“You’ll catch a cold when your body cools down later.”

“But it’s still too hot now.”

Raven glanced down to her after hearing her words. Just like she said, her still reddish cheeks didn’t seem to be cooling off any time soon.

“Then, I’ll cover you with a blanket in just a bit.”

She gave a nod at his words.

“I’m taking a break. So, I’ll be in the study for a while.”

“Okay…”

It seemed to be quite difficult for her to raise her hand even if it was just to quickly see him off.

Raven gently kissed her forehead before putting on his robe. He tied it down a little loosely and gradually left the room, which allowed her to sleep comfortably.

Raven lifted the document that had already been placed on the desk that was in the study.

This was his other reason for returning to the duchy. Towards the end of the document was a label that had been stamped as ‘Count Clemence’.

The Duke pressed down his temples as he was evaluating. It wasn’t that he couldn’t discern the Count’s ambition. Rather, it was profitable for him to gain such people that would relatively scream while rolling around in the palm of his hand.

Those who were busy stuffing their bellies would be too occupied with their desires that came tumbling into their hands unless there was a somewhat grave excuse that could be used.

“Hmm…….”

Count Clemence was actually quite good at it. He might be someone who was too concerned with others’ eyes on him, but still, he at least had a basic business mind on top of his head.

Plus, Count Clemence was the one who didn’t miss to grab the chance that had come upon himself. The Count was overly stressing on his newly acquired status of ‘in-law’ to the Duke even after the wedding.

Raven studied through the papers yet again. The documents were written in all kinds of rhetoric, which ultimately led to a brief text, right at the end.

It was never hard to think back on the amount of wealth that had been procured by the Duke. Therefore, it was expected that he would express his approval despite the rumors that were still going around.

“Butler.”

Gilbert was already waiting outside for Raven before he entered the study.

“When did this document arrive?”

“It had arrived just this morning.”

“Are you sure that it was addressed here?”“Yes, that’s right.”

Raven’s expression turned stiff. It was not long ago that he had taken the Count of Clemence out of Molitia’s sight right after that one morning.

He was not that tactless of a man. Nevertheless, it seemed that the only purpose of this was to send the documents over to the Duke of Linerio.

Raven fiddled the tip of the paper in his hand. Usually, he would make the people who had offended him to pay the price immensely.

However, he couldn’t have done that when he thought of Molitia. It was still her family. That fact was the only reason why the Count could act rashly.

“Find out what you can about Count Clemence. You don’t have to go too deep but make sure to get a hold of the rumours that were going around on the streets.”

“Understood.”

As soon as Gilbert had closed the door, Raven’s eyes quickly fell towards the paper. There was no harm in preparing under plausible circumstances.

In addition, if one were to take a look at Molitia’s prior behaviors, it’d be true to say that many questions would definitely be raised.

‘Oh, no.’

Raven had only realized then, that he was spending too much time in his study. He hurriedly kept the papers in the drawer before leaving the study.

The bedroom was just the same as he had left. He could see that Molitia was still sleeping and not even a blink was made to the door that had creaked opened.

Raven quietly sat on the bed. Perhaps it was due to him being unable to hold back that he had hugged her with all his heart. Then, his hands carefully pulled the quilt up.

It was not until he had her covered up to the neck when a glaring gasp suddenly pierced his ears. She had already said that the heat would never go easily and yet her cheeks were still unexpectedly red, which dyed her pallid complexion.

It might also be due to her look that was always too pale in comparison. Raven unwittingly brushed his hand against her cheek.

“Molitia…?”