Looking for a Husband to Confine Me - Chapter 51.1

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Chapter 51.1

Ricardo’s steps faltered, his brow furrowing in thought.

“Excuse me, Lord Div?”

At my words, his violet eyes snapped to mine.

“We agreed to use our given names, didn’t we?”

For a moment, I saw Damian in him. They disliked each other, yet their actions were so similar. I reluctantly spoke his name.

“…Ricardo. What are you thinking about so intently?”

“I was reconsidering whether my invitation might have been burdensome.”

His serious expression left me speechless. I didn’t know what expression to wear or what to say. He’d claimed he didn’t spend personal time with colleagues, so why this sudden invitation to meet alone? It was puzzling.

Of course, it was a good opportunity for me, but it never hurt to be wary of the unexpected. I should ask him why he wants to have dinner with me, make my position clear, and then… No, there are too many eavesdroppers.

I was organizing my thoughts, formulating a response for Ricardo, when I realized the knights standing guard were listening intently. I took Ricardo’s hand and started walking again.

“Amelia?”

Their ears perked up even more, likely because he’d used my name so casually. There’s too much to worry about. Here…! It would be troublesome if strange rumors about Ricardo and me began to circulate. I hadn’t decided anything about potential husbands yet.

“If dining with me is unwelcome, feel free to decline.”

“It’s not that….”

“I inquired about dinner as a way of thanking you.”

“…Thanking me?”

Thanking me for what? I opened my mouth to ask, then paused, blinking in confusion. I tried to recall if I had saved Ricardo recently, but nothing came to mind. I only remembered my brother, Kelliard, and sister, Rettie, fainting and needing assistance.

While I searched my memory, Ricardo nodded.

“Yes, for helping me choose my mother’s gift.”

“So, your mother received the gift you prepared?”

“Indeed. For some reason, she seemed to like it.”

A soft smile played on Ricardo’s lips. He seemed pleased, as if it were the first time his mother had accepted a gift.

“That’s wonderful! I’m glad.”

“Since you helped me choose it, I wanted to express my gratitude.”

“But you chose most of it yourself. I didn’t really do anything.”

“Still, this year, for the first time, she unwrapped and looked at a gift. A gift I prepared with someone else.”

So, he believed I deserved some credit for his mother accepting the gift. It felt strange to be thanked for something I hadn’t done.

“So, will you allow me to thank you properly?”

“…Alright. Dinner sounds fine.”

Ricardo didn’t seem like someone who would give up easily. His face brightened at my answer. I quickly added,

“Just in case you were thinking otherwise, you don’t need to prepare any other gifts. It’s unnecessary. Dinner is already more than enough thanks for such a small thing.”

“…I understand.”

As I suspected, he had been planning another gift. He flinched at my words, then nodded a beat later.

I was glad I’d said something.

While talking with Ricardo, we reached the drawing-room. Two figures stood at the entrance, deep in conversation. As we drew closer, their faces became clear: Ray Kewind, the Knight Commander, and Damian Ditronil. They, too, recognized Ricardo and me.

“You’ve arrived, My Lady.”

“Ray, are you alright? No injuries?”

“Of course not. Only clumsy fools like him get injured.”

Ray smirked at Damian, seeming rather pleased about his injuries.

“Haha….”

I laughed awkwardly, suddenly noticing Damian’s unusual silence. He would normally have spoken to me immediately, but today he hadn’t even greeted me.

As I looked at him, wondering what was wrong, I met his disgruntled gaze. Or rather, our eyes didn’t quite meet. Damian was staring slightly downwards, at my hand.

“Damian? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You seem quite close to Ricardo Div, Amelia.”

He arched an eyebrow.

“What do you…?”

His voice was laced with displeasure. Confused by his sudden change in demeanor, I followed his gaze. I saw my hand, still clasped in Ricardo’s.

“…!”

I had taken his hand to avoid the other knights’ stares and had completely forgotten about it. I quickly pulled my hand away, startled. Ricardo, too, seemed surprised.

“I’m sorry. I completely forgot.”

“It’s alright, My Lady.”