“Ah, seriously…” Ferand cursed, ruffling his hair in frustration.
Rebecca, taken aback, momentarily stopped speaking, doubting what she had just heard.
Without making direct eye contact, Ferand vented his dissatisfaction to Rebecca. “I didn’t arrange to meet them separately, and it’s not like I forgot what you said. Do you really have to interfere in every little conversation I have to feel at ease? This is too much.”
“Ha.”
“Please, stop. You may see me as a complete fool, but I do have my own thoughts, you know.”
Rebecca let out a hollow laugh in disbelief. But Ferand spat out his final words as if chewing on them, then abruptly turned and disappeared.
Rebecca stared coldly at his retreating figure. Sensing something off from their earlier conversation, her gaze sharpened.
…It seems I’ll need to move up the plan.
* * *
With the debutante ball marking the start, the capital had fully entered the social season, leaving no room for quiet. With only one day of the week excluded, there were parties, tea gatherings, and concerts nearly every day. This was a good thing for Diana. It meant more chances to observe Cedric Haieren closely.
“A tea gathering with everyone?”
“Yes. With Prince Elliot and Kayden too. Ah, if you’re too busy…”
“N-No! I’m not busy at all!”
Since Diana had little experience hosting events, she approached Fleur to suggest they hold a tea party together. Fleur was so overjoyed that Diana felt a little guilty.
This tea party is solely to draw Cedric in.
Diana felt the need to confirm whether the Cedric she had seen was genuine and if the ‘dimwit’ he mentioned was indeed Fiona Yelling.
After obtaining Fleur’s consent, Diana sent invitations to Fiona Yelling and Cedric Haieren, and they gladly accepted. In addition to them, several young lords and ladies, who had little political influence and posed no burden, also expressed their intention to attend.
With the empress’s help, the preparations for the tea party went smoothly, and finally, the day of the event arrived.
Fiona, holding Cedric’s hand, stepped out of the carriage, smiling shyly. “Thank goodness the weather is nice.”
“Yes, since it’s a tea party combined with an outing, the weather is crucial. Fortunately, it’s perfect.”
Cedric smiled back, agreeing. They walked together, chatting warmly.
“Ah, welcome.”
As they stepped under the tent set up in the garden, Fleur and Diana greeted them with smiles. Fiona and Cedric bowed politely in return.
“My name is Fiona Yelling. Thank you for the invitation.”
“This is Cedric Haieren. It’s an honor to meet you, First Princess Consort and Third Princess Consort.”
Cedric’s formal demeanor made it hard to believe he was the same person Diana had seen before.
Was that just a momentary outburst of anger? Or was it…? Diana, still on guard, greeted him calmly and led them to their seats. Fiona and Cedric were seated next to Kayden and Diana.
Before long, the other guests arrived, and all the seats were filled. Fleur, standing shyly, glanced around at the guests and spoke. “I may lack experience, but I’ve prepared this with care. I hope you enjoy your time here.”
As she finished speaking and took her seat, the guests responded with applause.
The tea party was a greater success than expected. With Elliot and Fleur known for their easygoing nature, the young lords and ladies soon felt comfortable enough to engage in conversation. Kayden, with his naturally friendly personality and many recent events to talk about, also had no trouble keeping the conversation going.
Diana occasionally chimed in with the first prince couple and Kayden while keeping an eye on Fiona and Cedic. However, Cedric maintained his impeccable manners, making Diana wonder if the previous encounter had been a dream.
Just as Diana was starting to feel worn out from her vigilance, Cedric stood up, smiling warmly.
“The weather is so nice today. Would it be alright if I stepped out for some fresh air?”
“Of course.” Fiona nodded readily.
Cedric bowed slightly and strolled toward the other side of the garden.
Where is he going? Diana glanced curiously at Cedric’s retreating figure. After a brief hesitation, she stood up to follow him.
Kayden, surprised, looked up at her. “Diana? Where are you going?”
“I’m feeling a bit queasy, so I thought I’d take a short walk.”
“Then let me come with you.” Kayden began to rise from his seat.
Dian’s excuse was just that—an excuse. Her real intention was to follow Cedric. If Kayden accompanied her, things could get complicated in many ways.
With a slightly awkward smile, Diana leaned down and whispered in his ear. “You haven’t spoken to everyone yet, have you? I’ll be back soon, so use the time to get to know them better.”
Although these young lords and ladies had little political influence, it wouldn’t hurt to form connections.
Kayden, realizing Diana had a point, reluctantly sat back down, hiding his disappointment. He fiddled with her hand for a moment, then pressed a kiss to her fingertips, whispering softly. “Come back soon. To my side.”
“…Alright.”
Diana tried her best not to flinch as she responded. But as she walked away, heading in the direction Cedric had gone, her heart thudded. She clasped her hands in front of her chest and sighed. It felt as though Kayden’s kiss still lingered on her fingertips.
I didn’t used to feel like this, but lately, I keep being conscious of it.
In the past, she hadn’t been so conscious of Kayden. Their relationship had always been based on a contract, and they both knew that everything was just an act to make it look like they were in love. But…
“So, don’t push me away either.”
Ever since that day, the atmosphere around Kayden had somehow changed. His words, his actions—all felt more genuine somehow…
Don’t get caught up in useless thoughts. Diana shook her head, trying to clear her mind. Now wasn’t the time to be distracted. She needed to focus on following Cedric.
Where did he go?
She had waited a little before moving, hoping to avoid suspicion, but now she had lost sight of him. Diana wandered around for a while, searching for Cedric. But as the sun began to set, there was still no sign of him.
Did I lose him…?
Realizing how far she had walked, she finally felt the ache in her feet.
The social season would continue for another couple of months, and there would be plenty of opportunities to observe Cedric, even if not today.
Fiona’s situation is something that will happen next year. There’s still time.
Diana decided to leave it for now, turning her body to return to Kayden. Just then, her foot caught a stone sticking out between the grass. Her body lurched forward, and she instinctively squeezed her eyes shut. But instead of the pain she expected, she felt an arm firmly wrapped around her waist.
“Oh dear, you should be careful.”
Diana instinctively opened her eyes at the familiar voice.
Swoosh— A gentle breeze tousled the golden hair, shining like midday sunlight. Light blue eyes, so similar yet different from Rebecca’s, curved gently. Ludwig Kadmond, standing with the sun behind him, was smiling down at her.
“Are you alright, Your Highness?”
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