Chapter 21 - It Was My Fault (1/2)

Chapter 21 – It Was My Fault

I moved to another table with Odeletta. Since it was far away from the original table, it would be difficult for the other young nobles to find us.

Odeletta poured tea into a new cup, and held it out to me. “Lady Maristella, please.”

My mind was still occupied on how to start the conversation, and I accepted the cup with slight surprise. “Th-thank you,” I said, but immediately after I accidentally dropped the teacup and gave a short scream.

Crash!

The cup shattered on the ground and tea splashed in every direction. How was this tea so hot?

As I stepped back with a startled expression, Odeletta turned to me in concern. “Are you alright, Lady Maristella?” she asked, and she held out her arm protectively in front of me. The moment she did so, I fell in love with her…no, that wasn’t it. I was just touched when I saw the gesture.

“Lady Maristella? Are you alright?” Odeletta asked again as I stood there blinking dumbly.

I quickly came to my senses and gave a nod. “Yes, Lady Odeletta. I’m fine.”

“What is the matter?”

It was then that several servants of the Kirkler mansion came to the scene. I was perfectly capable of answering myself, but Lady Odeletta answered on my behalf as if I were still in shock.

“I accidentally missed the teacup and broke it. I’m sorry.”

Hey, Odeletta. That’s what I did…

I was a little curious why she took responsibility for my mistake, but I didn’t say anything as I was both sorry and grateful. I happened to make eye contact with Odeletta, and she smiled at me as if everything were okay.

“I’m glad that you weren’t hurt, My Lady. Would you mind moving to another table?” a servant asked.

“Lady Maristella, is that alright with you?” Odeletta asked me with a soft voice, and I nodded. We then headed to the nearest empty table, while Odeletta continued to look at me with worry. The only damage I suffered was that my teacup was broken, and a small tear in my dress from the breaking of the china.

“I’m fine, Lady Odeletta,” I reassured her. “I’m more worried about you being hurt.”

“I’m fine, too,” she said. “I’m sorry, Lady Maristella. I should have handed it over to you more carefully.”

I shook my head. “Not at all. My carelessness is my responsibility. Ah, and thank you for what you said earlier.”

“But it’s really my fault, Lady Maristella. It was because of the matter earlier that I couldn’t give the cup to you.”

After Odeletta finished speaking, she paused and glanced at me. Only then did I realize that it was my turn to speak, and I started the conversation that I had been trying to bring up with her.

“Yes, in fact, I did want to speak with you separately about that.”

“With me?”

“Yes. About…about the relationship between me and the Crown Prince.”

“Oh,” Odeletta said. She looked visibly embarrassed by my words, and I felt a pang of guilt.

“I thought you may have misunderstood me because of what Dorothea said earlier. There’s nothing between me and His Majesty. My code is, ‘Never like the man that your friend likes.’ I have no feelings for the Crown Prince, and neither does he for me. I actually went to Thurman Palace and brought up your name to him as crown princess.”

“Really?” Odeletta gasped.

“Yes,” I replied succinctly. “I think you are more suited to be crown princess more than anyone. I hope that you will get your wish.”

“I’m grateful for your words.”

“I didn’t want you to misunderstand. I really have no interest in His Highness.”

“Thank you, Lady Maristella,” Odeletta said, and I looked at her questioningly. She elaborated. “That fact that you recommended me to His Highness, and…the fact that you and I are friends.”

A pink flush tainted her cheeks, and I couldn’t help but notice that she genuinely liked Xavier. He was a pretty handsome guy, but I didn’t understand why she liked him. What was so good about him? I couldn’t help my curiosity, so I asked.

“Well, My Lady…this may be a little forward,” I began.

“Yes, Lady Maristella. Please speak.”