I woke up to the sound of gentle whispers and the soft glow of candles. Lord Lance and the head maid watched over me, their faces etched with concern. "How are you, Lady Wyrmsley?" Lord Lance asked, his eyes intense.

"I'm fine, Lord Lance," I replied, trying to process the events of the previous night. "But why did I collapse? Was it all just a deception?" Lord Lance's expression turned serious, and he leaned in closer.

"What you saw is real, Lady Celeste," he said, his voice low and urgent. "The Duke's curse has turned him into a child. Please, you must keep this a secret." I stared at him, trying to wrap my life around the revelation.

"The curse affects both his physical and mental state, setting him back to his seven-year-old self," Lord Lance explained, his voice grave. "Duke Claude is now Young Master Ethan Orlo Cubresia." I felt like a bomb had dropped on me, leaving me confused and unsure of what to do.

As I sat in stunned silence, Lord Lance continued to explain the situation. "You see, Lady Celeste, the curse is a family legacy, passed down through generations of the Cubresia Duchy. It's a heavy burden to bear, and one that requires great discretion." I nodded, trying to absorb the weight of his words.

After some contemplation, I decided to visit the Duke's office to greet him. As I entered, I saw Lord Elesten playing with Young Lord Ethan, their laughter filling the room. "Young Lord Ethan, you'll get hurt...haha...let's stop it," Lord Elesten said, holding the young lord in his arms.

Young Lord Ethan gazed at me with a mix of curiosity and wariness. "Who is this lady, Uncle Lance?" he asked, hiding behind Lord Elesten. Lord Elesten introduced us, and I showed a respectful courtesy to Young Lord Ethan.

"Please to be your acquaintance, Young Lord Ethan," I said. But Young Lord Ethan just gazed at Lord Elesten with watery eyes, holding his pants. "Can I leave? The lady is scaring me." Lord Elesten patted his head and let him leave the office.

As I watched Young Lord Ethan walk out, holding a book, I couldn't help but notice the resemblance between him and Duke Claude. It was as if I was looking at a younger version of the duke. I felt a pang of curiosity and concern, wondering what the future held for this young lord and myself.

"Lord Lance, what can I expect from Young Lord Ethan?" I asked, turning to him for guidance. Lord Elesten's expression turned thoughtful, and he leaned back in his chair.

"Young Lord Ethan is a curious and energetic child, Lady Celeste," he said. "But he also has a deep sense of vulnerability and insecurity. As the Duke's curse takes hold, he'll struggle to navigate his new reality." I nodded, feeling a sense of empathy for the young lord.

As I stood there, lost in thought, Lord Elesten spoke up again. "Lady Celeste, I know this is a lot to take in. But I implore you to be patient and understanding. Young Lord Ethan needs guidance and care, and I'm not sure if I'm equipped to handle it alone."

I looked at him, seeing the concern etched on his face. "I'll do my best, Lord Lance," I said, feeling a sense of determination. "I'll help Young Lord Ethan navigate this curse and find a way to break it." Lord Elesten's expression softened, and he nodded in gratitude.

"Thank you, Lady Celeste," he said. "I know I can count on you." As I left the office, I felt a sense of purpose growing within me. I would help Young Lord Ethan, no matter what it took.