Nisya listened to Edmund’s instructions and immediately began preparing everything.

Sebastian excused himself and left the study to find the best orphanage for Leonor.

Edmund looked outside, still watching Leonor standing in front of the iron gates of the Aschwin Mansion.

Maybe if Leonor gets her emotional needs fulfilled, the second mission can be completed.

Nisya soon returned to Leonor and led her back to her room, while Sebastian walked alone out of the mansion grounds. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

That night, the atmosphere felt unusually calm. Then, unexpectedly, there was a soft knock on Edmund’s study door.

"Come in."

It wasn’t a servant or a soldier. It was his mother, accompanied by Helena.

"Mother?" Edmund asked.

"How are you feeling, Edmund?" Oleander asked.

"I’m fine," he replied.

He stepped away from his desk, walked toward Oleander, and invited her inside.

They sat on the sofa. Oleander enjoyed a cup of tea while Edmund had wine.

"What brings you here, Mother?"

"Yesterday, I went to see Count Siegfried. We discussed many things, from the economy to marriage," Oleander said.

Edmund’s eyes narrowed slightly as he sat on the single chair, holding his wine glass.

From the original body’s memories, he clearly remembered the arranged marriage between Edmund Aschwin and Lara Siegfried.

They had known each other since childhood, but only Lara had feelings for him.

"Marriage, huh?"

"Is there a problem, Edmund?" Oleander asked.

Edmund stayed silent for a moment. He finished his wine and set the glass back on the table.

"About that... I’m not prepared yet."

"Count Siegfried wants it. Even if the Aschwin family holds a higher status, we cannot disappoint them," Oleander replied.

He felt completely trapped, unsure of what answer to give.

He couldn’t refuse, because it would affect the relationship between the two noble families.

But he also couldn’t accept a marriage that wasn’t based on love.

"We haven’t set an exact date yet. But Count Siegfried wants it done as soon as possible," Oleander explained.

Edmund let out a quiet sigh, then forced a smile at her.

No matter what, his mother was doing this for the sake of the Aschwin family.

As someone born into nobility, he was expected to accept the consequences that came with it.

One of them was this, being forced to think about marriage and a future wife.

"I’ll think about it, Mother," Edmund said, brief and uncertain.

"I hope so," Oleander replied.

They both stood and walked toward the door. Before leaving, Oleander paused.

"You will become the heir of the Aschwin family. You must decide your stance soon."

"Many women in the Archie territory want to marry you. But only a few are worthy."

Edmund smiled, gently holding Oleander’s hands.

"I’m an adult now, Mother. I know what I should do."

Oleander smiled warmly, "Thank you, Edmund."

She left the room with Helena by her side. Edmund closed the door and let himself sink into solitude.

Marriage, huh?

His attention returned to the desk in front of him, stacked with documents he had to handle as the heir of the Aschwin family.

Being the heir meant governing Archester, a city with a population of 300,000 people, the only major city in the Archie territory.

That’s a troublesome matter. For now, I should stay focused on Leonor.

***

Two days later.

After searching for a house that could be purchased, Sebastian came to Edmund’s office and reported everything.

The office door opened as the man walked inside and greeted Edmund with a respectful bow.

"What is it? Have you found a house for her?" Edmund asked while still busy handling several cooperation agreement documents between noble families.

"Yes."

"I found a suitable house for her," Sebastian replied.

Edmund smiled and paused his work for a moment, raising his head to look at Sebastian, who still stood upright.

"You bought it?"

"There weren’t any empty lots or vacant houses available. So I bought someone’s house for a high price," Sebastian explained.

"What about the previous residents?" Edmund asked.

"They were planning to move to Nocstra City anyway, so they didn’t mind."

Edmund nodded several times, smiling in satisfaction after hearing Sebastian’s explanation. Curiosity filled both his heart and mind.

He wanted to know what kind of house Leonor would live in.

Was the house decent? Was it clean? Was it spacious? Were there many children around her age nearby?

Those questions continued to haunt his thoughts, and the only way to ease them was to inspect the house personally.

"Alright. Take me there, Sebastian."

"Of course, Lord Edmund."

Edmund temporarily left his work behind and walked together with Sebastian out of the office.

Instead of riding horses, they simply walked through the city streets because Sebastian said the house was nearby.

Several citizens smiled as they passed by Edmund and Sebastian. Their handsome appearances were always admired by women, whether commoners or nobles.

From a distance, Sebastian raised his hand and pointed toward a house ahead of them, "That’s the house."

Edmund stopped walking once he saw the house clearly. It was located along the main road of the city, had a fairly wide yard, and the house itself had two floors.

The condition was still well-maintained, even though the paint had begun fading. Still, that was not a serious issue.

The front door opened, and Nisya stepped outside carrying a basket of wet clothes to hang dry.

Her steps stopped the moment she saw Edmund and Sebastian standing right outside the fence.

"Sir Sebastian? Lord Edmund?"

"It seems you’re doing your job well, Nisya."

"Thank you, Lord Edmund," Nisya replied happily with a smile.

"Does Leonor like living here?" Edmund asked.

"Yes. She really likes it because there’s an orphanage just a few blocks away," Nisya explained.

"An orphanage?"

Edmund turned and looked toward the west. What Nisya said was true. Many children were gathered in front of a house, playing together on the street.

"She plays at the orphanage?" Edmund asked while turning toward Sebastian in shock.

"You asked me to find an area with many children. This was the only suitable place," Sebastian explained.

"If you want, I can find another house for her in a village outside the city," Sebastian offered.

"No. Don’t."

"It would be difficult for me to keep an eye on her there."

Hopefully she feels comfortable playing with the children at that orphanage.

Nisya informed them that Leonor was currently there.

On the first day, Leonor had gone to the orphanage herself after seeing many children playing in the front yard.

By the second day, she was no longer awkward because she had already made friends her own age there.

Edmund listened to Nisya’s story and became certain that Leonor had probably shared many things while spending time there.

I’m curious about her now.

Edmund nodded and said goodbye before walking together with Sebastian toward the orphanage.

The moment the two of them arrived, dressed in luxurious noble attire, many children smiled and greeted them warmly.

However, none of the children recognized Edmund or knew his status within the city.

Realizing guests had arrived, a middle-aged woman approached them gracefully.

A smile spread across her face because she recognized both men immediately.

"Children, go play in the backyard. Let me speak with them," she said gently, and the children obediently followed her instructions.

"Welcome, Viscount Edmund."

"My name is Irana. It’s an honor for both me and this orphanage to welcome you," Irana said while slightly bowing her head.

"You’ve raised the children here very well. You truly are noble-hearted," Edmund praised her.

"Thank you. I’m honored by your praise, Viscount Edmund," Irana replied.

"Is there something that brings you here?"

Edmund looked ahead and vaguely noticed a large backyard behind the orphanage. He wondered whether Leonor was there.

"Has a red-haired girl been coming to the orphanage?"

"You mean Leonor? She’s in the backyard right now, talking with her friends."

"She’s not one of the children from our orphanage. But for the past two days, she’s been visiting regularly," Irana explained.

"Does... that bother you?" Edmund asked.

"Of course not. Leonor has been helping us a lot here alongside her friends," Irana replied.

"Would you like to visit her? She’s in the back. I can—"

Edmund shook his head with a smile, "No need. I only came to know where she was and what she was doing."

────[Second Mission]────

[Objective: Fund Leonor’s life]

[Reward: +5 Conviction Stats || +100 Gold]

[Status: Complete!]

[Bond Status:]

[Bond: Conviction || Energy: 10/100] [+5]

While speaking with Irana, Edmund was suddenly startled by the appearance of the bond mission system panel announcing the mission’s success.

From the mission reward, he gained Conviction points for Leonor and one hundred gold for himself.

A black pouch suddenly appeared in front of Edmund, startling both Irana and Sebastian.

"What is that? Why did it suddenly appear, Lord Edmund?" Sebastian asked.

I’ve already fulfilled Leonor’s emotional needs, and her life is properly supported now.

Edmund raised his hand and handed the black pouch to Sebastian, "Give this money to Nisya. Tell her it’s for her and Leonor’s living expenses while staying there."

"Of course. I’ll do it, Lord Edmund."

────[Third Mission]────

[Objective: Handle Leonor Reimard’s Night Personality condition]

[Reward: +10 Conviction Stats || +10 All Stat Points || Unlock Stealth Steps]

[Status: Ongoing!]

Night Personality? What is that?

Irana overheard their conversation. Her curiosity grew after seeing Edmund’s attitude toward Leonor.

"May I ask something, Viscount Edmund?"

"Go ahead."

"What exactly is your relationship with the girl named Leonor?" Irana asked.

Edmund fell silent for a moment. His eyes drifted forward again while the corners of his lips lifted slightly.

"I am her older brother."