#Daily Life 1

“You seem to be in a good mood.”

“What?”

I lifted my head abruptly from writing down the list. Diart, who’s sitting across the table, was staring at me intently with a suspicious expression.

“You’ve been humming since earlier.”

I quickly lowered the corners of my mouth that had risen unconsciously. I must have been humming without realizing it.

“I’m sorry. Did it bother you?”

“No. I like listening to it. What’s up?”

If I fell for his harmless expression and told him the truth, it would become very troublesome later on. I subtly pulled the paper I was writing on and changed the subject.

“Really? It’s nothing.”

“Nothing? You sang eight songs.”

“I guess I was just happy to spend time with you. It’s been a while since we sat facing each other like this.”

“I see. You know, your nose twitches when you lie.”

“…….”

I lightly pinched my nose, feeling unnecessarily honest. Seeing that he had put down the documents he was reading, it seemed that he wouldn’t back down until I spoke the truth. I tapped the paper that had been pulled closer with my finger.

“Leticia is organizing a charity bazaar. It’s my first time participating in a bazaar, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

So what? That can’t be all. Diart’s gaze didn’t waver. I bit my tongue inwardly, trying to brush it off as Leticia’s excuse with a suspicious expression on his face. This is why men who are quick-witted are troublesome.

“Not only high-ranking nobles, but even the imperial family will be presenting their precious items. I’m already curious about what valuable things will come out.”

That’s a lie.

I’m not really interested in other people’s precious items. The only thing I’m looking forward to at this bazaar is one person’s item.

‘Our dear Edgar!’

Leticia mentioned that Edgar will also be attending this bazaar. I don’t know how she convinced the shy and reluctant Edgar to come forward in front of the people, but for me, it was definitely my chance to acquire something valuable.

It’s my ultimate favorite’s item, so I must get it!

“You’re lost in your own thoughts again.”

Hehehe. Swallowing my ominous laughter, I snapped back to reality as a finger touched my forehead. Diart was raising an eyebrow at me. I quickly hid my expression and spoke.

“They said all the sales proceeds will be donated to the orphanage.”

“So what? Are you planning to contribute a valuable item too?”

Diart picked up the paper I was writing on and started reading it.

“You’ve written quite a lot.”

“Even if it’s just a little, it’s nice to be able to help.”

Diart turned his gaze towards me, his lips curling up. When this man smiled like that, it’s not a good sign. Uneasiness rushed in.

“I should go too.”

“…What?”

Why should you go?

“My wife is doing a good deed, and as a husband, I should join her.”

“But didn’t you say there’s a lot of work on your territory? You’ve been busy lately.”

Not that Grand Duke Wheaton passed on his title and retired, Diart has been busy managing not only the area he was in charge of but also the territories he originally owned.

“I have plenty of time for you.”

“I’m fine. I can go alone, so don’t push yourself.”

Say you’ll do that. Hurry up!

I gave him a pleading look, but Diart turned his gaze back to the list and casually replied.

“I’m looking forward to it too, since you’re so excited.”

“…….”

Damn it.

* * *

All my efforts to persuade Diart to change his mind had been in vain. It was clear that words spoken once would stick like a thorn in his mouth if not followed through. In the end, Diart escorted me to the bazaar, smiling naturally at my displeased expression.

“Roeni!”

Leticia, who was greeting people, saw me and smiled broadly. She approached me after apologizing to the person she was talking to and hesitated when she saw Diart standing next to me. When I gestured that I couldn’t help it, Leticia gave me a regretful look.

She knew about my fangirling for Edgar, which made her wonder why I was so interested in him. I had to be honest with Leticia, who thought it was strange that I only showed interest in Edgar. After thinking for a while, she seemed to have come to terms with the fact that I, like many other ladies of the aristocracy, had a romantic interest in the imperial family.

“Still, it’s a relief that you’re not into the playboy or scoundrel.”

Leticia held my hand tightly and tried hard to understand me. Although I had caused some misunderstandings, I saw a lot of Leticia’s efforts to satisfy my fangirl needs, such as arranging tea time with Edgar.

Anyway, she knows how much I’ve been looking forward to this bazaar, so it was only natural for her to bemoan Diart’s unexpected arrival. When do you ever see a wife getting more excited about a hobby than her husband? Can’t I at least gossip a little without being noticed?

“Even the princess doesn’t seem very happy to see me.”

Diart whispered lowly in my ear.

‘If you knew that, you should go home right now.’

I barely managed to swallow my true feelings that were about to burst out of my mouth and followed Leticia’s guidance to change seats.

Unlike the usual case, this bazaar was conducted in an auction format, and seats were arranged in a circular shape around the stage. Among them, we were guided to the most prestigious seat and faced a familiar face.

“May the light of glory shine upon you. I greet His Highness Prince Edgar.”

“Hello, Mrs. Wheaton.”

Edgar replied to my greeting with a smile warmer than the sunshine. Edgar and I had become closer through volunteering at the orphanage and frequent tea times. Even though seeing him frequently could make one’s feelings dull, my fan love for his unchanged innocent and humble charm only grew deeper.

“I received the tea you gave me a few days ago with gratitude.”

“I hope you liked it.”

“It was very delicious. I drank it every time I read, and it’s already half way through.”

“Oh my, I’m glad. I’ll send you more.”

As a fan, there’s nothing happier than seeing my favorite person satisfied with the gift I gave him.

Edgar waved his hands, saying that wasn’t the case. His blushing cheek that had turned red couldn’t have been cuter. It was healing just to see how lovable a person could be.

At that moment, Diart’s hand, which was wrapped around my waist, tightened. When I lifted my head, he was looking down at me with angry eyes. He was a man who couldn’t stand to see me show interest in anyone other than himself. I was already worried about the upcoming bazaar, and an unwelcome voice interrupted.

“Oh, look, I’m here too.”

When I turned my head, Jarvis was smiling and waving his hand.

“Nice to see you again, Your Highness.”

“We saw each other two days ago in the square and you pretended not to see me?”

“Did we?”

“Yeah. I’m used to being treated like this now.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“More importantly, I don’t remember receiving any tea as a gift.”

“I didn’t give you any.”

My instant reply made Jarvis put his hand on his chest and make a wounded expression, but as always, he quickly recovered.

“I’m glad you haven’t changed.”

The person saying that was truly someone who hadn’t changed at all, but suddenly my vision was blocked. It was because Diart stood in front of me and pointed to where I should sit.

“Sit over here.”

I followed his lead, wanting to end the conversation. Jarvis, Edgar, Diart, and Leticia took their seats beside me. Leticia glanced at Diart for a moment and leaned closer to whisper.

“Are you okay?”

I could tell what the subject of Leticia’s unspoken subject was. I sent her a reassuring gaze, telling her not to worry. I wouldn’t give up on the purpose of attending today’s event.

‘All of Edgar’s treasures will be mine!’

I reaffirmed my determination once again. Just then, the emcee stepped onto the stage. After expressing gratitude to the attendees and explaining the purpose of today’s bazaar, the emcee finally got to the point.

“We will now begin the auction.”

It was a delicate moment that required careful steps.

Diart, who was prone to jealousy, usually sulked subtly, and once he got upset, he wouldn’t easily let it go. Just a few days ago, I listened to Milto’s relationship advice, and now, recalling how Diart chased him away, telling him to catch some tarvo or something if he had time to worry about unnecessary things, I shook my head inwardly. His actions seemed so familiar, and I sighed.

We can’t let Edgar go through such a difficult situation.

Still, I had to be careful, since Diart has always been wary of Edgar.

‘If I only buy Edgar’s treasures, it’ll be too obvious. I should throw in a few items from other people as well.’

I firmly grasped the auction paddle in my hand.

* * *