TYWML 32

32. A Peaceful Routine
2024.06.01.

“I spoke to the Duke about the banquet, and he said I should go ahead and request the outfit.”

“Oh my, is that so?”

Madame LaChapelle grabbed her sketchbook and pencil, fired up with creative passion.

“Are you two attending the imperial banquet together this year?”

“That’s not set in stone yet. But since we don’t know how things will turn out, I’m planning to have the outfits made in advance. Even if it’s not for this banquet, I’ll have a chance to wear them later.”

“Great. I’ll pour my entire artistic soul into designing your outfits. Do you have a particular look or mood in mind?”

“Not really. I’ll leave it to you. You’re the expert in this field—far more discerning than I am.”

“Oh my, you’re too kind. If you keep flattering me like this, I’ll really start thinking I’m amazing. Though, I do admit I have some skill.”

Madame LaChapelle looked extremely pleased.

“You and the Duke both have such beautiful hair and eye colors individually, but when you’re together, it’s hard to find matching tones. So I’m debating what base color to go with.”

She circled Riena, eyeing her thoughtfully.

“Maybe it’s best to go with classic white and gold? Gold will complement your blonde hair, and white will contrast nicely with the Duke’s black hair and make it stand out.”

She began sketching her designs in earnest.

“The Duke doesn’t like anything too flashy, right? So we’ll keep it clean overall, with gold accents. Adding accessories that catch the eye would be a nice touch.”

“That sounds great. I’ll leave it to you.”

“Once the outfits are near completion, I’ll come back for a fitting. It would be good to schedule it so the Duke can join as well.”

“If you let me know in advance, I’ll inform the Duke.”

“Of course.”

With that, Madame LaChapelle took her leave.

Riena, however, found herself secretly looking forward to her return.

After having dinner with Cassel for the first time, Riena and Cassel began sharing tea time every evening to get to know each other better.

In truth, they didn’t talk much. Riena would share stories about her father, since Cassel had been unable to see his mentor for so long, and Cassel would silently listen.

Sometimes, personal topics would come up, but even then, Cassel rarely talked about himself and mostly just listened.

Still, Riena enjoyed that time with him.

Whenever he quietly gazed at her and listened intently, his eyes were so gentle it made her feel—falsely perhaps—as if she were being loved.

Even her father, who had cherished her as his only daughter, used to look at her the same way when she talked.

“I visited Lucy today, and she seems to be doing well. She looks even better than she did back at Dyke territory. It’s all thanks to you, Your Grace. Thank you.”

“I merely did what I ought to do.”

“But is there nowhere in the capital where she can run? I feel bad about keeping her cooped up in the stable.”

“There’s a hunting ground nearby. The nobles in the capital often ride there.”

“Would it be alright if I went too?”

She asked, her voice rising unconsciously with excitement. Cassel immediately nodded.

“Yes. Let’s go together soon.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

Overjoyed, Riena glanced at Cassel’s expression.

Some nobles considered horseback riding a masculine activity and frowned upon women riding. Cassel didn’t seem the type, but still—she had to ask.

“Is it really alright for me to ride?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

“It might seem unladylike…”

She didn’t know why those words came out of her mouth.

Ever since she learned to ride at age eight from her father, she’d never once felt ashamed of it. If anyone criticized her for it, she would scoff.

But now, in front of Cassel, she found herself hesitating. As she mentally retraced her steps, she realized why.

She was afraid that Cassel might dislike her.

Cassel seemed not to fully grasp her concern, then let out a quiet laugh.

It wasn’t just a faint smile like usual—it was the first time she’d heard him actually laugh out loud.

When Riena unconsciously stared at him, Cassel muttered apologetically.

“Sorry. It just didn’t sound like something you’d say.”

“Not like me?”

“Didn’t you used to ride horses with me in the fields as a child?”

“Well, yes, but…”

Just as he said, they had ridden together often as kids.

Count Dyke had even gifted Cassel a black horse, and he never stopped the two of them from riding together.

In fact, he would ride with them, correcting their posture and giving them tips.

So hearing herself call it “unladylike” now felt ridiculous.

And hearing Cassel talk about the past made him seem so much like the young Cass she knew—it felt like they’d gone back in time.

Riena, adopting a more playful tone, said,

“Come to think of it, Your Grace never did beat me, did you? You may have gotten faster at running, but your riding skills never improved.”

Cassel replied with a faintly amused voice,

“You shouldn’t be so sure. I’ve improved quite a bit since then.”

“And do you think I’ve stayed the same? I’ve gotten a lot better too. Even my father was surprised.”

“Then it’ll be a fun match. I’m glad I get to enjoy horseback riding with you again.”

“Glad,” he said. He clearly meant riding together—not her—and yet Riena still felt her heart flutter.

As she lowered her head to hide her blushing cheeks, Cassel spoke again, cautiously.

“By the way, I think it’s time we announced our engagement.”

“Oh… I see.”

“It’s been about ten days since you arrived in the capital. After your visit with the Viscountess Donovan this weekend, I think it would be a good time.”

Riena thought for a moment and then nodded.

“Yes, alright. I’ll follow your lead.”

So that weekend, Riena headed straight to see her aunt, Viscountess Donovan.

As Cassel had said earlier, he couldn’t join her due to a prior engagement—but Riena wasn’t disappointed.

Though, she couldn’t help feeling a bit empty.

Fortunately, Amy came with her, so she didn’t have to ride in the carriage alone.

Had she gone completely alone, the trip might have felt lonely.

“What a shame the Duke couldn’t come with you.”

Amy, who had happily accompanied her, seemed more disappointed than Riena.

“He was busy. It couldn’t be helped.”

“Still! What could possibly be more important?! That’s not like him. Well… I guess he is busy, but still…”

Amy was upset because of imperial tradition.

Typically, it was the man who visited the woman’s family to ask for permission to marry.

In other words, Cassel should’ve been the one meeting Viscountess Donovan—not Riena.

Considering that this wasn’t just a casual visit, but a formal meeting to seek her aunt’s approval for the marriage, it seemed only right that Cassel accompany her.

‘But Father already sent a letter to the Duke, so that’s pretty much the same as getting approval.’

Strictly speaking, Count Dyke had proposed the marriage in his letter, not just granted permission—but in Riena’s mind, it was the same thing.

“It’s fine. I haven’t seen my aunt in a while, so it might be better to go alone. If the Duke came too, she might be startled.”

“If you say so, then I suppose there’s no helping it.”

Riena didn’t show it, but she was grateful that Amy took her side.

“And it’s not like the Duke’s been neglecting me.”

Cassel truly was busy.

Even during dinner, he would check documents in between bites, and sometimes Rio would come in seeking approvals.

Still, he never skipped dinner with her—not once. That effort alone made Riena feel truly appreciated.

While the two chatted away, the carriage arrived at Viscount Donovan’s estate.

The Viscountess personally came outside to greet them, beaming.

“My goodness, Riena! It’s been so long! I haven’t seen your face in ages!”

Riena smiled brightly at the sight of her.

“It’s been a while, Auntie. Have you been well?”

“Oh, I’ve been fine. You, on the other hand… I don’t even have to ask. You must have been through so much.”

The viscountess’s eyes grew teary as she looked at Riena. She took her hand and led her inside the estate.

“Let’s talk inside. There’s so much to catch up on.”

“Yes, there is.”

Riena was guided into the sitting room connected to the Viscountess’s private chambers.

Not the formal guest parlor, but a private room—showing just how much the Viscountess still cherished her.

She dismissed the maid who had brought refreshments and poured tea for Riena herself.

“I heard about your father. I wanted to attend the funeral, but I thought the Countess wouldn’t welcome the presence of his former wife’s sister, so I didn’t go. I’m sorry.”

Riena shook her head.

“No, thank you for thinking of us. That’s more than enough.”

“No, seeing your face now, I realize I’ve been far too indifferent. I should’ve cared for you more… I’d be too ashamed to face your mother. She’d be angry to know I left you alone like this.”