CH 59

I quickly waved my hand to refuse him, talking kindly after interrupting me. Do you think I can have tea in a situation like this? Oh, maybe you did it because you can drink tea, after all.

“No, I don’t feel like having tea…,” I tried to refuse.

“That’s a shame. They’re valuable tea leaves that we got from Aseria of the East, but if you don’t want…”

Huh? Did you say Aseria? That’s precious tea with a good scent, but it’s worth two gold coins per gram, so not everyone can drink it. Oh, this is tempting. What should I do?

“I also thought of serving cookies made by the best patisserie from the Florence Kingdom with it… but I guess we should do it next-”

Interrupting him, I added, “Actually, I just remembered that I had to speak to you about something.”

I smiled intentionally as I sat on the chair, and his clear blue eyes bent into a smile. Maids came in, and he ordered different things. Not long after, expensive tea and cookies were brought to us. Gosh, how much are they? Oh my god, why did they sprinkle gold powder onto the food? And that scent! It’s amazing!

The sweet scent filled the entire room. I couldn’t resist the urge, so I took a sip of tea. Without realizing it, I let out my astonishment. It’s so good! It almost felt like the tea I had until now was just water with some plants in it.

“Do you like it?”

His quiet voice, which was nice to listen to, asked me, and I nodded without even thinking about it.

“It’s so good!”

He smiled brightly at my reaction. It was the smile of a young man around my age, instead of the graceful smile of a successor to the Duke.

“I’m sorry, but I just thought it was so cute…”

“Huh? Did you say something?”

I was so focused on the tea that I didn’t hear him and asked him curiously. He smiled and replied, “I like it. I don’t want to let anyone see this.”

Does that mean he doesn’t want to give tea to just anyone? I mean, I understand since it’s expensive. Even I forgot to think about what I should say and was astonished by this amazing tea and cookies. I can see why he doesn’t want to give it out to just anyone.

“Thank you so much for serving me with such precious tea.”

“If you want, I can give you the tea leaves. You should have it at home.”

I had to hold back my mouth from grinning. I barely got my lips to calm down and answered, “Is this a bribe for not turning you in?”

“Maybe it can work that way too.”

My, this is an unexpected profit. That eyesore Hillain got hurt, I received precious tea leaves for free, and I also got to taste a cookie with golden powder on it that just melts away in my mouth. Today was a very lucky day.

“Thank you for your generosity,” I replied to him with a smile, to which Adrian returned one with his beautiful face.

Honestly, I can’t see who comes out on top in terms of looks between him and the Crown Prince. No, actually he wins if I consider his character.

“Oh, since I gave you some tea, can I ask for a favor?” asked Adrian.

“Please,” I said without hesitation. I was willing to do almost anything he asked in my current mood. I began to like this man quite a lot.

“I heard from my father that you’re an awesome chess player. I want to learn a thing or two from you. If you don’t mind,” said Adrian.

I was a bit concerned that he might ask me something more serious as a request, but this was nothing! It fortified my thought that he is quite the good man. There’s no bad man who gives out food!

“Of course. We can play now. If you want.”

But he shook his head to refuse and smiled, “You should go rest today. I’m sure you’re tired. Please stop by next time when you have time, my lady.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Honestly, I didn’t feel irritated at all since he seemed to be quite similar to me, and I came to like his attitude for thinking about me first. Of course, he could be frightening if he wants to, but he seems gentle if his things aren’t touched. This is good. I thought I could maybe befriend him since we seemed to get along quite well.

“I’ll escort you then. I already told my servants about the tea leaves, so you will get them separately,” said Adrian.

“Thank you, Rian.”

When I called him that, his eyes became large from surprise and bent pleasantly. He then spoke to me in delight, which was quite unlike him.

“Can you call me that again?”

“No.”

“Please, Marina. Just once,” said Adrian.

That’s when a cold voice was heard from behind, “…What are you doing, Adrian?”

I was becoming embarrassed of him for almost begging. Just as I was going to say something to him, a voice suddenly interrupted. We turned in the direction where the voice came from.

“Your Highness,” said Adrian as he wore a beautiful smile.

The Crown Prince, however, looked vicious as he accused, “A violent attack had happened at your own home, and you’re wasting time with a woman?”

“You are overexaggerating, Your Highness.”

The answer to his sarcasm was from me, not Adrian. The Crown Prince’s face distorted with unpleasantness as I intervened between them.

“This is rude, Secretary Harrant. How dare you interrupt my conversation with my cousin?”

“I apologize for my rudeness, Your Highness, but I had to defend Sir Adrian’s honor. He was only replying to my request to talk to him. There was a small argument between my cousin Chelleno and Sir Hillain prior to his incident, so I just wanted to clear it out before creating any misunderstandings. Please understand with your most generous heart, Your Highness.”