It was Simon Amerigo’s birthday. The child just turned three years old.

Abella was back for Simon, who Carlo Amerigo cared so much for.

Was there any reason the Emperor could not attend just because he lacked an invitation?

The Emperor, Cade, was a man of unprecedented power, and no matter how stupid he behaved, no one could stop him. He was the monster sitting on the throne.

Cade called Burke, who was still making a fuss.

“Secretary Burke.”

“Yes?”

Burke asked, round-eyed. It seemed that Cade had recovered his senses again.

“What kind of gift would a three-year-old like?”

“Pardon? What are you saying so suddenly?”

“Three years old.”

Burke stared blankly at Cade. What was he thinking, all of a sudden?

Cade laughed slowly. As he thought of seeing Abella, he gradually seemed to feel much better.

*

Abella, Enoch, Lorelia, and Simon.

Rumors spread throughout the social world that they chose the Verlia Boutique. The story of Abella’s spendings for their wardrobe began to spread. Abella did not stop the boutique madams from talking to the ladies or the young children.

She was aiming for that effect.

The Verlia Boutique was famous as a premium boutique among the luxury boutiques. So it may be why more rumors were circulating.

Besides.

What was the emperor thinking, sending Abella the imperial tailors?

Perhaps it was a tribute to Amerigo’s temporary master, who was hosting her first banquet after returning to Timur.

Abella accepted the imperial tailors, as no nobles could reject the emperor’s favor without reason.

Madame Yeskina, the head of the imperial tailor, once ran the most famous Yeskina Boutique.

Even now, many nobles envied Yeskina’s design, so it attracted all kinds of attention.

‘Cade.....’

What the hell were you thinking?

Abella touched her forehead.

The banquet was approaching tomorrow, but it seemed to be getting more complicated than something already clearly organized.

Cade’s favor and Arsene’s offer.

Two letters laid before her eyes.

One from Cade and the other from Arsene.

Arsene suggested that Abella wore his outfit, and Cade suggested Abella’s new outfit.

Abella had two opposing options.

If Arsene were selected, Abella would not wear the imperial dress. The imperial tailor’s design was not something that anyone could imitate.

At first, she was thinking of accepting Arsene’s offer, but Cade sent a letter following Arsene as if it were a competition.

He said the imperial family would make the new dress.

Was there any way to clearly show the support of the imperial family?

‘The two of you, what are you thinking?’

Abella raised Cade’s letter. She had no power to reject the imperial offer, and she couldn’t miss this opportunity.

It would help Abella with her gorgeous return.

Arsene retreated indifferently.

From his attitude, she guessed Arsene didn’t seem to have any feelings left for Abella. It was just a remnant of regret and affection.

That’s what Abella looked like to him.

And Cade..

It was too much to label it as a friendship between bad friends, and there was no emotion to name it as.

Seven years ago, or before or after.

What happened?

Abella had been losing confidence in her own memories these days. She felt like something was broken.

She didn’t know where it was.

Arsene, Abella, Cade. What was the relationship between the three? Abella thought there was only Arsene, but was that it?

Why.. Did she feel used to Cade’s awkward kindness?

Abella gave a long sigh. For some reason, tomorrow seemed to be a long day.

She was bitter and sorry that she couldn’t be purely happy with little Simon’s birthday because of her worries over her troubles.

While Abella was struggling, the door of the office opened.

“What is it.... aren’t you sleeping?”

“Ah. Enoch.”

Enoch, who was leaning against the door, came inside.

“Are you so worried that you can’t sleep?”

Naturally, Enoch, who took a seat on the sofa next to Abella, could glance at where Abella was looking.

“Look. Vincent was comfortable right?”

“....Maybe.”

“Let’s go back.”

Enoch whispered as if to lure ants with sweet sugar.

Enoch’s intention to keep talking about Vincent these days was also strange.

“Are you homesick?”

“What?”

“No. I mean you. I think you’ve been talking a lot about Vincent these days.”

“That’s true.”