“...Charles?” Duke Agnus stopped and turned around to address the girl.

“You were about to depart, Your Grace, yet I couldn’t even bid you farewell properly.” Charles looked charming as usual with her flaming red hair.

“Well…” Duke Agnus sighed deeply at Charles’s unusually solemn demeanor.

“I apologize for turning up without warning at a place like this, Duke,” ventured Cox. “But it wouldn’t reflect well on me if I didn’t even see you off as you left.”

“That’s all right, Cox.” Duke Agnus shook his head and turned back to Charles. “Indeed, Rebrecca and Iceline didn’t show their faces before they left. You seem to be feeling a little better now.”

“Ah. Thanks to the Duke, my recovery has come a long way. Please accept my apologies for burdening you.”

“Is it just my mood,...