Do Your Best and Regret

Chapter 26

Behind the maid who came running out of breath, another maid appeared. The emblem of the Princess's palace was engraved on the young maid's clothes.

"I have already made a prior arrangement with His Highness the Crown Prince, so please tell Her Highness that I will visit her later."

I said quietly. There was dignity in his voice. The flinching maid added urgently.

"Well, that... Her Royal Highness said that she had also asked for His Highness the Crown Prince's understanding in advance."

I smiled brightly. This wasn't the first time the Princess had treated me like this. There was a time when she had me running around in her palace all day long, no matter where Leopold was.

"Let me check."

I responded briefly and called Baroness Sopron. She would know clearly if it were a titled Lady rather than a young maid who could be deceived. It took her a while, but I waited patiently. I stood next to him and the Grand Duke said nothing.

But the answer the Lady who rode in my carriage brought was that Leopold had left the palace early in the morning.

"I was told to have dinner in advance because he might return late."

Baroness Sophron looked at my notice as she translated Leopold's words. My head went cold at her words, assuming that I would wait as expected.

A cold smile lingered on my lips. After sending a letter telling me to come urgently, Leopold broke his promise to me again. Also, the Princess, who had not made any promises, called me regardless of my schedule.

Unfortunately, all of this was revealed in front of the Grand Duke who came with me today. The excitement I had felt a moment ago was dashed by feelings of shame and humiliation. I could feel the Grand Duke's eyes on me from the side.

I proudly lifted the tip of my chin. I smiled brightly as if it was no big deal. Wearing the mask was something I was good at.

"I guess I'll have to leave for a while. Please feel free to watch."

"Miss."

I, who was about to walk, looked back at the Grand Duke. The Grand Duke walked in front of me with elegant gestures. When stood up and faced him face to face, I was surprised to see that he was a very tall man. The man naturally extended his hand to me.

"Could you please at least let me escort you to the carriage right now?"

I laughed quietly. The Grand Duke, who was making eye contact with me, held my hand and slowly kissed the back of my hand. My eyes widened as I felt soft lips brush across the back of my hand.

Someone let out a small exclamation, "Oh my," but even that sound was not heard.

The Grand Duke persistently made eye contact with me. The deep red eyes shone so brightly that they seemed to mesmerize people.

"You see, I always wanted to win."

The Grand Duke's voice was low. The eyes, which had a strange, enigmatic feel, momentarily sparkled provocatively and turned towards me.

"So it will be the same for My Lady."

A languid voice tickled my ears. And when the Grand Duke took his hand away from mine, I turned around and started walking away.

The moment he looked at my back, walking more gracefully than anyone else, the Grand Duke had a hunch. His wishful words had a very effective effect on the Young Lady.

***

I got out of the carriage and walked over to the Princess's palace. Sponsorship of roses in full bloom.