Chapter 52 - Someone Else He Has Feelings For (1/2)

Chapter 52 – Someone Else He Has Feelings For

When I went to the drawing room, Sir Dilton was drinking tea in an upright posture, as usual. I always had this thought in the back of my mind, but he was so aristocratic that I could not reconcile his energetic appearance that sometimes revealed itself.

“Sir Dilton,” I said as I stepped into the parlor room. Sir Dilton quickly put down the teacup and stood up. A gentle smile spread across his mouth.

“Lady Maristella,” he greeted.

“Good to see you again, Sir Dilton. It’s nice to see you often.”

“It really is. It hasn’t been that long since the maid went up. You came here quickly.”

“Yes. Fortunately my outfit was proper.”

With a smile on my face, I walked to the table where he was sitting, then gestured for him to sit down.

He took his seat again, and as soon as I settled down myself, a maid came from outside and brought my share of refreshments. I took an appreciative sip of orange tea before speaking.

“What brings you here? Did something happen to the Crown Prince?” I asked.

I could guess why Sir Dilton was here, but it was too embarrassing to bring that up first. Sir Dilton smiled as if to say no.

“It was not about that. I’m here to give the answer to your previous offer.”

“If it was something that I offered previously…”

“Yes. The blind date.”

“Oh my.” I quickly hid the excitement bubbling up in me. “Did His Highness really say he would do it?”

“Yes, he did. I don’t know what made him change his mind. His Highness said he will discuss the schedule with Lady Odeletta himself.”

“That’s great,” I said with a pleased grin. “But wait, what do you mean he changed his mind? Did something happen to him?”

“Ah…” Sir Dilton hesitated, then soon replied cautiously. “Well… I didn’t expect His Highness to accept. He’s not very interested. However, he’s old enough to get married. It’s quite a problem if he doesn’t have any interest…”

“I suppose the Emperor is rushing him into marriage.”

“I don’t know about that, but I’m sure the Emperor is giving him hints. After the Crown Prince met the Emperor last time, his complexion has gotten much worse.”

“I see,” I said, nodding. “Anyway, I’m glad His Highness gave a positive answer. Lady Odeletta has been looking forward to this.”

“Ah.” Sir Dilton’s expression turned somewhat strange at my remarks.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Nothing. Hmm… I suppose you want him to get married as soon as possible.”

I didn’t think too much about it. “I think it’s right for the Crown Prince to get married soon to stabilize the Imperial family and the Empire.”

Normally, I wouldn’t have cared about Xavier if he didn’t take up a big share of the storyline of this book. But to change Maristella’s future, he had to quickly fall in love with Odeletta and marry her. And just as I said to Sir Dilton, Xavier had to get married as soon as possible for the sake of the Empire. He was the Emperor’s only son, after all.

“You’re very kind, Lady Maristella,” Sir Dilton said out of the blue, and I raised my eyebrows at him curiously.

“Pardon? Me?”

I didn’t think I was that kind, but I never thought I was terrible either.

“It may sound a little blasphemous, but isn’t the Crown Prince the best of all marriage candidates?” Sir Dilton.

“Of course.”

Xavier was certainly an excellent prospect. Firstly, he was devastatingly handsome, secondly, he was a powerful man who would lead the Empire in the future, thirdly, he was rich, and fourth, he had a great personality.

“But I suppose you don’t desire him,” Sir Dilton said.

“Hmm… What do you mean?” I asked curiously.

“Usually in this situation, people would try to gain His Highness’ favor for themselves rather than introduce their friend.”

“You have a point there,” I said, speaking in a tone as if I were talking about someone else. Sir Dilton looked shocked at my attitude, but I continued on casually. “But I don’t want to take away someone my friend likes.”

I might have been interested in Xavier for myself if it were not for that reason. Xavier was certainly a good-looking, capable and great man.

But that was pointless in the present situation. Odeletta was already in love with Xavier. I didn’t want to lose my hard-earned friend by making a careless decision.

“You’re very ethical,” Sir Dilton commented.

“I will take that as a compliment. But I mean it,” I said seriously.

“You’re right, Lady Maristella. But…” Sir Dilton paused to choose his words. “But what if the Crown Prince’s heart is set on someone else?”

“Pardon?”

“What if the Crown Prince has someone else he has feelings for?”

I felt my heart sink. Did that mean…Xavier liked someone other than Odeletta? But who?

There were only two women in the book that Xavier looked at.

Dorothea and Odeletta. If it wasn’t Odeletta, then it was Dorothea. But no matter how much I tried to wrap my head around the idea, it couldn’t be Dorothea.

But just in case, I decided to put out feelers. “Is it…”

“…”

“Lady Cornohen?”

“…No.”

Ah, thank God.

No wait, no.

“Then who does he like?” I asked.

“For that.” Sir Dilton sighed briefly and then continued. “I don’t really know. I’m not sure about it.”