Vol. 11 Ch. 2: The Mysterious Gardener

Cyril Ashley stepped down from the carriage and looked up at the magnificent building towering before him—the castle of the Ridill Kingdom—as he walked across the cobblestones, feeling both nervous and awed.

His adoptive father, Marquis Hyoone, glanced at him and stroked his mustache.

"Are you nervous?"

"...No, I'm fine."

"You're putting your right hand and right foot forward at the same time."

When Marquis Hyoone pointed it out, Cyril came to an abrupt stop.

At this New Year's Ceremony, Cyril Ashley would be formally presented as Marquis Hyoone's heir. Failure was not an option—and because he was taking that too much to heart, his expression and entire body had gone rigid.

Although he had attended social events many times since being adopted into the marquis's family, this was his first visit to the castle.

He had seen many estates lavished with every luxury, but the castle before him was not merely magnificent; its solemn air spoke of history, and it overwhelmed him.

Marquis Hyoone said, "Hmm," and looked deep in thought. Worried that he might have disappointed or exasperated his adoptive father, Cyril grew anxious, but then Marquis Hyoone made a suggestion...