The Duke's Son Claims He Won't Love Me Yet Showers Me with Adoration

"Help me!"

"Pressure from the ducal house of Royas is going to crush my noble house!"

Lord Jarmo, what shall we do?

Nothing.

Viscount Helco, between his wrongdoings and penchant for alcohol,

was likely always fated to fall into ruin anyway.

If that's the case, then being of some use before he leaves the stage

serves him better in the end, don't you think?

Oh, dear.

Lord Julius... Oh, that Lord Julius!

Now, stop that. Do you intend to feather the entire house?

Dear brother...

Am I lovely?

Yes, you're like an angel.

I am well aware of that!

But, Lord Julius...

He said that Lady Elsa is more important to him.

How tragic!

Serafina, you're far more beautiful than any jewel.

To think he couldn't see your charms.

Brother!

Lord Julius truly is completely blind!

I'll never forgive him!

He's sullied his relationship with Serafina.

But it should still have been of value to Julius.

Her appearance was truly unexpected.

The Duke's Son Claims He Won't Love Me, But Showers Me with Adoration

Episode 7

"An Unexpected Gift"

That was quite the achievement, Julius.

Falsification of the purity of ores is a huge scandal of trust for our kingdom.

And you stopped it with minimal damage.

Still, you always take measures in the background when you destroy things.

It's rare for you to take action from the front.

Well, it was the only way since I was dealing with such a fool of a noble.

And good work on your other investigative efforts.

Devote yourself to work within the castle for a while, won't you?

Understood.

Oh! Now that I think about it,

you attended that soirée the other day with your wife, didn't you?

Any reports on progress on that—

If you'll excuse me.

Judging by that, something definitely happened.

With the end of the year coming up,

we're starting to prepare for a large amount of office work and events.

He's always so blithe about things.

Hannes, I baked some cookies.

Would you like a scone?

Oh! Thank you so much!

When will you take your next break?

Oh! Lord Julius!

I'd like for you to give this to my sister.

What is it?

It's a book that I picked out for her birthday.

Is Elsa's birthday soon?

Oh, I knew it. My sister isn't the type to mention these things herself.

She's born on the tenth of White Orchid Month.

That book is a new publication from an author my sister likes,

but she probably wouldn't buy herself something just for amusement,

and I didn't think she'd ask you for it either, so...

Despite appearances, my sister likes fantasies and romances.

Her... birthday.

Husband, happy birthday!

All this time, I've never asked about her birthday.

Lord Julius, I'm rooting for you!

You really aren't anything like Elsa, are you?

Lately, my husband has seemed very busy.

Even at dinner, he's been reading documents.

Husband? I've brought you some tea.

Come in.

Pardon me.

I'll leave it here. Please make sure to take proper breaks.

Of course.

Well then, I'll head to bed first.

Elsa?

I'm sorry. I only just noticed.

I only came to bring you some tea.

Wait just a moment. Hannes gave me a present for you.

From Hannes?

It's a little early to give it to you,

but he said it's a book for your birthday present.

Oh! Thank you!

I hope you'll allow me to celebrate the actual day with you.

What?

Just like you celebrated my birthday, I want to do something for you.

Yes, that would make me very happy! I'll be looking forward to it!

Oh, it's the new book I've been wanting to read!

Now that I think about it,

this is the first birthday I'll spend with someone outside of my family.

I hope you'll allow me to celebrate the actual day with you.

For some reason, my heart is racing.

My birthday... That's when the white orchids will be in bloom, yes?

I'm sorry, Elsa. They've scheduled meeting I absolutely have to attend.

Oh, don't be! Please do your best at work.

There's a place I'd like to take you today.

I hope you'll go there and wait for me.

I will. I'm looking forward to it.

Then, I'll be off.

Stay safe!

He seems incredibly motivated.

But all he's doing is attending a meeting.

Snow?

I hope it stops falling by evening.

My lady, it seems that Lord Julius hasn't arrived yet.

Please wait inside the carriage.

I will.

I thought this might happen, and so...

The blanket I received from Father and Mother is so warm.

I'll relax and wait.

This story is lovely no matter how many times I read it.

An arrogant prince, who pays no mind to those around him,

is cursed by a witch, and he's transformed into a rose plant.

The prince disappears,

and every day, thorny brambles grow larger, swallowing the castle.

The terrified villagers try to burn the rose away.

And then...

the florist's daughter...

"A plant's thorns are there to make sure the stalks don't break."

"Thorns are proof of wanting to grow stronger."

The prince falls in love with the girl's beautiful heart,

and, feeling ashamed of his arrogance, prepares to be burned away.

The girl finds it strange that the thorny brambles have stopped growing,

and she finds a blue rose among the thorns.

When she gently touches the petals...