Harriet had served through the time of the previous Duchess, Natalie. Though it had been years since a celebration was held at the ducal residence, she must have been in charge of all sorts of preparations then too.

What kind of celebration was it back then? Did the young Rashid attend those celebrations too? Stories from past pages that neither I nor the book knows, yet cast long shadows on the present. And I was curious about them.

“Mrs. Ronan, what kind of person was the previous Duchess?”

“That……”

A troubled look crossed Harriet’s face.

“When I asked the butler, he had trouble answering too. Is it the same for you?”

“I apologize.”

Had Rashid issued some kind of gag order? As Rashid’s nanny, Harriet must have been close to Natalie. She would have even more reason to be careful with her words.

「At Alisa’s words, Harriet recalled events from long ago.」

I quietly traced the rim of my teacup with my fingertip.

「It had seemed like truly peaceful and joyful times.」

But in the end, it was the past that had ended.

I wanted to peer into the ruins of time that had been completely burned away by Rashid’s fierce flames. However, it seemed to refuse to reveal its inner self to me. Seeing how everyone kept their mouths shut like this. All those people who only spoke freely were those beyond Penvernon’s walls.

“However, my lady.”

Harriet’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. She seemed concerned, perhaps thinking I was upset by her silence.

“I’m glad you’re here.”

“What do you mean?”

“His Grace seems much more at ease lately. It’s all thanks to you.”

Was it because of the sword I gave him? Getting an unexpected rare item does make one happy. Though it cost quite a bit, it seems to be worth more than the money spent.

So while it is thanks to me, Harriet seems to be thinking in a slightly different direction.

‘Oh well, whatever.’

Too lazy to correct her, I changed the subject.

“To keep him at ease, we need to make this celebration successful too. Actually, I have some suggestions about the food.”

“Please tell me.”

I handed over the list of foods I wanted to prepare and decided on return gifts before dismissing Harriet.

After Harriet, I called Sylvester to discuss arranging the orchestra and theater troupe, organizing carriages, and assigning tasks to the servants on the day.

By then it was already midday. Time had flown by as I’d been busy working since morning. Perhaps because I’d used my brain too much, I was tired.

“Shall I prepare some tea?”

“Yes, please.”

At my answer, Macy moved quickly. After several months, it seemed she could now judge well just by looking at my face whether my sugar was low or I needed caffeine.

“Ah, my lady.”

“Yes?”

When I turned my head at Macy’s voice, I saw Rashid. He had gone to the Imperial Palace in the morning, but was he back already?

“You’re back early.”

“The meeting ended quickly. It’s the return season after all.”

“Does everyone dislike working during the return season?”

Rashid answered with a slight smile.

“They focus more on their territory’s affairs at this time. Winter is coming soon, so preparations must be completed before then.”

Ah, it’s already that time.

I looked down at my hands. And repeatedly clenched and unclenched them several times. The movement felt completely natural and very familiar to me. These were definitely my hands moving according to my will. My own, my body.

‘It’s been well over half a year since I woke up in this body.’

Suddenly the passage of time felt cruel. Sometimes I even felt like time was leaving me behind.

“Are you busy?”

“A little. I’m completely preoccupied with preparing for your birthday right now.”

“Shall I help?”

“Staying still is how you can help.”

Rashid chuckled.

“Then let’s at least have tea together. The autumn flowers are all blooming in the garden.”

Rashid suggested having tea outside. Oh, he knows about the flowers blooming in the garden. Somehow it doesn’t suit him. Looking quietly out the window, the sun was still gentle—a perfect weather for a midday picnic.

“Yes, that sounds nice.”

I gladly accepted Rashid’s proposal.

When we went out to the garden together, servants prepared refreshments at the pavilion located in one corner of the garden.

The well-decorated pavilion’s roof gleamed even whiter in the autumn sun. The wind was gentle, the sunshine was crisp and clear, the flowers were pretty, and the tea and sweets were fragrant. It was a pleasant moment.

After Rashid’s birthday passes, winter will soon come, and then this garden will be dyed pure white too. I took a sip of tea while gauging the approaching time.

The plain tea without added flavoring paired perfectly with the sweet snacks. I never really liked sweet drinks anyway, so this tea that was neither bitter nor sweet suited my taste.

‘My preference for only drinking americano hasn’t changed.’

However, Rashid’s taste seemed different from mine. Seeing how he barely touched his tea, it must not suit his palate. Though his face was expressionless as usual, I could see a slightly dissatisfied look.

“Allen.”

I raised my hand to call the servant who was standing back.

“Could you prepare more tea? The one with caramel scent.”

“Yes.”

“Bring some more sugar too.”

The servant soon brought another teapot and cup. When he poured the tea, a rich aroma rose up. It was a sweet fragrance mixing vanilla and caramel.

I poured tea into the new cup.

“Here, try this one too.”

Rashid took the cup. Only then did he drink the tea without complaint. Even with added sweetness, the tea itself didn’t become overly sweet, but perhaps he needs sweet scents if the taste isn’t sweet enough. What an unusual taste.

Come to think of it, personality differences can be grounds for divorce too. Then should I create taste differences? It’s naturally difficult for people to live together when their tastes are too different. When food preferences, lifestyle habits, and hobbies differ, discord quickly arises.

At least our refreshment preferences are definitely different. I took another sip of tea. Mmm, this level is just perfect indeed.

“Are the party preparations going well?”

Rashid asked.

“I’m working hard on it. I’m thinking of making it a themed masquerade ball, what do you think?”

I explained my idea. Though he said I could do as I pleased, it was Rashid’s birthday celebration, and since he would need to dress up as the host, he needed to know in advance.

“Do as you wish.”

“I was worried you might not like it.”

“I don’t dislike it.”

Well, that’s good then.

He’s surprisingly accepting, it seems quite refreshing. Or maybe he just half-listened to my explanation. I wonder if he won’t say ‘You want me to wear this?’ on the day. He might even think ‘You want me to eat this?’ internally.

I shared news that he might like to improve his mood.

“I’ve prepared lots of sweets that you like.”

“That I like?”

“Yes. You like them, don’t you?”

He seems to have forgotten putting this much sugar in his tea. Even during regular meals, if you watch carefully, it’s obvious that he likes sweet foods. Despite not looking the type, his taste is quite cute, and I found myself unconsciously paying attention to it.

“I do not.”

He frowned and denied it.

“I think you do……”

Does he think it diminishes his dignity as a Duke to admit liking sweets? His stubborn denial somehow seemed cute too.

“You eat your marmalade very sweet too.”

“……”

“And you drink your tea sweet.”

“Doesn’t everyone?”

“Not at all.”

Both Karla and I probably have much plainer tastes than Rashid.

Rashid made a sulky face at being contradicted.

“Well, if that’s what you like, I’ll make sure there are plenty. Ah, but don’t worry, I’ve planned non-sweet foods too. There will be plenty for guests with different tastes to enjoy.”

I added just in case. Haha, don’t be too surprised when there’s a feast of sweet, salty, and sour foods and drinks laid out.

Ah! Should I serve butter and bread too? Many people would like that. It would be nice if we could make pollock roe baguettes too. Ah, I shouldn’t have thought about it. Now that I’ve remembered, it’s torturous having the taste lingering in my mouth.

To comfort myself, I picked up and ate one of the cookies on the plate. The well-baked sugar cookie made a crunching sound as it broke apart.

At that moment, Rashid reached out and lightly brushed my lips.

Oh my!

Startled, I looked at Rashid, who said with a smile:

“There was sugar powder on your lips.”

Oh, I see.

“How embarrassing.”

I unnecessarily rubbed around my mouth several times to brush it off. My lips were smooth, the sweet powder having fallen away from his touch. The sensation of Rashid’s fingers still seemed to linger, so I rubbed my lips hard once more.

I could feel my cheeks burning. I lifted my teacup, pretending to drink, to hide my face.

‘……I thought he was going to kiss me again.’

The fact that I had this thought the moment he touched me will remain a secret until I die.

* * *