"Fruit cheong is not a common food in Yonas, so it is true that my expectations were not high. I stopped hoping that it would work in a conservative aristocratic society," he says sincerely.
Claude nodded to reassure him. "Well, in my experience, the nobles of these days, Yonas prefer exotic things. I don't think you should to worry…"
"Really? It's good to hear optimistic words," die, my mood improved at his words.
"I'm not lying. In addition, I'm a little more objective than usual when it comes to money."
"That gives me a little more confidence."
He smiled at me. "He will do well. It's not easy to be a pioneer in the field, but I'm sure he will do well."
"You're not being objective," I pointed out jokingly, but Claude simply shrugged.
"I believe in my instincts. I've rarely been wrong."
"Then I will trust your instincts."
"Well,"
"He said, making a hesitant noise.
"If you need my help at any time, let me know."
"Thank you for your consideration, Your Grace. But so far, I'm fine."
"I know," he replied with a wide smile, as if he had been waiting for that answer.
"I'll just let you know now."
I looked at him warmly. "Even if you didn't tell me, you would be the first person I would think about if I were in trouble"
".. I feel honored." Claude raised the corners of his mouth in a
Smile.
"Tone are the happiest words I've heard today"
"If we are really friends, and if you need my help, please let me know at any time as well," die, returning the favor.
"You already said that before."
I was talking about the Escliffe Mansion party last time. I smiled at the
Remember it.
"Yes, like then."
At the same time, Claude laughed and at that moment our eyes met. It was a natural encounter of looks that could naturally occur in a conversation, but at that moment I paused.
It happened only fleetingly, then I relaxed and looked at it as if there was nothing.
Past.
When our eyes met again, Claude smiled at me once again, and something warm and peaceful sprouted inside me.
"Now I can buy and eat your fruit cheong without worrying. That makes me happier than anything else," he said in a pleasant voice.
"Oh God. Do you really like it so much?"
"There is a taste suitable for everyone. If everyone sees how much I like it, I'm sure they'll like it too."
I was extremely flattered. "Thank you very much for enjoying it. I was worried about becoming arrogant."
"The person I know is far from being conceited and arrogant. You seem to worry too much," Claude rebuked softly.
"Thank you. I will always be careful and modest even in the eyes of His
Highness"
In fact, Claude was too generous with me. "I am sure that Count Bellafleur's daughter will bring great esteem to the family," he said.
"I don't want to brag, but thank you," he said modestly.
"I'm sure Lady Trakos will be happy for you too."
"…"
When Odeletta's issue arose, I hesitated. No one else knew that we had discussed, much less Claude, and I managed to sketch an uncomfortable smile.
"In fact, I had a little argument with her," I confessed.
"Ah," Claude said, but contrary to my expectations, it didn't seem bewildered.
"So now it's a little uncomfortable," I murmured.
"It's rude on my part to ask what happened?" He said.
"Not at all, but ... it's better that you don't know"
"Why?" Claude didn't seem to understand what he was saying. "Did you go for me? No, it can't be," he said humorously in an attempt to lighten the serious atmosphere. That was something I liked about him.
I was nervously combing with my cup of tea. "I met His Majesty the Emperor"
"…"
I continued. "I told that story to Odeletta, and she suddenly asked me if she had talked about the Crown Prince with the Emperor."
"Did you see the Emperor?" Claude Warned.
"It was by chance. I met him on the way to Thurman Palace, and suddenly he offered me tea."
"... Hm," he said thoughtfully.
"What is it?" I asked, bewildered by his sudden murmur, but he shook his head.
"I was thinking about something else for a moment. Keep talking," he asked.
"Anyway, I was drinking tea with His Majesty, and that's when the Emperor asked me about my relationship with the Crown Prince. I honestly said that we were only friends, but he didn't seem to believe me. I kept asking if I had any feelings for the Prince Heir…"
"That's how it is…"
"But there's something I don't understand... As far as I know, the Emperor wants Odeletta and the Crown Prince to be together. But it was as if his question was..."I said, getting lost because of the uncertainty.
"Was it?"
"It was as if I wanted me to like the Crown Prince," I finished.
"For of course, that's just a hunch," I added quickly.
"But you can't ignore your senses," Claude advised.
"I don't know why the Emperor would ask you a question like that, but…"
"Anyway, I just told the truth. Our relationship is only that of superficial knowledge."
"Hmmm.. His Majesty is a capricious person."
"I gave that to Odeletta, but she didn't believe me. I was already in a state of shock when he told me that he didn't want me to meet the Prince any more."
"Lady Odeletta must be echoing Lady's Dorothea ideas" Claude suggested.
I shook my head. "It was a different feeling than that. Unlike... Dorothea, I was very out of Odeletta." My voice got sad. "It's just... I've been wondering if I really did something wrong. But I have never acted in a way that I should be guilty of. Therefore, I thought it would be detrimental to the Crown Prince if he ignored it from now on.
"You're right. If we had changed places, I would have thought the same thing." Claude nodded sympathetically.
"But I don't want to lose Odeletta," I continued in a gloomy voice.
"I don't know what to do in this situation. I guess I'm still missing."
"This situation would be difficult for anyone. Don't be too critical of yourself. It's not your fault."
My hand stood up to my forehead in anguish. "What should I do now?"
I regretted it.
I could feel Claude's compassionate look at me. I felt pathetic.
Claude must have a lot of work to do and yet he hears me complain. I felt childish, I forced myself to smile.
"I've been wandering nonsense when you must have so much on your plate. I'm sorry, Your Grace," I apologize.
"Nothing at all, Lady Maristella," Claude said, shaking his head to reassure me. "My friend's concerns are my concerns. If you didn't believe it, I would be sad."
"Thank you for telling me that." But even while I was saying that, I couldn't erase the concern from my mind. Claude looked at me for a moment before to talk.
"In truth, it is difficult for me to give you advice on the matter. Because I..
I have not yet broken off my relationship with a certain person," he said hesitantly.
"Really?"
"Yes. But not long ago, I had the opportunity to have an honest conversation with him." He smiled. "It is definitely better to have a clear dialogue. The conflict still seems to be ongoing, but ... it's different than before."
"…"
"You should talk about it. You don't have to try to resolve the conflict immediately. If you try to participate in the conversation with that intention, it can be counterproductive."
"Thank you for your advice, Your Grace," he gave a brighter face than before.
"I should really do that."