n

n

n

nThere were still several years left before the story of original work began.

nIn the meantime, Rieta would be able to prepare for many things.

nSo, I shouldn’t be in a hurry.

nAs long as Rieta stayed in the Duke’s house, there would be many encounters with the Princess in the future.

nAs to how to win her heart . . . she still didn’t know.

nAnyway, Noel would show a slightly changed image, so the situation could only get better in the future.

nThus, Rieta did not give up and decided to try her best.

n* * *

nAs Rieta’s birthday passed, the temperature began to rise little by little.

nThe white snow became soft rainwater, tiny green grains sprouted from the branches, and the time for the sun to gaze over grew a little longer.

nAs a new year areived and spring came, the happiest person was Noel.

nHe found Rieta’s puzzle in the corner of the garden where snow had piled up over the winter.

nAll the snow had melted and he was able to find it, so it seemed like a gift from spring.

nOf course, it was a pity that the puzzle, which had been buried in cold snow for a long time, was in rather poor condition.

nThe happiest person other than Noel was Darrel.

nHe was spending a ‘sweet spring break’ after completing the academy’s winter presentation and organizing the event neatly.

nWhen he said spring break was sweet, he didn’t mean that he was to go on a date or party.

nThe sweetness he spoke of was just,

n“I want to sleep more.”

nExcept for mealtime, he continued to sleep.

n“Are you still sleeping?”

nBut Rieta was worried about Darrel, who stayed in bed from morning to evening.

nHe was concerned about her worries and explained his behavior.

n“Just like animals hibernate, I hibernate in spring.”

n“But Darrel. You haven’t gone for a walk in over a week.”

nAt Rieta’s words, Darrel laughed out loud a little.

n“Princess, your Imperial language has increased tremendously during the winter.”

n“Is that so?”

n“In the past, there was a lot of Liz’s accent.”

n“It’s still bad. Noel laughs, saying that even today, my pronunciation is flat.”

nYes, of course was still flat.

nSometimes, the round pronunciation subsided.

nStill, was a lot better now.

n“Looking at the Princess, I can see why adults tried to make you study when you were young.”

n“Why?”

n“You learn so quickly. Of course, the Princess is also smart.”

nDarrel raised his hand and tried to stroke Rieta’s head.

nBut he soon stopped and put his hand away.

n. . . She is a Princess.

nHe almost forgot something important.

nWhenever he saw Rieta and Noel getting close, Darrel used to mistake the princess of Liz as his sister.

n“Darrel?”

nDid she feel awkward?

nRieta was looking up at him with puzzled eyes.

n“I’m sorry, Princess. I must have fallen asleep standing up.”

n“It’s dangerous.”

nRieta grabbed his wrist and led him to his room.

nShe seemed worried that he would fall asleep while standing.

n“Thank you. You are kind, Princess.”

n“I’m just really worried about Darrel.”

nRieta really liked Darrel, who always gave her words of support.

nCome to think of it.

nRieta was lost in thought for a moment.

nI . . . Since when did I think Darrel was good?

nShe seems to have thought so since she came to the mansion not long ago.

n“What are you thinking about?”

nAs he asked, Rieta stared at him and asked a question.

n“Darrel, how did you win my heart?”

nHe repeated Rieta’s question without hiding a pleasant smile.

n“Did I win the princess’s heart?”

n“Yes.”

nRieta nodded her head and added.

n“Darrel wins everyone’s heart.”

nPerhaps he may be the ‘rich in heart’ of this Empire. He was liked by everyone.

n“How do you do this?”

nHe pondered for a moment, then shook his head slightly.

n“Well. I do not know.”

n“You don’t know?”

nAt her disappointed question, he touched her hair for a moment.

n“Um . . . But the Princess also won my heart, so maybe she knows how?”

n“Me?!”

n“Sure. You won it fully.”

nHow did I win it? She hadn’t done anything for Darrel.

nShe never sent a gift, never wrote a letter.

n“It would be nice if there was a price tag on the mind.”

nAs if it is written that this person’s heart can be bought with ‘kindness 5 times’, Rieta complained a little and opened Darrel’s door.

n“It seems that the Princess has a specific partner you want to buy the heart from.”

nRieta only responded with an ambiguous smile to his guess.

n“Since you’re just smiling, you won’t even tell me who that person is.”

n“Nope,” she said, winking.

n“The Princess wants someone’s heart. I mean, I’ll keep it a secret.”

n“Huh . . .?”

n“Why?”

n“I think my heart has just been sold again. To Darrel.”

n“Maybe that might be a hint. How to buy a heart.”

nWas that so?

nBut Rieta still couldn’t figure it out.

n