~Chapter 29~
Astia’s first tea party ended successfully.
She gained more than she expected: news about society and stories about Diego, who had just inherited the duke’s title. The young ladies were most interested in Diego, wondering when he’d appear in public.
“Maybe Duke Diego will attend the debutante ball? Or maybe he’ll come to the hunting tournament…”
Astia couldn’t remember most of the other chatter. She was too busy looking after Cecilia, who was being left out.
[“I wasn’t smiling at you, just so you know.”]
Sylvia kept looking away and insisted her smiles weren’t for Astia. She talked nonstop, saying that the tea party hostess had to keep smiling, even sharing useless trivia.
Astia thought Sylvia was like a little animal showing off—much cuter than the villain she remembered from the original story. It seemed like Sylvia acted up just to get attention.
Cecilia smiled brightly and suggested,
“My lady, there’s a famous dessert café nearby. Would you like to go with me? If you’re busy, it’s okay to say no!”
“Of course. I wanted to go with you.”
Astia gladly agreed, and they went to Ramos, the most popular dessert café among nobles in the capital.
“This is the most famous one!”
“Really?”
“Yes! I read in the newspaper that it’s the number one café you have to visit before you die.”
“Wow, that’s impressive!”
“Isn’t it?”
Astia watched Cecilia chatter away, thinking how nice it would be to have a little sister like her—kind, cute, and as bright as the sun.
The shy girl from before was now completely open and lively.
“Welcome.”
When they entered the café, a sharply dressed manager greeted them—as if he’d been expecting them.
Astia wondered why, but followed the manager’s lead.
“Aren’t you Lady Rovellito? Right this way, please.”
“Um, we didn’t make a reservation…”
“Ah, a gentleman made a reservation for you.”
Astia blinked. Had Damian set this up? But he hadn’t looked happy when he found out she was going to a café alone with Cecilia.
“What’s the name on the reservation?”
“Let me check… Ah, the gentleman reserved it under the name ‘Ruby.’”
Astia’s heart skipped a beat. The memories she tried to forget came rushing back, as if she was reliving every moment with Ruby.
For a second, she couldn’t move, but then she shook her head.
‘No, it must be someone else with the same name. Stay calm, Astia. Ruby was a rabbit, not a person. The gentleman must be someone else.’
“My lady, are you alright? Should we go back if you’re dizzy?”
“No, I just needed to think. Let’s go.”
They followed the manager. All eyes in the café turned to look at them, but then quickly looked away. Astia and Cecilia’s looks were enough to draw anyone’s attention.
“Usually, the Ramos Café is fully booked, but VIPs can always get a seat.”
The manager explained with a big smile and a hand gesture showing “money.” He meant VIPs could get a reservation by tipping well.
“This is the best seat. The view from the window is like something out of a fairy tale.”
It was a cozy spot on the second floor, overlooking a beautiful plaza that looked like fairies might pop out at any moment.
“Enjoy your time here.”
Astia ordered the egg tart and milk tea frappe that Cecilia recommended, then looked around the quiet, nearly empty floor. It was like they had the whole place to themselves.
“There aren’t any other customers here,” Cecilia said.
“Maybe the person who made the reservation booked the entire floor,” Astia replied.
“I wonder who it is. I don’t think it’s your brother…”
Astia briefly thought of Ian, but quickly dismissed it.
‘Ian wouldn’t use Ruby’s name for a prank…’
Ruby’s identity was becoming more and more mysterious.
“Here’s your order.”
The manager brought out their desserts, beautifully plated and smelling delicious.
Astia took a bite and tried to clear her mind. Cecilia watched her with shining eyes.
“How is it? Isn’t it delicious?”
Astia nodded and smiled.
“Yes, it’s very good. Have you been here before?”
“No! I just believed what the newspaper said. I’m probably too excited, right?”
Embarrassed, Cecilia blushed, and Astia took her hand to comfort her.
“Thanks to you, I found a great dessert café.”
“If you’re happy, then I’m happy too.”
How could she be so cute? Even when eating, Cecilia was graceful—she shined with pure innocence.
Astia asked her softly,
“If you become a saint, what will you do?”
Cecilia pouted and thought for a long moment before answering:
“I want the world to be beautiful. I want to help make a world where justice is alive.”
Her blue eyes sparkled with determination. Astia smiled gently as she watched her.
‘She really is the heroine…’
Kind on the outside, strong on the inside—just like in the original.
“That’s a wonderful thought.”
“It’s nothing big! I just want to help people… If I join the temple, I can do a lot of good things, right?”
“Of course. You’ll do great. I’ll cheer for you.”
Astia and Cecilia spent the rest of their time chatting happily, losing track of time.
“Alfred, report.”
In the Cellion duke’s office, Diego spoke coldly. His assistant, Alfred, quickly recited his findings.
“Nothing unusual, sir. Oh, but Count Alton is having a tea party. Apparently, Duke Rovellito suddenly added Lady Astia to the guest list.”
“Is that true?”
Diego’s face suddenly brightened. Alfred was so surprised, he didn’t know what to say.
“Y-yes! It looks like Lady Astia is attending. It’s her first social event.”
“I see…”
“You seem really happy, sir.”
“What? When did I say I was happy?”
“You didn’t, but…”
“Ahem.”
Diego cleared his throat, embarrassed. Alfred didn’t know how to react. Diego was usually cold, but just talking about Lady Rovellito made him smile.
“Do you… like Lady Rovellito, sir?”
“No, I’m just curious about her.”
“Hmm… Okay.”
Alfred nodded, pretending not to be suspicious.
But then Diego said something that made Alfred’s eyes widen.
“I’m going to Count Alton’s estate too.”
“What? You have an appointment at Marquis Quayton’s tomorrow.”
“Delay it. Or bring them to Alton’s estate.”
“…”
Alfred felt like his soul was leaving his body. Before he could stop him, Diego put on his coat and left.
“Right now, sir?”
“Right now.”
Alfred could only sigh. He hoped he’d be fired soon—otherwise, he was sure he’d lose all his hair before he got old.
