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Episode 69

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Sitting in the shade on one side of the training grounds, I took my eyes off Allen, who was practicing swordsmanship before me.

A little ways off, Captain Jamie and Vice-Captain Oren were standing side by side, engaged in a serious conversation.

Their usual lighthearted demeanor was gone, and the atmosphere reminded me of when I first came to the ducal mansion.

Jamie, whom I'd come to see as a big, friendly bear through our love counseling sessions, and Oren, with whom I'd been spending most of my days commuting to the palace lately, were both different today.

Perhaps it was because they were in full knight's uniform, or because I wasn't used to seeing them so serious.

They looked exactly like the Captain and Vice-Captain they were.

The knights behind them, also in full uniform, were different from usual, too—sharp and alert.

Not just in the training grounds—the butler and Head Maid Susan also seemed tense.

The reason was probably that young lady visiting today.

One of Grand Duke Godwin's daughters, whom Cael despises.

"Huh? Rielle noona, why?"

Allen stopped swinging his practice sword and asked, having heard my muttering.

"Ah, nothing. I think that's enough for today, Allen."

"Yeah, everyone seems busy."

"Right?"

At my words, Allen nodded and turned to put his wooden sword away.

As he came back, I pulled out a handkerchief and was about to wipe the sweat from his forehead when a voice called me.

"Lady Rielle."

"...!"

I straightened up and turned toward the voice. Oren was approaching.

His expression and aura were different from usual, which made me feel tense. My voice faltered.

Oren stopped walking.

He brushed back the hair falling over his forehead and chuckled softly.

"Oh, is my knight uniform really that impressive? You seem so shy..."

"It's not that, you know?"

"If you fall for me, you're in trouble—I aim to be everyone's lover."

Oren winked with one slightly drooping eye and struck a pose. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Pfft! I want to say no, but I admit it does look good. You really do look great in uniform."

"Thank you. You should head inside first—His Grace is waiting in his study."

"Ah, yes."

"I'll escort Young Master Allen to his room, so please go ahead."

"Okay. See you later, Allen."

"Yeah, see you later."

Allen waved as I said goodbye.

He'd already interacted with the knights a few times and been escorted by them, so he seemed quite comfortable around them.

Knowing that, I entrusted Allen to Oren without worry and headed toward the mansion.

"Ah...!"

Walking for a while, I stopped and turned back.

I saw Oren walking with his arm around Allen's shoulder.

I realized belatedly that he had lightened the mood back to normal for me, seeing that I was uncomfortable with his serious side.

Did he notice?

He must have sensed I was still uneasy around them.

I scratched my head with my index finger and sighed.

"Well, I'm gradually getting better..."

Not just the atmosphere, but the shock of the lake ambush seemed to have left some PTSD.

It wasn't something I could solve—only time would heal it.

So I clicked my tongue and hurried back to the mansion.

As I entered, the butler was waiting, greeting me warmly.

"Lady Rielle, His Grace has changed clothes and is waiting for you in the drawing room."

"Hmm? Not the study?"

"Yes, he changed the venue. Susan will be waiting for you in your room."

"...Okay, I'll go."

I was curious why he wanted me to change, since my current clothes weren't bad for inside the mansion. Tilting my head, I headed to my room.

Inside, Angel and Susan had several outfits laid out, waiting for me.

"Huh? Why so many clothes?"

Unlike usual, where only one outfit was prepared, there were various colors of clothes hanging or spread on the bed.

Angel was also holding makeup tools like weapons, her eyes sparkling.

What are they planning?

Susan quickly approached, closed the door behind me, and gently pushed me forward as she explained.

"A guest is coming soon, so you need to prepare to receive them."

"Ah...!"

Understanding, I let Susan help me out of my dress.

She held several outfits against me, scrutinizing them carefully before choosing a pale purple dress.

"This one suits you best. We'll need to have more clothes made."

"Um, don't I already have plenty?"

I remembered that my wardrobe was already overflowing with the three or four dresses I received each month. Susan shook her head.

"This is still on the lighter side."

"I see..."

"Now, please sit at the vanity. Angel."

"Yes, Head Maid."

"Make her look presentable, then escort her to the drawing room."

"Yes, don't worry!"

"I have other preparations to make... I'll go ahead."

"Yes, thank you, Susan."

Watching Susan hurry off, I nodded and sat at the vanity.

Angel began fixing my face and hair with makeup and styling—it wasn't a full makeover, so it was done quickly.

Angel brought a necklace made of purple amethyst and fastened it around my neck.

"Now you can go to the drawing room. Ah, I'll escort you."

"Isn't the drawing room the one I know?"

Thinking of the usual drawing room downstairs, I asked Angel.

The way she said she'd escort me implied there was another one I didn't know about.

As I expected, Angel nodded and explained.

"There are four drawing rooms—two for the ducal family, one for family guests, and another for different purposes. The one you're going to now is that other one—it's in the annex building."

"Ah, I see."

I understood. It made sense not to let the child of a near-enemy into the main building.

Even though it was an annex, it was different from the one where Allen and I had first stayed. I marveled again at how vast the ducal estate was.

"We've arrived. Please go right in."

At Angel's words, I nodded.

"Thanks."

After Angel left without looking back, I knocked carefully.

"Come in."

At the knock, Cael's voice came from inside.

"Excuse me."

I carefully opened the door and entered. The room was quite spacious, and the first thing that greeted me was a pleasant floral fragrance.

Flowers were arranged elegantly here and there, and the furniture was clean and well-placed.

In the center was a reception table and sofas—Cael was sitting on a three-seater sofa, though he could have easily sat on the single one.

"You called for me?"

"Yes, sit here."

"...Oh, okay."

Cael patted the seat next to him—right beside where he was sitting.

Usually, he would have offered me the seat across from him. I sat down, puzzled, as he gestured to the spot beside him.

"I'm seated... huh, wait?!"

"!"

I flailed my arms in surprise.

Because Cael had reached out, lifted me, and sat me on his lap.

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