Chapter 41 - I’m Sure The Crown Prince Will Like It (1/2)

Chapter 41 – I’m Sure The Crown Prince Will Like It

I glanced at Claude’s teacup. “Oh dear, you finished your tea. Would you like some more?”

“Thank you,” Claude replied, smiling gratefully as I poured him another cup. Even though the green tea had already cooled down, the scent floated to my side.

He lifted the cup towards his mouth and murmured softly. “The scent is nice.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

Claude then looked straight into my eyes. “Oh, Lady Maristella.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Actually, I’d like to ask you a favor.”

“Favor?”

“Yes.” A charming smile played across his face. “I don’t know if you know, but it’s my birthday in two months.”

“…”

I didn’t know that, but for the sake of Claude’s mental health, I decided to act as if I did.

“Oh, yes.”

“There’s going to be a party at my mansion then. Will you be my dance partner?”

“Dance partner?” I repeated, flustered by the sudden suggestion. Based on what I read in the novel, one’s dance partner was usually someone who was close to them—whether a family member, spouse, or someone they were dating.

“Is that alright?” I asked.

“As you know, my mother passed away three years ago, and I don’t have a girlfriend, let alone a spouse. So there’s no one to be my dance partner for my birthday party.”

“Ah…”

“So if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you.”

It wouldn’t be any problem to accept. I didn’t know any male nobles in society anyway.

“Of course, Your Grace. I will be your dance partner,” I said with a happy nod towards him.

“Really?”

“Yes. A friend in need is a friend indeed, right?”

It was a well-known expression across all ages and in all countries of the world. However, Claude’s face dimmed when he heard the saying. I thought I had said something wrong, but upon reflection, my words were harmless.

What was it? What went wrong?

“Your Grace…?” I said carefully.

Claude blinked and his expression gradually relaxed. “Ah, yes.”

“What is it? Your face suddenly darkened…”

“Nothing. I was thinking about something else.”

“You said you didn’t sleep well last night. You must be tired. I think you should go home and get some rest,” I suggested worriedly.

He nodded and gave me a faint smile. “I suppose I have to. It would be a nuisance for me to stay too long.”

“That’s not true. However, your health is more important than anything else.”

“Thank you for worrying about me, Lady Maristella. I’m touched.”

“It’s nothing. It’s natural for friends.”

“…Yes. I’m happy that I feel like I’m special to you.”

He slowly rose from his seat, and I followed suit.

“I will be going now, Lady Maristella. Don’t overwork, and rest well,” he said with a friendly smile.

“I will, Your Grace. Have a safe trip.”

I accompanied Claude to the front of the gate, and only after I watched him ride away in his carriage that I went back to my room. There I saw Florinda and the other maids tidying up.

“Should I go out?” I asked quietly.

“No, My Lady. We’re done,” Florinda said, and as soon as she finished her sentence, the maids began to file out one-by-one. Only Florinda remained, and I was left alone with her.

I flopped down on my bed and picked up the envelope that was on the table. It was a reply from Thurman Palace.

“That was fast,” I muttered, but I did not open the envelope.

“I was surprised too,” Florinda remarked. “Fortunately, the Imperial Palace is not too far away from Bellafleur mansion.”

I opened the silver envelope with keen anticipation. My eyes flew over the letter, and at some point I breathed out a long sigh. Florinda, who was watching from the side, looked at me nervously.

“W-what’s wrong, My Lady? Did he refuse you?” she asked.

“No. Thankfully, he allowed me to visit.”

I was worried that he would be too busy and would end up rejecting me. I placed the letter back in the envelope with relief.

“That’s great! Then when are you going to the Imperial Palace?” Florinda asked excitedly.

“Ah.”

I was so happy that I completely missed that crucial detail. Embarrassed, I took the letter out of the envelope again. When I re-read the letter, this time bewilderment crossed my face.