DYBAR - Chapter 20 < Precious As You Wish >

DYBAR - Chapter 20 < Precious As You Wish > 

Do Your Best And Regret It

"Miss, Is there anything uncomfortable?"

I looked up from my book at Hannah's cautious words. I grinned, shrugging my shoulders lightly.

"No. Everything unfolds just by speaking, so it can't be uncomfortable."

I meant it. I was satisfied with every moment of the three days I spent at the Grand Duke's residence. Delicious meals, frequent snacks, a library full of books, and a cozy bed. Even in the midst of his busy schedule, the Grand Duke always spent every morning and evening with me. Every time he dressed up in nice clothes and escorted me to my door, I held his hand even though was shy.

"But you keep sighing."

"Huh?"

"Sigh every time you look at a page of a book, and sigh as you continue to drink tea like before."

‎"Me?"

I asked back. I had a serious expression on my face as if I didn't know.

"There's something you're really uncomfortable with, right? Are you uncomfortable with the bedding or slippers? Or maybe the dress feels uncomfortable? Snacks are served too often?

Hannah began reciting them one by one. The expression gradually darkened, I was afraid that if she continued like that, she would say that everything was inconvenient, so I quickly threw up my hand.

"No. It's not because of that."

"Then?"

Looking at Hannah's anxious face, I thought quickly. I happened to have the best excuse.

"I would like to ask you for a diary. I used to have a habit of keeping a diary, but I guess it's because I didn't keep it."

Half of it was true. I always kept a diary, so it felt awkward not to keep one.

"You should tell me earlier. Please wait a minute. I'll buy you a top-of-the-line diary."

Hannah's face brightened. I smiled and told her where the bookstore where I  bought the diary was. 

I thought everything was resolved. But the moment I continued to sigh, I realized that I had some unresolved issues.

"I guess you have other things to do besides your diary?"

Hannah said with an anxious face. I eventually put down my book and straightened my body as was my habit.

"It's nothing special. It's because the day after tomorrow is the last day of the victory banquet." 

"Yes. I knew that His Highness attended as a war hero. Why is that?"

"Just... I don't really like banquets."

Although it was a pretense, it was half true. It was difficult to always be alone and like banquets with lots of gossip. But this time, regardless of whether I liked or disliked the banquet, I hated going at all.

Everyone I had run away from was in the banquet hall. Father, Conrad, Jade, and even Leopold. Just thinking of the name made my heart ache. In an instant, the words they said to me seemed to ring in my ears.

"If you don't like it that much, it would be better if you didn't go."

Hannah hesitated. Even as she spoke, she looked at my eyes as if she knew it was impossible. I chuckled as I called out to Hannah. When Hannah ran over to me and I patted her head, she smiled brightly like a child.

"That's right. It would be better if I didn't go."

I always thought about this every time I went to a banquet. I don't want to go. But I couldn't say it out loud. 

Olivia Madeleine. I am Princess Madeleine and the Crown Prince's fiancée. Excluding the royal family, I am the highest-ranking woman, and I could not miss the banquet as I would soon become a member of the royal family. 

No matter how silently I left the Duke's house, I would never be able to return to Leopold's side.

I sighed slowly. I sighed again, and although Hannah was in tears, I couldn't help it.

***

After finishing dinner, the Grand Duke lightly raised his teacup and spoke.

"Are you keeping your promise to me?"

I, who was lifting the cup together, opened my eyes wide. I had never had my homework checked, not even by her tutor, so I found it strange that someone was asking about my daily routine. I've been under a lot of surveillance. 

I smiled slightly and nodded my head.

"Yes. I'm keeping it well. I still eat well."

I shook my glass playfully. The Grand Duke glanced at the untouched cake plate, but that was all. 

"It looks like you're eating well, and I can't confirm your sleep, but I believe you're sleeping well."

The Grand Duke continued his speech. As I  tilted my head to see what was the problem, a third promise appeared in my mind. 

Oops. 

I shamelessly tried to pretend I  had forgotten, but his red eyes met mine and I  smiled slowly, as if I had quickly noticed.

"What about the third?"

"Yes?"

"You have never taken care of me. Isn't this a complete violation of number three?"

The loose ends of his words clearly revealed that he was sad. I shook my head reflexively. And I was a little surprised. It was childish behavior that had never been done to Conrad or Jade, let alone my father.

I looked at the man again. I thought I felt comfortable with the Grand Duke. I had no idea that I could do this much in just three days. Thinking that I would have to be more careful with my actions, I slowly let out the rhyme. 

"Thankfully, everyone at the Grand Duke's residence was so kind to me, so I didn't have anything else to say."

"Weird. Is there really nothing?"

For a moment, I remembered my conversation with Hannah. I glanced at Hannah, who was standing still. When their eyes met, Hannah smiled brightly. He didn't seem to mention Hannah, so I  took off my hand.

"Weird. There must be."

When the Grand Duke, who had been talking a lot, nodded, all the servants and knights standing on the wall left. I unconsciously looked at the employees with lingering eyes, but the kind and sensitive chef Yohan, the delivery man Jensen who brought flowers to my room, and Hannah quickly left the restaurant. With the door firmly closed, I only raised the comer of my mouth. Even though I drank the tea, my mouth felt a little dry.

"..."

"..."

Since I  didn't say anything, the Grand Duke also said nothing. Silence fell over the restaurant. When this silence became a little uncomfortable, I slowly lowered my gaze.

"...No. There is really no need to ask Your Majesty for help."

I spoke vaguely. I was the work of a Duke, the head of the imperial family and the imperial faction, and it was the work of my family. No matter how much of a war hero he was, there was nothing the Archduke could not solve. 

I smiled softly.

>

"If I ask for more, I'm being too greedy.  You already created a place like this to come."

It would be nice if I could continue to be treated with kindness like this. Sadly, I knew the end of this dreamlike kindness. I swallowed my saliva slowly. There was a tingling sensation somewhere inside my throat.

"...... In that sense, I will return to the Duke's residence tomorrow." 

"Seriously?"

"Yes. The dress and jewelry usually arrive a day in advance."

I swallowed bitterness. That was the reality. A place that instills expectations and then throws them away. I couldn't inconvenience the Grand Duke who had treated me so well. If I continued to stay here, the Imperial faction, led by the imperial family and the Duke family, might launch an attack on the Grand Duke.

I smiled mischievously.

"Now it's my turn to repay you. Did I tell you? Madeleine is strong in grace."

Madeleine. My last name, which I was so proud of, somehow felt uncomfortable. I covered it up with a laugh. However, the Grand Duke's narrowed eyes locked somewhat uncomfortably.

".... Why do you keep looking at me like that?"

"What am I?"

 "I don't know why you look angry."

"It's more about not understanding than anger. You said you would call me, but what kind of heart is it that you bother to endure?"

I pursed my lips. The Grand Duke, who had caught the flow, let out a short breath. Ruby-red eyes shone brightly.

".... As I told you, I am always greedy."

Complex emotions passed over the Grand Duke's face as he said those words. The man who seemed to have been created by God with all his beauty smiled at me. 

"I met this Young Lady at a time when I was always thirsty for the most precious thing."

His lazy gaze slowly turned towards me. Silver hair as cold as silver, slender shoulders, white hands that are tightly clenched, and finally, green eyes that are despised as the traces of a dancer. It was strange. 

Why does that man value me so much? It was a moment when our gazes became entangled. 

I swallowed without realizing it. It felt like his eyes, which always smiled kindly, were desperately clinging to me. 

At that moment, the Grand Duke extended his hand to me. And he said in a voice as desperate as if he was squeezing.

"So please tell me."

"..."

"What you desire most preciously."

I couldn't breathe, in fact. The truth was I didn't want to go back. Once I became aware, what I had been holding in flowed out like a dam bursting. All the things I had always reassured myself were okay, all the buried emotions burst out. It was difficult for me to be tied down to my role as Princess Madeleine and fiancée of the Prince. I also hated the fact that I had to take on the Princess's duties. I also heard the Empress's harsh words and the gossip about myself that circulated around the social circle. 

But above all, it was difficult for me to look at my family who did not look after me, and Leopold who did not love me. Because I could no longer continue my unrequited love, which was always sincere, I looked at the man. 

When I saw those red eyes that seemed to know everything, I felt like I was going to burst into tears. Why does the Grand Duke wait for my decision without saying anything? I was always informed of what had been decided. 

That earnestness continued to shake me. And finally, I muttered in a low voice. 

"... So, can you help me in whatever way I want?"

"Miss."

The Grand Duke licked his lips as if he felt sorry. A somewhat provocative look passed my lips.

"I keep talking about it. I am ready for you at any time."

***

The last day of the victory banquet. A majestic tune played in the magnificently decorated banquet hall. Large brass Instruments continued to vibrate to the pounding sound of drums. Duke Madeleine, who had been frowning as the dance music resonated in his head, stiffened.

"I see you, His Majesty the Crown Prince."

"Long time no see, Duke. Are you okay?"

Leopold said arrogantly. Leopold, wearing a fancy gold and navy blue uniform, frowned slightly.

"No. Is there any way to escape? There are a lot of rumors that my fiancee has disappeared."

The Duke's eyes sank coldly. It was the same with Leopold. A smug face that clearly revealed his petulant irritation faced the Duke.

"...She is not a child without responsibility."

"I guess so. I know that. The important thing is where Olivia is now."

"I will check."

"I hope my fiancee comes here quickly."

The Duke bowed his head briefly. Facing a face that clearly showed his big-hearted, Leopold swallowed his inexplicable discomfort.

 Maria Ethel, who was far away, approached him softly. Maria Ethel, wearing a sparkling gold dress, anxiously held Leopold's arm.

"Is something wrong, Your Highness? What happened?"

Leopold answered briefly. There must be a reason for his sharp temper. But smart Maria didn't ask any more questions.

Instead, she lifted her dress and whispered sweetly.

"I heard you sent a sodomy to the Princess. So I wore a brilliant gold like Her Majesty's hair. How do you feel?"

Leopold chuckled at the lovely fawning. Then he swept Maria's hair and kissed her.

Maria glanced around with a happy expression on her face at his deep expression of affection. The last day of the victory banquet was a day when unusually more nobles gathered. She was the main character here. The half-baby Princess seemed to know it well. Seeing as it doesn't show up like this. 

As Maria looked around her, she saw the Prince of the Madeleine duchy. Conrad, who remains aloof despite the rumor that his sister is missing, and Jade, who cannot control his anger. Olivia is a half-hearted woman who has tied down my lover since her childhood because she is the daughter of a Duke. Thanks to this, Maria now has the stigma of being the lover of a Prince who has a fiancee. But now it was time for a change. 

Maria smiled slyly and looked at the nobles. The three plants she planted began to move.

"That half-baby Princess has already been kicked out of the duchy?"

"Oh my, that's ridiculous. In any case, the Princess is still the fiancée of His Highness the Crown Prince."

"What's the deal with engagement? There are many ladies who get engaged and break off engagements."

"But the Duke is the head of the imperial faction. Then what about the second Princess?"

"Watch your mouth. The Duke cares deeply for his second Princess."

The whispering grew louder. Jade gritted his teeth and prepared to run out at any moment.

"Don't make a fuss."

If it weren't for Conrad, who was pressing his shoulder hard from behind, he would have run away and stayed. Jade glared at the nobles with venomous eyes. The nobles, flinching from the sharply forged energy, cleared their throats loudly, but could not silence everyone. 

Jade couldn't

control his stuffy heart. The whereabouts of Olivia, who left five days ago, were unknown. Even though he searched all the hotels on the island, he couldn't even find a trace. 

Where on earth are you?

Jade bit his lip. As the teasing anger continued to build, the servant guarding the door shouted.

"Your Majesty the war hero Edwin Lowell Vikander,"

As he glanced, the Grand Duke was coming in. As he wore jet-black hair and a black suit with gold leaf decorations, his white glowed even colder. 

Jade's eyes, which were looking at the Grand Duke with annoyance, widened in an instant. That person next to the Grand Duke...! 

The cheers and whispers quickly died down as the woman in the blinding white dress slowly looked around her. The green-eyed lady standing next to the Grand Duke...

"Olivia."

Jade muttered softly. At the same time, the servant shouted again as if he was embarrassed. 

"Pa, his partner, Princess Olivia Madeleine, is entering!"

Olivia Madeleine. She was an unsightly Young woman who always wore dark, dull dresses with minimal decoration. She's wearing a pure white dress. A white dress studded with precious stones, a sparkling pink necklace, and delicately crafted accessories. The dresses and jewelry looked expensive, but regardless, people only looked at Olivia Madeleine herself. 

Was that woman that beautiful? The detached expression on her elegant and beautiful face was as mysterious as a fairy. Her green eyes, which were always criticized, gave off a sweet and strange atmosphere. She was so beautiful that they couldn't take my eyes off her. 

When the loud sound of someone swallowing their saliva is heard. The most dangerous man in the world dropped his cool expression and escorted Olivia away.

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