CH 235

Did I? Rieta rolled her eyes and was lost in thought for a moment.

‘I really did…… right.’

The maid put a blanket over Rieta’s lap, lifted the teacup herself and handed it to her.

“Come on, have some tea first. If it cools down, it won’t work.”

“Yes.”

Rieta touched the white steaming tea to her lips.

‘Somehow.’

Rieta was seized with a slightly strange feeling.

It must be because of what the maid said to her a moment ago.

That today’s Rieta looked like the days when she was with him.

‘…… that’s interesting.’

She didn’t even meet Noel today.

‘But, I guess I’ll get used to this.’

Because if Noel falls for the female lead, Rieta will have more days hanging out with someone else.

Rieta tilted the glass completely and drank all of the remaining tea.

Her stomach was warm and she felt pretty good.

“I drank it.”

When she handed the empty glass to the maid, the maid asked, “Would you like some more?”

“No, it’s okay. I want to rest by myself for a while.”

“Of course.”

The maid took her tray, and went a few steps away. But then she looked back at Rieta as if something had struck her.

“It’s great that the Princess seems to have had a nice day. I got worried because you were always at your desk not too long ago. Then, get a good rest.”

Rieta was lost in thought as the maid left and she stared at the closed door.

‘Had a…… nice day?’

The things with Hugh McLean were a little on her mind today.

Rieta felt sorry and ashamed that he had caught all her thoughts.

‘Besides.’

She recalled his gaze at her. Somehow it misleads people…….

‘No, that’s absolutely not the case.’

Rieta shook her head as both her shoulders trembled.

Anyway, spending time with the two of them today was quite enjoyable.

For now, she decided to just think about it that way.

* * *

The next day, Everett came to the Duchy.

Just yesterday Everett had requested a visit with the Duke, unbeknownst to Rieta.

“Why?”

Rieta asked, looking at Everett, who stood in front of her.

And at the same time, she realized, it seems that she has developed a certain affinity for him since yesterday’s incident.

Seeing the distance between them naturally decreasing.

“Yes, because I was rude yesterday.”

“I forgave you.”

“Still, it is polite to tell the guardian and apologize once more. Uh, it’s a little scary.”

Rieta laughed at the sight of Everett putting his hands together and pretending to be trembling.

Perhaps, if Princess Gabriella had seen Everett like this, she would have said he was cute.

“Don’t be too scared. The Duke is really kind.”

“But Noel says that once he gets angry, the whole mansion seems to freeze.”

“Well, that’s true.”

“Besides, I heard that the Duke genuinely cares about Princess Rieta.”

“That is also true.”

“Besides, Princess Gabriella also said it. Looking at the Duke, Princess Rieta feels like her cousin.”

Does that mean that the Duke is treating Rieta like his own daughter?

Father and daughter.

In fact, Rieta did not know much about such a relationship.

Perhaps because she lacked experience in one.

She did, of course, vaguely learn a little from the novel…… But a novel is just a novel.

“I don’t think there is anything to think too hard about. Everett is just a friend who made my vacation enjoyable.”

“I would appreciate it if you would say that to the Duke as well. I have been helpful to the Princess.”

Even if Rieta didn’t bother to say so, the Duke was sure to treat Everett with kindness.

Just then, the door to the parlor they were in opened.

Rieta quickly checked the Duke’s expression, and she, too, found nothing unusual.

“You were with him, Princess.”

“Yes, Everett is a good friend who made my vacation enjoyable.”

“A friend. I see. Then can I have a quiet conversation with the Princess’s friend for a while?”

Yes, of course.

Rieta nodded and stood up.

But Everett, who had swallowed his breath, carefully grabbed Rieta’s clothes.

She glanced back and saw that Everett was frightened for some reason.

Why? The Duke has such a kind face.

Rieta said, ‘It’s okay,’ with just her mouth, she hurried out of the parlor.

‘What?’

But just before closing the parlor door, she thought she felt a strange chill behind her.

‘…… I must be mistaken?’

Rieta thought so and went back to her room.

Of course, the coldness she felt was no illusion.

It originated from the Duke’s anger, and he was currently freezing Everett Hewitt.

* * *