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n“Never mind, eat as many cakes as there are words in the Kingdom language as well as the Imperial language.”

nRieta tried to make excuses by saying, ‘Because it’s not my story!’ several more times, but Noel didn’t listen to her.

n* * *

nIt was only after she had finished eating that she realized that the two of them were attracting the attention of all the guests.

nApparently, it seemed strange that two children came without an adult to eat cake and drink tea.

nBesides, Noel’s mature actions must have looked interesting.

nAnyway, the two left the pleasant gazes behind them and headed for their next destination.

nA flower shop.

nIt was a large place that was said to have worked with the Imperial family. If one were to go deep inside, there would be a greenhouse for flowers.

nThe children took off their coats, gloves and scarves and peered around the greenhouse in rather light clothes.

nOf course, the purpose was to find the flowers that Noel gave her that day.

nThe flower shop owner said, “I heard that there is a flower you are looking for. Can I help you if you tell me the shape?” but the two shook their heads.

nTreasure hunting was fun to do on their own.

n“Noel, look at this. It’s the same flower that Hugh McLean gave me yesterday.”

n“Wow, that’s ugly.”

n“Really? It’s pretty in my eyes.”

n“It smells a bit musty. I don’t like it.”

nNoel said so, but his heart was very uncomfortable.

nHe thought that he had to slowly let out the words that were stuck in his throat.

nWhat should I say?

nHe leaned over and stared at Rieta, who sniffed the scent of the flowers, and chose his words as to how to begin the story.

nFirst, I apologize.

nThen Rieta will ask what you’re sorry about.

nAfter that, if I explain to her the situation slowly, Rieta won’t be angry with me.

nMost of all, hadn’t Rieta said that she had the ‘best friendship’ with him?

nTherefore, Noel’s faults should be understood with an open mind.

nOkay, I’ll say it around that corner.

nHe decided where to start his story, and followed Rieta nervously.

n“Oh, Noel, look at this!”

nBut when they got to the corner, Rieta grabbed his collar and pointed at a strange-looking flower, which prevented him from speaking.

n“It looks just like a lid top. Very interesting, isn’t it?”

n“Yes. It’s just like the top of the Princess’s hair.”

n“It’s a head cover!”

n“Hmm? In the Empire, this is called a ‘top’.”

nNoel spoke seriously, tapping the top of his head.

n“Don’t lie.”

n“Ah, you’re not fooled. You used to be deceived all the time.”

nRieta slapped Noel’s arm. “That’s too much!”

nThe unfair expression on her face was so funny that Noel forgot about the apology ahead and laughed out loud.

n“Huh?”

nThen at some point.

nNoel spotted a familiar bunch of flowers.

n“Isn’t that it?”

nAs he pointed, Rieta quickly confirmed that direction.

n“I think that’s right!”

nThe girl was delighted and she hurried to the flower.

nIt was this flower for sure.

nSke had stared straight at it while she was lying sick in bed, so she couldn’t be wrong.

nRieta buried her face between the large flowers and took a deep breath.

nHaa.

n“It smells very sweet. It’s like candy . . .”

nAt the sound of muttering in a voice that seemed to melt, Noel also brought his nose closer to the flower.

nThe rustling petals touched the tip of his nose and it tickled. The scent was really good.

nThere was no comparison with the flowers Hugh McLean gave.

n“You’re right.”

nWhen he agreed, Rieta lifted her head slightly and smiled.

n“Right?”

n“Mhm.”

n“Then Noel can answer the people now. Right?”

nBecause he said that the people of the Empire had asked him about Rieta’s favorite flower.

n“Actually, I had already decided on the answer.”

n“Already?”

n“Oh, Princess Rieta likes cakes more than flowers, so I’ll ask them to buy you something to eat.”

nRieta was about to say he was too much, but she paused.

nCome to think of it, he wasn’t exactly wrong. Rieta did like to eat.

nBut she also liked flowers.

n“Anyway, let’s go home now. You said you were using that card today?”

nNoel asked the staff to pick up the coat, which Rieta had taken off.

nAfter putting on her cloak, Rieta puts on her gloves and puts on her muffler as well.

n“Ah, this was off.”

nThe employee was almost surprised, and handed over the brooch that Noel gave her yesterday.

nShe actually tried to pin her brooch on the muffler.

nWith it in her coat pocket, she completely forgot.

n“May I put it on?”

nRieta nodded her head to receive the kindness of the employee.

nWhen the employee put on the cute ribbon-shaped brooch, the muffler seemed to look even better.

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