Chapter 25

It has been five months since I became Zain-sama's lover.

The days pass by so quickly, and a vague sense of urgency builds up. I try to make each day count and get through the tasks I need to do, putting in all my effort.

"Are you a lady with precognitive abilities?"

"Hehe... actually, I am."

"There's no way you could be something so grand."

On a certain afternoon, I was having tea with Evan, the beautiful young stalker who had been captured, and Yana, who had returned.

And just yesterday, the price of the land I had previously purchased, as predicted in the novel, skyrocketed. Evan and I, who had bought it together, were now in possession of a large sum of money.

It feels like we've done something wrong to make money so easily. Honestly, I feel more scared than happy, but I must use it wisely.

"What are you going to do with that money?"

"Well, I'm going to use it to open a shop."

"Hmm, are you going to open a dress shop?"

"No, a cafeteria for commoners."

When I answered honestly, the beautiful young man let out a surprised "Huh." He still hasn't told me his name, but he's become quite familiar.

I returned the money I had borrowed from Grace and divided it into funds for the cafeteria and my personal savings, avoiding any extravagance.

When I gave Yana and Patty a bonus, they were very happy, and I felt happy too. Evan said he would double it at the casino, which is a bit scary.

"Ah, it's about time. I'm going to the Duke's mansion."

"Yes, have a good trip."

Recently, I've been busy with the cafeteria preparations and social engagements, but I've been seeing Zain-sama more often than before.

◇◇◇

"You look very good. You're so cute."

"Ah, thank you..."

And as always, today is no different, with an uncertain air of who will be the one to fall.

When I wore the dress Zain-sama gave me, he praised me so much that I felt embarrassed, but it made me happy.

All the gifts from him are wonderful and have great taste, and they look incredibly expensive.

"Come here."

I was led to Zain-sama's room and invited to sit next to him.

The distance between us has become much closer than before, and my heart races more often. Even holding hands while talking has become a matter of course.

I'm always on edge, but Zain-sama always remains calm, which makes me feel frustrated.

"What were you doing before you came here today?"

"I was having tea with Evan and Yana. Evan wants to go to the casino again."

"Have you ever gone to the casino?"

"No. The thought of money disappearing in an instant with just a few cards or a roll of the dice makes my stomach hurt."

"You really are different."

Zain-sama chuckled, and I smiled along with him.

Recently, he has been saying he wants to get to know me better and asks me various questions. Our conversations have become much more lively, and I feel like I can be more myself.

"Have you ever been to a casino?"

"Yes, I've been a few times with Boris. How about we go together next time? I'll pay."

"That's not the issue..."

"I always win, so it's fine."

Zain-sama, who can say such things so casually, is quite lucky. He is, after all, the protagonist.

"By the way, I really appreciate your feelings, but you don't have to give me so many expensive gifts."

"What would make you happy?"

"Uh... well... maybe some flowers picked from around here..."

When I answered spontaneously, Zain-sama laughed and said, "What's that?" Despite being only four years older, his occasional youthful smile always makes my heart race.

"Really! I've never received a bouquet before."

"Alright, then I want to be the first to give you one."

"Okay, I look forward to it."

However, imagining Zain-sama picking flowers from around here doesn't seem to fit him, and I can't help but laugh.

"...Why are you so cute?"

Zain-sama gently stroked my head and narrowed his eyes softly. Zain-sama always calls me "cute."

I no longer think it's all an act, and I wonder if it's similar to how he treats Mariabel.

Even if it's not romantic, I hope my presence is growing in Zain-sama's heart. We still have seven months, so I'm sure he'll be a little hurt when we break up.

Besides, any wounds I inflict will be quickly healed by Charlotte.

"Ah, right. I actually compiled a recipe notebook—"

This month has been hectic, and I haven't met Mariabel yet, so I brought a notebook with simple recipes.

I want to cook together as we discussed, but I also hope the amount and frequency of meals will increase. As I reached into my bag to take it out, I dropped it on the floor.

When I reached for it, Zain-sama, who was also trying to pick it up, bumped his forehead against mine.

"..."

The closeness made my heart race. Our eyes met at such a close distance that I could count his eyelashes.

The me reflected in his honey-colored eyes looked like I was about to cry.

"S-Sorry..."

"Grace."

He called my name in a very sweet voice, and his face came even closer, making me close my eyes tightly. But then,

"It's okay, I won't do anything."

I heard his voice and slowly opened my eyes to see Zain-sama smiling in a troubled way.

I pressed my hand against my heart, which was beating rapidly, and tried to calm myself down.

"Is there a big event coming up?"

After handing over the notebook and thanking him, I tried to change the subject by asking Zain-sama.

On the table was an envelope, and from the seal, I realized it was an invitation from the royal family. I remembered a similar one arriving at my father's house before.

"Yes, one should be arriving at your place soon."

Zain-sama said this and picked up the envelope.

"I was planning to invite you."

"Me?"

Recently, I've been attending social events as Zain-sama's partner, so I casually glanced at the invitation in his hand and gasped.

"At the end of next month, a royal ball will be held to celebrate the engagement of the second princess."

"......What?"

I couldn't believe my eyes and blinked repeatedly. The invitation clearly stated that a ball would be held to celebrate the engagement of the second princess.

I couldn't understand. My mind went blank.

"Why...?"

This royal ball was the place where Charlotte and Zain-sama met—the day I was supposed to reject Zain-sama.