# 34
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She quietly put down the teacup and smiled as she calmly took a sip.
"A request? Oh, it's okay."
The princess's eyes widened at my refusal.
“No need to refuse! I really want to do something for you. After all, I am a princess. I can’t just take without giving, Duchess.”
“Well, it's not that I…”
“Come on, Duchess. I really want to do this for you, so just tell me. Okay?”
It's not like I planned on just being pressured by the princess.
One of the good qualities of this spoiled princess was that she would give back to others exactly what they gave her.
If someone treated her poorly, she would return the favor with the same disdain, but if someone showed her kindness, she would return the favor in kind.
Diana realized this later in the story and was able to convince the princess to side with her through careful persuasion.
As expected, Diana was smart. Was there anything Diana couldn't do? It was clear that the only flaw in Diana's life was Ian Cloud.
Ah… However, for Diana's sake, I'll have to clean up this blemish, even if it's just a little.
I'll have to polish it up and turn it into a nice, tame keychain.
Yes. I cleared my throat and elegantly took another sip of tea.
I can't ask him too directly – it would sound desperate.
“Well, even if you say so...”
“Opportunities like this don't come around often, are you sure there isn't anything you want?”
The princess frowned as she asked.
Only then did she calmly bring up what she had prepared, and suppressed a sly smile.
“In that case, how about this?”
"What ?"
“Why don’t you make a verbal promise now, and later, without asking any questions, you will do me one favor?”
The princess wiped her chin.
“Uh...so, like a wish?”
“Basically, yes.”
The princess's ruby eyes sparkled with excitement.
“This looks fun!”
“Is it so?”
"Yes! Makes me feel like a wish-granting fairy!"
Her expression, full of anticipation, was that of a typical 14-year-old girl.
I smiled with relief.
'Everything is going according to plan.'
I intended to use this wish one year later when Diana returns.
Specifically, I was planning to have the princess wear shoes that Diana made herf.
'There is no better model than a princess.'
Diana would graduate from the academy with excellent grades, but after being away from the capital for three years, her standing in society had diminished dramatically.
If the princess wore Diana's shoes in such a situation, it would start a huge trend, and Diana would naturally become a star in society.
'Originally, the princess wasn't particularly fond of Diana...'
But will things change if you intervene?
And if you add the support of Duchess Brilloz on top of that, it would be perfect. Then, once Diana started receiving everyone's attention, I could break up with Ian and step aside quietly. Could there be a more perfect plan?
The princess gave me one look, narrowing her eyes.
“...Duchess, you're looking a little cunning again. What on earth are you planning?”
"Oh, it's nothing. People say my smiling face is a bit unusual."
“Strange...”
The princess tilted her head and then raised her eyebrows as if she no longer cared.
“Okay then, just tell me what you want later! I’ll be waiting for you.”
“Thank you for your interest.”
“This is nothing.”
The princess cleared her throat and leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with a different kind of excitement than before.
“Most importantly, there was something I wanted to ask.”
“Please, come in.”
“About my second brother… I mean, the Grand Duke – what’s going on between you two?”
This look seemed familiar.
It reminded me of when my classmates would ask student teachers about their first love in middle school.
Feigning ignorance, she took another sip of tea.
“I don't quite understand what you're asking.”
“Oh, you're being stupid? You two are suddenly so close! Don't think you can fool me.”
The princess narrowed her eyes and asked me carefully. Her expression made it clear that she was not going to let this go easily.
“Not only did the Grand Duke personally accompany you to the ball, he also kissed your hand and you exchanged a brooch! The brother I know would never do such a thing.”
“…hmmm.”
If it had been anyone else, I might have quietly tried to fool them by saying that Ian was emotional by nature.
But since my counterpart was in his family, that wouldn't work.
I skillfully avoided her gaze, then curled my lips into a smile.
“It is normal for things to change between husband and wife.”
The princess looked disappointed.
"What is this? How boring."
“That's right. You'll understand once you're married, princess.”
"Oh, come on. This isn't fun!"
The princess realized that I would not give her a straight answer, so she frowned and complained.
“I think this is not the answer you were looking for, princess.”
“Okay...”
The princess murmured, her face quickly brightening and she changed the subject.
"Let's talk about that another time! Anyway, I've come to see you in a new way, Duchess. All I've seen from you and the Grand Duke is the same expression, just saying 'yes, really' or 'no, really' all the time."
She rolled her eyes and made an angry face, which was very funny.
Were Ian and I supposed to be like this?
"… Is this correct?"
“Yes. To be honest, I never liked you very much, Duchess.”
"Yes."
I almost spit out my tea at her honesty.
"Don't get it wrong, I've changed my mind now! I really love you, Duchess."
“…Thank you, even if it’s just words.”
However, I hope she ends up liking Diana more than me.
I'm only here on a one-year contract, while Diana will likely become a permanent part.
I couldn't express such thoughts, so I simply maintained a gentle smile.
At that moment, a servant approached us cautiously and whispered next to the princess.
“Your Highness the Princess, Duchess Brillose has arrived.”
“What, already?”
The princess, who had been smiling cheerfully until a moment ago, immediately wore a frowning expression.
However, the way she solemnly arranged her seating area at the mention of “Duchess Brilloz” was like a dog responding to a cue.
“Ah… Duchess, it looks like I will have to head to my lessons now. I would like to talk more, but it seems that this is where we will have to part ways.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I'll have to invite you earlier next time.” The princess muttered to herf as she jumped from her chair.
"Ah, if you have time, you can take a look around the Royal Palace. The hydrangeas in the Fourth Garden are especially beautiful at this time of year!"
“Yes, I will.”
As I got up and timidly bowed to follow her, the princess waved her hands approvingly before walking off.
“See you next time!”
❖ ❖ ❖
By then, the sun was setting behind the castle walls. I was wandering through the fourth garden on the western side of the Royal Palace grounds, with long shadows following me.
As the princess said, the blooming hydrangeas were swaying beautifully in the breeze, making for a stunning sight.
Nearby, the lake sparkled in the twilight, reflecting the colors of the sunset. It was as if jewels were scattered across the surface of the water.
I was quietly amazed by the scene.
“I'm glad I didn't miss this.”
The garden in the Grand Duke's possession was beautiful, but it could not be compared to the royal grounds.
As I walked slowly, enjoying the views, I failed to notice a stone in my path.
"Yes…!"
In an instant, my vision flipped and my body lost its balance.
Someone grabbed me tightly by the waist.
"… Are you well?"