ITD

CHAPTER LXV

Richard’s gaze was so intense that Courtney’s skin prickled. She wasn’t even undressed, so why was he looking at her like that? He could at least say something. Feeling awkward, she asked in a hesitant voice.

“How do I look…?”

“It felt like a goddess was walking toward me.”

“Are you insane?”

Courtney’s face instantly turned bright red. A compliment like that was just too much. What she wanted to hear was something simple like “You look nice” or “It suits you well.” If she was being greedy, maybe “You look pretty.”

Unsurprisingly, even the maids couldn’t hold back their laughter, giggling softly. Courtney, her face still flushed, shot back indignantly.

“Don’t flatter me. I’m still not taking you with me.”

“That’s unfortunate, but the compliment was sincere.”

Richard, flashing a satisfied smile, leaned back comfortably. Just as Courtney had suspected, he had come with the intention of accompanying her if the opportunity arose. But even though his plan had failed, he didn’t feel the time was wasted.

Although her appearance wasn’t what initially drew his attention, if she hadn’t been at least somewhat his type, he wouldn’t have considered marriage. And now that he knew just how seductive her expressions could be with that delicate face, there was no need for further explanation.

What he particularly loved were her sharp, cat-like eyes. Especially when she glared at him with those eyes—it drove him wild. Lost in his memories, Richard’s gaze grew even more intense.

Courtney quickly noticed the passion in his eyes. She tried to keep a straight face, but it was impossible. With clear signs of fluster, she responded with a coy smile.

“Thank you… Let’s have dinner together when I get back.”

“Yes, I will be waiting.”

The maids were all smiling warmly, charmed by the sweet scene between the newlyweds.

But it seemed like everyone had momentarily forgotten their original purpose. The role of the one meant to disrupt this moment fell to Madam Berricker, who cleared her throat before speaking up.

“Your Highness, it’s time to go.”

“Oh, right? Yes, I need to go.”

Startled, Courtney hurriedly checked the time. The maids, who had been slacking off for a bit, pretended nothing had happened and quickly went back to fixing her hair.

Richard escorted Courtney to the carriage. Before closing the door, he bid her farewell in a gentle tone, though his words didn’t quite match.

“Have a good time. And if anyone dares to be rude to you, give them a hard time. I’ll clean up the mess afterward.”

“Am I some kind of thug?”

Richard closed the door with a laugh. Though Courtney pouted in mock annoyance, she felt a sense of pride inside. She had a good feeling that her first social outing would be a success.

* * *

When the imperial carriage arrived, the hosts, the Count and Countess of Seymour, rushed out of the gates to greet her. The couple was ecstatic that their household had been chosen as the first place for the crown princess to visit. The kind-looking elderly couple bowed deeply, showing great respect.

“Thank you for coming, Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

“The pleasure is mine. Thank you for inviting me, Count and Countess Seymour.”

Courtney stood tall and offered a formal greeting. Glancing sideways at Madam Berricker, she saw her nod slightly in approval. Courtney, feeling relieved, realized she had passed the first hurdle.

The Seymours quickly escorted the crown princess and her entourage to the garden where the concert was to be held. A special seat, prepared in the shade of some trees, was clearly set apart from the others. Courtney and Madam Berricker sat down side by side, while the maids stood firmly behind them.

Courtney discreetly looked around at the early guests who had already arrived. The confidence she’d felt before leaving seemed to have evaporated, replaced by a creeping anxiety. She knew no one would dare openly provoke the crown princess, but she couldn’t forget that her previous experiences with social events had been less than pleasant.

Madam Berricker leaned closer, speaking quietly behind her fan.

“The countess is more influential than the count here. Keep an eye on the people she pays special attention to—it could be helpful.”

Courtney nodded. Her main goal for today’s outing was to get familiar with the workings of high society.

The nobles gathered around the garden kept stealing glances at her. They had certainly noticed the crown princess’s arrival but refrained from approaching. It would have been improper to speak without receiving a signal from her first. This gave Courtney the chance to observe them carefully.

The guests were a mixed group of men and women of various ages. Unlike a typical tea party, this concert, hosted by the Seymours to support an invited musician, attracted a fair number of male guests as well. Richard would have fit in just fine if he had come, but Courtney knew that if he had, she wouldn’t be able to acclimate herself properly. That’s why she had decided to come alone.

Luckily, she had an excellent advisor by her side. Viscountess Berricker had proven to be more competent and devoted than Courtney had expected. Choosing the well-regarded Seymour family as the first visit had been a result of her keen insight. If Richard had come, she wouldn’t have been able to seek Madam Berricker’s advice as freely, nor gauge how others were treating her on her own.