Their romance storyline only begins on the second playthrough?

Chapter 54 The Duke's Bow of Thanks

The crowd looked at them strangely.

But no one dared to take a step forward; they simply couldn't comprehend what they were witnessing.

But for Ivina, even being watched by so many people still made her feel so uncomfortable that she almost vomited.

Her breathing had become labored, and the fingertips gripping Rhodes were trembling uncontrollably.

No, touching Felicity is a simple matter, but for her, seeing these strangers is something she truly cannot do.

but……

However, at that very moment, something interesting happened.

Ta-da!

A heavy trolley drove in from afar, the jolts growing stronger as it approached. When it came to a steady stop in front of the Duke's mansion, a loud announcement rang out:

"Duke Sanders has returned home!"

In an instant, all eyes turned away from Rhodes and Ivina and towards the door.

Juno immediately put down the silver shears she was using to trim the flowers, and the servants in the Duke's mansion all stopped what they were doing.

Even the nobles who had been chatting idly in the pavilion turned their attention away, stood up one after another, and gathered on the main road.

That dragon carriage, adorned with gilded patterns and lapis lazuli jewels, was the Duke of Sanders' personal vehicle.

Today marks his return from the capital.

The dragon carriage came to a stop, and a burly middle-aged man dressed in a crimson nobleman's robe slowly stepped down.

He had short brown hair, a capable posture, and sharp eyes like an eagle, resembling an impeccable warrior, exuding undeniable majesty simply by standing there.

Horena Sanders—Ivina's father, ruler of the Philips Territory, one of the seven dukes of the Linlank Empire, known as the "Stone of the East," and a powerful figure who has completed four ascensions.

"Your Grace, it's been a long time." Greetings rang out from all sides.

"It's been a long time."

"You all came here specifically to attend your daughter's coming-of-age ceremony. In this territory, only you have such influence," Viscount Luca said with a slight bow and a smile.

"Thank you." Horenad maintained his composure, his gaze sweeping over the group.

But in an instant—his eyes narrowed slightly.

Because he saw two figures behind the crowd.

At that moment, Rhodes had already picked Ivina up in his arms and was walking straight toward the flowerbed.

"They're not even looking at you, is there any need to be so afraid?" Rhodes asked.

"Anyway, I should just leave quickly... I don't really want to see him."

"Your Excellency the Duke? He is your father."

Ivina buried her face in Rhodes' chest, her voice muffled: "He's old now, and his temper is a bit better... but the things from his childhood can't be changed."

Upon hearing this, Rhodes nodded.

"it is good."

His figure and Ivina's figure disappeared from the Duke's sight.

The Duke's gaze suddenly sharpened, and the surrounding nobles were initially taken aback, then turned to look in unison—

"Your Grace, you... didn't know either?"

For a moment, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment, and the scene fell into a subtle state of confusion.

"Excuse me, it seems I need to take care of some family matters first," Horenas said in a deep voice. "Ronan, please entertain the guests for me."

"Yes." Horenas's attendant, a young man with long blue hair, bowed.

The Duke nodded to them and followed Rhodes and the others.

In the flowerbed.

Rhodes gently placed Ivina on the armchair she often lay on. As soon as she touched the familiar surface, she felt like a fish returning to water, letting out a long sigh of relief and escaping the suffocating feeling she had just experienced.

"Phew—that's terrifying. Meeting strangers is still too difficult for me." Ivina shook her head.

"So, Rod, what am I supposed to do later? Read and study?"

"Pretty much. Read some books, and if possible, spend more time with Hiti, and then..."

Sudden.

Rhodes' words were interrupted.

"Lord Rhodes."

Horenaard's voice came from behind Rhodes, as steady as a boulder landing.

Rhodes and Ivina both paused slightly.

So they did catch up after us after all...

Rhodes still felt a bit terrible inside. After all, having his "autistic" daughter taken away in front of others must have been quite a rollercoaster of emotions for him.

However, Rod is not afraid of Horenaard.

This wasn't their first meeting.

In an instant, Ivina lowered her arms and lay up like a fish, while Rhodes turned his head to look at Lord Sanders.

He extended his hand and smiled:

"It's been a long time, Lord Horenaard."

"It's been a long time."

Horenad moved closer to Rhodes and extended his hand to shake Rhodes's hand.

In that instant, their eyes met—

Although Horenard was more imposing, their similar height made their eye contact feel incredibly tense.

"It's been about seven months since we last met," Horenaard said in a deep voice.

"I've been busy with many things and haven't been able to visit you often, please forgive me," Rod replied with a smile.

"Then, could you tell me—" Horenaard lowered his voice, "what are you doing right now, Lord Rhodes?"

"Be friends with your daughter."

Why?

Horenard knew what this "monster" did.

While he should be happy that his sickly daughter has made friends, at least... these friends should be normal people.

"Please look."

Rod handed the wool paper that Merrick had given him to Horenaard.

Horenaard's gaze swept over the wool paper, his eyes gradually turning to surprise.

He frowned:

"You've come to take my daughter away?"

"Yes, Your Grace."

What a strange conversation.

He was spouting off-the-cuff remarks like "I'm going to take your daughter away" in front of other people's relatives.

"Vina." Horena's gaze shifted to Ivina, a rare hint of gentleness in his eyes. "What are your thoughts?"

Ivina looked away, clearly not wanting to answer.

But the silence had lasted so long that she could only reluctantly say, "I... want to go out and try."

"Is that so?" Horenad was slightly dazed.

His daughter... said something like that for the first time.

Horrenard remained silent for a long while before finally recovering.

He spoke with difficulty:

"Rod Chivenlance, from the moment you first set foot in the town of Phillips, my first impression was that you were bound to cause trouble."

"But now it seems..."

The next moment, Horenad bent down slightly.

Rod was stunned.

The duke, who was of illustrious status and possessed vast territories and great power, bowed to him in gratitude.

"Vina... is not an easy child to get along with. At least, because of my mistakes, she has not been able to grow up like a normal person."

"So, I'm the one who should apologize—I've instead handed the responsibility of guiding her into your hands."

"Thank you for being Ivina's friend. Really... thank you so much."