CH 66

So, after many twists and turns, the report was finally completed.

Was it because of the time and effort of Enoch, Ines, and countless staff?

The report was absolutely flawless.

“Oh my God, I haven’t seen such a perfect report in a very long time.”

Even Helena, who took care of the royal palace’s internal affairs and owned numerous palace staff, became surprised with rabbit eyes.

Meanwhile,

Enoch asked Helena secretly.

“By the way, what is the reaction of the Royal Art Association?”

“Well, it’s not much different from what we expected.”

Perhaps, if the Royal Art Association put a super strong force that they withdrew from the exchange, the royal family would bend their will.

Quite the contrary, however.

“Then the Royal Art Association will be completely absent from this exchange.”

“Are you going to hold an exchange exhibition without the Royal Art Association?!”

“How could that be!”

“There has never been such a precedent!”

Perhaps they completely forgot that they said they would not be joining in the first place, the members of the Royal Art Association jumped up and complained.

Enoch neatly ignored the objection.

Although Helena was skeptical of Enoch’s reaction.

She didn’t say more, as she had already agreed to give Ines and Enoch strength.

After that, the schedule was straightforward.

The last remaining schedule was for the queen to personally inspect the Hwabang street where the exchange exhibition was going to be held. 

“I didn’t know there was such a unique place in Langdon.”

Helena, who visited the street, was delighted like a little child when receiving an unexpected gift.

“The Countess of Brierton has done a great job of discovering a place like this.”

“Since this is a commoner’s district, it is unlikely that the Queen would come here herself.”

“Thank you. It is thanks to the Countess that this exchange is going smoothly.”

Helena praised Ines.

“This is enough for you to face the the Royal Art Association without problems.”

“…I’m flattered.”

Ines didn’t want to show it on the outside, but she was extremely proud on the inside that her shoulders were full of strength.

And Enoch could not take his eyes off of Ines.

‘How can a person be so cute?’

On the other hand, there was one person who was paying close attention to the strange air currents of these two people.

‘Oh.’

It was Queen Helena.

Her eyes twinkled.

“By the way, I think it would be a good idea for you two to participate as partners at the celebration before the exchange exhibition. What do you think?

“Yes?”

“Yes?”

Both Ines and Enoch were bewildered at the same time.

Both of them looked at the Queen with their eyes wide open.

‘How did they even have the same surprised expression?’

The Queen narrowed her eyes and smiled mischievously.

“Why, you two are the management team of this exchange, are you not?”

“Yes, but.”

“So, does it sound so strange to be partners at the celebration?”

Helena shrugged her shoulders as if she was proud of herself.

“It would be a lot easier to deal with a lot of things if you’re together.”

As if she had already thought about the matter for a long time, Helena’s words were truly convincing.

In fact, this was the right opportunity.

‘Uh, what?!’

Ines, not knowing what to do, glanced back at Enoch.

It was because she was worried about what would happen if she was the only one who was conscious of Enoch.

‘Huh?’

For a moment, Ines had a slightly startled face.

Because Enoch, who had always been calm, was also rarely perplexed.

‘I thought His Excellency would think of such a problem as strictly business.’

Surprisingly, this was not the case.

If he had not been conscious of Ines at all, there was no reason to show such an embarrassed face.

It was a bit embarrassing, but Ines was also happy.

‘It’s a relief that the Duke doesn’t refuse to be my partner.’

Ines, who had thought that way without thinking, immediately stiffened her shoulders.

‘… Since when did I feel happy looking at the Duke’s every expression?’

As if a pebble had been thrown into a still lake.

In an instant, her heart fluttered.

“Anyway, think about the partner suggestion and let me know. Okay?”

Helena didn’t blink her eyes and reminded them. 

Then she went back to the royal palace.

At the same time, Enoch carefully spoke to Ines.

“Countess.”

“Yes? Yes?”

Ines looked at Enoch in surprise.

Enoch pondered for a moment, then lifted his lips heavily.

“About us being partners for this celebration….It was just an arbitrary suggestion from Her Majesty.”

“Oh, yes. I know.”

“So, if you feel uncomfortable, you can say no.”

Ines remained silent.

She knew it herself.

Because Enoch cared for her, fearing that she would feel embarrassed.

So the best answer here was….

“Thank you for your consideration. It’s up to us to find a party partner.”

“Yes…” 

Enoch agreed with much effort, or to calm his shaky heart.

It was better to keep the distance as far away as possible.

However.

“The Queen has ordered it.”

Ines said, pulling her lips together.

“Let’s do it.”

“Yes?”

Upon hearing the unexpected answer, Enoch’s eyes widened a little.

Ines continued to speak, pretending to be calm.

“The Queen has personally proposed it, how can we refuse?”

“If it’s because of Her Majesty, don’t worry, I can tell her separately.”

Enoch answered politely.

‘That ignorant man!’

Unknowingly, Ines opened her eyes and looked at Enoch.

“No!”

“Countess….?”

“I will be your partner.”

Ines spoke firmly.

“You mean…”

“I mean I’ll be your partner for this celebration. That’s all.”

As if there was no such thing as self-interest, so as not to even doubt it.

Ines nailed the lever.

Enoch looked puzzled for a moment, but then nodded his head. 

“Yes, the Countess accepted the offer for the exhibition.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Ines replied with coyness.

At the same time, an unexpectedly sweet voice landed in her ear. 

“I’m happy though.”

“…”

“The Countess will be my partner.”

Because that smile that slowly spread over his beautiful face was so dazzling. Ines was able to forget for a moment the deep rooted question.

‘The Queen only asked the opinion of me and the Duke, but she did not force it at all.’ 

Still, using the Queen’s words as an excuse, Ines accepted Enoch’s partner proposal.

***

So time passed like that.

Finally, Kaldorov’s delegation entered the country.

It was a truly luxurious delegation with many famous artists in Kaldorov.

The royal couple directly greeted the delegation.

“Welcome to Lancaster, delegations from Kaldorov.”

“My Majesty the King of Lancaster and Her Majesty the Queen have been so welcoming, what an honor.”

Courtesy greetings came and went.

Ines and Enoch stood right behind the royal couple and politely bowed to the delegation.

“Today’s schedule was a celebration to commemorate the exchange exhibition.”

Ines looked back over the future schedule in her head.

The official exchange exhibition would be held tomorrow.

And tomorrow, Enoch and Ines decided to take charge of carrying out the mission. Ines, who remembered the whole process… 

‘What should I do, I think I’m going to die from nervousness.’

Her lips trembled as she smiled desperately.

Her gloved hands were damp with cold sweat.

But then.

Enoch glanced at Ines.

Their eyes met.

“…”

“…”

Ines felt her breathing became easier for a moment.