The afternoon garden of the ducal residence was peaceful. Roses and hydrangeas planted for the season were in full bloom on both sides of the well-maintained path, and soft sunlight filtered through the leaves.

Cesare was strolling leisurely through the garden, holding his wife's hand. Occasionally, when she stopped in front of a flower, he would stop with her, watching her quietly from the side as if curious about what she was thinking.

Then, the sky suddenly darkened. Before long, large raindrops began to fall onto the leaves, soon turning into a heavy downpour that covered the entire garden. Cesare looked up at the sky for a moment and then gripped his wife's hand firmly.

...Oh dear.

He led his wife and hurried toward a nearby pavilion. The small stone pavilion located on one side of the garden was open on all sides with only a roof. The two managed to escape the rain, but their hems and hair were already damp from the sudden downpour.

He took off his outer coat and carefully draped it over his wife's shoulders. He tidied her wet hair with his fingers and checked her face while adjusting her collar. Unlike his usual relaxed smile, he looked quite worried.

It is my fault for suggesting a walk in this weather.

He looked at the rain pouring outside the pavilion and then turned his gaze back to his wife.

...It really came out of nowhere. Are you cold anywhere?