Xyriel gave me a quick tour of his mansion, showcasing all the fancy artwork he had acquired from auctions. With each explanation, I listened intently, watching him light up as he talked about his favorite pieces.
After the tour, he led me to the garden he had mentioned before. It was truly breathtaking and captivating. His care for the garden was evident in every corner, and its significance was clear.
Foxes and raccoons roamed freely in the vegetable field, while the pond he had described was a bit farther away, adorned with a charming mini fountain. Birds perched on the branches of the shade-giving trees.
Xyriel's benevolence was evident, and it made me wonder why the author didn't give this delightful character more presence in the novel.
"Do you like it?" Xyriel questioned with a smile.
"Absolutely, your garden surpasses even the rose garden at the palace," I replied.
Xyriel's cheeks flushed slightly. "T-thank you, Princess," he stammered.
"Please, you can call me Zinnia, Grand Duke," I suggested as we strolled towards the gazebo.
"Pardon? But you're a Princess. It would be disrespectful to address you informally," he protested.
"I couldn't care less about the titles, Grand Duke Xyriel. I'd like to think that we're friends and we should brush off the formality between us, don't you think?" I smiled and took a seat.
We were now inside the gazebo, where a table was set with desserts and tea. A maid poured us each a cup.
Xyriel joined me, sitting across from me. "I-is that really alright with you, Princess? For someone like me to address you by your name?" He began fidgeting with his fingers.
"Someone like you? I consider you a friend now, Grand Duke. Do you share the same sentiment? Or do you not wish to be my friend?" I frowned.
"No, it's not that! I do think of you as a friend!" He responded hastily, shaking his head.
"Then, I see no issue in addressing each other by our names. If that's agreeable to you, Xyriel?"
"Yes, Pri- no, I mean Zinnia!" He corrected himself with a quivering voice, his cheeks flushing.
I let out a giggle, and he awkwardly chuckled.
This guy, I love how he blushes every time he gets embarrassed. It makes me want to tease him more, but I should probably refrain doing so, we're not really that close yet, but he does pique my interest.
I want to know him more.
Afterward, we engaged in a leisurely conversation, and I found out that Xyriel is quite the chatterbox. I love it though, I get to know more about him this way.
However, our conversation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of an older woman whose eyes carried a glaring intensity. She entered as if she owned the place, not bothering to wait for an invitation.
"Aunt Beatrice, good afternoon," Xyriel quickly stood and greeted her with a bow.
His expression turned pale as he lowered himself before her.
"Well, I wasn't aware you had company, Xyriel," She said and fanned herself while scanning me from head to toe.
Rising from my seat, I introduced myself, "Greetings, my name is Zinnia."
"Delighted to meet you, Princess Zinnia. I had no inkling that my nephew had invited such an esteemed guest here!" She greeted me with a smile.
"Why didn't you inform me, Xyriel? I could have prepared a welcome gift had I known we were hosting such an esteemed visitor, hohoho." She affected a laugh, all the while keeping her gaze fixed on Xyriel.
"My sincere apologies for not notifying you, Aunt. Today has been a bit overwhelming, and I didn't anticipate your visit," Xyriel explained with another bow.
It was clear that Xyriel was growing uncomfortable.
"You should have exercised better judgment, Xyriel," she said with a smile.
Despite her smile, I could sense her anger. Her eyes conveyed it all. I don't really like her much, even though we had just met.
Turning her attention back to me, Xyriel's aunt inquired, "So, what brings you to this place, Princess?"
"I simply came to visit Grand Duke Xyriel," I replied with a smile.
"Visit? Is that your only intention, or do you have some ulterior motive? Hohoho," she added sarcastically.
"We met at Princess Dahlia's birthday banquet and became friends. I wanted to know him better, so I thought of paying him a visit," I explained.
"How wonderful! For someone with a tarnished reputation, you seem to possess quite the knack for making a comeback!" She spoke with a mocking tone while fanning herself.
"Excuse me?" I responded with a smile, my frustration barely contained.
This old hag!
"My apologies for dredging up the past. I suppose we should all act as though it never happened, hohoho," she mocked once more.
"Indeed, even I have moved on from it. Let's not dwell on the past, Mrs. Beatrice."
"You truly are a bold woman, Princess! Hohoho. Tell me, where do you derive such confidence?"
"Hard to say, but I'm not one to dwell in the past for long," I replied with a smile.
"And what's more is..." I paused for a moment and then looked at her shoulders, my expression horrified. "Madam, there's a bug on your shoulder!" I shouted and pointed towards her.
She glanced at her shoulder and immediately started flailing and swatting frantically with her fan, letting out a startled shriek.
"Gah!! Get it off me quickly!!"
The maids rushed to assist her, but their efforts only led to her stumbling and falling to the ground. I held myself from laughing while I saw Xyriel sweating and unsure how to respond.
Of course, I had lied – there was no bug, only a harmless leaf. I wasn't certain if my ruse would work, but she took the bait, fortunately.
I approached her, picked up the leaf, and held it out for her to see. She looked at it in confusion.
"My apologies, Mrs. Beatrice. It seems I mistook the leaf for a bug," I said, displaying the leaf in my hand.
"Also, one would expect a lady of your stature to remain composed in such situations, wouldn't you agree?" I smirked.
Still gazing at the leaf, she paused for a moment, then regained her composure, adjusting herself with a dignified air, but her hair was still a mess.
"How dare you!" She shouted, pointing an accusing finger at me.
Hah! She had that coming.
"I deeply regret the error. I had no idea that you, of all people, would be so frightened by a mere bug," I said, feigning concern.
"You've embarrassed me in front of the maids and my nephew. I demand recompense, Princess!" She exclaimed, her anger evident.
Despite her age, she was throwing a tantrum like a petulant teenager – it was quite amusing.
"Compensation for a mere remark I made? I expected a refined lady such as yourself to handle things more gracefully, Mrs. Beatrice." I retorted with a firm gaze.
She was taken a back at what I said. "Very well, if you insist on seeking restitution for such a trivial matter, feel free to do so. You're welcome to visit the palace and discuss this incident with the King and Queen, and perhaps they will consider offering the compensation you desire!" I added.
She did not utter a word and her glare intensifying. She fanned herself while averting her gaze.
She looked so pissed off that you can't even draw her face.
"I'll have a word with you later, my dear nephew."
And she finally stormed off!
I turned to Xyriel. He appeared anxious, his gaze fixed on the ground.
Gently, I reached for his hand, causing him to startle. Slowly, he looked up to meet my eyes.
"Are you okay?" I questioned.