Chapter 47

"Milady, I have kept you waiting."

"Thank you. Then, please change into this."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

I received the change of clothes from Yana, who was looking at Zain and me with a puzzled expression, and handed Evan's clothes to Zain.

Then, as Zain started to undress right in front of me, I hastily covered my face with both hands.

"Y-You, you, change in the hut! You can go in from here!"

"Haha, you really are a novice."

Laughing again at my flustered state, which was caused by the sight of his perfect abs, Zain went into the hut.

Once his figure disappeared, I slumped to the ground, feeling drained.

"Phew, why did it come to this..."

I never imagined that Zain would chase me all the way to this remote mountain. No one would have expected it.

Zain is not idle, and he doesn't do anything pointless. Yet, he is so fond of me that he is willing to play this ridiculous game of tag.

"...Hey, Haniwa, slap my cheeks."

"Pepi"

When I asked for a slap to boost my spirit, Haniwa perched on my shoulder. Closing my eyes tightly, I expected a slap on the cheek, but instead, my head was gently patted.

My heart tightened at the awkward, gentle, small hand.

"H-Haniwa...!"

"Pepi po, ppi?"

Though I couldn't understand the meaning of the words, I knew Haniwa was trying to comfort and encourage me.

It was a stark contrast to the merciless way Haniwa hit Evan. Feeling happy and touched, I hugged the small body and stood up.

"Alright."

Ignoring the loud beating of my heart, I took a deep breath and stepped into the hut with the change of clothes.

After that, we both changed and came out through the back door, lining up in front of the bucket filled with water.

Zain, wearing Evan's simple clothes, looked out of place amidst the dilapidated hut and bucket, standing out in the space.

I endured my guilty conscience, reminding myself that it was all for Zain, and decided to start the plan.

"I'm very sorry, but I also have my own laundry to do... If I don't wash it immediately, it won't come off, so could you please wash your own clothes, Zain?"

"...Do you always do your own laundry?"

"Yes, that's how it is here."

I brought Yana here to the remote mountains, and because of my selfishness, I try to do as much as I can on my own. Besides, I never found housework and cleaning to be a burden.

I handed a bottle of liquid to Zain.

"Please use this liquid."

"What is it?"

"It's a laundry liquid made by boiling water that had antibacterial fruits soaked in it overnight. It cleans very well."

"Fruits..."

"Yes. Isn't it great that it can be made for free!"

Smiling sincerely, I saw Zain's surprised expression and inwardly made a fist in triumph.

This was the perfect plan: making him do a chore he would never do, showing off my poor knowledge, and highlighting the difference in our values.

A man like Ranhart would probably laugh it off with a "Sorry, I can't do that." Besides, a nobleman like him would never come to such a place.

"What is this board for?"

"Using this makes it easier to remove dirt."

A man of Zain's status would have never seen a maid doing laundry, let alone have to wash his own soiled clothes.

"Here we go."

Praying that he would dislike it, I started washing the clothes vigorously, ignoring Zain.

By showing my skilled washing, I hoped to convey that this was not just a one-time lie.

Zain, seeing me, looked genuinely surprised. The sight of a marquess's daughter doing laundry with all her might was probably a first and last in his life.

But then...

"..."

"..."

We both washed in silence, diligently.

The sight of the head duke and a marquess's daughter doing laundry in the remote mountains would shock anyone.

"Laundry is such a time-consuming task. I should be more grateful to the servants."

"Ah, yes... that's true..."

"If you hadn't invited me, I would never have known. Thank you."

"N-No..."

Zain's heart was so pure that instead of being annoyed, he was expressing gratitude. This was a serious situation.

"You are truly amazing."

"N-No, I'm not..."

"Being with Grace makes me realize how narrow my world has been."

I could feel his genuine praise, even though I am not such a great person.

Zain continued to wash the mud stains awkwardly, occasionally asking for tips.

"Pepu, papu!"

"Are you trying to help too?"

Haniwa tried to help by putting his hands in the bucket, but since his body was made of clay, he ended up dirtying the clean parts again.

"But, it's dangerous, so just watch from there. Thank you."

"Pope... po..."

However, instead of getting angry, Zain worried about Haniwa's hands becoming soft from the water and dried them with wind magic.

"Pepipo, ppi! Ppi!"

"Sorry, Haniwa."

"Don't worry. I appreciate the effort."

"..."

My plan to lower Zain's affection for me was turning into an event that only increased his affection.

Zain was indeed kind, handsome, and the perfect protagonist.

---

Today, the comic adaptation of this work finally begins!

Label: KADOKAWA FLOS COMIC

Manga: Minori Amasummer, Ayumu Nakajima

Publication: ComicWalker

There will be daily updates for the next 8 days, followed by weekly updates every Saturday. It's incredibly beautiful and interesting, so I really, really want you to read it ( ˘人˘ )♡♡

Let me introduce a bit of the main story!!!

This is Grace! Super beautiful ( ; ; )♡♡

She has a rich expression and is very cute!!!

Everyone's favorite Evan, still a handsome guy.

The first chapter starts with him half-naked.

And the hero, Zain;;♡♡

He's a sparkling prince, too cool... wow...

Also, the book has been reprinted ( ; ; )♡

Thank you so much to everyone who purchased it! I hope you enjoy the comic adaptation as well!♪