“So, Duke Verdius, make the most of this opportunity.”

“…Are you serious?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?”

Staring at Viscount Aztaine’s wrinkled but earnest face, Ian let out a dry laugh. So, what was this? Was he seriously asking him to take this vacation as an opportunity to produce great-grandchildren?

Lorencia would be appalled if she knew. Though Ian couldn’t deny that he was looking forward to having children with Lorencia someday—more than Viscount Aztaine ever could.

However, he couldn’t force the matter on Lorencia, who was buried in her work and its responsibilities. Their meetings had dwindled to just twice a week. Living in the same estate yet feeling more distant than before their marriage frustrated Ian, but there wasn’t much he could do.

Perhaps someday they’d have more time together. But for now, it was rare enough to see Lorencia let her guard down. If nothing else, this trip might give him the chance he needed.

“Ian, Ian!”

His eyes, which had been staring vacantly out the window, slowly shifted toward me. Was he so taken by this mansion?

“Did you call?”

“Yes, five times.”

“Ah, sorry.”

I extended my hand to him. He glanced at it, hesitating for a moment, then placed his hand on mine.

“…Anyone would think I was training a dog.”

Not that. I went straight to the point.

“The key. The mansion key my grandfather gave you. You have it, don’t you?”

“Oh, right. One moment.”

He reached for his bag. Why was he putting his things on the dirt again?

With a sigh, I grabbed his bag and moved it, snatching the key from his hand as soon as he retrieved it. Walking purposefully, I inserted it into the door of the long-unopened mansion and turned it slowly.

The rusty hinges of the door, unmoved for some time, let out a prolonged creak as it opened, and dust swept across the floor in a half-circle. Cleaning this place would be a challenge.

I propped the door open to let air in, ensuring it wouldn’t close, then turned around. Extending my hand with a smile, I gestured toward Ian, who was climbing the stairs.

Glancing at my outstretched hand, Ian hesitated, rummaging through his pockets with a sheepish expression before resting his hand on mine. Was he trying to find something?

Seriously, how does someone like this end up as the head of the Verdian family? He seemed to be missing a screw or two.

I grasped his warm hand, pulling him to stand beside me, then gestured toward the inside of the building.

“What do you think?”

“It’s larger than I expected, and its restrained style gives it a certain beauty.”

“Doesn’t it?”

“But judging by the musty smell, I’d guess that the heavy rains this past summer might have caused some water damage somewhere. We should check on that first.”

He leaned into the doorway, scanning the interior before calling two of the attendants. He instructed them to open all the doors for ventilation.

“Which room will we use?”

“Well, as for us…”

I could just use my usual room. Ian should take one of the guest rooms—or should he? He wasn’t exactly a guest, but it wasn’t like we were short on rooms.

“For now, let’s settle your things in my room. Then we’ll—”

“That works.”

Ian ascended the stairs with ease. Watching him move ahead, I narrowed my eyes. I hadn’t mentioned my room was on the second floor, had I?

Suspicious of his behavior, I followed him at a slower pace. By the time I reached the second floor, Ian was already waiting for me.

“This way, right?”

“How do you know that? I didn’t even tell you.”

“The ink smell.”

He smirked, and my eyes drifted to the tip of his nose. A raccoon? Or maybe a bloodhound?

“There are two places with a strong ink scent—one downstairs and one upstairs. I figured the upstairs one would be yours since it’s unlikely Lord Aztain would have his room on the second floor at his age.”

“Even though the scent would’ve long faded, you assume it’s mine?”

“The scent of ink, like memories, lingers no matter how much you try to erase it.”

He stepped closer, burying his head near my neck as he murmured softly.

“Just like your scent.”

“….”

I let out a sigh, gently pushing his head away. Ian chuckled as he stepped back leisurely.

“Which one is it?”

“The room at the far end.”

I gestured with a tilt of my chin. Ian walked to the door and pushed it open. After his remark, I couldn’t help but notice the familiar ink scent that seemed to permeate the room.

With Ian’s movement, the light switched on, illuminating the room. On the desk, a half-closed ink bottle had hardened over.

I had a habit of leaving the ink poorly sealed after use—a quirk I shared with my grandfather that always earned me a scolding from the maids. So, that’s where the ink smell came from.

Ian tapped his nose with his finger, grinning knowingly.

The room, though smaller than my quarters at Aztain Manor, wasn’t cramped—ample for two people. Ian placed his bag on the desk, and I opened the windows to let in the fresh air.

As the breeze swept through, cleansing the room, I thought, This house is finally breathing again.

Fixing my disheveled hair, I turned to find Ian standing close, his hand hovering above my head.

“Ian?”

“Spider.”

With a quick flick, he brushed something away. Before I could catch his expression, he was back to his usual, calm demeanor.

“There was a spider.”

“A spider?”

“Looks like the place has some bugs since it hasn’t been occupied. I’ll have the attendants take care of it.”

Ian smiled, guiding me out of the room with a hand on my back. Spotting the attendants climbing the stairs, he directed them to thoroughly clean the building, then led me outside. Looking down at the Porlil Hill, he spoke.

“How about a walk while they clean?”

“It’s almost sunset. It could be dangerous.”

“What’s dangerous when you’re with me?”

Fair point. With his fire magic, the darkness hardly posed a threat.

I hesitated, and Ian, catching my gaze, smiled as he gently took my hand and started moving.

“Let’s go.”