“Oh my!”
The princess marveled at the herb garden, and I couldn't help but feel proud. The prince, though not vocal, seemed equally impressed.
These are my precious plants.
Don’t you wish you had something like this?
“Did the Duchess really plant all these?”
“Yes. I planted them and tended them myself. This is a sagebrush plant that is good for mental stability, and that is a root bontas plant that is good for headaches. The one planted in front of here is a herb that is good for toothaches.”
I took the opportunity to boast about my plants a bit. They are indeed very effective.
The princess seemed genuinely fascinated, her eyes sparkling as she wandered around. She then pointed towards Dante’s garden and asked,
“Then, that flower garden... Kuff.”
She turned away, covering her mouth and shaking with laughter.
“Oh dear.”
The prince sighed softly next to her and then gave me an awkward smile.
“My sister has been quite rude. I apologize.”
“No, it’s fine.”
“Ahem. I'm sorry, Duchess. I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of the mighty Duke Richter tending to a flower garden.”
The princess finally managed to stop laughing, covering her mouth with a handkerchief as she apologized.
It was a strange feeling. Although she apologized, she had said what she wanted. Why was she trying to belittle Dante? He worked hard on that garden.
The thought of her being 'royalty' crossed my mind. They seemed arrogant and somewhat annoying. I doubted we would ever be friends.
“But seeing how well-maintained it is, he must genuinely enjoy gardening. The Duke is fortunate to have found a good hobby with the help of his wife.”
Perhaps she wasn't entirely bad! I shouldn’t judge people too quickly. And no, it wasn’t because she praised me, though I couldn't stop my shoulders from lifting.
“Could you show me more? I think I really like this garden.”
“Of course. Also, we’ve prepared herb pots in your rooms for a calming atmosphere.”
“Oh my! Could I take one as a souvenir?”
“Absolutely. Feel free to take what you like.”
I couldn’t help but think she might really be into my herb garden. Hopefully, she wouldn't start stealing my herbs later.
Just as I was indulging in my amusing self-centered thoughts,
“This is truly remarkable.”
It was the prince who muttered this time.
“Excuse me? What is?”
He blinked rapidly at my question, as if he didn't realize he had spoken aloud.
“What surprised you?”
I was even more curious and asked again. He scratched his nose awkwardly, glancing between the garden and me before speaking cautiously.
“To be honest, I thought you wouldn’t adapt well here. The image of you trembling on your wedding day is still vivid in my mind.”
“Oh my, Joshua!”
Before I could react, the princess jumped and approached her brother.
“What are you saying?”
“I apologize if I was rude. I simply wanted to express that you seem much happier now.”
The prince added, waving his hands in discomfort.
“I’m sorry, Duchess. He didn't mean any harm. My brother tends to be unnecessarily honest sometimes.”
Princess, it seems excessive honesty runs in your family.
But despite her concern, I wasn’t offended. Maybe it was my imagination, but he didn’t seem to have ill intentions. Rather,
“Are you perhaps... envious?”
“...What?”
“Oh, no, no. I meant, it’s okay.”
His stunned reaction made me quickly correct myself. Phew, that was close. I almost blurted out my true feelings, swept up in the honest atmosphere.
“Honestly, it wouldn’t be surprising if you were. I really didn’t want to get married back then.”
This time, instead of unnecessary honesty, I gave an overly honest answer. The two looked taken aback, not expecting such a response from me.
Continuing with a cheerful smile,
“I had no choice. Everyone around me kept saying I was being sold off to a cursed family, ‘It’s unfortunate, she’s pitiful, poor thing.’ They made such a fuss that I felt like I was being sent as a human sacrifice. I tend to be influenced by the atmosphere. But…”
But,
“Once I got here, I realized it’s a wonderful place. Everyone is kind, it’s free, and it’s a great place to live. And look at my husband’s face. Is that a monster’s face? It’s a stunning face!”
My emotions grew stronger as I spoke. The princess nodded, covering her mouth with her fan.
“Duke Richter does have a handsome face.”
“Yes! And he’s not just handsome. He’s kind, considerate, and a genuinely good person. People who don’t know him keep calling him a monster or cursed, making Dante close himself off. He also gets influenced by the atmosphere.”
Phew.
After explaining with all my heart, I was out of breath. As I tried to catch my breath, the princess burst into laughter.
“Ha, ha ha.”
She held her stomach, laughing heartily.
...What a unique person.
I thought she was unusual from the start, but the princess straightened up, as if reading my thoughts.
“You’re really interesting. If I had known you were this fun, I would have become friends with you sooner. It’s such a pity.”
She approached and grabbed my hands tightly.
What is happening?
Whether she was being genuine or not, there was only one answer I could give.
“Oh dear. We can become close from now on. Ohoho.”
Laughter followed my reply, and we giggled together, holding hands like best friends.
“Then, will you be friends with me too?”
What now?
The prince, who had been smiling nearby, suddenly joined in. The princess gave him a sideways glance, but he just kept looking at me with his golden eyes shining.
...How did he know I’m weak to handsome men with watery eyes?
“...It would be an honor.”
“Wow. I’m happy.”
Trying to hide my awkwardness, I answered, and he smiled brightly.
“Let’s get along well, friend.”
Oh my, oh my.
What a sunny young man. I realized how incredibly handsome he was. Until now, I hadn't noticed because I was trying to keep my guard up, but wow, his face is amazing.
If Dante is a cold beauty, he’s a warm beauty.
Hah. It felt like a hot and cold frenzy.
Just as I was admiring the empire’s national treasures gathered here,
“Huh?”
Something soft was gently placed on my shoulders.
“Oh my, what an interesting scene.”
“My wife is not well. I was worried, so I came out.”
It was a familiar voice, calmly responding to the princess’s comment.
“Dante?”
Was he done with his work?
Looking up with curiosity, I saw Dante gazing back at me. He silently adjusted the coat he had draped over my shoulders.
...What is this?
I never expected such behavior from the usual shy Dante.
Did he go out to study ‘How to look like a loving couple’?
“Oh my, oh my.”
The princess's reaction was relentless.
The surprising thing was that her words made my neck heat up.
I was the one who insisted on appearing as a loving couple, boasting confidence, but now that Dante was taking the initiative, I felt like I had been caught in a romantic moment.
Get a grip, Serafina.
Dante is just acting.
Don’t get overly immersed, Serafina.
“The Duke seems to cherish his wife dearly.”
Please stop.
Despite my desperate internal plea, the princess looked at us with a mischievous smile.
Fine. This is my cue to step in.
If I just nonchalantly link arms and say ‘Yes, that’s right,’...
“Yes. I cherish her.”
Oh.
“She is more than I deserve, so I cherish her dearly.”
Gulp.
I swallowed dryly, hiding my blushing face in the coat.
Oh my goodness.
...When did he become such a good actor?
His performance was so convincing that I momentarily wondered if I was really being loved.
Hoo, hoo.
Calm down, Serafina.
As I buried my face in the coat and took deep breaths, my wildly beating heart gradually calmed down.
Successfully calming down, I felt proud.
Our male lead, turns out to be an acting genius!
While the princess praised Dante’s romantic side to the prince, I tugged on Dante’s sleeve.
“...?”
He glanced down, noticing my signal. I discreetly gave him a thumbs-up, saying,
‘Nice acting. Great job!’
Winking and mouthing the words, Dante’s expression turned peculiar.
Hmm. Did he not get it?
That could happen.
I shrugged and gave a few more thumbs-up for good measure.