Chapter 44 - I Often Feel That Way (1/2)

Chapter 44 – I Often Feel That Way

He accepted my favor, but I couldn’t help but feel a small tinge of regret. I would need to pay it back someday.

“But how do you know it was Dorothea who made that request?” I asked.

“As I said before, only the daughter of Cornohen would make such a request to you. I know you don’t usually have anything to do with rude people, except for her.”

“That’s true,” I said with a faint smile. “It was also my fault. Strangely, I sometimes react childishly when I’m around Dorothea. I want to irritate her, tease her… Maybe it’s because I’m a little petty,” I confessed.

“Still,” Xavier said with a low chuckle, “that’s natural. I often feel that way with Duke Escliffe.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Even recently.”

So someone like Xavier could be touchy, though I found that difficult to imagine. My perception of him from the novel was strongly embedded in my mind. By my standards, Xavier was a rational man who was never fazed by anything.

But if his opponent was Claude, then perhaps the pettiness made sense. If someone like Claude was determined to irritate someone, then very few people would be able to brush him off.

That included me.

“So don’t blame yourself. In any case, it all ended well,” Xavier concluded.

“But I will be more careful next time.”

“I appreciate it though.”

“Pardon?” I said, confused.

“For the first time, I am grateful to Lady Cornohen. If it were not for her, you wouldn’t have visited Thurman Palace. If it weren’t for the tea leaves, you would have sent the handkerchief to Thurman Palace through a servant.”

“Ah…” I felt embarrassed at the accuracy of his statement. He was right. “If you need a conversation partner, just let me know, Your Highness. I’m always free, so I can take the time to visit Thurman Palace.”

“I’m so glad you said that.” A radiant smile spread on his handsome face. “How do you find dessert?”

“It was amazing,” I praised. From the appetizers to dessert, the meal was an incredible experience, and I gave him a contented smile. “I enjoyed my meal thanks to you, Your Highness.”

“I’m glad you liked it.”

“Well, Your Highness. Do you…” I hesitated over my next words. “Do you have any thoughts on going on a blind date?”

“…A blind date?”

“Yes. As I said last time, I would like to arrange a meeting between you and Lady Odeletta. Of course, only if you agree,” I quickly added.

“Hmm…”

Xavier fell quiet as he considered my suggestion. My heart pounded fretfully as I waited for his answer. It wasn’t until several anxious moments later did he open his mouth to reply.

“I will consider it, Lady Maristella. Actually, this isn’t the best time for me to agree on something right now,” he said.

“Of course, Your Highness. I don’t mean to rush you,” I replied, nodding in understanding. “Take your time to think about it. It is not urgent.”

“…I will.”

Xavier smiled at me, and I finally felt like I managed to solve one problem.

In any case, the best way to wind up Dorothea was to have Xavier marry another woman. No woman other than Odeletta would infuriate Dorothea more if she were the Crown Prince’s partner.

Then, Sir Dilton’s voice interrupted from outside, cutting off our conversation.

“Your Highness.”

Xavier turned his head. “I have a guest here. What’s going on, Sir Dilton?”

“My apologies, Your Highness. It is urgent…” Sir Dilton said, his voice noticeably on edge. “His Imperial Majesty is looking for you.”

“…”