บท 68: A Loose Thread

"Come in."

Tillian's calm voice instructed the person waiting outside the room to enter. As the door swung open, Bella was the first to step inside.

Smiling awkwardly, and with a hint of cunningness, she offered her lord a polite bow, struggling to contain her unusual excitement. 

"I apologize, Your Grace, but I've just finished something, and I thought you should see it too. It's quite amusing!"

Upon finishing her words, the maid gracefully stepped aside, making way for the Duke's Dobermans. The dogs happily bounded towards the Duke, jumping around him and licking his outstretched hands in a friendly greeting.

Contrary to the dogs' excitement, Tillian didn't share their joy; rather, he was taken aback by their unexpected appearance. And the reason for his surprise lay in the peculiar attire the dogs were wearing.

"What in the world is this, Bella?!"