Chapter 229
The next day—
As if it were only natural, Former Princess Anatoli once again summoned Father.
The two occupied the garden entirely, sitting across from each other with a table between them, drinking tea together. To an onlooker, it would appear as if they were on a date, a tender scene.
Former Princess Anatoli, dressed up more than ever, laughed behind her hand, her smile so wide it almost reached her ears, even though her hand didn’t really hide it. In contrast, Father simply responded to her questions with his usual expression.
“How do you find the tea’s aroma? Do you like it?”
“Yes.”
“I’m so glad you like it! Next time, I’ll bring Darjeeling, my favorite.”
“Yes.”
“Come to think of it, there was talk about borrowing a boat recently. Will you join me? I’m uncertain how to present it to His Majesty…”
“Yes.”
The princess openly flaunted her affection, putting on a show for everyone passing by. Each passerby stole glances at the pair in the garden, making their own comments as they walked by.
People who didn’t know the full story said things like,
“They really do look like a lovely couple.”
“Perhaps things will work out for the two of them this time.”
“It may be for his daughter’s sake, but spending time together every day isn’t easy.”
“Maybe General Daymond has opened his heart to her because she’s even willing to embrace Erylotte, his beloved daughter.”
From my perspective, it was utterly ridiculous.
But that was the reality. That was exactly how the current rumor mill sounded.
If the estate staff were whispering like this, how would it be outside?
Now, rumors were spreading everywhere that things between Father and the former princess might finally work out this time.
‘Surely, the former princess is the one who spread this so quickly through high society.’
The chatterbox courtiers who love gossip must have spread it enthusiastically.
The servants who had been gossiping in front of the garden noticed me and met my gaze. I stared at them coldly, and they shuddered, lowering their heads before hastily going their separate ways.
Normally, they would never behave like this.
I was known as the Duke’s most favored grandchild among the third generation. This was a well-known fact among the hierarchy-sensitive servants.
If this were any other day, they wouldn’t dare talk in front of me and then walk away with only a slight bow. Usually, they would be kneeling, begging forgiveness with clasped hands.
‘Seeing Grandfather’s silence, they must think he’s lost affection for me.’
Letting them be, I glanced at the passing servants and then made my way to the garden entrance.
Two guards stood at the entrance. I looked up at them and said,
“Tell them I’m here.”
Upon hearing this, one of the guards immediately relayed my message to the princess. After a moment of silence following the report, the princess raised her voice loud enough for me to hear.
“Come over~”
Her voice was warm.
‘She’s obviously shouting like that on purpose for everyone to hear.’
She was trying to project a sense of family.
Once she granted permission, I gracefully walked over to the table in the garden.
“Good day, Your Highness Anatoli.”
I held my skirt and greeted her with elegance.
“Indeed. What brings you here, Erylotte?”
The former princess rested her clasped hands on the table and leaned her chin on them, giving me a smirk. She seemed more relaxed than before.
In the past, she would never have shown such an attitude in front of the Duke’s son.
Clearly, she thought her relationship with Father had grown very close.
Ignoring her actions entirely, I smiled sweetly and replied,
“I’ve come to take Father back.”
Then I approached Father.
His pupils wavered slightly as he looked at me.
The princess’s eyebrow twitched, but she forced a smile since Father was present.
“What should I do? General Daymond and I were just discussing matters concerning you. We’re talking about how to present you well to His Majesty.”
She always used that excuse to drag Father away.
I was fully aware of it. I’d even had Ombre tail them to ensure they weren’t really discussing any ‘meeting’ at all.
One day, she had talked endlessly about places she wanted to travel to. Another day, she chattered on about her childhood. Today, it was endless gossip about her acquaintances.
Father merely listened silently to all of the former princess’s ramblings.
Unbothered, I met the princess’s gaze and said,
“I don’t need it.”
“…What?”
The princess was taken aback by my response.
“I’m confident! I’ll explain myself well at the palace. I’ll clear up the misunderstandings. And…”
“……”
I spoke clearly, putting on an innocent tone.
“Grandfather promised he’d help me!”
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