Chapter 27 Exile Reason

Ambrosia brushed a tear from the corner of her eye, her faint smile lingering. Lisa seemed much more at ease than she had before. For a while, the three of them simply soaked in the gentle orchard. Then Ambrosia began to speak again.

“Grandmother?”

“Yes?”

Her voice grew quieter this time. “Why did you and grandfather really leave?”

The smile on her face softened into something more distant.

Lisa immediately looked apologetic. “You don’t have to answer if it’s painful.”

“No.” Maria shook her head gently. “You deserve to know eventually.”

The older woman folded her hands neatly on her lap.

“For a long time, the Kyros territory was stable.”

“Your grandfather ruled well. He truly loved the people.” A faint smile appeared briefly. “He also terrified corrupt nobles despite being corrupt himself. He hides it very well.” Maria laughed softly once.

Then her expression quieted again. “But toward the end of his rule, the kingdom itself began changing.”

Ambrosia listened carefully.

“The nobles grew greedier, political factions worsened, and the royal court became increasingly complicated.”

Maria chose her words carefully. “As the territory prospered, more people began viewing the Kyros family as dangerous. Your grandfather was against many things happening in the capital—corruption that cost people’s lives, certain trade policies, and the way commoners were treated in several territories.”

Ambrosia frowned slightly.

“So, people targeted him?”

“Yes.”

Maria answered simply.

“There were efforts to undermine the family’s influence, distance their allies, and manipulate the line of succession.” Maria’s eyes narrowed faintly and eventually some people wanted conflict.”

Ambrosia’s expression slowly changed.

“…Conflict with the Kyros family?”

“Yes.”

Lisa looked startled. “But why?”

Maria smiled sadly. “Because powerful people often fear other more powerful people.”

Maria sighed softly.

“Axios realized something before the others did.”

“What?”

“If he stayed Duke…” Her eyes wandered to the far-off fields. “In time, the land would pay the price.”

Ambrosia blinked slowly. “So, grandfather stepped down willingly.”

“Yes. He relinquished authority early and passed leadership to your father and removed himself from the political center entirely.”

Lisa looked confused. “But… wouldn’t that hurt him?”

Maria smiled faintly.

“Oh, it did.”

That answer carried far more weight than the words themselves.

“Your grandfather truly loved ruling this territory,” the older woman said, glancing toward the orchard around them. “These lands were his life for decades. Leaving them…” A flicker of sadness crossed her face. “…was not easy.”

Ambrosia looked down quietly.“Then why call it exile?”

Maria laughed softly. “Because nobles are dramatic creatures.”

The former Duchess leaned back slightly afterward.

“Several people in the capital were very relieved to see Axios disappear.”

Lisa hesitated quietly. “…Do you regret it?”

“No.” The answer came soft, her eyes softened warmly. “We kept our family.”

Silence settled warmly around the pavilion.

“And your father became free to rule without inheriting old enemies immediately.”

Ambrosia looked thoughtful now.

“Father doesn’t talk about it much.”

“No.” Maria nodded slightly. “Because it still hurts him too.”

The girls fell silent again.

Then suddenly, Maria smiled mischievously. “Besides.”

Both looked up.

“Your grandfather claims he retired at the right time.” Maria laughed into her tea. “That man was also completely exhausted.”

“And after stepping down?”

Maria smiled softly toward the peaceful countryside around them. “He planted fruit trees for three months straight, he looked happier afterward.”

Then Ambrosia smiled faintly. “…I think I understand now.”

Maria reached over and gently patted her head.

“Good.”

Far away by the lake, Axios let out a sudden, violent sneeze, and Amos glanced over with concern.

“Are you dying?”

“No.”

Axios frowned suspiciously toward the orchards.

“Your grandmother is definitely talking about me.”

***

The orchard pavilion had finally settled into a calm hush. Half-empty teacups lingered on the table, flower crowns left forgotten beside them. Lisa still wore hers in silence, and Maria took note.

“It suits you.”

Lisa immediately looked embarrassed.

“…Thank you.”

Ambrosia pointed proudly.

“I made that one.”

Maria let out a soft laugh her tea. Then— the former Duchess glanced between the two girls with a thoughtful air. A certain sparkle lit her eyes, one that should have instantly been recognized as dangerous.

“So.”

Ambrosia narrowed her eyes instantly.

“That tone sounds familiar.”

Lisa was already looking nervous, while Maria offered a pleasant smile.

“What do the two of you think about my grandson?”

Ambrosia blinked. “…Brother?”

“No, the other blond boy hiding somewhere in the orchard.”

“…Right.”

Maria rested her chin lightly against her hand. “Well?”

Ambrosia immediately grinned. “Oh, brother is great.”

“That was fast.”

“He’s funny, reliable, and really smart, but terrible at admitting emotions. He’s also extremely dramatic and suspiciously good at escaping lectures.”

Maria nodded along calmly.

“Yes.”

“And he spoils me too much.”

Lisa quietly nodded in agreement. Maria noticed immediately.

“And you, Lisa?”

Lisa froze slightly from suddenly being targeted.

“Young Master Amos is very kind.”

Maria smiled faintly. Lisa looked down slightly afterward.

“He notices things other people don’t.”

The older woman’s eyes softened. “Oh?”

Lisa nodded quietly.

“He remembers small details. What people enjoy and what makes them uncomfortable.”

The black-haired girl hesitated briefly. “He pretends not to care sometimes but he always does.”

Maria listened carefully.

Ambrosia puffed her cheeks proudly. “Brother acts cool, but he is actually really soft.”

Lisa nodded quietly again. “He worries a lot too.”

Maria smiled faintly.

“He gets reckless sometimes.” Ambrosia immediately crossed her arms. “Especially when protecting people.”

The older woman laughed softly. “That definitely sounds like a Kyros man.” Maria leaned slightly closer. “So.”

Ambrosia blinked.

“So?”

“Do either of you like him?”

Lisa nearly dropped her teacup. Ambrosia stared blankly.

“…Grandmother.”

“Yes?”

“That question feels illegal.”

Maria looked deeply entertained already. “It’s a very normal grandmother question.”

“It absolutely is not.”

Lisa’s face had gone completely red. “I-I think Young Master Amos is wonderful but not like— I mean not that I—”

Maria smiled gently. “My dear, breathe.”

Lisa immediately covered her face in defeat meanwhile Ambrosia looked horrified.

“Grandmother!”

“What?”

“He is my brother!”

“Yes.”

“That is weird!”

Maria blinked once. “I was asking generally.”

Ambrosia froze then slowly turned red herself. “Oh.”

Maria finally laughed openly. “You truly are adorable.”

“I HAVE BEEN TRICKED.”

“Yes.”

Lisa was still quietly malfunctioning beside her.

Maria smiled fondly at both girls afterward. “Relax.” The older woman sipped her tea calmly.“I’m simply curious.”

Ambrosia narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “You sound like you’re planning something.”

“I’m just an elderly noblewoman.” Maria smiled serenely. “Of course I’m planning something.”

A soft warmth entered her voice. “He really has grown into a fine young man.”

Ambrosia smiled proudly at that immediately.Lisa nodded quietly.

***

Amos felt another inexplicable chill run down his spine, and Axios shot him a sideways glance.

“It happened again?”

“Yeah.”

“Hm.”

The older man gazed knowingly toward the orchard. “You’re definitely the topic of conversation among some women.”