“Welcome home , Duke.”

Ernest, the owner of the Mecklen family and Duke of Mecklen, has returned.

The butler welcomed the Duke who returned to his family home for the first time after the wedding.

“What brings you home today?”

asked Carolyn, who was standing next to the butler with a smile in her face, in a welcoming voice.

She ran out before anyone else , on the news that her son Ernest had returned.

The servant next to him tried to pick the duke’s coat that he had just taken off , but Carolyn held him back and held her son’s coat herself. It was a rare sight for the previous Duchess to serve anyone in person, but the people around her were not surprised.

Ernest replied in a dull voice .

“There was some free time in my schedule.”

Ernest, who changed into a comfortable indoor outfit, looked back at Carolyn.

“Have you been doing well at home?”

“Hoho, i’m here safe and sound.”

Although he was her child, Carolyn was always respectful in the way of the Mecklen family. That included pride in her son . His position as the Emperor’s companion and trusted sword made the Mecklen family one of the most powerful backgrounds in the Empire.

However, contrary to Carolyn, who was pleased, Ernest seemed to be quite bothered by his mother.

“How about dinner, my lord?”

“Make it simple.”

Ernst responded lightly to the butler’s question.

After moving to the dining room for a meal, the mother and son sat face to face at the table of 20 seats . The chef who had worked in the family for a long time appeared in front of them and introduced the dinner menu in a cheerful voice.

There were many dishes prepared for the Duke who came to his home after a long time.

The two exchanged conversations while slowly eating.

“well, how’s his majesty the Emperor doing these days?”

Carolyn, who was cutting fresh calf meat, asked in a passing tone.

“Does he have any intention of bringing in a new empress ? Hasn’t it been over two years since the empress’ seat’s been vacant?”

“He hasn’t thought about it yet.”

The emperor has not remarried since the Empress died , leaving a young prince behind. Carolyn clicked her tongue as she recalled the remarriage of the emperor, who had recently become a hot topic at parties.

“He’s still in his prime. How could he…”

“Is there perhaps someone he likes?”

“you mean a mistress?”

“Oh, no. I didn’t mean it that way, I’m just saying there might be someone he likes.”

The Emperor’s mistress was a very sensitive issue. Because she would be an unofficial lover, it is an ugly rumor to be talked about. Carolyn, who had no intention of discrediting the royal family, quickly changed her words and carefully brought out her hidden intention.

“If there is no suitable family for the Empress seat , then should i recommend one?”

“H~ (sigh), we’d better stop talking about it.”