His eyes widened, leaving him unable to speak. But Theo growled at me, and I could tell he was on the verge of throwing a punch. Zemis intervened by holding Theo's arm, signaling him to stop.
Zemis remained silent, deep in thought, before finally responding. "True, what you did to me was a crime, and you deserved to be put in jail." he frowned.
Hearing him say that sent a pang to my chest, causing me to look down.
"But, I'm willing to give this a try," he continued.
"Zemis! You can't be serious?" Theo faced Zemis, holding his hands and locking eyes with him.
I also looked up at Zemis, although he had expressed some willingness, his wary glare towards me remained. However, his words ignited a glimmer of hope within me.
"Even though I'm agreeing to this, that doesn't mean I have forgiven you. But I wish both of us can work well together, for the sake of the King," he added.
I couldn't help but smile, feeling gratitude for his willingness despite the conditions.
"I understand. Thank you, Grand Duke, for giving me this opportunity," I softly said, bowing once more.
While everything seemed to be settling, Theo appeared to be the one truly bothered. He glared at all of us, but his worried gaze lingered on Zemis.
"It's settled then! We will be returning to our chambers first. Grand Duke Zemislav and Duchess Euphemia, thank you so much for coming. I invited both of you because I now consider you both to be part of the family," the King declared, leading the Queen towards the door.
"Oh, and Zinnia," he added, walking closer towards me. "I am proud of you." He sweetly said, patting my head while chuckling.
The Queen also walked closer, he smiled warmly, and embraced me. "I hope that by doing this, you can repair the friendship with the Grand Duke that has been broken. I believe you will do well to earn his trust back," he whispered gently into my ear.
"Thank you, Mother," I replied, returning the hug.
He released me and winked, "You can do it!" He said, making a fist in an encouraging gesture.
"Yes!" I affirmed.
After their brief moment with me, the King and Queen departed, leaving a somewhat sweet atmosphere in their wake. However, I couldn't help but notice Theo's intense glare. I turned to look at him.
Theo's glare persisted as he walked away, and Zemis followed behind him.
With only Dahlia, Euphemia, and myself remaining in the dining hall, I assumed Dahlia would soon leave as well. However, she surprised me by simply staring at me. Confused by her behavior, I raised an eyebrow.
"Is there something you'd like to say, Princess Dahlia?" I asked, tilting my head.
"I'm utterly astonished, Zinnia," she said, holding her chin and continuing to study me, as if analyzing my behavior.
Astonished? Clearly one would not think she was amazed or anything because she still remained stoned faced, not a single hint of happiness or curiosity could be discerned from her golden eyes.
"What?" I exclaimed, puzzled.
"I've heard from various sources that you've changed, but I was initially skeptical. I never imagined that a person like you could truly change. Yet, here you are," Dahlia explained.
"Indeed, one might assume she has more nefarious plans rattling around her empty brain," Euphemia jeered.
"No, it's not like that. I simply hadn't considered the possibility of genuine change. Seeing it firsthand, you have indeed transformed remarkably in the past few days," Dahlia explained and patted my shoulder.
"If you truly have turned a new leaf, Zinnia, then I am genuinely pleased for you," she said, her expression remaining as inscrutable as ever.
"Uh, thank you," I replied awkwardly.
"May you continue to improve, Princess Zinnia. While you have changed, I still perceive you as someone worthless and inept. You're fortunate to be my fiancée," Euphemia taunted once more.
"Well, Euphemia, I may have improved considerably, but your demeanor remains as coarse as ever. I can't fathom why Father chose you to be my fiancée. Frankly, I'd rather spend time alone than be in a room with you," I retorted with a smile.
Their eyes widened in disbelief. "How audacious!" Euphemia exclaimed, seething with anger as she stormed away without a word of farewell, slamming the door behind her, leaving Dahlia and me behind.
A moment of silence enveloped us as we watched Euphemia's angry departure.
"I believe it's getting late. I should depart now. Thank you for your company," Dahlia stated, grasping the doorknob. "By the way, I used the gift you gave me. I'd advise against purchasing those sorts of handkerchiefs in the future. I was told those were expensive, but quality wise, they were terrible, silk felt fake." she informed me, turning to look at me.
My eyes widened in surprise. "I didn't expect you to actually use the gift, especially considering the golden sword I previously gifted you was designated for one of your knights."
"The golden sword you gifted me was indeed exquisite, but I saw no practical use for it personally. I didn't want it to go to waste, so I chose to pass it on to my knight who could appreciate and maintain it for me."
"Why didn't you use it yourself?"
Dahlia tilted her head thoughtfully, "The golden sword you presented me with was a longsword. You might not be aware, but longswords tend to be heavier. I primarily wield a rapier, so the longsword didn't suit my style."
I tilted my head in surprise, realizing the misunderstanding.
All this time, Zinnia had been upset because her gift wasn't used, unaware that it wasn't suitable for Dahlia's preferred fighting style. I had assumed Zinnia had thoroughly researched Dahlia's preferences to ensure she'd like and use the gift.
Feeling a bit foolish, I couldn't help but facepalm in embarrassment.
"Do you dislike the idea of someone else making use of the gift you gave me?" Dahlia questioned.
"No, no, it's alright. I just mistakenly thought you harbored some kind of animosity toward me, enough to mock my gift choice."
"Hate you? I've never conveyed such sentiments."
"Well, actions often speak louder than words."
Dahlia paused, her hand still on the doorknob, lost in thought as she pondered my words.
"I never considered myself as harboring any ill will towards you, but I've heard people comment that I'm not the best at gauging social situations."
Really? Is anyone in this family predictable and not hard to read?
"If I've ever managed to irk you in any way, I apologize. My intention was never to antagonize you, nor did I wish for you to experience any distress. I don't hold any feelings of hatred towards you," she clarified.
Her words left me astonished.