Chapter 24

It's long, so I split it! I've updated two episodes together.

One day, I visited the Windslet Duke's mansion early in the morning. Today, I was wearing a sky-blue dress that matched the color of my eyes.

On the third Sunday of the month, it had become a routine for Mariabel and me to make lunch together, and then have a meal with Lord Zain as a trio.

I had grown to really enjoy this peaceful and gentle time spent with the two of them.

"It's really delicious, Mariabel is so talented!"

"I'm glad. Thank you."

"Even if I'm not here, you can probably make it on your own now."

While cooking, after tasting the food and telling her this, Mariabel, for some reason, grabbed my apron with a face that looked like she was about to cry.

"Even if I can cook on my own, I want to be with you forever and ever, Onee-sama."

Her cuteness and affection made my heart tighten. I, too, wanted to remain close to Mariabel.

Still, thinking about how my relationship with Mariabel would change after parting ways with Lord Zain, my heart ached.

"Thank you. I also want to be with Mariabel."

While hugging Mariabel, I thought about whether I could apologize and be forgiven for everything I did for the sake of the world after the two of us had a happy ending.

After that, we enjoyed lunch together as a trio, went for a walk, and had tea, spending a pleasant time.

"I'm really happy. When you and Onii-sama get married, we'll definitely be even happier, right!"

Her casual words left me bewildered. That day would never come.

While I can't even imagine marrying Lord Zain, I truly believe that if this time could continue forever, it would be a happy life.

'Being by your side is the greatest happiness for me.'

However, I know that this is not the right answer.

If I meet the sweet and kind Charlotte, I'm sure I would feel the same. The three of us should definitely be able to be happy.

"......"

Yet, why can't I feel happy?

Even though I knew from the beginning, I feel sad and lonely.

"Onee-sama Grace...?"

"Ah, sorry! ...I really think so too."

Seeing Mariabel's worried face, I hurriedly smiled, and she smiled in relief.

I told myself to stay strong for their sake and tightly gripped my hands.

– Unaware of the expression Lord Zain had as he watched me think about these things.

After that, I got into the carriage with Lord Zain, who offered to take me to the Sentsberry Marquess's mansion. I mentally prepared myself, thinking it was time to put the plan into action.

"Um, Lord Zain?"

"What is it?"

"Can I sit next to you?"

He showed a slightly surprised look but quickly nodded, and I moved from across to next to him.

Sitting right next to him, I felt my heart race from the gentle, good smell and the warmth of his shoulder that touched mine.

"Can I hold your hand?"

"...Of course."

When I took his outstretched hand, Lord Zain immediately gave it a gentle squeeze. I always think his hands are very manly.

– After Yana left, I read a lot of romance novels and learned that it's important to touch and seduce, making the other person aware of you as a member of the opposite sex.

So, I tried touching him, but when I glanced up at Lord Zain, there was no change in him.

Going any further with physical contact would exceed my capacity. Still, I tried my best and rested my head on his shoulder.

"You're sleepy, huh. It's fine to sleep until we arrive."

His reaction made me inwardly frustrated. Being put to sleep while trying to seduce him was too ridiculous.

"N-no! I'm not sleepy."

"If not, why are you doing this?"

"Well, I want Lord Zain to like me."

Deciding to be straightforward, I told him honestly, and he looked surprised, muttering, "You really thought that?"

His tone made me feel like he had heard something similar before.

"......There's no need to do such a thing."

The hand holding mine tightened. When I asked what he meant, Lord Zain didn't answer.

"What do you think about marrying me?"

"I think it would definitely be happy! Lord Zain is kinder and better than anyone else. I envy the person who will marry you."

"If that's the case, why–"

Lord Zain, who started to speak, looked puzzled and then said, "Thank you."

"I also think the person who can marry you will be happy."

When I heard those words, I looked up in surprise, and our eyes met. He smiled in a troubled way.

I should have been happy to be praised so much, but why did my heart ache again?

"......"

Eventually, Lord Zain's warm body, gentle voice, and the slight swaying of the carriage made me really sleepy.

Closing my eyes quietly, I soon lost consciousness. The feeling of my head being gently stroked made my lips relax.

"......I wish we could always spend time like this."

Unaware that I had muttered this unconsciously, I fell into a peaceful dream.