Chapter 76

Amidst the many warm messages, thank you so much, really, really thank you!!! It was so heartwarming to have you all follow along with me through the tough times;;

After crying my heart out in Lord Zain's arms, I apparently fell asleep at some point.

The next morning, after the doctor examined me again and assured me there were no issues, I read the letters that had been transferred from the marquis's mansion.

There were letters densely filled with my father's worries, and ones from Yana and Haniwa, which made me feel relieved to know the restaurant was operating smoothly.

At the end of one of the letters, there was a cute little fingerprint that looked like Haniwa's, and I couldn't help but smile.

Among the letters that arrived, there was one from Ranhardt.

"…He really is so kind."

Not only did he express concern for my health, but he also wrote that it was okay not to worry about the fact that I had left early the other day, and that he hoped everything had turned out as I wished.

He must have done this to prevent me from feeling guilty. Ranhardt is always so cool and kind, making my vision blur.

I immediately wrote a heartfelt letter of gratitude and sent it to him. I still have a lot to repay Ranhardt, and I hope to find a way to thank him in the future.

After that, I got ready and met with Mariabel to talk.

"R-Really, really, I'm so glad…!"

"I'm sorry for causing you so much worry. And thank you so much. I was really touched by your feelings, Mariabel."

Although I couldn't explain everything, Mariabel cried with joy when she learned that my relationship with Lord Zain had returned to normal.

To me, she is like a dear and beloved little sister. Her tears made my vision waver.

"Sis, I love you."

"Yes, I love you too, Mariabel."

We promised to spend a lot of time together from now on, making up for lost time.

◇◇◇

Around lunchtime, Evan came to the Winslett Duke's mansion.

"R-Really, I'm so sorry…"

And now, I am sitting seiza-style in front of Evan, who is standing with his arms crossed, looking down at me.

This is the first time I've seen Evan so angry, and I can't stop sweating.

"A-Are you angry…?"

"Of course. Using the word 'order' is a foul play. Once you say that, I can't do anything. Please don't do that again."

"…I understand. Evan, thank you so much."

"You're welcome."

If I had been in his position, I would have felt very hurt and frustrated. Although it was unavoidable, it was only natural for him to be angry.

Eventually, Evan knelt down in front of me, meeting my eyes.

"I'm here to protect you, Miss."

His words, so strong and kind, touched my heart. I deeply reflected on how I should never worry him like this again, given how he always protects me.

Then, Evan said, "Actually," and took out a cute envelope.

"The complaint was just an afterthought. This is the real reason I came."

After forwarding the letters from Ranhardt and the others, he thought it would be best to show me this one immediately.

I tilted my head, wondering why it was so urgent, and took it. When I casually glanced at the sender's name, I gasped.

"Charlotte Crieve…?"

My heart thudded loudly as I slowly opened the letter.

It was an invitation to a tea party at the Crieve Viscount's mansion, which only added to my confusion. I hardly had any connection with Charlotte, and this kind of plot twist never happened in the novel.

Even after Evan left, I couldn't stop thinking about Charlotte and the invitation, unsure of what to do.

"W-What should I do…?"

"What's the matter?"

"Ah!"

Perhaps I was too lost in thought, and I didn't notice Lord Zain returning from the aftermath of the forest hunt. His sweet voice near my ear made me scream.

"W-Welcome back!"

"Ah, I'm home."

My heart was already racing, and when Lord Zain said, "It feels like we're newlyweds," while taking off his coat, my heart raced even more.