Chapter 45

Nife spoke in a voice full of disappointment.

“Lady Sasha? Just call me Nife, like when we were young! And speak to me casually, too.”

Since it had been so long since our last meeting, I didn’t know what to call her, so I nodded obediently.

“Alright, Nife.”

I still couldn’t relax my guard because I didn’t know Nife’s intentions when she came here. Instead of kindly telling her to call me ‘sister’ like before, I decided to remind her where we were.

“This is the Grand Duke’s cherished villa. So it would be better to return to the grand duchy to talk.”

It hinted that she wasn’t qualified to visit here, but Nife smiled brightly, whether she understood or not.

“I must have been rude. I’m sorry!”

Since she even apologized humbly, I couldn’t add any more reprimands. Nife’s maid looked uneasy, unable to join the conversation between nobles.

As I left the villa with Nife, the gardener ran after us.

“Your Grace, are you leaving already?”

I didn’t want to go back yet, either. I wanted to look around the garden and inspect the interior to ensure Julian could rest more comfortably here, but I couldn’t just make Nife wait.

“A guest has come, so I must go for today. I’ll come again next time.”

“Yes, Your Grace. Your presence brings life to this place. Please do come again.”

I smiled at the friendly steward and looked towards the carriage, where Nife stood with sparkling eyes.

“Your Grace, may I ride with you?”

It was customary for nobles to use their carriages unless circumstances were unavoidable. However, I agreed immediately. Not because I was pleased to see Nife but because I felt the need to find out her intentions in greeting me warmly.

“Wow! That’s great! Thank you!”

Nife quickly ran to my carriage. Though her maid seemed to whisper advice to her, Nife only scolded her loudly,

“Why are you acting like that when Her Grace is okay with it?”

Anna chuckled softly at Nife’s behavior.

“Why are you laughing?”

Anna, looking amused,

“It reminds me of how you were young, my lady.”

I glared at Anna as I got into the carriage. Having served me for a long time, Anna didn’t seem scared of such a look from me. I inwardly grumbled, wondering where my dignity as the Grand Duchess had gone.

“How did you get here?“

“By carriage!”

Her cheerful answer left me momentarily speechless. It reminded me of how I would often make meaningless comments to Julian in a playful manner. Nife, noticing my bewildered expression, burst into laughter and added,

“I came to see the Grand Duchess.“

“I’ve been busy, so I haven’t even sent a letter…“

“Oh, it’s alright! I’m here now, aren’t I?”

Looking at Nife’s bright face, I spoke directly.

“What I mean is, I’m asking why you’ve suddenly appeared without any prior contact.“

Nife’s radiant face momentarily faltered, likely not expecting my straightforwardness. She blushed slightly and asked,

“Was I too excited on my own?“

“Entertaining one guest isn’t difficult. But we should have kept some propriety. It’s been too long since we were close enough for surprise visits, right?“

“… I’m sorry.”

I couldn’t stay angry because she apologized so readily. Her transparency reminded me of Count Sasha, making her look crestfallen without reservation. I felt uncomfortable as if I had bullied a child.

“But since you’re here, I should offer you some tea at least.“

“Really?“

Nife’s face brightened instantly. She clearly had something to say, but she didn’t seem to have any sinister motives.

But she didn’t seem to have any expectations at all. What could her reason be? It felt different from meeting Lady Shina Heira at the recent charity party.

“Yes. But only stay on the second floor. The Grand Duke doesn’t like noisy environments.“

“Yes, I will!”

Although I didn’t fully trust Nife, I knew the staff wouldn’t just let her wander upstairs unattended. I planned to serve her tea and send her back promptly.

While I was calculating the time, Nife asked cautiously yet boldly,

“Are you really on good terms with the Grand Duke?“

“What?”

I was taken aback by the sudden question. Unfazed, Nife clasped her hands together and said with a dreamy expression,

“You were more cautious when talking about the Grand Duke.”

Nife looked like she was reading a romance novel, her face flushed like someone in love.

I let out a laugh and asked,

“Do you have someone you like?”

I asked, thinking it was appropriate for her age, but Nife’s reaction was bigger than I expected.

“Yes! I have someone I really, really like!”

Her booming voice made me unconsciously pull my face back. Realizing her blunder, Nife covered her mouth with her hand and laughed awkwardly. But she didn’t forget to play the role of a shy girl whispering about her love.

“I’m truly devoted. I will only ever like that person for the rest of my life.”

There was someone who came to mind with the word “devoted.“ I naturally became more cautious, and because of that, I ended up asking in a playful tone.

“Surely, you’re not still in love with Louis?“

“Eek!”

Nife covered her cheeks with her hands and let out a scream of embarrassment. Seeing her face turn redder than a carrot—no, a strawberry—made my heart sink.

Could she really still like my younger brother, Louis?

As if to confirm my doubts, Nife murmured in a small voice.

“Since we were kids, and even now, I like Louis… no, I only like Louis.”

Thinking back, it was true. When we were little, Nife often suggested we play house.

However, the three of us siblings, following in our father’s footsteps, liked to play knight games, and Nife always ended up playing the princess. However, she quickly lost even that role.

“Nife can only be saved by Knight Louis!”

That’s what Nife insisted. When our game couldn’t progress properly, we assigned her the role of a servant instead of a princess.

Even then, Nife would follow Louis around everywhere. Everyone knew that Nife liked Louis.

But that was when she was very young. Now, the Sasha Count’s family and the Winsley Count’s family were not on good terms. It didn’t seem likely that the two families would become close again because of a marriage proposal.

Before that, there could even be a misunderstanding that the Winsley Count’s family had sided with the Second Prince’s faction. That would be very problematic.

I could only respond lightly to Nife’s ridiculous feelings.

“I see. Louis would be happy to hear that.”

Nife replied with a faint smile.

“That would be nice.”

For a brief moment, it seemed like Nife knew the truth. But then she smiled brightly, and I thought it was just a fleeting illusion.

Nife carefully took my hand and earnestly pleaded.

“So, may I stay at the Grand Duke’s residence for a few days? We can talk about Louis together. Didn’t the Grand Duchess also need someone to discuss family with?”

I felt sorry for Nife, but I already had someone to talk about family with—the most devoted husband in the world. Besides, Nife was… cute but also a bit burdensome.

“It’s too late to go back now, so stay for a night and think about it.”

Nife was just like a puppy. Even with my ambiguous answer, she smiled and thanked me. She held my hand tightly with both of hers and confidently said,

“I really love Louis. I’ll be a good wife.”

I hadn’t said I’d give her Louis yet. At her hasty words, I could only give an awkward smile.

* * *

Upon arriving at the Grand Duke’s residence, Julian naturally came out to greet us. I hurriedly approached him.

“I’m back.”

It seemed I had gotten used to his greetings. Before I knew it, I said, “I’m back,” instead of asking if he was busy.

“Welcome back.”

Julian greeted me as usual. Even though we had a guest, he extended his arm so I could link mine with his. Turning back, I saw Nife looking at us with sparkling eyes.

“This is Lady Nife Sasha from the Sasha Count’s family.“

“Hello, Your Grace. I am Nife Sasha.”

Julian nodded lightly and offered his arm for me to hold. Linking arms with him, I spoke to the butler.

“Prepare a guest room for Lady Sasha to rest. I’ve informed her that she can freely roam the second floor, so assign a maid to attend to her.”

On the surface, it seemed like I was considerate of Nife, but I was also setting up surveillance. I also informed the staff that she was only allowed on the second floor.

The experienced butler immediately understood my words, but Nife was just overjoyed.

“Thank you! Your Grace! Your Ladyship!“

“See you at dinner, Nife.”

Since she was a guest, I greeted her kindly. However, Julian pulled me along, urging me gently. I looked up at him as if to ask why.

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.