CHAPTER 82…………………………….
“Pardon?”
I widened my eyes at the question that had no subject, and Lillieta quickly added a clarification.
“Food. Your food preferences.”
“Oh.”
I had wondered what she was asking, but it turned out to be a surprisingly simple question.
“I don’t have anything I particularly like, but I’m not picky either.”
“Then you don’t like desserts either?”
“Hmm…”
I do eat sweets when I’m stressed, but if I had to pick…
“I think I like cheesecake.”
“Hmm.”
She seemed to ponder my words for a moment, then nodded.
“Good. Then let’s move on to the main topic.”
Lillieta first explained the purpose and scale of the tea party, then shared the details about the interior and dress code.
“It’s not meant to be extravagant overall. If it were a grand party, maybe, but this is just a small gathering. About six people in total.”
She handed me the guest list she had prepared in advance. As I glanced over it, I couldn’t help but be impressed by how impressive it was.
‘Wow… this is amazing.’
It was expected, since the host was a princess. Every name on the list was distinguished. They were all from prominent noble families recognized throughout the empire. If the ladies from such families were gathered together, it was basically like having the center of high society in one room.
‘This is the perfect environment to showcase the tableware.’
I skimmed through the names while mentally organizing what I would need to prepare. Then, a familiar name caught my eye.
‘Lady Odilon is coming too?’
Of course, it made sense; Odilon was part of the royal circle after all. Seeing a familiar name eased my tension a little.
“Is that going to be alright?”
“Pardon?”
“Lady Odilon is on the guest list too.”
I tilted my head in confusion at her words, but then realized what Lillieta meant.
From an external perspective, Renesty and Odilon had once been engaged but then broken it off. It could be considered an awkward relationship.
“I’ve heard your relationship with Lady Odilon is quite amicable. They seemed close at the last party as well.”
“……”
“But that was a public event, after all.”
She meant it was a business-like courtesy due to it being a charity party. Her concern felt considerate, as if checking how I would feel, and I quietly smiled.
“It’s been quite a while since the engagement was broken off. I maintain a cordial relationship with Lady Odilon. I’m actually glad to be able to introduce her formally like this.”
“Ah, that’s a relief then.”
“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.”
“…W-who said I was concerned?”
Lillieta quickly added, almost as if making an excuse, and cleared her throat. She looked like a cat flicking its tail against the floor.
‘They say she’s very sharp-tongued…’
Seeing her like this, though, she didn’t seem so harsh after all. I had worried she might be difficult, but it seemed like there was nothing to worry about.
‘I have quite a bit to prepare.’
With ladies of this caliber, their tastes would be sky-high. So besides showcasing the artwork, I would need to highlight what makes our products different.
“Could I also take a look at the greenhouse? And if you could share the meal and dessert menu for then, I could plan more precisely.”
“Sure.”
Lillieta rose first, and I followed her, leaving the sitting room.
“Just desserts?”
“Yeah.”
After continued discussions with Lillieta, I decided to revise the plan.
“I think preparing tableware for meals as well might be too much.”
If I had a few months’ lead time, I could manage it all. But I only had a month. Even if I recruited more artisans besides Heins, it would still be tight.
“That’s why I wanted to check the meal and dessert menu. I need to know the scale to match the quantities.”
It seemed better to do what I could well, rather than overextend and fail later.
“Focusing on priorities, then.”
Matthias nodded as if understanding. He had gotten quite good at grasping these ideas, and I affectionately smoothed his fine hair. At first, he had been timid even about me touching him, but now he was completely used to it.
‘So cute.’
Matthias himself might not like being called cute, but he really was. It felt like having a younger brother who’s strikingly good-looking.
“He’s even solving difficult problems well now.”
I had known he was smart, but combined with his tireless effort, he was improving rapidly day by day.
“I worked hard,” Matthias muttered proudly. Seeing his confident expression, I couldn’t help but smile.
“Good. Tomorrow, we’ll learn something new.”
He nodded and then suddenly stood up.
“Huh?”
Looking up at him standing before me, Matthias spoke with a very serious expression.
“Time to sleep.”
“…Now?”
Night had just fallen. While it was technically bedtime, compared to his usual early-morning sleep schedule, it was quite early.
“You said we finished the urgent tasks.”
“That’s true, but…”
Preparations were progressing smoothly. The documents Xavier had messed up were almost fully restored thanks to the aides. There was nothing urgent left for now. The tableware would be handled by Heins and the others.
“So, let’s sleep early tonight.”
Matthias slowly took the hand that had been stroking his hair.
Drawn to the warmth, I rose, and he skillfully positioned himself beside me.
‘…Strange.’
He used to always be behind me, but now I realized he was in front, protecting me.
I stared at his broad back, feeling a strange mix of emotions. Noticing my gaze, Matthias turned toward me.
“What’s wrong?”
“Just… I realized how much you’ve grown.”
“……”
He furrowed his handsome brows slightly, looking a bit pouty as if offended that I treated him like a child.
Narrowing his eyes, he stepped closer.
“I’ve always been an adult.”
“…!”
Caught off guard, I hesitated, unable to push him back. He was already tall, and from this close, the difference in our stature felt even more significant. It was like facing a massive wall.
Taking advantage of my hesitation, he leaned even closer and moved his lips.
“Don’t treat me like a child.”
With each word, he emphasized that he would no longer tolerate it.
“I didn’t mind before…”
But now,
“I don’t want to hear it.”
At least, not from you.
