Monica's Sorrow, the Cargo Ship from the Southern Continent, Ari

Seeing the teasing look in the head maid's eyes, Monica blushed even more, feeling her cheeks burning. She had to force herself to maintain a composed demeanor and said, "Let's go quickly. Father must be getting impatient."

The head maid, seeing Monica's discomfort, stopped teasing and reverted to the dignified manner she had cultivated while serving the Lienhardt court for decades. She followed Monica to the castle's main hall.

In the hall, two figures had been waiting for a while.

One was a burly figure with muscles like layered rocks, and a face adorned with a dense beard that resembled the dark forests. The thick, black eyebrows exuded an imposing air. He sat there like a slumbering lion.

This was Julius Valencia, the Grand Duke of Lienhardt.

However, the fierce gaze that was pressuring the attendants softened the moment it fell upon Monica. His booming voice filled the hall.

"My dear daughter, you're finally here!"