Levon rose, strode toward Nyasia, and held her shoulders. He was about to embrace but—
"Brother, we have guests," she said, smiling.
"Levon, you didn't tell me your sister was this pretty." Levon's smile fell, while Kyle was grinning. "So you are the marquis' beloved daughter? I hope we see more of you at Rashet's banquet."
"Thank you, Young Master," Nyasia replied to Kyle. "Who knows, I might be well enough to attend these events."
Mirelle had just recovered from shock.
"C-cousin, what a surprise to see you looking well. You are still as beautiful as ever. Even Young Master Ingris is stunned," Mirelle said with a slight smile.
"I am more than stunned," Kyle said, grinning. Then he felt a chill nearby. For a moment, he thought Dorian's expression had darkened.
"Need more wine, Kyle?" Levon retorted.
Kyle looked down. He took the glass and sipped, avoiding Levon's gaze.
'For a general's son, this young master was nonchalant,' Nyasia thought.
Meanwhile, Dorian, who had stood unmoved outside, walked back inside the pavilion. As he finally settled back into his seat in front of Nyasia, she turned to him for the first time. Her thoughts scrambled for a moment, while his face was unreadable, watching her. Then her eyes dropped slightly, and she bowed her head politely.
"Your Grace."
When Dorian said nothing, Mirelle smiled.
"Cousin, His Grace wants to go sightseeing. He loves solitude. We must not disturb him," Mirelle said politely.
'Sightseeing the garden?' Nyasia thought wryly.
"Oh, then we must not take your time, Your Grace," she said. " Please enjoy our newly trimmed bushes in our backyard gardens."
"I changed my mind," Dorian said immediately, still looking at her, raising his cup. "I think the views here are much better."
Levon's hand stiffened around his cup.
Nyasia glanced at Dorian.
Her gaze held with a cold reproach.
But he just gave a faint, amused smile.
'Shameless', she thought.
Then she turned away and sat across from Levon, who began chatting immediately and Kyle began grinning again.
Meanwhile, Mirelle looked at Dorian.
"Your Grace, is there any part of the garden you wish to see?" Mirelle asked, her voice hollow and high-pitched.
"I study floriculture and I can introduce you to some rare flowers," she added.
Dorian's brows arched.
He gave a sideway glance.
"Rare?"
"Yes."
"Is there a blue orchid there?"
Mirelle blinked.
"I—I saw it... years ago. Is that your favorite flower, Your Grace?"
"Oh?" A cold smile played at his lips. "And what about you, Lady Rashet? Have you witnessed one yourself?"
Nyasia glanced at him.
"No, Your Grace."
Because there was no such thing as blue orchids. He was only testing Mirelle's knowledge.
"I see." His smile gave a faint wicked smile. "What kind of orchids have you seen, then?"
Nyasia's jaw stiffened.
'This man...'
Two years. Two hundred red orchids he gave her. And he was determined to make her say it out loud.
"Only the red ones, Your Grace."
"Ah." He looked almost pleased.
"Red orchids are very hard to cultivate," Kyle said plainly. "They are the rarest of all orchids. Even the imperial family has no less than a dozen."
Dorian's mouth curled.
"Capability matters."
Levon almost dropped his cup. He turned sharply to Dorian, who had just sipped his tea.
Mirelle frowned a bit. 'Red orchids?'
Just then, maids entered the pavilion and began setting more food on the table. Kyle was jovial. He talked about the upcoming archery contests during the Queen Dowager's banquet in a month. Levon was listening. Dorian stayed silent the rest of the lunch. Neither he nor Nyasia looked at each other.
Meanwhile, Mirelle could barely touch her food. She thought about the duke's indifference toward her. She had met him many times at the manor. She thought she could at least have a good conversation with him this time. But no.
He was always cold.
'But he asked Nyasia a question?'
She glanced at Nyasia's small face and thick lashes. 'Did Mother fail this time?' She gritted her teeth.
With a dry smile, she looked at Levon.
"Brother, why don't we all go to the garden later?"