I Taught You Carefully, So Why Are You Obsessed?

As they left the cart vendor and made their way out of the alley, Ian asked.

“Are you planning to give this accessory as a gift to the princess?”

“Yes, of course, but not just like this.”

I replied lightly, waving the ribbon loosely in my hand.

The ribbon made by the cart’s furry vendor was impressive, but it still felt like something was missing.

Dragging Ian, who wore an expression of confusion, I headed toward Zed’s Dress Shop nearby.

The Dress Shop, once tucked away in an alley without proper streetlights, had recently moved to a street right next to the plaza.

It seemed like they made good use of the blank check I gave them.

Moreover, with my permission as their exclusive employer, they had begun accepting reservations from other customers, and the Dress Shop was gradually gaining traction.

With a satisfied smile, I opened the door, gazing at the polished sign of “Zed’s Dress Shop.” The bell rang as I entered, and Madame Zed, who had been buried like a zombie in fabric, shot out like a bullet.

“Ah! Your Grace… no, wait, Your Lordship…?”

Madame Zed looked utterly shocked, her face worn from sewing, with dark circles beneath her eyes.

She was about to throw herself flat on the floor, but I hurriedly pulled her back up.

“That’s enough. No need for that. Stand up.”

“W-what brings you here? If you needed me, you could have just summoned me!”

It was the first time I had visited with an entourage since our first meeting, so Madame Zed seemed understandably flustered by the situation.

“I’m here about the princess’s dress. There’s a yellow outing dress in the order, correct?”

“Ah, yes. You requested it to be made quickly for her holiday at the summer palace.”

It just so happened that it was for the princess’s trip to the summer palace. Perfect.

Instead of explaining further, I handed her the ribbon I had brought.

“Could you make a hat to match that dress, decorated with this ribbon? Add some jewels as well.”

Madame Zed’s eyes grew wide as she inspected the ribbon.

“What is this? I’ve never seen a ribbon like this before. The lace pattern is so unique. Where did you find this?”

Still examining the ribbon closely, she finally looked up at me with eager, inquisitive eyes.

“From a vendor at the fabric market.”

“What? A shop like this existed, and I didn’t know? How could I have missed it?”

Well, the shop had only been open for about a week.

Madame Zed certainly had a discerning eye for fellow artisans.

The vendor wasn’t just a businessman but a true craftsman.

‘Just seeing him make lace with those rough hands was enough to know.’

Diana, after returning to the capital a year later, would meet the vendor.

Upon recognizing his talent, Diana wouldn’t hesitate to begin working with him, which would lead him to shut down his cart and become a full-fledged textile artisan in the capital.

“Here, this is the name and contact information of the person who made the ribbon. When you deliver the hat to the princess, if she asks who made it, give her this.”

The princess would undoubtedly recognize his skill.

‘Since I took Madame Zed from her, I should at least give her someone else.’

Besides, if he caught the princess’s attention, connecting him with Diana afterward would be easy.

I was planning to ensure that the princess would firmly be on Diana’s side anyway.

“Understood!”

I smiled, pleased with Madame Zed’s enthusiasm, and added one more thing.

“Oh, and it would be great if you mentioned that this gift is from Duke Ian Cloud, not from me.”

At this, Ian, who had been standing silently like part of the scenery, turned to look at me.

“…My Lady?”

His expression asked what on earth I was talking about. Expecting this reaction, I responded shamelessly.

“Didn’t you pick out the ribbon and pay for it? So, it’s a gift from you.”

Go ahead and argue if you want.

I looked at him confidently, and Ian opened his mouth in disbelief.

“…….”

“…….”

A moment of silence passed between us.

Madame Zed, sensing the tension, had discreetly stepped back and was now watching Ian with great interest.

He let out a low sigh. His brows furrowed again, clearly displeased.

“…This is unnecessary.”

“Why is it unnecessary? It’s just a birthday present.”

“…In any case, there’s no need for it.”

He was firm in his stance, even though he couldn’t explain his reasoning.

It was clear he thought there was no need to foster familiarity with the princess in this way.

Ian preferred to treat not only the emperor but also the princess as strangers.

As I gazed at him, I shook my head slowly, as if I couldn’t help it, and called for Madame Zed.

She, who had been standing at a distance, hurried over with quick steps.

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Could I see that? The one the princess has been preparing.”

Madame Zed, who had been leaning in close with a curious expression, let out a soundless gasp.

Then, she hesitated and glanced over at Ian.

“Well, I do have it, but…”

She whispered to me in a small voice, as if it was difficult to bring it out. I patted her on the shoulder.

“It’s fine. I’ll take responsibility, so could you bring it out for a moment?”

“If Your Grace says so…”

Meanwhile, Ian, who stood a few steps away, suspiciously watched me and Madame Zed whispering to each other.

“Please wait a moment.”

Madame Zed brought out something from the back—a set of three silk handkerchiefs. Each of the designs was slightly different.

‘She’s put more effort into it than I thought.’

Smiling contentedly, I beckoned Ian over.

He approached reluctantly, still looking at me with suspicion.

“…What is this?”

“It’s a gift the princess is preparing. She’s planning to travel to the south for her birthday, and she’s getting presents ready for her family. Isn’t that right, Madame Zed?”

I emphasized the word “family,” recalling what the princess had said over tea at the palace. I gave Madame Zed a look, silently urging her to go along with it.

Catching on quickly, Madame Zed nodded her head emphatically.

“Yes, while we were making the dress, the princess asked if we could make these too, according to the designs she provided.”

Despite our efforts, Ian still looked unconvinced. He furrowed his brow as if he were hearing something completely foreign and examined the handkerchiefs.

“And why are you showing this to me?”

…Moments like this made me seriously wonder if this man was truly a heartless tin man. What should I do with him? I swallowed a sigh and asked him.

“Who do you think these handkerchiefs are for?”

“For His Majesty the Emperor, Her Majesty the Empress, and the princess, I suppose.”

Both Madame Zed and I simultaneously pressed our hands to our foreheads.

“…Would she make one for herself as a gift?”

“Then who?”

“One of them is for you, of course.”

At my obvious reply, Ian’s brow furrowed even more, and then his whole expression crumpled.

Watching him, I wasn’t sure whether I should feel pity, frustration, or console myself that this man’s emotional walls were still as high as ever.

After a few moments of silence, during which I carefully chose my words, I finally spoke.

“Do you remember what His Majesty said? That receiving the title of Duke doesn’t mean you’re no longer part of the royal family?”

Ian remained silent, as if, naturally, he hadn’t forgotten those words.

Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, Madame Zed quietly placed the handkerchiefs down and slipped away into the back of the store. I added lightly.

“The princess seems to feel the same way.”

“……”

“Becoming a duke doesn’t sever your blood ties, does it?”

I glanced at him, as if to ask if he agreed.

“…So, what are you trying to say?”

His voice was as level as ever, but there was a subtle stiffness in it. I tilted my head and looked at him sideways before answering.

“It’s not unnecessary.”

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