Yui’s eyes sparkled at Cali’s words. Though she had entered the Grand Palace as Vaniel’s maid, the magical communication device Helena had given her was useless, blocked by the defensive barrier surrounding the palace.

Of course, the path out of the palace wasn’t blocked. However, belongings were inspected every time someone left, so she couldn’t take the communication device with her. She only learned this after arriving here. Yui grew anxious, as she needed to report regularly.

During this time, Cali caught Yui’s attention.

Cali was the youngest of the four maids assigned to serve Vaniel, the same age as Lin and Yui.

With her cute smile and witty speech, she was the beloved youngest among the maids. Even Vaniel seemed to like Cali’s friendly demeanor.

However, within a few days, Yui glimpsed the cunning behind that cute smile. Though it would have been better to investigate further, she had no time to deliberate and approached quickly.

“Actually, the Grand Duchess doesn’t like Lin and me going out.”

This was when Vaniel, after finishing her meal at the East Palace, was returning to the Central Palace with the Grand Duke. As the maids dispersed, Yui caught up with Cali and spoke to her.

Seemingly interested in gossip about the Grand Duchess, Cali stopped and looked at Yui.

“Her Grace? Why?”

“I don’t know. But probably… since many people here don’t know what the young lady is like yet. I think she’s worried we might speak carelessly.”

Though she hastily made up this explanation, Yui wasn’t particularly concerned. After all, people here didn’t like Vaniel. So there was no one who would stand up for the Grand Duchess.

“Ah. I suppose that could be the case. But she doesn’t seem like that kind of person?”

Despite her dry tone suggesting disinterest, Yui was certain Cali was interested. So now she needed to ask directly.

“No way! You don’t know her. Back at the Count’s mansion, no one except Lin could handle the young lady.”

“Really?”

“I’m telling you! Anyway, is there any way to leave the palace besides through the main gate? You’ve lived here since birth, right? If you tell me, I’ll reward you handsomely.”

“Hmm… besides the main gate? There’s the back door where kitchen supplies are received.”

Though she inwardly cursed Cali as stupid for her unhelpful answer, Yui showed a friendly smile.

“There are knights guarding that place too. What I mean is! Is there any secret hole or passage that can be used to sneak in and out, not guarded by knights?”

“A secret hole? Why would the Grand Palace have something like that? And even if there was one, I’ve never heard of it, so I wouldn’t know.”

Yesterday, Cali had answered with a naive expression that she didn’t know. But now she’s offering to tell her? Seeing her eyes light up at the mention of money, it might be true.

‘No. I don’t have time for this. I have a day off in two days, and I absolutely must contact Lady Helena.’

Having finished her thought, Yui glared at Cali.

“Didn’t you say you didn’t know? Ugh. This is ridiculous.”

“Lower your voice! I’m sorry. But there really is a secret passage.”

“How can I believe you and give you money when you say that?”

“It’s true! If you don’t believe me, give me 5 gold first, I’ll tell you, and you can check it yourself before giving me the rest.”

‘See? It must be true.’

When Yui stared at Cali with fiery eyes, she met her gaze without backing down. As they stared at each other like they were having a staring contest, not even blinking until their eyes stung, they turned their heads at the sound of laughter.

“What are you two doing? How can you have a staring contest like children? Come quickly. The meal preparations in the garden are complete.”

As their conversation was interrupted by Tenesi’s words, Cali and Yui exchanged glances before bowing their heads.

Their footsteps toward the garden carried traces of embarrassment and regret.

***

The meal set up in the garden was splendid and colorful. The table was adorned with a vase, golden candlesticks, elegant tableware, and delicious-looking food.

Vaniel was moved to be with Lias among the flowers and plants she loved.

“The garden is truly beautiful.”

Vaniel turned her head this way and that, smiling brightly as she put a piece of cut meat in her mouth and chewed.

“This is really delicious!”

Lias felt full just watching her constantly exclaim in admiration.

“You’re beautiful and delicious too.”

Shocked by his low tone mixed with desire, Vaniel coughed as if choking. Lias chuckled at her reaction and handed her a glass of water, which she hurriedly drank.

After stopping her cough and clearing her throat with a “hmm-hmm,” Vaniel exclaimed softly.

“You shouldn’t say such things during mealtime!”

At her outcry, like a naive teacher scolding a delinquent student, Lias tilted his head mischievously.

“Are you saying it’s acceptable when it’s not mealtime, teacher?”

“Of course not!”

Vaniel quickly looked around, worried that someone might overhear their conversation. Watching her, Lias slowly sipped his wine.

In truth, the only thought in his mind right now was how to get this woman to bed as quickly as possible.

Even he found it ridiculous how much he resembled a beast in heat. Self-deprecating inwardly, Lias met Vaniel’s gaze as she stared at him.

“What was that book you were reading earlier?”

As Lias asked in a plain tone, Vaniel smiled awkwardly. It wasn’t that she was hiding anything, but people might find it strange for a noblewoman to study herbology. Her deliberation on how to respond dragged on.

“You don’t want to tell me?”

“It’s not that… um… it’s a kind of plant encyclopedia? You could call it that.”

“A plant encyclopedia?”

“Yes. I’m very interested in herbs, flowers, and plants, so I often read such books.”

Seeing Vaniel’s cautious gaze, Lias smiled reassuringly. Relieved, she continued.

“Usually, noble ladies like flowers, but I’m more interested in herbology. If it’s an unsuitable hobby for a Grand Duchess, I won’t show it.”

Lias’s eyebrows twitched at Vaniel’s words. A hobby suitable for a Grand Duchess? He had thought they were getting quite close, so her words drawing a line displeased him.

Sensing his discomfort, Vaniel’s eyes trembled anxiously. Watching her, Lias realized he was being too hasty.

They had just spent their first night together yesterday. For Lias, it was one of many nights, but for her, it was likely her first. Feeling satisfied with that fact, he smiled benevolently.

“I won’t stop you even if you become an herbalist, so don’t worry. If you need anything, just ask.”

Only when Lias gave his permission did a smile return to Vaniel’s face. Seemingly encouraged, she spoke up.

“Then… may I… perhaps set up an herb garden in a place that won’t harm the garden?”

Her teal eyes sparkled with expectation as she looked at him. Her previous anxious appearance must have been an act. Seeing her delight like a child upon receiving permission, Lias couldn’t help but laugh.

“Sure. I’ll tell Agot about it.”

“Thank you so much! Lias.”

Vaniel was overjoyed, almost jumping up. And that joy didn’t fade, as she chattered brightly throughout the meal. She expressed how much she loved plants and promised to make the herb garden beautiful to show him. Her transparent, clear smile was a bonus.

“Oh! And there’s a plant called Novera that looks very elegant, but its roots emit an unpleasant smell, so I haven’t been able to grow it. I’ll definitely try growing it someday.”

“You have an herb garden now, why not grow it?”

“Novera’s smell would ruin the garden’s flower fragrance.”

“How bad is it?”

“I haven’t smelled it myself… I’ve just heard descriptions…”

At Lias’s question, Vaniel rolled her eyes and gestured. Lias bent down to make it easier for her to whisper, and upon hearing her rapid whisper, he burst into laughter loud enough to fill the garden.

He never expected such words to come from her elegant and proper mouth.

Though he sensed the servants peering from a distance, startled by his laughter, Lias continued laughing for a while.

Vaniel felt embarrassed, but she was happy to see him laugh at her words. Being together brought happiness and endless laughter, as if emotions she had been forcibly suppressing had opened a door and emerged without her realizing.

As they smiled brightly at each other, spring breeze brushed over their heads and flower petals fluttered.

Lias stopped laughing, stood up, and grabbed Vaniel’s wrist, pulling her.

Though momentarily surprised, Vaniel obediently followed him. However, due to his large stride, she was almost running.

Still finding her too slow, Lias embraced her and headed toward the elevator.

Standing in front of the elevator, they remained silent, and soon when the door opened, Lias quickly pulled Vaniel inside.

She couldn’t tell if the door had closed or if he had pressed a button. She couldn’t gather her thoughts as Lias passionately pressed his lips against hers.