Chapter 77: Ring

In the Garden, Roman’s very presence seemed to have a certain ‘attraction for butterflies’—one after another, beautiful, colorful butterflies fluttered around him.

Curious, he reached out his finger, and just like that, a butterfly landed lightly on it.

“All living things are drawn to those with vibrant life force. As your Magic grows, you’ll find yourself even more ‘popular’ with them.”

Lady Catherine teased.

“That doesn’t sound so good.”

Roman replied.

Compared to attracting attention or becoming the center of everyone’s gaze, he much preferred a simple, peaceful life.

“When does Sister Luo Xiya’s Competition begin?”

He couldn’t help but ask.

“If I’m right, it should be tomorrow.”

Lady Catherine replied after thinking for a moment.

She saw that Roman wanted to watch the event in person and couldn’t help but smile.

“Tomorrow, I can help you see what’s happening at the venue, so don’t worry too much.”

“Really?”

Roman’s usual sitting posture was to bend his legs, rest his chin on his arms, and lean forward.

Hearing Lady Catherine’s words, he immediately blinked and lifted his head.

His radiant and joyful expression seemed to change the whole environment around him.

A few butterflies affectionately brushed against his cheeks, the flowers and grass grew even more vibrant, and even Cake was affected by Roman’s mood.

The dog, who had been napping at Roman’s feet, woke up, rubbed against his foot, and wagged its tail.

Roman broke into a bright smile, making the Garden seem as if spring had truly arrived.

Even Lady Catherine was affected, unable to take her beautiful eyes off Roman.

“Thank you.”

Roman said sincerely, hugging Lady Catherine’s arm in gratitude.

Lady Catherine looked at him gently, reached out to pat his head, and smiled.

“Good child, this is what I should do.”

“Can your Magic broadcast what’s happening at the venue live?”

Roman rested his head on Lady Catherine’s arm, asking curiously.

“More or less. Before leaving, I gave Luo Xiya a Memory Crystal. Originally, its purpose was to record events for a period of time, but after I modified it, as long as you inject Magic power…”

As she spoke, Lady Catherine opened her left hand, and a sapphire-blue gem appeared in her palm.

“It will project the scene from over there right here.”

“It’s a very simple principle, really. When the Crystal records images, you link it to another one, so the two can respond to each other.”

The scholar in Lady Catherine couldn’t help but explain as she handled the gem.

“You’re amazing~”

Roman closed his eyes and gently touched Lady Catherine’s cheek.

The older Lady Catherine was caught off guard by Roman’s sudden gesture, her face turning red.

Mature and composed as she was, she unexpectedly revealed a hint of a young girl’s shyness.

Her breathing grew a little uneven.

Roman’s actions were almost too much for her, especially after what had happened the previous night.

Secretly observing Roman, her eyes were filled with pure gratitude and admiration.

But his soft exterior and inner charm made it difficult for Lady Catherine to calm her heart.

Thinking of Grand Duke Veronica’s assessment of Roman—setting aside any negative connotations—Roman truly was a pure and innately charming child, especially after his Saint Mark Awakening.

As his aunt, she couldn’t help but worry about Roman’s future.

Roman was like a cherished treasure, so precious, yet so fragile.

“Mother, what are you thinking about?”

Roman’s curious voice interrupted Lady Catherine’s thoughts.

“It’s nothing…”

Interrupted, Lady Catherine felt her heart tremble at the way Roman addressed her, and she unconsciously moved even closer to him, leaning in to whisper by his ear.

“Would you like Mother to hold you for a while~”

“Ah…”

Roman’s body trembled slightly, then he simply let Lady Catherine hug him like a child.

As always, Roman sat on her lap, and both of them couldn’t help but relax, their expressions peaceful and content.

Sitting on Lady Catherine’s soft thighs was naturally comfortable for Roman, not to mention her pleasant scent and the cloud-like softness he rested on.

Lady Catherine gave him a sense of maternal tenderness and security, something not even Luo Xiya could provide.

Lady Catherine felt the same.

Roman’s small, almost weightless body brought a sense of satisfaction, like holding a child, but without any burden.

Since his Saint Mark Awakening, Roman’s aura had become even more wonderful.

Last night, every time their bodies touched, it was like an electric current ran through her.

Interestingly, Lady Catherine wasn’t wearing her usual long robe that covered her whole body, but had changed into a dark green dress.

Sitting sideways on the grass, her skirt was lifted to one side, letting Roman maintain direct contact with her thigh.

With Roman nestled in her arms, he could clearly see the ravine between the two snowy mounds on her chest. It wasn’t that Lady Catherine’s dress was immodest—it was just that Roman was so close, he could see everything clearly.

He closed his eyes, blushing, and didn’t look any further.

“Mother, why did you change into this outfit today?” he asked softly.

“Because Mother is in a good mood today. Even I like to wear pretty clothes sometimes~”

Lady Catherine said, a little shy.

“How is it? Does it look nice?”

“Mother, you have a beautiful figure. You look good in anything.”

Roman replied earnestly.

Even that conservative, form-fitting black robe had a certain restrained allure when Lady Catherine wore it, not to mention her other flowery, elegant dresses.

Lady Catherine, fingering the Necklace hanging at her neck, couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction.

“Do you think Mother’s Necklace is pretty?”

It seemed she enjoyed being praised by Roman, and continued to coax him.

Roman opened his eyes and looked.

The end of the Necklace nestled right in Lady Catherine’s cleavage, pressed between the snowy mounds against her skin.

“It’s pretty.” Roman said.

He just wasn’t sure what exactly was pretty about it.

After a while, Roman’s hand brushed against something on Lady Catherine’s finger.

“What’s this?”

Roman asked, holding Lady Catherine’s hand.

Lady Catherine raised her hand, revealing a Ring set with a dazzling Diamond.

“This is Mother’s Ring.”

Looking at the Ring in her hand, Lady Catherine’s voice grew complicated.

Perhaps it was the only proof her marriage had ever existed.

Now, she was basically a widow living in solitude.

“Good child, did it leave a mark on you?” Lady Catherine asked.

“Mm.”

“Then help me take it off.”

Lady Catherine looked at her other hand, which was resting on Roman’s shoulder, and chuckled softly.

Help Mother take off her Ring?

Roman opened his mouth, wondering if such an action might be a little inappropriate.