Eilika and Damian slowed their steps as they reached the large playground behind the cottage. The open space stretched wide, bordered by tall trees whose branches swayed gently in the afternoon breeze. Laughter filled the air.

Roman and the other boys were running wildly across the field, chasing a worn leather ball and shouting excitedly at one another. Their energy seemed endless. Two maids hurried behind them, trying unsuccessfully to keep the boys from tripping over the uneven grass.

Roman darted past them with the ball clutched to his chest, his laughter ringing across the field as Toby and Sam chased after him. The sight made Eilika’s lips curve into a small smile.

Damian stood beside her, watching the scene quietly.

After a moment, he spoke.

"Roman should begin learning archery and horse riding soon," he said thoughtfully, his gaze still fixed on his son. "The earlier such training begins, the better it will be for him."

His tone carried the calm certainty of someone who had grown up with those expectations.

"I will teach him horse riding," Eilika replied without hesitation.

Damian turned his head slightly to look at her.

"I also know a little archery," she added.

Damian’s brows lifted with mild surprise.

"Really?" he said, studying her with curiosity. "And what was a merchant’s daughter doing to learn such skills?"

A faint chuckle escaped him.

Those were abilities usually reserved for nobles, soldiers, or trained guards, not the daughter of a merchant family.

"I simply enjoyed such things," Eilika replied with a small smile. "That is why I learned them."

Her gaze briefly followed Roman as he ran across the field, his laughter echoing through the open space. Then she looked back at Damian.

"Perhaps we should have an archery round someday," she added lightly. "I may not be able to defeat you, but I would still like to try."

There was a playful confidence in her tone.

Damian let out a soft chuckle.

"Very well," he said. "I accept the challenge."

He glanced once more at the boys, who were still running across the playground while the maids tried to keep them from straying too far.

"Since they seem quite occupied with their game," Damian continued, "we should head inside."

Eilika gave a small hum of agreement and walked beside him toward the cottage. The quietness of the interior felt refreshing after the lively noise outside.

"Would you like to eat some fruit?" she asked as they stepped inside. "I can bring some upstairs. You should rest for a while."

Damian shook his head slightly.

"The maids can handle that," he replied.

His expression grew a little more serious. "There is something else I would like to discuss with you."

As they walked past the corridor, Damian briefly turned toward one of the maids nearby.

"Bring some fruits to the upstairs room," Damian instructed calmly.

The maid bowed immediately and hurried off to carry out the order.

Without saying anything further, Damian began walking up the staircase. Eilika followed closely behind, her mind filled with curiosity about what he wished to discuss with such seriousness.

When they entered the upstairs chamber, Damian closed the door behind them. The soft click of the lock turning echoed faintly in the quiet room.

"Sit," he said, gesturing toward the chair near the table.

Eilika had already taken her seat by the time he turned around.

Damian walked toward the chair opposite her and lowered himself into it, leaning slightly forward as if preparing to discuss something important.

"I may have to go undercover for a few days," he said directly. "During that time, Roman and the boys staying here will be your responsibility."

Eilika’s brows knit together immediately.

"Why do you need to go undercover?" she asked, her concern clearly visible.

Damian folded his hands loosely before answering.

"That place we discovered... it is far worse than we initially thought," he explained. "There are girls being held there as well."

His voice hardened slightly.

"We cannot simply raid the place without knowing how the entire operation works. Maurice and I will have to go inside and gather information before we can rescue them."

Eilika’s worry deepened as she listened.

"But that sounds extremely dangerous," she said, her eyes fixed on him. "If they discover who you really are—"

"I am trained for such situations," Damian interrupted gently, though his tone carried quiet confidence.

He leaned back slightly in his chair.

"You do not need to worry about me."

Still, the concern remained on Eilika’s face.

"Roman might ask about my absence," Damian continued. "If he does, you should simply tell him that I am occupied with important work."

He paused briefly before adding, "It will be easier for him to accept that explanation."

"If you ever get stuck in trouble, send me a message," Eilika said firmly. "I will come to help you."

Damian looked at her for a moment before shaking his head faintly.

"That will not be necessary," he replied calmly. "And even if something unexpected happens, I would rather handle it myself."

He leaned back slightly in his chair before continuing.

"Besides, I would never want you to step into such a place. It is not somewhere a woman should go. The environment there is dangerous."

Eilika listened to him quietly before responding.

"Yes, I understand what you mean," she said. "But we cannot always predict what may happen. Situations change quickly."

She leaned forward slightly, her eyes steady.

"And you cannot trust many people with such matters either," she added. "So if the need arises, you should not hesitate."

Then a small, confident smile appeared on her face.

"Do not worry about me," she said. "I am not as fragile as you think. I know how to defend myself as well."

There was a hint of pride in her gaze.

Damian’s eyebrow arched slightly.

"Really?" he said with mild amusement.

He slowly rose from his chair, straightening to his full height.

"Then why don’t we test that claim?" he suggested.

His tone carried a playful challenge.

"Let us see what kind of strength you truly possess."

Eilika narrowed her eyes slightly as she looked up at him.

"Are you challenging me, Duke?" she asked, squinting her eyes.

"No, I want to test your abilities, Eilika," he answered.