Chapter 61

"I'm very sorry for taking a break at such an inappropriate time. Now that I've finished writing the second part, I'll update it all at once! Thank you for your continued support ( ˘人˘ )

"It's so peaceful. I miss the days when we used to go to the sea and mountains."

"Papa! Pipi, papi!"

"It seems Haniwa also wants to go to the mountains."

"Hehe, once the cafeteria calms down, we might go on a regular trip next time."

When I pet her head, Haniwa chirped happily, "Pupi." Lately, I've started to think that "pupi" might mean "like."

Evan also seems to be trying to interpret Haniwa's language, but it's not certain if he's getting it right.

"Pepipo, papi, papi!"

"He says he wants to see the Duke."

"………"

It has been two months since then. There has been no contact from Lord Zain, and the agreement to keep our distance has been maintained.

As a result, every day is surprisingly peaceful, to the point where it feels unsettling. After chasing him so desperately, can he really give up so easily?

"……But, this should work out well."

My life and the world's peace will be saved by the invisible power of their "love."

When I used to read novels, I would be captivated and excited by the image of two people who love each other. However, I don't know when that feeling will sprout, or what exactly the "power of love" is.

That's why I have no choice but to do this. If there were another way, I wish someone would tell me.

Incidentally, the cafeteria is doing better than expected. Although I was prepared for a loss at first, it started making a profit from the first month, which was a relief.

The children also come to play freely, and I always receive their energy and happiness.

"But, it's really strange, isn't it? Has the Duke's heart started to change?"

"Pipu! Pipu!"

"Ouch... It hurts, can't you do something about it?"

"You really don't like Ranheart, do you? I wonder why."

"I'm just telling her that he's her new father."

"Pupu! Popo!"

"Ahaha, sorry. Hey, it really hurts, you know."

Today, Ranheart came to visit, and Haniwa has been continuously attacking him.

I have also informed him of all the reports so far, as he has been helping me closely.

"By the way, I heard that the other day, that child was with Mariabel."

"Charlotte was?"

"Yes. Someone saw them together at a café, and there are rumors that they are really a good family with the Duke."

I was surprised to hear that she has already interacted with Mariabel. The situation might be improving more than I thought.

"But, you look sad."

"……Of course, I feel that way."

Naturally, I feel sad and selfish, as if my place has been taken. However, I had taken Charlotte's place in the first place.

This is undoubtedly the right and correct future.

"Well, that's good. So, will you go out with me?"

"Pape! Pape!"

"It's fine, I won't go out with you."

"Pu……"

I held Haniwa, who continued to be angry at Ranheart, like a baby and patted her, and she seemed to calm down. She's so cute.

"Oh, but you're not broken up yet, right?"

"Yes. There's still one month left for the cooling-off period."

"I see, it would be good if you can break up by then."

Ranheart, who said this as if it were someone else's matter, took a sip of tea and then said, "Ah, that's right."

"Actually, the girl I was supposed to attend the ball with tonight suddenly had a plan. Would you like to go with me?"

"Sure, I'll go if you want me to."

I have been helped by Ranheart a lot, and I need to fulfill my role as a Duke's daughter occasionally.

Looking at the clock, it was time to start getting ready, so I asked Yana to prepare and decided to see Ranheart to the gate.

"It will be the first time we appear in society together."

"Indeed, I haven't been showing my face much lately."

If we appear together, the rumors about my breakup with Lord Zain will spread even more.

At the carriage, Ranheart turned around and faced me.

"Ah, sorry, I lied earlier. I intended to go with you from the beginning, so I didn't invite anyone else."

"EH?"

With a confident and beautiful smile, Ranheart said, "Because I promised," and got into the carriage.

He must have thought that if he said he was in a bind at the last minute, I wouldn't refuse. He could have just asked me normally.

"……Well"

Still, I couldn't help but laugh at his honesty in saying, "I lied," and returned to the mansion to prepare for tonight.