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Episode 68

Oren, who was reporting, looked as if he was holding back laughter, having heard something amusing.

Most people here knew that expression of Oren's, so their gazes all gathered on him.

"What is it?"

At Cael's permission, Oren reported as if he had been waiting.

"Tomorrow, Lady Rosaly Haridview will be visiting the Harkelder mansion."

"!"

"?!"

Everyone looked surprised.

At their expressions, I quietly asked Oren.

Oren explained that Lady Rosaly Haridview was the most introverted young lady in that family.

She rarely attended banquets, didn't socialize much, and was famously reclusive.

It was actually surprising that Godwin would let such a daughter out.

Unlike Isabelle, who actively built and wielded her social power, Rosaly was a stark contrast.

Not only Godwin, but his wife and Grand Duchess Isabelle were each known for being busy with their own activities.

Understanding Oren's explanation, I nodded.

I had felt that impression when I saw Lady Rosaly before.

Unlike Isabelle, who seemed like a tough, queen-bee type even from afar, Rosaly appeared introverted just from her appearance.

Especially since she seemed to avoid meeting my eyes.

Seeing me nod, the others nodded too.

They had expected Godwin or Isabelle to make the first move—not the quiet, reclusive second daughter.

"How interesting. I never thought she would move."

"Indeed. Could it be that Godwin put her up to it?"

At the Chancellor's words, Leonid stroked his chin and speculated.

As he said, it was very likely Godwin was pulling the strings. The four men, except me, nodded in agreement.

"There's no way that timid lady would take action on her own. After the Duke hinted at marriage last time, rumors have been spreading... Could Godwin be sending her to negotiate something?"

"With that snake's personality, that's exactly what he'd do."

"Then it's possible the Duke wants something in return. Godwin knows better than anyone that offering something trivial won't work."

At the Chancellor's explanation, Leonid and Cael exchanged glances, their eyes flashing.

"He'll offer some evidence and try to negotiate."

"I agree. I'm looking forward to it."

Seeing Cael smile fiercely, I hadn't seen that expression in a while, and I flinched slightly.

That look was the kind that could cut someone down without hesitation.

Just how deep was the bad blood between them that even the mention of Godwin's name changed their demeanor like this?

After exchanging silent glances, Cael turned to me.

His fierce gaze softened into a warm one as he looked at me.

"Rielle, I need to return to the mansion now. Finish up whatever you need to do quickly and come back. I'll wait for you."

"Ah, yes. I'll be right back."

At Cael's words, I nodded and turned to enter the room connected to the study.

Behind me, I heard Leonid grumbling.

"I'll send Rielle safely later. She can stay a little longer as Jamila here."

"She's still shaken from yesterday's incident and needs rest. If she doesn't get proper rest, she might fall ill. And what will you do if she collapses when she meets Grand Duchess Isabelle soon?"

Cael calmly scolded Leonid.

At Cael's words, Leonid glanced at me, realizing something he hadn't considered, and reluctantly nodded.

"Ah... that's true."

"Thank you for understanding, Your Majesty."

"...Tch."

It was clear Cael was being sarcastic, but Leonid just clicked his tongue and didn't react further.

Then a thought struck me, and I asked Cael.

"Cael, do I need to tell Leonid about the ribbon?"

"The ribbon?"

"...I forgot about that."

"That's definitely not the face of someone who forgot."

Even I could tell from Cael's expression that he didn't look sorry or forgetful at all.

Cael brushed back the long hair falling over his shoulder and said brazenly.

"I just thought it would be better to report the results after conducting a little experiment."

"What kind?"

At Cael's words, Leonid decided it would be easier to ask me directly.

Wondering if I'd been too hasty, I glanced at Cael, who nodded as if to say it was fine.

So I explained about the ribbon.

After hearing everything, two of the four—the Chancellor and Leonid—looked genuinely shocked.

Oren, who hadn't been there yesterday, had apparently already heard from Cael, so his reaction was calm.

"Is that true? That ribbon created a barrier?"

"Yes. So we're planning to experiment. But it takes a few days to embroider the same ribbon. How about using the ribbon we already made for you to experiment with first?"

"What? I don't want to?"

Leonid flinched and refused immediately when Cael reached out as if asking for it.

Then he met my eyes, cleared his throat, and explained why.

"I haven't used it even once yet. So it's a little... precious? Hmm. I'll wait a few days—just take your time, Rielle. Ah, and while you're at it, try making a few different ones. I can lend you similar books from the palace."

"Ah, if it's brand new, I can understand not wanting to part with it."

"R, right?"

When I agreed understandingly, Leonid brightened.

But Cael cut in between us.

"Since it's unused, couldn't you use one made later? It would be just as new."

"You..."

Leonid was left speechless by Cael's sly remark, which even I found irritating.

Seeing the two bicker like this, I couldn't help but smile.

At first, I'd thought these two—compared to the men in their late twenties I knew from my world—acted as if they were twice that age.

But considering their life experiences, it made sense.

Their responsibilities were heavy, and the education they'd received since childhood was worlds apart from what I knew.

For them, carrying weapons to protect themselves was natural—which meant killing others to survive.

Both of them had even experienced war.

So at first, I felt an unbridgeable distance from the subtle actions, tones, and vibes they gave off.

I knew they were trying to make me feel comfortable, so I'd made an effort to meet them halfway.

Now, I sometimes found them endearing, and the once-daunting walls seemed to have disappeared.

I couldn't say we were close friends, but I felt we had developed a sense of camaraderie as colleagues.

Now I found myself laughing at their antics and wanting to tease Leonid along with Cael.

I didn't act on it, but maybe as we grew closer, I would.

"Hehe."

I noticed the Chancellor and Oren opposite me were also holding back laughter.

"Alright, alright. Since it's Lord Leonid's, let's respect his wishes, Your Grace."

"...Well, if you treasure it that much."

"..."

Leonid's face was noticeably red, and I couldn't help but giggle.

He must have really liked the ribbon I made.

"I'll make some quickly. And since I'm at it, I'll embroider different patterns too, so we can experiment from various angles. Just wait a little longer."

"Pl, please do."

"Okay. I'll be in the next room."

"Go ahead."

After greeting everyone, I turned toward the connecting door.

Behind me, I could hear Leonid grumbling at Cael.

As the door closed, I finally let out the laugh I'd been holding back.

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