He didn't trust or love anyone.

***

Because of Duke Pietro, peace did not last long in the mansion.

This was because the duke, who was the father of the twins and the master of the mansion, had returned.

After the duchess died giving birth to the twins, the duke withered away little by little. The duke believed in the curse of twins, which is why he abused his sons.

At dawn, the abuse continued as before. The duke had returned from one of his frequent night's out and went straight to Desian's underground room. An old and loyal servant of the Pietro Dukedom handed over a whip.

Duke Pietro hit the whip hard on the floor as soon as he entered the dungeon.

"I've really been cursed because of you two and your bad luck!"

Duke Pietro ground his teeth as he watched Desian stand up straight.

Duke Pietro took one step forward. His face that had been hidden in the darkness was illuminated.

He had black eyes like his son, under a forehead with light wrinkles. In fact, his face looked so gentle that one would never expect him to behave this way to his son.

"Those snake-like eyes!"

My god!

The man hit the whip that had been wound around Desian's wrist on the ground once more. It made a disgustingly loud sound.

****

Meanwhile, Citrina also felt the atmosphere at the duchy gradually changing.

She recollected her vivid memories. It was as if someone had delicately carved her past life's memories and the novel's contents into her mind.

'The duke will soon leave to deal with the shipping problem. Then there will be no one else in the annex.'

These days, she had been meeting with Aaron once a day after lunch.

She and Aaron enjoyed slowly talking over friendly matters. Aaron was slowly beginning to trust her.

When the duke leaves, everyone but Desian and Aaron will begin to trickle out.

Duke Pietro tried to separate the ducal annex completely. He believed Desian and Aaron were perfectly neutralized, and didn't allow them to focus on anything.

Therefore, when he was away, he would minimize the number of people at the annex. He left only a few people and the butler Harold, who knew of the duke's misdeeds.

"I absolutely won't die."

She bit her lips as if determined. She didn't want to die. Even if she died, it would be after doing everything she wanted to.

…Well. What was clear was that the duke would leave and her salary would be paid regularly.

For Citrina and Aaron, a few days went by little by little.

The week seemed longer than it should have been.

As the wind got a bit chilly outside and summer edged towards autumn, there were changes every day. While Citrina was enjoying a leisurely tea time in her room, Harold called on her.

"Today, you will be meeting Young Lord Desian."

Harold said, looking a little bewildered.

Citrina caught on quick.

A rushed meeting with Desian. This wasn't expected.