Chapter 19 - He Must Like You (1/2)

Chapter 19 – He Must Like You

I almost burst into laughter when I heard that. Goodness, it was a pity that I did not see her face in person; I could not imagine what expression she made when Florinda told her that. I told Dorothea to tell me in advance before she visited. However, I knew she wouldn’t listen to me.

“So, what happened?” I said eagerly.

“Her face suddenly fell and she kept questioning me why. But what do I know? I said that the Crown Prince’s servant came yesterday to tell you that you were invited to Thurman Palace, and you went. Then her expression became harder and she returned home.”

“I see,” I said, repressing a smile, then asked another question. “Also what is this about Lady Kirkler’s tea party?”

“The invitation arrived right after you left for the mansion…there will be a tea party next week.”

“A lot happened while I was away,” I mused.

“Yes, My Lady. How was Thurman Palace? Did you enjoy yourself?”

“Yes.” I beamed in reply, and Florinda gave me a strange smile.

“Is it possible that the Crown Prince likes you?” she suggested unexpectedly.

“What?” I blurted out. I nearly burst into laughter. Oh my god, does Xavier like me? “That’s impossible, Florinda,” I answered firmly.

Florinda looked at me with an incomprehensible expression. “Why? If I may be honest, that’s the only explanation I can think of. The fact that he invited you to the palace for no other special reason must mean that he likes you.”

I shook my head, hard. “He just needs a friend to talk to, Florinda. Him liking me is an outrageous story.”

Though the story that Xavier liked me—that almost sounded plausible. The Crown Prince of marrying age inviting a young woman to the palace did sound suspect. If no one knew what we really talked about, I was sure they would think that.

But at least I didn’t. In the original story, Maristella and Xavier did indeed frequently encounter each other since Maristella stayed in the palace as Dorothea’s lady-in-waiting. However, there was never a time when Xavier liked Maristella. Of course, it may have been natural since he had fallen so hard for Dorothea at the time, but in any case, I didn’t want to stir the pot. I just became friends with Odeletta, and what would she think of me?

“Don’t think too much on it, and just help me pick a dress for the tea party.”

***

I wore a blue dress on the day of Lady Kirkler’s tea party.

Ever since Dorothea visited the Bellafleur mansion last week unannounced, she never came back again, or even sent a message. I thought she would whine at me to go with her given her usual nature, but she had been quieter than I expected.

“When are you coming back, My Lady?” Florinda asked me as I stepped into the carriage before departure, and I replied with a smile.

“I won’t be back too late. It’s not a banquet.”

“Then I’ll tell the chef to make you your favorite lobster dish.”

“Alright.” Like Maristella, I also liked lobster.

Florinda closed the carriage door, and the driver immediately started to carriage towards Kirkler mansion. If nothing unusual happened, then I would arrive with plenty of time to spare.

Fortunately the carriage arrived safely, and I was guided by a servant into the venue. Even though I thought I had arrived early, the place was already milling young nobles. I was about to head towards the nearest crowd, when—

“Lady Maristella?” a familiar voice said, and I turned my head.