callian still pushed her brother away. Seeing an opportunity, Ian immediately pounced over and also wanted a hug from Callian, but the brother and sister directly ignored him.
"Brother, please greet Mother for me."
"All right. Let's meet in the capital later."
"Then I'll be going first."
As soon as she turned around, she saw Ian standing there pitifully in a daze. Callian let out a heavy sigh and only then reluctantly said goodbye to him as well. Only because Prince Ian always did things that put her in difficult situations.
At this moment, a figure swept past quickly. It was His Highness the Crown Prince, and he looked even worse than Jaelan.
"I can't do it any more. I will never drink Gear's strong liquor again. I'm taking this carriage. Callian, you go by automobile instead."
Last night she had still been wondering what on earth the four of them had been doing all night, and who would have thought they had all got completely drunk.
"Are you still not getting in?"
Just then, the young duke's voice suddenly rang out. Why was he the only one who looked radiant and full of energy?
Seeing that Callian was still hesitating, Jaelan gently patted her shoulder and encouraged her. "Hurry and get in. An automobile is much faster than a carriage. It will definitely be quite a good experience. It's all right. His Grace the young duke is there."
At this moment, Prince Ian let out a sneer. "Isn't that young duke the most dangerous one?"
Saying strange things like this again. Callian simply did not want to pay attention to him. The next second, however, her hand was suddenly grasped tightly. Ian bent down close to her ear and reminded her in a low voice.
"Men are all beasts. Kallia, you have to be careful."
The closeness made Callian's little face flush red at once. She sternly scolded Ian, but the man merely smiled lightly. How was a scene like this any different from flirting? Claude's jealousy was practically overflowing.
"I hope you will stop wasting my time."
Hearing this, Callian hurriedly apologised and got into the car.