Chapter 10

Rodrigo Ducal House was almost like a small castle.

I heard that the Imperial Capital has a high population density compared to its land, so even nobles’ mansions are smaller!

Because of that, most nobles usually owned a relatively small residence in the capital while building a large castle-like estate in their homeland or territory.

However, it seemed that the prestigious House of Rodrigo, which had established its foundation in the capital from the very beginning, was an exception.

An elderly man who appeared to be the head butler stepped forward toward Achero.

He flinched slightly when he saw Vivia, then gave a polite bow.

“Head Butler Clifford, nothing happened at the mansion while I was away, right?”

“Thanks to Your Grace’s benevolence, everything has remained peaceful.”

“If you speak so stiffly, it only makes me feel more embarrassed.”

However, the old butler paid no mind and continued the conversation with perfect formality.

“Your Grace, the former Duke requests to see you in the reception room.”

“Alright. What about Belf?”

“He has gone far away regarding that matter. We have just made contact, and he is currently returning to the capital.”

“He must be running without even sleeping, so we’ll probably see his face the day after tomorrow.”

As Achero stepped into the mansion’s massive entrance, he whispered quietly into Vivia’s ear.

He barely even moved his lips.

“Test.”

With that single word, Vivia cleverly understood everything.

So until the former Duke confirms me with his own eyes, they won’t allow me into the private domain.

The corridor Vivia walked through with Achero was covered with carpets embroidered with elegant white patterns.

The atmosphere inside the main building was solemn.

It was not stiff or harsh, but there was a heavy aura that made it difficult to behave carelessly.

Most of the interior decorations were curved, soft, and elegant, yet their cool tones made them appear chilly.

The cold air brushing against her skin did not seem to be caused by winter alone.

The antique reception room door was open.

An elderly woman sat on the sofa.

Her posture was upright and dignified despite her age.

When she heard Achero’s voice, Veronica Rodrigo slowly lifted her head.

Her blue eyes widened slightly.

Even with a face trained by countless experiences, the surprise could not be completely hidden.

Vivia gave a polite greeting with the attitude of meeting a stranger.

Just as she was.

Exactly as she appeared.

Achero had introduced her as Vivia Rodrigo.

But even if they were related by blood, the granddaughter she was meeting again after fifteen years would not suddenly rush forward with joy.

It would inevitably feel awkward.

“Vivi, sit there. I’ll sit next to you.”

Vivia sat on the sofa across from Veronica.

Veronica studied her quietly.

“You truly resemble Vivia. And you resemble Achero as well. The color of your eyes…”

“Of course. Because she’s the real Vivia.”

Achero said with a smile.

The servants efficiently arranged refreshments on the table.

Sugar-coated biscuits, fresh cream sponge cake topped with cherries, perfectly baked crispy choux pastries, and sandwiches filled generously with vegetables and meat were placed one after another.

At first glance the foods did not seem overwhelming for guests, but to someone who recognized their value, it was a luxurious spread.

A teacup filled with clear green tea was placed before Vivia.

“Does the tea suit your taste, Vivia?”

Veronica asked.

“Yes, it’s excellent.”

“What part of it do you like?”

The question was practically a command to answer.

Amid the quiet room, Vivia’s calm voice rang out.

“When it first touches the palate, the flavor blooms lightly in the mouth, then gradually turns sweet as it goes down smoothly, leaving a fragrant aftertaste. I especially like that lingering aroma.”

“Do you know what kind of tea this is?”

“Yes. It’s tea from the Eastern Kingdom. A type of green tea grown in the East, produced in a region called Bowl. I heard it’s a specialty product.”

Veronica smiled gently.

“So that’s it. I recall hearing about it somewhere. It is said that only one merchant group in the Empire has the import permit.”

“This old woman learned something from you today.”

Her words sounded humble, but her expression did not look embarrassed at all.

“If Grandmother remembered even trivial product names like this, you would be too perfect. People might feel unfortunate by comparison.”

Vivia smiled slightly.

It was an artificially made smile.

“The House of Broten traded with that merchant company. Many baron families associated with them had connections to that trading group, so I happened to hear about it.”

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed in the reception hall.

A small creature dashed inside.

It ran straight toward Vivia.

Before anyone could stop it, the creature leapt into her arms.

It was Luca.

Vivia blinked in surprise as Luca rubbed his snout against her cheek.

The room fell silent.

Everyone stared in shock.

Still hugging Luca, Vivia suddenly realized tears were running down her face.

She hurriedly wiped them away.

At that moment, an indescribable shock struck Veronica’s face.

“You… are really Vivi?”

The voice that escaped her lips trembled.

“I… don’t know.”

“I don’t even know if I’m truly Vivia Rodrigo. Grandmother… I really don’t know.”

The emotions she had been holding back suddenly surged, and Vivia could not stop crying.

She rubbed her eyes helplessly, not even realizing what words she was saying.

“Am I really Vivia Rodrigo?”

She knew she was not.

But this was the first time someone had welcomed her into a house like this.

She had lived her whole life without a home, never feeling connected to anyone.

Even if it was not truly meant for her.

Even knowing it was not real.

For just a moment, she wanted to become their Vivia.

“My most precious jewel has returned. You’ve finally come back…”

Veronica stepped forward and embraced both Vivia and Luca.

Inside that embrace, the sorrow Vivia had held back burst out in tears.

They were tears that should have fallen long ago.

Watching the two of them, Achero formed a strange smile whose meaning could not be read.

“Remarkable indeed. Thanks to that, we were able to enjoy such an interesting conversation.”

The faint laughter of nobles echoed lightly through the reception room.

Only then did Vivia understand why Achero had been so certain about the poison earlier.

If someone had grown up in an ordinary household, they wouldn’t know something like this.

Normally, the head butler would have explained each item one by one.

But those explanations had been deliberately omitted to test Vivia.

The perfect Vivia that the former Duke desired did not exist.

And therefore, she could not have come to the Rodrigo household.

Perhaps what they truly want… is not the real Vivia Rodrigo at all.

The thought made her chest ache.

Thinking about the real Vivia, who might be alive somewhere or perhaps already dead, made her heart heavy.

“The road must have been very cold today. I wish you had come during the season when lilies bloom in the ducal garden.”

“You mean the garden of the ducal residence? It must be very beautiful.”

“Yes. I hope you’ll be able to see it someday.”

Veronica then spoke meaningfully.

“Head Butler Clifford, bring Luca here.”

Vivia’s lips twitched slightly.

Using a dog as the final test… I didn’t expect that.

She glanced sideways at Achero.

His expression was completely calm.

He probably expected it.

“Luca will be very happy to see Vivi again after thirteen years.”

Just then, rapid clawed footsteps echoed from the corridor.

And at the same time—

“Awooooo!”