After the incident in the garden, Vanire took me back to my room.
When we entered, Baneat was already waiting.
Without wasting time, they helped me into a bathtub. My clothes were removed, leaving only my undergarments. The water was warm, and Baneat poured several potions into it while Vanire gently rubbed my arms and shoulders.
The moment the potion touched my wounds, a burning sensation spread across my body.
Then Baneat handed me another vial.
"Drink this."
"What is it?" I asked.
"Sleeping potion."
I drank it anyway.
Within moments, my vision blurred.
The last thing I saw was Vanire pulling a blanket over me.
Then everything went dark.
When I opened my eyes again, sunlight filtered through the curtains.
Morning.
My body felt lighter than before, though the pain was still there.
Vanire was standing beside the bed.
The first thing I asked was,
"How is Rusty?"
She smiled faintly.
"The Duke ordered the servants and alchemists to treat his wounds. They applied ointments and bandages."
"He's fine."
Relief washed over me.
Then I noticed something.
"How long was I asleep?"
"One day," she replied.
I sighed.
"That must have been a strong potion."
Vanire nodded.
"The Duke has requested to see you."
"Now?"
"Yes."
She helped me change into fresh clothes.
My right arm was still bound tightly to the wooden brace.
After preparing me properly, she called a butler to help place me into the wheeled chair.
We left the building and moved through the castle grounds.
Soon we arrived at another building—larger and more imposing than the one where I had been staying.
The corridors inside were guarded by knights.
Every pair of eyes followed me as Vanire pushed the chair forward.
Eventually we reached a large wooden door.
Vanire stopped there.
She bowed slightly and stepped back.
The door opened.
A man in his forties entered the hallway.
"I am Ranile, head butler of the Raonelet household."
He took control of my chair and pushed me inside.
The room was enormous.
It was almost the size of the small house I used to live in.
At the far end of the room sat Von na Raonelet, reviewing documents and stamping them with his house seal.
I glanced at Ranile, unsure what to do.
He placed a finger on his lips, silently telling me to wait.
So I waited.
Several minutes passed before the duke finally looked up.
When he saw me, he nodded to Ranile.
"Thank you."
Ranile bowed and stepped away.
The duke stood up and walked toward the sitting area nearby.
I was pushed there as well.
Servants arrived with tea and small snacks before leaving quietly.
The duke poured tea into a cup.
"Do you like tea?"
"I've never tried it," I replied honestly.
He smiled faintly.
"Then perhaps another time."
He gestured toward the snacks.
"How about something to eat?"
I shook my head.
"No, my lord."
Then I spoke.
"May I ask why you called for me?"
The duke took a slow sip of tea.
Then he looked at me carefully.
"Do you know anyone in the capital?"
For a moment my heart jumped.
Did he know about my secret?
Why would he ask that?
But I answered calmly.
"No, my lord. I have never even been to the capital."
The duke studied my face.
"Hm."
"For a moment I thought I recognized you."
He waved the thought away.
"Never mind."
Then he leaned back slightly.
"I would like to apologize once again for my daughter's actions."
"You already did, my lord," I replied.
"I should also apologize."
"When I saw my mount threatened, I lost control."
The duke nodded.
"The girl you knocked unconscious is not my daughter."
"She is the daughter of the knight standing beside me yesterday."
"He is an Aura Knight… and he has spoiled her far too much."
"I will speak with him."
"Do not worry about it."
"Thank you for your understanding, my lord."
The duke studied me again.
"You're quite young to be working as a mercenary."
I smiled weakly.
"It is necessary for survival."
He nodded slowly.
"That is not a bad answer."
At that moment the door opened again.
A young woman entered the room wearing training clothes. The moment she saw me, her expression filled with disgust.
"Father, why did you call me—"
She stopped when she noticed me sitting there.
The duke spoke calmly.
"This is my daughter, Lerana va Raonelet."
She straightened proudly.
"I am Lerana va Raonelet, daughter of Von na Raonelet, and a knight apprentice of the Thorn Style Sword School."
Her voice carried clear disdain toward me.
The duke ignored her tone and continued speaking.
"Have you ever heard of the Six Rose Thorns?"
I shook my head.
"No, my lord."
"It was once a famous mercenary party," he explained. "An all-female group known for their strength."
"The leader of that group… was one of my wives."
He paused briefly.
"Her name was Vana."
"My daughter here is her child."
His voice grew quieter.
"She died while giving birth to Lerana."
For a moment, the room fell silent.
"She was not my only wife," the duke continued calmly, "but she was a remarkable woman."
"The other members of the Six Rose Thorns eventually went their separate ways. One of them later founded the Thorn Style Sword School."
He gestured toward Lerana.
"My daughter wished to follow her mother's path."
"So she began training in the Thorn Style."
He sighed lightly.
"That passion sometimes turns into reckless pride."
Then he looked at me.
"So do not keep resentment in your heart for yesterday's events."
Before I could respond, Lerana spoke sharply.
"Father! Why are you telling our family matters to an outsider?"
She glared at me with open irritation.
Then she turned and stormed out of the room.
The door slammed behind her.
The duke watched the door for a moment and sighed quietly.