Do Your Best and Regret

Chapter 77

The corridor of the Prince's Palace.

Count Hodges, who heard the new report, hurriedly ran towards the Prince's office. Before he could catch his breath, he knocked on the office door and received a brief permission. A moment of confusion appeared on the bright face of Count Hodges, who opened the door at almost the same time.

"I see you, Your Highness."

Leopard doesn't know,

"What is the matter with the Little Duke of Madeleine?"

Conrad noticed, just to that extent. Conrad pretended not to notice Count Hodges' embarrassment and pointed to the papers he was holding.

"I came on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as he said he would receive a report on the invitation to the Heferti delegation last time."

"You must be busy. Thank you for your hard work."

Ritual greetings were exchanged. Meanwhile, Leopold, who had checked the list of envoys, half-heartedly lifted his pen.

"By the way, when did you say the delegation would arrive?"

"Yes, Your Highness. I received confirmation that it will arrive the day after tomorrow, the first day of the summer banquet."

"It's a day late."

It was an indifferent reprimand. It was a statement that did not take into account the time it would take to travel from Heferti to the Empire, but instead of pointing out the fact, Conrad silently lowered his head. Leopold, who was casually looking at that face, tilted his head.

Cool falling silver hair, and a somewhat cold face. Conrad's face reminded him of someone at first glance. He could have just erased it, but an unidentifiable blurry afterimage wandered around in his mind. Jade Madeleine is a brother, so they look very similar, but Leopold doesn't know because he's never seen the youngest Princess.

As Leopold gradually narrowed down the scope, a name clearly appeared in his mind.

Olivia Madeleine.

As the hazy face became clearer, Leopold's face slowly hardened. The Olivia that immediately came to mind was not the one who always yearned for his love like a puppy.

"Olivia Madeleine, I will greet you again soon as Grand Duchess Vikander."

Because it was Olivia who disappeared from Tiase Palace with her back turned to him.

"I hope you stay safe until then."

With his brows furrowed Leopold lightly shook his head. It was his mistake to think that Olivia resembled the Duke of Madeleine. She could not be more similar to the Duke, who was always blunt, and Olivia, who wanted his affection to the point where he felt pity for her.

Leopold closed the payment cover as if to put away his thoughts. His cool, handsome eyes narrowed at Conrad.

"Then the mission issue has been resolved..."

Taking advantage of Conrad's pause as he was taking care of the payment cover, Leopold got to the point. The real reason why he called Conrad, even making the excuse that he was a missionary who would take care of it on his own.

"It's been a while since the Duke contacted the Princess, so of course the younger Duke, who is your brother, would know the Princess's news, right?"

Words with intent were directed at Conrad.

But what made Conrad uncomfortable was not Leopold's criticism of his father, but the name Olivia itself.

"...I apologize, Your Highness."