Chapter 16

"I thought it had finally begun, but it ended right away..."

Two days have passed since my disastrous date with Lord Zain, and I am in the depths of despair.

I am still lying on my bed, enveloped in a damp and heavy atmosphere, as if mushrooms could grow from the moisture.

The date had been so enjoyable until the very end, but the terrible conclusion ruined everything.

"Please cheer up, it was a great success."

"Huh?"

"I thought there was a chance the Duke might see it, so I put it in."

"Are you actually resenting me?"

Evan casually said such a terrifying thing and then smiled, saying, "Of course not."

"Isn't it cute and earnest of a young lady to bring such a list to get closer to someone?"

"You mean a mentally unstable stalker..."

The first part, up to the hug, was still okay. But the second part, with the kiss and being pushed down, was definitely too much. A shameless woman is definitely not his type.

Moreover, to cry and run away after he tried to fulfill my wish (??) was the worst.

"Anyway, I think the Duke's mind is full of thoughts about the young lady right now. Don't worry."

"..."

While I don't know much about men, I can't help but feel that Evan's sense is different from that of an average man.

"Just getting a little closer and blushing and crying is the biggest gap, isn't it?"

"Indeed, I think it showed a difference from the previous young ladies."

"Besides, men are weak for women's tears."

However, Yana also agreed with Evan, and I gradually started to feel a bit more hopeful.

"Miss, you have a letter from the Winslett Duke's residence."

"Huh?"

In the midst of this, I was informed that a letter had arrived, and I jumped up, thinking it might be from Lord Zain. The letter handed to me was a cute pink envelope.

"Oh, it's from Mariabel."

The letter, written in a cute handwriting, thanked me again for helping her the other day and invited me to a tea party at the Duke's residence with Mariabel, Lord Zain, and his friend.

"…Is he really not put off?"

If he had been annoyed with me, he wouldn't have invited his friend and invited me to the Duke's residence.

"Alright."

Thinking I would make a comeback, I quickly wrote a reply saying "I would be delighted to come" and started practicing my apology and the homemade sweets I would bring.

◇◇◇

And before I knew it, the day of the tea party arrived.

Arriving in front of the castle-like Duke's residence, I stepped out of the carriage and immediately heard the voice, "Sister Grace!"

"I'm so glad to see you! Thank you."

"Thank you for inviting me."

Mariabel, who looked like an angel, greeted me immediately, and next to her was Lord Zain, whom I hadn't seen in a week.

Thinking back to the other day, I felt my face heat up, but I told myself to calm down.

"Lord Zain, thank you for the other day."

"Ah."

I gave him my best smile, but his face was so handsome that it was hard to look at him directly. After that, Mariabel took my hand, and we walked together through the grounds.

"Wow...! It's so beautiful."

"Hehe, thank you. It's my pride and joy."

In the vast garden, colorful flowers were in full bloom, and the trees were beautifully trimmed. It was so beautiful that I couldn't help but sigh, and just looking at it made my heart leap.

We were led to a gazebo in the garden, and after Mariabel left to prepare, I was alone with Lord Zain. I immediately turned to him and bowed my head slightly.

"I'm sorry for my rude behavior the other day."

"No, I'm the one who should apologize for acting on my own."

He must have been concerned about me crying, which made me feel even more guilty.

"Well, it was my first time really liking someone, and I was embarrassed when Lord Zain touched me..."

"…I see."

I immediately used the excuse Yana had come up with, but even when I said it out loud, it sounded too perfect. Anyone would think it was understandable.

Lord Zain, who had slightly widened his almond-shaped eyes, nodded in understanding.

I was able to clear up the misunderstanding about the second half of the list by explaining that it was something Evan, my confidant, had written on his own, and I felt relieved.

"Hello, Miss Grace. Nice to meet you."

Turning to the voice, I saw a tall man with chestnut hair tied in a ponytail, and I realized it was Boris.

In the novel, Boris Clam appears only briefly as Lord Zain's confidant.

"Nice to meet you, Lord Boris. I am Grace Sentsberry. It's a pleasure to meet you."

I smiled, and Lord Boris returned a refreshing smile, saying, "The pleasure is mine."

While I planned to be cold to everyone except Lord Zain, I intended to be friendly to his friend.

By the way, today I was wearing a mint green dress that suited the spring season, and my hair was loosely braided and tied with a ribbon of the same color. I was so cute that I had been admiring myself in the mirror for a while.

"Indeed, I knew about Miss Grace, but you've really changed. You look very beautiful."

"Thank you."

"Is this for Zain? I'm envious."

"Stop saying unnecessary things."

Perhaps Lord Zain had been talking about me. I hoped it wasn't anything bad as I nodded along.

"Everyone, I'm sorry to keep you waiting."

Soon, Mariabel returned, and the tea party began.

The table was filled with sparkling, cute pastries, which were fun just to look at.

However, Mariabel only drank tea and didn't touch any of the pastries or cakes. I lost my chance to bring out the sweets I had made, thinking she might not like sweet things.

Meanwhile, Lord Boris, sitting across from me, looked at me straight in the eye with a smile and opened his mouth.

"Hey, what do you like about Zain?"

"…Boris."

"I'm curious too! I really want to hear it!"

Lord Zain called out his name as if to scold him, but Lord Boris didn't seem to mind. He must have been worried about his best friend being forced to be the lover of a villainess.

On the other hand, Mariabel, who seemed to be at the age where she was interested in love stories, had her golden eyes sparkling and her hands clasped together.

"Miss Grace, don't mind it."

"No, I'd like to talk about it!"

I understood that Lord Zain was an excellent person and that I didn't match him. This was a chance to show that I wasn't a harmful presence to such a wonderful person.

Thinking this, I tightly gripped my hands under the table.

– I love Lord Zain and Charlotte so much that I've read the novel many times, and I know a lot about their good qualities and efforts.

"I really like Lord Zain's kindness. He is more observant and considerate of others than anyone else, and I respect his hardworking nature. I also like his sincerity in everything he does, whether it's his family, friends, or work—..."

To my surprise, the words flowed out smoothly and wouldn't stop. Everything was my honest feelings, and I really wanted such a wonderful person to be happy.

When I realized I had been talking too much, I looked up and saw Mariabel crying for some reason.

"Ah, what...?"

Lord Boris also had an expression of disbelief, and I started to feel uneasy, cautiously turning my gaze to Lord Zain.

"...Lord Zain?"

Lord Zain, sitting to my left, was covering his mouth with one hand, and his face, visible through the gap, was slightly red.