Do Your Best and Regret

Chapter 16

"But what did the guest behind us visit for?"

Madame greeted the Grand Duke with a business smile. The Grand Duke did not answer. Seeing the suspicious robe and the lack of response, Madame's hand went down the display case. I spoke hurriedly as she seemed to be about to ring the guard call bell.

"This is someone I know."

The quick-witted madam blinked. The Princess who received the oath that caused an uproar last night came forward for the first time, saying she was choosing a gift from a man other than her family and the Crown Prince. And if she happened to know someone who showed up.

Madame, who understood at once, smiled inexplicably at me, And she politely bowed to the Grand Duke.

"...... Yes. Then I will bring you some new refreshments. Everyone will be outside, so ring the bell if you need to."

Madame left without a word to me, who was taken aback by the sight of her clearly misunderstanding something. He took off his robe as if the Grand Duke had been waiting for me. His speechless gorgeous face smiled playfully at me.

"What if I like receiving help like this? Do I really have to keep getting into trouble?"

"What is that!"

I, who had been refuting without realizing it, made a mistake. I held the hem of my dress and did my best.

"Olivia Madeleine, meet Your Highness the Grand Duke."

"I think it would be better to stop saying that greeting."

"It's etiquette."

"I would like to give privileges above the etiquette to the Young Lady who gave the oath. How are you?"

I blinked slowly, an informal greeting was a privilege that proved a close relationship. It also meant respecting each other regardless of social status. I bit my lip at the words I had never heard, not even from Leopold, whom I had seen since I was nine years old. The

Grand Duke, who watched the scene keenly, naturally changed the subject.

"Didn't you have something to say to me?"

Oops.

Only then did I realize what I was trying to say and narrowed my eyes.

"What did you mean by what you said earlier?"

"What are you talking about?"

"That ring. It's a wedding proposal ring, but why me!"

I couldn't even finish my sentence. The Grand Duke asked me as if I was rather curious.

"That's right. How do I know and exactly what you like?"

Is it a joke or is it serious? At his sly words, I, as was her habit, looked at the Grand Duke's expression. The Grand Duke averted my gaze. The tips of his ears, which  I caught a glimpse of through his jet-black hair, were red.

Like sincerely,  I was startled by the sudden thought and shook my head. I  heard the Grand Duke laughing, but I did not feel any embarrassment. It was a ridiculous assumption. The opponent was a Grand Duke. I may be overreacting to his jokes for no reason. I tried hard to suppress my blush. I responded more playfully, ignoring the pounding of my heartbeat.

"If you play pranks like that, you'll end up in the ceremony hall."

Not only was he the only Grand Duke in the Empire, he was wealthy and even had a reputation as a war hero. It was only yesterday that the Emperor also presented the Princess with the appearance of the best groom.