CH 17

There was no need to talk in front of the vassals that Belleng District would be developed as an imperial resort island. It would be revealed more dramatically at a more dramatic moment.

“Since I bought more than half of the Belleng District, I guess His Majesty wants to talk to me.”

The duke’s expression became strange.

“I told you, Father. You will hear good news soon.”

“…”

The vassals who had been making a fuss were also standing awkwardly.

“And I have never once tarnished Felicite’s reputation.”

There was only silence.

“Because I was the one who suffered the unilateral annulment, and it was Grand Prince Benio who didn’t fulfill his responsibilities.”

I’ve already been through countless times like this, so there was no damage to me.

“The misunderstanding has been resolved, so I will leave now.” Pushing the emperor’s letter toward the duke, I rose from my seat. “It’s a pity that so many vassals gathered just to bite me off.”

There was no need for further words. In the meantime, I could see how Siani had been treated within this duchy. They knew the successor position would be given to Irik, so everyone stuck to his side. That’s why they’re making a fuss about me. It was no surprise, though.

“By the way, Father.”

I stopped walking and handed the box of ointment I had prepared to the duke. “Your hands have gotten a lot rough. If you apply this, it will get better.”

“This…” The duke looked at the box I had given him for a long time.

It must have been rumored throughout the duchy from the servants. So, the duke must have known something about this ointment.

“I was waiting to give Father the ointment, but this happened.”

“…”

Above all, I knew what he thought of when he saw this box. From the shape of the box to the decoration of wildflowers, it was the Duchess’s taste itself.

“Then I’ll go out.”

“Siani.”

I left the duke’s call behind and left the room. For a while, an unknown discomfort hit my head. I wanted the vassals to kneel down on the spot, but… everything felt meaningless.

What, but what is it mean by ‘see you at Ash Benio’s welcoming ceremony’? At that time, the words in the emperor’s letter suddenly came to my mind, which made me stop walking. I’ve already sent a reply that I’m not going to Ash’s welcoming ceremony.

“Older Sister! Wait!”

“…”

“Why are you going so fast?”

Irik caught me, probably following me right away.

“Phew, I completely forgot something because I was distracted by His Majesty’s letter.” He grinned. “I have one more piece of news to tell you.”

“News?”

Somewhat, that expression felt ominous.

“Grand Prince Benio is supposed to come today.”

What is this again? What brings him to here?  Besides, without any news. It was even more annoying because my mind was already busy thinking about other things.

“No matter how you two annul your engagement, he certainly has manners. Perhaps that’s why he became a highly respected person.” Irik shrugged his shoulders. “That must be why he came to say hello to Older Sister before the welcoming ceremony was held, right?”

“He came to say hello to me?”

“I-isn’t it like that?”

Just looking at him, I could tell he was starting to make fun of his mouth again.

“Ah, right. He must have gotten tired of you. If I were him, I wouldn’t even want to meet you in my dreams.”

“…”

He had a talent for picking out nasty words with such a cute face.

“Did he come to see Luna?”

His eyes widened.

“It could be. I heard that the Grand Prince’s family is keeping an eye on Luna.”

This kind of attack wasn’t even ticklish.

“I’m not interested, so get out of my way.”

“Why aren’t you interested?” When I waved my hand, Irik, who was blocking me, asked back. “It is Ash, who left Older Sister hanging from before, is coming all the way to here.”

“…”

“Shouldn’t you greet him barefoot like you used to?”

What do you mean? I’ve been a bit neglectful lately, focusing only on Redian, so perhaps Irik’s restlessness was due to a lack of my attention.

“You saw it with your own eyes earlier. His Majesty personally sent me a letter.”

“…”

The corners of his mouth twitched.

“Not only Father, but all of the vassals have confirmed His Majesty’s letter addressed to me.”

I deliberately emphasized the part of ‘His Majesty’s letter.’

“The day will come when I see His Majesty on behalf of our family, so shouldn’t I start preparing from now on?”

Then I smiled lightly. Even the vassals who were on his side saw this situation with their own eyes, so how upset he must be.

“Ah, right. If the time permits, I will also tell His Majesty about you.”

“…”

“I don’t know if His Majesty knows of your existence or not.”

“Siani Felicite.”

His eyes crumpled.

“Oh my.”

Regardless of that, I looked at the watch and clicked my tongue slyly. “From now on, I have to call famous designers from each salon. So, can you stop blocking my way now?”

“You…”

I pushed him on the shoulder and moved. Even though I could feel his eyes staring at me, it was none of my business. Rather…

Ash Benio is coming?  It was unclear exactly why he was coming. Did he come to see Luna like Irik said? Did he hear about the letter the emperor sent to me? No. That can’t be.  Since the duke had conducted vassals’ meetings, there was no chance for the news to spread during that time. Why is everyone in such chaos?

Fatigue suddenly overwhelmed me. Feeling my strength leaving my body, I entered my room.

“Oh my gosh. It’s a big deal, Lady!” Daisy rushed in as if she had been waiting for me to come then. “Lady doesn’t know how long I’ve been waiting to hear this news.”

“What, ah, is that news that Ash Benio is coming?”

“You already heard about it, Lady!”

Her eyes suddenly became gloomy.

“What’s going on all of a sudden? It’s his first time coming after that happened.”

What Daisy talked about referred to the annulled engagement.

“Even after returning to the capital, they said he had no schedule other than to greet His Majesty.”

After our annulled engagement, Ash and I have never met properly.  But I was informed that he would be coming to this duchy this afternoon. In other words, it meant there would be interesting spectacles to enjoy and gossip about in society.

“Didn’t you hear why you were coming?”

“Um, that… according to the servants…” Daisy opened her mouth with difficulty. “They said it seemed like he was coming to see Lady Luna. Lady Luna’s maids looked very busy from the morning.”

“Really?”

According to the original story, Ash meets Luna for the first time at his welcoming ceremony… If this happened, wouldn’t the story get twisted? It’s none of my business, though.

“I think it’s time for him to come. What does Lady want to do?”

“What?”

“I thought it would be better to stay in your room because it would be uncomfortable to face each other.”

Daisy seemed worried that Ash and Luna’s meeting would hurt my feelings. It was a natural reaction, but…

“Why me?”

“Yes?”

“I’m sure he’ll meet Luna on his own. He doesn’t have anything to do with me anyway.”

We were already strangers, and if you took a look at it, the victim was me. There was no reason why I should hide from Ash.

“Tidy up my hair, Daisy. I’m going to the basement.”

“Lady wants to go now? Ah, yes, I understand.”

I remembered the last time I had seen Redian’s swordsmanship class.

“And call the tailor. I want to order training gloves for men.”

“Training gloves for men? Yes, I understand.” Daisy seemed to be wondering what I was saying, but she nodded.

“Would Lady like to change your clothes? When Lady went to the basement, you dressed up more fancy than usual.”

“It’s okay. I can just go like this.”

I’ve been putting more effort on purpose, but I didn’t have to do that today.

“Lady looks good in everything because you’re so beautiful, but I actually like it when Lady looks so modest,” said Daisy with a flushed face. “It seems like Lady has come out of your portrait hanging on the stairs.”

I looked in the mirror at her words. Maybe it was because I dressed up simply to meet the duke in the morning. A fair and innocent-looking woman was reflected in the mirror. I’m going to fall in love with myself. My face was the best. It always gives me a thrilling sensation.

“I’ll stop by the annex and go directly to the basement, so wait for me.”

“Why is Lady going to the annex? Why don’t you let me do it?”

“Ah, I have to get some candy for the baby.”

“Ba…by?” Daisy, who was tilting her head, checked the time. “Ah, Lady. If you go to the annex now, you will definitely run into the grand prince.”

“Really?”

It didn’t matter whether I met Ash or not. But if we ever meet.

I tied a white silk scarf around my head.

“Oh my, oh my! My goodness, Lady.”

At the same time, Daisy covered her mouth. Then she made a comment that I looked like a bunch of lilies.

It would be hard to wrap everything up like this.

* * *

“Make sure to bring Siani Felicite to this welcoming ceremony.”

“But Father, there was no reply from Siani.”

“Do whatever it takes to get her to attend. Didn’t you see that His Majesty took an interest in that girl?”

A fast-moving carriage crossed the gate of Duchy Felicite. Ash’s eyes were always twisted as he looked out of the window.

“Find out what happened between the princess and His Majesty. If there is a usable result, you must not miss it even if it means you get engaged again with her.”

“Father, it was our side who asked for the annulment, so how can we do that?”

“Why do you ask me how? You should show me your capability.”

“Damn it.”

Ash, who recalled his conversation with Grand Duke Benio, uttered a low-key swear word. In his hand, wearing white gloves, there was an invitation that had been rejected.

“I didn’t expect that I would come here on my own.”

He never thought he would come here with a humiliating request like this.