n

n

nWhile everyone was admiring the new design, Rieta calmly organized the situation she was facing bit by bit.

nThankfully, the absolutely unforgettable worldview of was of great help.

nIn the novel, it was the role of a housewife to decorate the mansion.

nIt was an important task, since rooms had to be changed according to the season and the fashion, which helped add new life to the interior of the house.

nHowever, the inside of the Duke’s mansion had not been changed for a long time.

nThat’s because he had wanted to keep the heart of the Duchess in it.

nThere was also no one who wanted to change the fashion or anything like that.

n「There’s no place in the mansion that my mother couldn’t reach, so everyone misses her.」

nDarrell had told her about ‘all’ of them.

nIncluding all the people of the Duke that Rieta liked.

n

n

nThe Duke, Noel, Darrell and the staff.

nShe didn’t want to change or renew what they treasured.

nNo, rather, she wanted to fully understand their longing.

nIf she could understand more, then maybe she could also share their pain.

nJust as the Duke had said, ‘Let’s walk together’ was engraved in Rieta’s pain filled heart.

n‘……I want to go back.’

nShe felt so uncomfortable that she did not think she could enjoy the reunion anymore.

nThankfully, the agreed upon time with the Duke was almost there.

nShe whispered softly to a nearby servant, ‘Please get ready to go back.’

n“Is it time for you to go home already?”

nPerhaps they had noticed the movement at their side, and the person sitting next to her grabbed Rieta’s arm, feeling sorry.

n“I haven’t had much time to converse with the Princess.”

n“I’ve had so much fun, that I lost track of time.”

nRieta smiled back, without answering the question.

n‘I had fun too.’

nThose words she couldn’t say properly, stayed inside her mind.

nSoon, a servant approached and kindly told her, ‘The Duke has arrived.’

nRieta rose from her seat with a big smile on her face.

n“Ah, then. Princess.”

n“…..?”

n“I’ll invite you to our embroidery meeting next time.”

n“I’m sure you’ll like it.”

nRieta tried to nod her head appropriately.

nNo matter how many invitations they sent, Rieta did not want to go.

nAt that moment, she just wanted to think about ending the event peacefully.

n“Most of all, because embroidery passed down from mother to daughter. And you might need to learn it from someone else.”

nRieta turned her head and glanced at that person.

nIf she hadn’t heard wrong, those words were definitely out of line.

nPerhaps, the woman felt something unusual in those round eyes.

nTheir surroundings became quiet for a while.

nBut soon, Rieta bowed slightly, saying, ‘Oh, I see.’

n“I’m sorry, I misunderstood for a moment. Kingdom and Empire are different…”

n“A misunderstanding?”

n“Oh, no. What should I do? Did I ruin the mood?”

nThe little girl’s red face was really cute, so the atmosphere melted smoothly.

nSoon everyone was relieved and returned to the previous conversations comfortably.

n“Words and cultures are completely different. No wonder there’s a misunderstanding.”

n“The princess is clever, so she can learn quickly.”

n“We’ll be there to help you.”

n“I’m glad. People of the Empire are kind. They’re generous. You know, actually, in the kingdom.”

nRieta continued to talk with difficulty, tucking away one hair that kept falling on her face.

n“The education at home is the responsibility of the family, so no one else can say anything about it…”

n

n

n“Uh, oh my, o-of course so is in the Kingdom.”

n“Really?! That’s a relief. The empire and the kingdom must not be very different.”

nOnly then did they understand where Rieta paused.

n“Well, that’s. I’m just saying this because I want to get closer to you. I hope you don’t get me wrong.”

n“Yes, I know. That’s what you said with a kind heart.”

nRieta smiled brightly as if not to worry.

n“If it hadn’t been that, you’d already have apologized to me.”

nAn awkward silence followed.

nJust then, the Duke came to pick her up, so Rieta grabbed his hand and went back to the carriage.

n******

n