Alicia gave a weak smile. "No way, Latty. I'm used to living in this place. After all, what's the point? In Ehrlich, I have no family. Latty, how about you? Do you miss your home?"

"To be honest, Miss..." Latty responded with caution. "I thought you'd pay a visit to Ehrlich the last time the Count died. And... there's... also... your mother's grave..."

Like Latty, the marquis, Alicia's uncle, and Dimitri were shocked when they realized she had no intention of visiting Ehrlich and attending her father's pitiful funeral. However, they quietly set the matter aside and did not pursue it any further. Though they were unaware of the details,...