‘I have to go.’
Annamaria tightened her expression and approached them and greeted, “Count Romano. Good evening. I hope you are well.”
She gracefully pinched her dress and greeted them, causing the corners of Piccolo Romano’s eyes to soften.
“Annamaria, it’s been a while. Every time I see you, you grow more beautiful and dignified.”
“Thank you.”
Then, turning toward Rosaria, she smiled warmly, “Rosaria, I hope you are well too.”
“Ah, you as well.”
The two older men, oblivious to Rosaria’s stiffening expression, walked side by side amicably.
Annamaria and Rosaria followed, with Galileo trailing behind them.
Walking alongside Galileo was a young knight with red hair—a familiar face from the Romano Family’s knight corps.
He had likely come along as part of Rosaria’s escort.
In stark contrast to the cheerful conversation between their fathers, the two young ladies remained silent.
Occasionally, they exchanged strained smiles while glancing at each other.
‘Today, we must avoid unnecessary trouble.’
Joint governance was prone to friction.
If the Duke of Karana judged that the two families’ relations were deteriorating, or that the heirs were not getting along, he might consider revising the joint rule for the sake of peace in the region—a troublesome scenario.
The Parsa Region faced significant threats from neighboring countries, so the official reason for joint governance was to fortify defenses through military and magical strength.
However— the true reason was different.
If their relationship was deemed poor and moves were made to exclude one side, it would be disastrous.
The family to be excluded would surely be the Fullranet Family, and exclusion meant one thing—the Romano Family would attempt to annihilate the Fullranet Family.
The Romano and Fullranet Families had been bound in joint governance by a certain fate for one hundred and fifty years.
Since it began a century and a half ago, there was nothing to be done about it now.
Therefore, Annamaria was determined to do everything in her power to keep that fate from shifting drastically—to protect herself and her family.
If that fate did shift, it would probably be best for her to comply obediently.
But—
When the time came for her family to be wiped out, she felt she could not resist.
Her instincts, her love for her family would boil over, and— something within Annamaria would awaken and run wild.
She had a terrifying premonition that when that happened, she might surrender herself to that force’s fury.
If that occurred, the Romano Family would also fight with everything they had—for their pride and duty.
Annamaria smiled and said, “I was anxious about meeting the Duke for the first time, but having you with me is reassuring.”
“Huh?”
Behind Rosaria, surprised by the friendly remark, the red-haired young knight scowled, “Captain, don’t let your guard down. She is the Wild Countess.”
Rosaria’s expression suddenly hardened, and she turned sharply to her subordinate, cold anger burning in her eyes.
“What did you just say, Rico?”
“Huh?”
“How dare you call the Lady of the Fullranet Family that. Insults are not allowed.”
“B-but Captain, you always call her that.”
The young knight, Rico, faltered, and Rosaria snapped at him sharply.
“I don’t mind! But I won’t tolerate others doing so.”
“That’s unfair…”
Despite his protest, Rico’s shoulders slumped like a scolded puppy, perhaps because he liked Rosaria.
His insults toward Annamaria were likely attempts to get her attention.
“But, thank you for the warning, Rico. We must not let our guard down.”
“Y-yes.”
Rosaria shifted her gaze back to Annamaria and nodded with a stern expression, “I doubt you feel anxious about meeting the Duke, but I understand your intention. Today, as daughters of the joint ruling families, we must approach matters with reason.”
“You’re quick to catch on—thank you. Please always be like that.”
“You say too much. And you should hold back on that today.”
“Yes, understood.”
They exchanged strained smiles despite the tension.
“I am the heir apparent, so it is only natural I come to pay my respects. But I do not understand why you, Annamaria, came to greet the Duke. Why would someone like you, who is weary of power, take the initiative?”
“Oh, I just thought it was proper to pay my respects to the Duke.”
“They say the Duke is young and gallant. Could it be… an ulterior motive?”
In a way, she did have an ulterior motive.
Annamaria flinched but retorted, “Please don’t lump me in with you.”
“Your eyes betray your intent.”
“That’s just your wild guess. By the way, Rosaria, have your dancing skills improved enough not to break your partner’s bones?”
Rosaria merely groaned, so probably not.
***
The guests who had been invited were led to a large hall with a raised platform at the far end.
A pleasant night breeze entered through the open sliding windows, dispersing the warmth of the gathered crowd.
Beyond the windows, the Garden was lit with torches, and many guests strolled leisurely among the well-tended shrubs.
Wine and light refreshments were set along the walls, but they were modest—mainly fruits, ham, and cheese sourced locally.
‘The Duke has sharp eyes.’ Seeing the simple offerings, Annamaria was impressed.
By choosing local products, the Duke showed his intent to embrace the region and saved on unnecessary costs—a rational hospitality.
The guests in the hall glanced curiously at Galileo, who accompanied Annamaria.
The Cat Dragon, native to the Padova Mountains, was rare and adorable.
Galileo proudly held his tail high.
However, more attention was focused on Annamaria and Rosaria.
Together, they stood out far more than either alone.
Reluctantly, their colors and presence complemented each other perfectly.
Once all the guests had gathered, a voice echoed from the far end of the hall.
“His Grace, Jeremiah Raniero, Duke of Karana, has arrived.”
It was a signal to kneel and bow their heads.
At that cue, the small lords of Parsa, Bieto, Celia, and Nova gathered at the far end and knelt before the platform.
Annamaria knelt alongside Father Count, with Count Romano and Rosaria next to her.
Annamaria bent her knees, Rosaria knelt like a true knight, and both lowered their faces.
Galileo sat neatly beside Annamaria, bowing his small head.
The rustle of clothing and the presence of footsteps, mingled with a citrus-like scent in the breeze, brushed their cheeks.
“Thank you all for gathering, noble houses ruling each domain. Raise your heads and stand.”
Prompted by the youthful voice, everyone looked up.
“Many here meet me for the first time, so allow me to introduce myself. I am Jeremiah Raniero.”
At the elevated platform stood a young man, resting his hands on the back of a chair.