Now that I was sure there was no one in the dining room, I lifted my cup and took a sip of water in relief.
I don't know how far I'll go in talking with Rudnine, but I don't want my maids to find out just yet.
By the way, I really wonder what he thinks of me.
Ugh, this is so hard.
"Yvonne. Do you like the guy you're having dinner with?"
“...What? You didn’t go either?”
I bent down and looked under the table, and saw Pembe eating the pudding and cookies that had been prepared for dessert, right from the plate.
Why is everyone hanging around me like this?
When I made a grim expression, Pembe flinched and then responded calmly.
"I'm special. I won't interfere with Yvonne. I'll just sit here quietly and eat this before I leave."
"Oh my. Then just eat that and hurry up and go. If it bothers you even a little, I'll stomp on it. Do you know what happens then?"
"Tch... I understand."
After cracking down on Pembe just in case, I got up again and made eye contact with Rudnine, who had appeared in a neatly dressed state, having changed out of his rain-soaked clothes.
“Yvonne.”
I jumped up from my seat.
Clearly, even though we entered the mansion together, my heart was pounding as if it were the first time we had met.
Unlike me, who was stiff, he smiled gently.
“Have you kept me waiting long? I’m sorry.”
"No, I just got here. Are you feeling okay, Rudd?"
Rudnine shrugged.
“I shouldn’t catch a cold from getting rained on like that. I’m strong.”
“Ah... yes, that’s right.”
I smiled vaguely as I remembered how he used to boast about being a 'strong fish'.
It's not really a fish...
“Sir, would you like to eat?”
“I wonder.”
First, I changed the conversation to dinner and invited Rudnine to eat.
Click click.
An awkward silence descended on the dining room, with only the occasional sound of dishes clinking against plates.
My fingers and toes feel like they're all twisted up.
I regretted sending Carol and the siblings away for nothing.
If they were there, they would have said something while doing an errand.
Fortunately, the food prepared by the chef of the mansion today was fantastically delicious, and the dining room decorated by the employees was also very splendid and pretty.
Even the man sitting across from me was as beautiful and perfect as a masterpiece, but I felt awkward sitting here, and it took my breath away.
It was around the time when the feeling of suffocation, as if water was filling my lungs, became so severe that I could no longer bear it.
“Yvonne.”
"Yes?"
At the sound of his voice calling me, I raised my head from where I had been staring at the plate.
My face flushed belatedly as if I had been waiting too long for him to answer.
Unlike my impatient self, he always seemed so relaxed that it was almost disappointing.
'Yeah, I had a crush.'
While my pride was being hurt and my heart was aching, Rudnine asked a question that tore at my heart even more.
“Have you been waiting for my call all this time?”
"...Yes?"
When I asked him in a voice mixed with laughter, his handsome eyebrows twitched in annoyance.
I waited? Of course I did. Because I love you so, so much.
He gave me a fluttery kiss on the cheek, told me I was special, and even made plans to have dinner with me...
No matter how I think about it, this guy is too much.
But if you hate someone, shouldn't they look ugly?
Why does Rudnine's face look more handsome today, annoyingly?
The unrequited love rule is so annoying, I hate it so much!
I was so upset that I downed a glass of red wine in one shot.
'Wow. The wine tastes good.'
I felt like I had drunk it all in one go without much dignity, so I belatedly looked at his expression.
But he followed me and drank all the wine in his glass, then smiled at me.
Oh my god.
You're guilty. Don't go around laughing like that... I'm holding on because I have the guts to do it. If it were any other woman, she would have already fainted and been taken to the hospital!
“Yvonne likes alcohol.”
“...Ah, yes. Well, that’s the kind of thing it is.”
“If Yvonne likes it, I like it too.”
"Is it so?"
The way his eyes look at me affectionately is so sweet, it feels like they are filled with honey.
“Of course. I said I liked sweets because of Yvonne.”
A man who instantly saves me from my broken pride caused by unrequited love.
What on earth is this strange man's true identity?
I looked straight at Rudnine and answered the question he had asked earlier.
“I’ve been waiting.”
“...Huh? Ah.”
He opened his eyes wide in surprise at my sudden, belated answer.
“Then you asked me to dinner, and I... waited. I thought you’d call right away.”
'But, I haven't heard from you.'
Unable to bring myself to say anything else, I swallowed my words and shut my mouth sullenly.
Suddenly, he jumped up from his seat, strode towards me, and apologized urgently.
“I’m sorry, Yvonne. I didn’t know you’d wait for me.”
“Yes...? Oh, no. It’s okay.”
I was even more embarrassed because he apologized so formally.
He looked genuinely confused, clenched his teeth so tightly that it was almost worrying, and took a deep breath.
“I had some urgent business that required me to go to the estate in person.”
“Oh. I see? Yes, I understand!”
I nodded in haste.
I see. This person is the owner of the Iels estate and is a very busy person...
I'm saying that you're not the kind of person who has the time to leisurely contact me.
I was embarrassed, but still felt a bit resentful for some reason, so I tangled the innocent broccoli on my plate with my fork.
"Did you think I wouldn't wait? Was it really that hard to just leave a short letter saying you were back from your trip to the estate?"
I don't know how far I'll go in talking with Rudnine, but I don't want my maids to find out just yet.
By the way, I really wonder what he thinks of me.
Ugh, this is so hard.
"Yvonne. Do you like the guy you're having dinner with?"
“...What? You didn’t go either?”
I bent down and looked under the table, and saw Pembe eating the pudding and cookies that had been prepared for dessert, right from the plate.
Why is everyone hanging around me like this?
When I made a grim expression, Pembe flinched and then responded calmly.
"I'm special. I won't interfere with Yvonne. I'll just sit here quietly and eat this before I leave."
"Oh my. Then just eat that and hurry up and go. If it bothers you even a little, I'll stomp on it. Do you know what happens then?"
"Tch... I understand."
After cracking down on Pembe just in case, I got up again and made eye contact with Rudnine, who had appeared in a neatly dressed state, having changed out of his rain-soaked clothes.
“Yvonne.”
I jumped up from my seat.
Clearly, even though we entered the mansion together, my heart was pounding as if it were the first time we had met.
Unlike me, who was stiff, he smiled gently.
“Have you kept me waiting long? I’m sorry.”
"No, I just got here. Are you feeling okay, Rudd?"
Rudnine shrugged.
“I shouldn’t catch a cold from getting rained on like that. I’m strong.”
“Ah... yes, that’s right.”
I smiled vaguely as I remembered how he used to boast about being a 'strong fish'.
It's not really a fish...
“Sir, would you like to eat?”
“I wonder.”
First, I changed the conversation to dinner and invited Rudnine to eat.
Click click.
An awkward silence descended on the dining room, with only the occasional sound of dishes clinking against plates.
My fingers and toes feel like they're all twisted up.
I regretted sending Carol and the siblings away for nothing.
If they were there, they would have said something while doing an errand.
Fortunately, the food prepared by the chef of the mansion today was fantastically delicious, and the dining room decorated by the employees was also very splendid and pretty.
Even the man sitting across from me was as beautiful and perfect as a masterpiece, but I felt awkward sitting here, and it took my breath away.
It was around the time when the feeling of suffocation, as if water was filling my lungs, became so severe that I could no longer bear it.
“Yvonne.”
"Yes?"
At the sound of his voice calling me, I raised my head from where I had been staring at the plate.
My face flushed belatedly as if I had been waiting too long for him to answer.
Unlike my impatient self, he always seemed so relaxed that it was almost disappointing.
'Yeah, I had a crush.'
While my pride was being hurt and my heart was aching, Rudnine asked a question that tore at my heart even more.
“Have you been waiting for my call all this time?”
"...Yes?"
When I asked him in a voice mixed with laughter, his handsome eyebrows twitched in annoyance.
I waited? Of course I did. Because I love you so, so much.
He gave me a fluttery kiss on the cheek, told me I was special, and even made plans to have dinner with me...
No matter how I think about it, this guy is too much.
But if you hate someone, shouldn't they look ugly?
Why does Rudnine's face look more handsome today, annoyingly?
The unrequited love rule is so annoying, I hate it so much!
I was so upset that I downed a glass of red wine in one shot.
'Wow. The wine tastes good.'
I felt like I had drunk it all in one go without much dignity, so I belatedly looked at his expression.
But he followed me and drank all the wine in his glass, then smiled at me.
Oh my god.
You're guilty. Don't go around laughing like that... I'm holding on because I have the guts to do it. If it were any other woman, she would have already fainted and been taken to the hospital!
“Yvonne likes alcohol.”
“...Ah, yes. Well, that’s the kind of thing it is.”
“If Yvonne likes it, I like it too.”
"Is it so?"
The way his eyes look at me affectionately is so sweet, it feels like they are filled with honey.
“Of course. I said I liked sweets because of Yvonne.”
A man who instantly saves me from my broken pride caused by unrequited love.
What on earth is this strange man's true identity?
I looked straight at Rudnine and answered the question he had asked earlier.
“I’ve been waiting.”
“...Huh? Ah.”
He opened his eyes wide in surprise at my sudden, belated answer.
“Then you asked me to dinner, and I... waited. I thought you’d call right away.”
'But, I haven't heard from you.'
Unable to bring myself to say anything else, I swallowed my words and shut my mouth sullenly.
Suddenly, he jumped up from his seat, strode towards me, and apologized urgently.
“I’m sorry, Yvonne. I didn’t know you’d wait for me.”
“Yes...? Oh, no. It’s okay.”
I was even more embarrassed because he apologized so formally.
He looked genuinely confused, clenched his teeth so tightly that it was almost worrying, and took a deep breath.
“I had some urgent business that required me to go to the estate in person.”
“Oh. I see? Yes, I understand!”
I nodded in haste.
I see. This person is the owner of the Iels estate and is a very busy person...
I'm saying that you're not the kind of person who has the time to leisurely contact me.
I was embarrassed, but still felt a bit resentful for some reason, so I tangled the innocent broccoli on my plate with my fork.
"Did you think I wouldn't wait? Was it really that hard to just leave a short letter saying you were back from your trip to the estate?"
Huh. While I was complaining to myself, I realized something was strange.
This is... what you say when you’re upset with your lover who doesn’t keep in touch with you properly!
Oh my goodness. The whole premise is flawed. We're not related.
'I'm an idiot.'
I was blaming myself, but when I raised my head, I was startled when I met his eyes as he came closer to me.
“Why, why?”
He looked down at me with a strange gaze and opened his mouth.
“I am more special to Yvonne, right?”
“Yes? Of course...!”
Although I stuttered at his fastball, I nodded and answered with confidence.
This time, let's not misunderstand.
I wanted to say more, but my voice wouldn't come out.
He looked so cool, looking down at me, it took my breath away.
Is this the right time? All I have to do now is confess?
You are, of course, special.
It's not like I'm doing anything crazy like managing a fish farm. I actually like you a lot!
While I was thinking about what to say, he was quick to speak first, not giving me a chance to confess.
"I wasn't confident. That's why I didn't contact Yvonne. I regret it. And... I didn't know something so shocking could have happened while I was away."
"Shocking? Oh, Rudd! So..."
"What happened? Please explain why Yvonne ended up becoming Crown Prince Adrian's partner."
Clearly, the way he spoke to me was a request, but the tone was closer to coercion.
There was no time to confess.
Rudnine was leaning towards the table where I was sitting, placing his hand on it and putting pressure on me.
I was nervous and swallowed hard.
No, right now it feels like I'm being interrogated like a real detective and a criminal.
As I closed my mouth, he narrowed his almond-shaped eyes and leaned in closer.
“Yvonne?”
“That, that’s why...”
'It wasn't my fault!'
I looked at him, urging me on, and cried inside.
It's like making excuses for why your girlfriend cheated on you while you were away on a business trip.
Feeling so wronged, I opened my eyes wide and looked up at him.
"Her Majesty the Empress personally sent me an invitation to a party. It included an order to become the Crown Prince's partner, and a golden dress."
“Did Her Majesty the Empress Giselle send it herself?”
“Yes, it really is.”
Rudnine's eyes shook violently as if he had not expected it, and then he frowned deeply.
“...It’s gotten complicated.”
His mood changed once again.
His eyes, which always had a gentle smile, suddenly changed into a fierce look like a sharp knife.
'This guy is angry too?'
My heart was chilled as I watched the change.
I imagined him standing in front of the monsters with that expression, holding a sword.
'I feel like I'm going to run away in a daze.'
Rudnine straightened up, leaning towards me, then took a step back and became lost in thought.
As the silence grew longer, I looked up at the ceiling and sighed.
"I don't know Her Majesty's intentions. I've explored various options, but I have no choice but to attend. I really dislike Crown Prince Adrian, and it hurts my pride. You saw for yourself, didn't you? I can tell you it's true."
I looked into Rudnine's eyes, hoping he would believe me, and spoke with force in every word.
He listened to me gratefully, then nodded slightly at the end.
He put his hand to his forehead and ran his fingers through his hair, letting out an annoyed breath.
"Hmm. It's the law of the land that you must attend Her Majesty the Empress's banquet invitation, no matter what. If she even sent you a dress... you've completely cut off any justification for refusing."
“Haha. Yes, that’s right.”
I smiled awkwardly and scratched my cheek.
'None of us knew, and only found out after Liana told us.'
But he knew the laws of the land in such detail that even the Duke of Argenthoz did not know them.
Being good at both civil and military affairs? Isn't that perfect?!
As I was laughing in awe, his face, which had been wrinkled so fiercely, suddenly straightened up.
“Oh? So there’s a way.”
He continued speaking with a faint smile.
"A golden dress sent by Her Majesty the Empress. It's a dress that only the royal partner can wear. It's a special dress that can't be worn under any other circumstances."
“Yes. That’s what they said.”
I pouted, remembering the overly flashy dress Empress Giselle had sent me.
It was so perfect for me that it gave me goosebumps. I wonder how they even figured out my body size.
“I will take care of it.”
“Huh? How about Rudnine?”
“Because the royal family isn’t just made up of Crown Prince Adrian.”
He smiled refreshingly as if everything had been resolved.
This is... what you say when you’re upset with your lover who doesn’t keep in touch with you properly!
Oh my goodness. The whole premise is flawed. We're not related.
'I'm an idiot.'
I was blaming myself, but when I raised my head, I was startled when I met his eyes as he came closer to me.
“Why, why?”
He looked down at me with a strange gaze and opened his mouth.
“I am more special to Yvonne, right?”
“Yes? Of course...!”
Although I stuttered at his fastball, I nodded and answered with confidence.
This time, let's not misunderstand.
I wanted to say more, but my voice wouldn't come out.
He looked so cool, looking down at me, it took my breath away.
Is this the right time? All I have to do now is confess?
You are, of course, special.
It's not like I'm doing anything crazy like managing a fish farm. I actually like you a lot!
While I was thinking about what to say, he was quick to speak first, not giving me a chance to confess.
"I wasn't confident. That's why I didn't contact Yvonne. I regret it. And... I didn't know something so shocking could have happened while I was away."
"Shocking? Oh, Rudd! So..."
"What happened? Please explain why Yvonne ended up becoming Crown Prince Adrian's partner."
Clearly, the way he spoke to me was a request, but the tone was closer to coercion.
There was no time to confess.
Rudnine was leaning towards the table where I was sitting, placing his hand on it and putting pressure on me.
I was nervous and swallowed hard.
No, right now it feels like I'm being interrogated like a real detective and a criminal.
As I closed my mouth, he narrowed his almond-shaped eyes and leaned in closer.
“Yvonne?”
“That, that’s why...”
'It wasn't my fault!'
I looked at him, urging me on, and cried inside.
It's like making excuses for why your girlfriend cheated on you while you were away on a business trip.
Feeling so wronged, I opened my eyes wide and looked up at him.
"Her Majesty the Empress personally sent me an invitation to a party. It included an order to become the Crown Prince's partner, and a golden dress."
“Did Her Majesty the Empress Giselle send it herself?”
“Yes, it really is.”
Rudnine's eyes shook violently as if he had not expected it, and then he frowned deeply.
“...It’s gotten complicated.”
His mood changed once again.
His eyes, which always had a gentle smile, suddenly changed into a fierce look like a sharp knife.
'This guy is angry too?'
My heart was chilled as I watched the change.
I imagined him standing in front of the monsters with that expression, holding a sword.
'I feel like I'm going to run away in a daze.'
Rudnine straightened up, leaning towards me, then took a step back and became lost in thought.
As the silence grew longer, I looked up at the ceiling and sighed.
"I don't know Her Majesty's intentions. I've explored various options, but I have no choice but to attend. I really dislike Crown Prince Adrian, and it hurts my pride. You saw for yourself, didn't you? I can tell you it's true."
I looked into Rudnine's eyes, hoping he would believe me, and spoke with force in every word.
He listened to me gratefully, then nodded slightly at the end.
He put his hand to his forehead and ran his fingers through his hair, letting out an annoyed breath.
"Hmm. It's the law of the land that you must attend Her Majesty the Empress's banquet invitation, no matter what. If she even sent you a dress... you've completely cut off any justification for refusing."
“Haha. Yes, that’s right.”
I smiled awkwardly and scratched my cheek.
'None of us knew, and only found out after Liana told us.'
But he knew the laws of the land in such detail that even the Duke of Argenthoz did not know them.
Being good at both civil and military affairs? Isn't that perfect?!
As I was laughing in awe, his face, which had been wrinkled so fiercely, suddenly straightened up.
“Oh? So there’s a way.”
He continued speaking with a faint smile.
"A golden dress sent by Her Majesty the Empress. It's a dress that only the royal partner can wear. It's a special dress that can't be worn under any other circumstances."
“Yes. That’s what they said.”
I pouted, remembering the overly flashy dress Empress Giselle had sent me.
It was so perfect for me that it gave me goosebumps. I wonder how they even figured out my body size.
“I will take care of it.”
“Huh? How about Rudnine?”
“Because the royal family isn’t just made up of Crown Prince Adrian.”
He smiled refreshingly as if everything had been resolved.
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