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“I always thought you were pretty.”

“T-that’s really…”

It was an unusual but passionate confession, and Darrell stopped laughing.

“What a surprising coincidence. I thought you were pretty from the beginning as well.”

“……Are you lying?”

Rieta’s blushing face was pretty lovely, so Darrell was a little worried for his younger brother.

‘You wouldn’t be immune to this.’

Darrell didn’t know if Noel liked her yet, but he had a habit of never letting go of the things he did like….

‘Well, that’s just the way it is.’

….It would be alright.

Darrell burst into pleasant laughter.

******

The Duke and Rieta thought about the invitation sent by “Madam Emily.”

They discussed it thoroughly, but eventually they decided to accept the invitation.

Above all, Rieta said, “I’m happy because it’s my first time being personally invited by name.”

No matter what it is, “first times” are precious.

******

A few weeks later, in much colder weather, Rieta and the Duke headed to Emily’s shop.

The Duke left Rieta in front of the store and told her he would be back in two hours. Rieta soon was swarmed with attention.

What if the women were just looking to cozy up to power? She was worried, but they were all kind to Rieta.

In consideration of her originating from the kingdom, the girls talked slowly, giving delicious things to Rieta.

‘They’re good people. That’s a relief.’

But as the conversation stretched, something began to bother Rieta.

“I heard the Duke took you there himself.”

“Have you ever been in the Duke’s room?”

“What kind of cars does the Duke like?”

“What do you usually talk about with the Duke?”

She thought the topic of conversation was too concentrated on one person.

‘Are they mistaken?’

In fact, the Duke’s marital status was a sore subject for him that Rieta didn’t know of. He had a sixteen-year-old son, but was still called the ‘best groom in the capital’.

The reason was simple: he was the brother of the Emperor.

He was sick and tired of receiving letters asking for marriage even when he was about to turn 40.

Of course, he never replied to these messages.

***

If the cold-blooded Duke doesn’t reply no matter how hard they try, even nobles would get tired of it.

However, from a distant kingdom, a squirrel-like Rieta appeared.

Rumors of her spread quickly within the exclusive capital aristocracy.

He made Madame Emily make her clothes quickly and even gave her a big tip for her troubles.

When King Liz’s letter caused her sorrow, he immediately hugged her and left.

He searched every doll shop in the capital city to find the one that was to her liking.

Of course, there were aristocrats who did not believe such rumors.

‘That scary man, would he really show such kindness to a poor Princess who did nothing for him?’

To those who responded like that, everyone else would bring up another point, saying.

‘Think carefully! His Majesty has been a daughter fool for generations! The duke is also a descendant of the imperial family, and his ‘daughter’s fool’ blood flows through him too. I’m sure!’

It was a remark so convincing that it gave them all goosebumps.

Therefore, among the nobles, a new rumor began to spread, “If you win the heart of Princess Rieta, then winning over the Duke is no problem at all.”

“The Duke….is kind to me. He always asks me what I like.”

“Oh, how sweet of him!”

“I heard you’ve got a bunch of home tutors?”

“What do you learn?”

“Does the Duke teach you anything himself?”

Rieta responded slowly but sincerely to all the questions relentlessly coming at her.

“The Duke is busy with his work. But sometimes he reads me short books.”

“Oh my, so kind.”

“He must really treasure the Princess, don’t you think?”

Yes, he did. But agreeing made her feel a little uncomfortable.

“Because he’s a nice person.”

Rieta somewhat avoided answering with these words.

“Oh, right. Princess, would you like to learn embroidery?”

“Em..broidery?”

They pretended to sew, pointing to embroidery carved on the dress.

“This skill is useful when decorating a mansion.”

“You can also make tapestries with family patterns.”

“The princess can change the atmosphere of the Duke too.”

Rieta shook her head quickly.

Their words only increased her discomfort, like changing the atmosphere of the Duke.

“It’s okay.”

Rieta shook her head again.

And she shut her mouth tightly, like a clam.

Luckily, the announcement of the new dress had just begun, so no one spared another thought for their conversation Rieta.