Today is my day of departure from Helstein's state and today the Duke suddenly asked for a private meeting with me in his office. It's still early in the morning. Seriously, I couldn't understand Helstein's family. But I guess it's not in my ability to judge another person's family as I can't even figure out why Marquess Jaden's family treats me like this.

~Knock knock

“Sir Duke! Lady Aaria has come to visit you.” This person had wrinkles everywhere,White hair and snake-like eyes. He was the butler and most loyal subordinate of Duke Johansson, Marcus Holland. He is also Grandfather of James Holland.

“Let her in,”Duke replied.

“Greetings to the Lord of Helstein's family. May you…..”

“It's fine. You don't need to. I need to ask a couple of things.”

“Yes, Sir Duke.”

“Why did Lord Jaden send only one person with you? Even if I can see he looks strong, that doesn't justify the fact that he could only send one guy.”

Is he Talking about Richard? He didn't look the part.

“I don't know.” Well I don't have the answer for your questions. So I don't know why he is even bothering asking me this.

“Did you come here through the Forest of the Losts?”

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Yes.”

“I see. You should return and prepare for departure.”

After leaving the room.

“May you reach your home safely Lady Aaria.” Butler said.

It's time for my departure and . It seems like only Rose had come to see me off.

‘Well I thought so this was gonna happen. But still it's nice that at least someone is seeing me off’.

“My lady, I will be waiting for you. Okay. be safe.”

“Hmm… Thank you Rose.”

‘Rose and I have become close friends in the last two days or so.

And when I was about to ride on the carriage someone spoke behind her.

“Lady! Are you in a hurry right now?” It was Hunter.

“N-No I didn't mean to leave without saying goodbye. I just heard you were sleeping so I didn't want to wake you up.” I hastily replied.

Well it is still 9 in the morning despite me being awake for 3 hours.

“ I see. Well if that is the case,” Hunter stepped forward, standing beside the carriage door, extended his hands so that she could climb on the carriage.

“My lady! Do you remember our promise?”

“Yeah.”

“ Also try to take good care of Ace.”

“ Okay “

“ And my Lady,.......”

He took a long pause before speaking again.

“You need to become stronger. You have to become stronger.”

Hunter said that so seriously that Aria understood what he meant.

Even if you are too naive you can understand one thing.

Weakness have no place in this world.

“ Hunter! I will be stronger than you. Just watch me.”

I closed the door as the carriage started to move.When we were about to get out I saw Hunter collapsing on the door.Richard asked me whether to stop the carriage or not but I refused.I could see that he is trying his best to improve himself. Even if he looks weak and isn't loved by anyone around him. He still thrives for the best.

~Afternoon, In the middle of Forest of the losts.

Our wheel broke down. Richard said it would take him a few hours to repair. It doesn't seem like a big issue.I was waiting in my cabin when I noticed The same squirrel who I treated came through the window of the carriage. At that exact Ace ran out the carriage and chased towards the squirrel deep in the forest.

I also chased Ace deep in the forest without Richa

rd noticing as he was still busy in repairing