# 65
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Since most of the customers were nobles from the capital, they looked at Duke Roger and me curiously.
It was then that I realized that this situation was enough to cause a misunderstanding.
'...Ah, maybe I shouldn't have come.'
I had a strong feeling that this would turn into rumors later.
As I subtly moved my gaze around the place, Duke Roger turned to me after finishing the order.
“The manager mentioned that they have great wine in stock. It's a little early, but I ordered one that's suitable for us. Is that okay?”
“Ah, thank you.”
I stopped staring and focused on Duke Roger.
'Well, I have to be careful after all.'
You have already laid the foundation.
When our eyes met, Duke Roger, who had been looking at me the whole time, smiled warmly, and his gentle eyes curved into a crescent shape.
“I hope the meal suits your taste.”
“Since this is the best restaurant in the capital, I doubt it wouldn't be.”
“Next time, I will make sure to host a meal at my palace.”
Oh, so you're planning to meet again?
Duke Roger looked away briefly and bit his lip, then rubbed his neck awkwardly.
“…Actually, I was worried that the Grand Duchess might refuse the meeting.”
“I was a little puzzled when you sent an invitation addressed only to me and not to the Grand Duke.”
I replied casually as I drank the water, and Duke Roger cleared his throat, clearly annoyed. He didn't seem to expect me to talk about it directly.
“Ah, well, this...”
“I heard that you and the Grand Duke weren't particularly close growing up. Does that mean I'm an exception?”
She put the cup down and asked him jokingly. He widened his eyes in amazement.
I shrugged.
“If you are wary of the Grand Duke, shouldn’t I be wary of you as well?”
After my words, traces of embarrassment appeared on his smiling face.
“Indeed, the Grand Duchess’s candor is always… refreshing.”
As soon as he opened his mouth to say more, the server brought out an appetizer: a pie topped with chopped salmon and sprouts.
“Please, enjoy this first, Your Highness.”
Duke Roger quickly offered me food, as if seizing the opportunity.
“…hmmm.”
I gave him a short, narrow-eyed look before picking up the pie. The moment I took a bite, my mouth was filled with a fresh and refreshing aroma.
"delicious!"
Although the ingredients were simple, the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the pancake was heavenly. As my eyes widened in surprise, Duke Roger looked at me with a slight laugh.
“It seems to suit your taste.”
"...This is the best salmon I've ever had. It really lives up to its reputation as the best restaurant in the capital. I doubt even the Grand Duke's chef could make something as good as this."
“Is it that impressive?”
Duke Roger stifled a laugh and held out his pie plate.
“Do you want to eat another dish?”
“No, thank you. You should enjoy your dish too.”
Even though I felt like eating another plate, I maintained some dignity.
Duke Roger smiled lightly, touched the cup in front of him, and his expression became a little embarrassed.
“Indeed, regarding the question you asked earlier.”
“Hmm?”
“She asked me if I was okay with you.”
“Ah, yes.”
He hesitated for a moment before speaking.
“…Is it enough for me to say that I want to be a good friend of the Grand Duchess?”
“…Huh?”
I didn't understand right away and turned my head.
After a moment, I blinked when I realized what he meant.
"friends?"
“Yes. I didn’t realize it when I only heard the many rumors about the Grand Duchess, but after meeting you in person, I thought you were a very nice person. Especially after the way you helped my cousin.”
He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
“Usually, even if someone feels sympathy, it's not easy to actively step in and help. Especially for someone of your stature.”
Duke Roger looked at me hesitantly and continued in a low voice.
“So, I hurriedly extended the invitation because I wanted to be closer to you, but I apologize if it made you uncomfortable.”
“It's not like that, but considering our families' situation...”
I subtly expressed my confusion, wondering why he would want to be my friend when he wasn't even close to Ian.
His face became a little more embarrassed.
“Indeed, regarding the Grand Duke… there is a lot I can say...”
“When we were younger, it is true that I kept my distance from him due to my father’s wishes and political reasons. But, in a way, I was a companion of His Majesty and a companion of the Grand Duke. Although I am loyal to the Emperor, I personally hold no grudge towards the Grand Duke.”
“…I understand.”
She let out a soft hum and took a sip of water.
‘Come to think of it, it was the former Duke Roger who introduced him to the young emperor, making them friends since childhood.’
From what I know, the former Duke Roger was a staunch supporter of the Imperial Family, befitting the head of one of the founding families.
There were even jokes that if the Emperor ordered him to die, he would immediately draw his sword and stab himf in the stomach.
'It was only mentioned briefly in the original story, but it left a lasting impression.'
That line was from Diana, after all.
“However, if you intend to maintain your political position, this may not be the best approach,” I said.
“No, I am different from my father. I want to serve His Majesty in a different way. Although the current situation makes it difficult...”
I raised my eyebrows.
“This is an unexpected statement.”
If Duke Roger, a staunch supporter of the Emperor, were to change his position, there would undoubtedly be major political shifts.
“...Of course, this is not my official position yet. I need time to discuss matters with the Grand Duke.”
“Then you should have invited both the Grand Duke and me. You had plenty of time to talk to him.”
Duke Roger, who had been looking down, finally raised his gaze to meet my gaze. He put down his cup and nodded.
“Yes, but this time, I also wanted to thank you for the kindness you showed to Countess Olsen. If you suddenly sent an invitation to the Grand Duke, he might be a little wary.”
"Yes."
A low sound escaped my lips.
“That's right, he warned me before I came here.”
Now I was even more confused.
“So, are you planning to use me as a bridge to the Grand Duke?”
“Haha, it would be sad if you put it that way. I really wanted to thank you, Your Highness the Grand Duchess.”
“Then next time, I think it would be better to invite the Grand Duke as well.”
“It would be an honor,” Duke Roger replied with a soft smile, then hesitated before asking cautiously.
“So…would it be okay? If the Grand Duchess and I could become good friends?”
His dark green eyes sparkled with hope.
… Was he doing this because he knew I was weak in front of friendly faces?
A brief sigh of resignation passed through my mind, but it was short-lived.
“…Okay, situation permitting.”
"truly?" He asked, his facial expression lighting up with the happiest, brightest smile I had seen so far.
His mouth curved into a wide arc, and his open expression made him look indifferent.
“Then feel free to call me Hayden from now on, Your Highness.”
“No, still...”
“I'm really happy,” he said, and his face was so innocent and cheerful that I couldn't bring myf to refuse.
In the end, we agreed to slowly adjust the way we addressed each other.
At that moment, the waiter brought the appetizers, and the conversation naturally stopped.
The meal continued in a nice and friendly atmosphere.
With his tension relieved, Duke Roger smoothly led the conversation, and I also enjoyed a rare moment of comfort during the meal.
But I should have realized that sooner.
As our conversation deepened, the glances directed at us in the restaurant became more intense and clearer.
❖ ❖ ❖
I realized something had gone wrong the following Monday.
The Grand Duchess is in the spotlight, walking a tightrope! Where is her heart? With Grand Duke Claude or Duke Roger?
“What!?...What is this?”