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~Chapter 32~
“The garden, my bedroom, the parlor, the greenhouse…”
Evangeline counted on her fingers, then shuddered.
“I must’ve made like ten different mock budgets.”
From the beginning, Dietrich realized he shouldn’t have blocked Evangeline’s potential.
Before assuming she’d struggle and stepping in, he should’ve simply asked what she wanted.
Dietrich gave a wry smile.
Just then, more retainers entered the meeting room.
“Greetings, Your Grace.”
“Ah, Sir Warren is already here.”
One by one, the retainers stepped in—and all were visibly surprised by how fresh and clean the meeting room felt.
But the part they appreciated most was unexpected:
“Oh, did the Lady replace the chairs too?”
“The old ones were fine, but these have straighter backs. My back doesn’t hurt as much.”
“I could sit in this all day, honestly.”
“Can’t believe Her Ladyship thought about us old folks like this. We’re grateful.”
They laughed warmly, clearly pleased.
But the small touches didn’t end there.
“Huh?”
Several retainers widened their eyes as they flipped through the documents.
“Did she print the text larger on purpose?”
“My eyes aren’t what they used to be—this is perfect. No need for glasses today.”
“Can’t believe she thought even of this.”
They all smiled like they’d just received a thoughtful gift.
“Feels like she’s grown up overnight, doesn’t it?”
Dietrich was struck.
Has Evangeline ever gotten such praise before?
Strange, but… refreshing.
The retainers had watched Evangeline grow up, and they adored her like a granddaughter.
Still, they hadn’t shaken the label they held deep down:
“The immature young lady.”
But now, for the first time, they said:
“She’s become quite the adult.”
And the reason for that, of course—
‘It must be thanks to Lady Ansi.’
It felt almost magical.
Dietrich tried to hide the proud smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
During the meeting, the thoughtful details continued.
“Let’s take a short break before we continue.”
During the break, a maid entered.
“We’ve prepared refreshments and tea.”
The snacks were small enough to eat in one bite, perfect for reading and eating at the same time.
That’s when the new tea set caught some attention.
“Did Lady Evangeline choose this set too?”
One retainer had an eye for fine teaware and asked Dietrich:
“This is from the Wells Merchant Guild, isn’t it?”
“So I’ve heard. Why?”
“Wells always makes high-quality goods, but their designs don’t usually appeal to the younger generation.”
He examined the cup closely.
“It’s more of a refined style that older nobles like.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I know the princess has elegant taste, but this cup feels less like her taste and more like…”
He shrugged with a smile.
“She chose it with our preferences in mind.”
Dietrich understood what he meant.
Evangeline usually followed modern, fashionable trends.
But older nobles had a very different sense of style.
In the past, her choices had been met with reactions like:
“Hmm… a bit eccentric, isn’t it?”
“The princess has quite… bold taste.”
“Isn’t this too flashy?”
“I just can’t understand what young people like anymore.”
But this time, the set was getting nothing but praise.
“You may call me sentimental, but… it feels like watching my granddaughter grow up.”
One retainer said with a chuckle.
Listening to all the compliments for his sister, Dietrich quietly commented:
“You know, I think I’ve learned something new today.”
“Yes, Your Grace?”
“Nothing is more important… than choosing the right friend.”
And with that, he went quiet.
But on his usually expressionless face—
—a faint smile had appeared.
The retainers looked at each other, puzzled.
“Something good must’ve happened to His Grace?”
“Do you know anything?”
“No clue.”
No matter how much they whispered, they couldn’t figure it out.
Only Dietrich’s quiet smile deepened.
The meeting had started around noon and ended just as the sun began to set.
“Please give our thanks to the princess as well.”
“Seeing her act so mature today warmed my heart.”
The retainers, oddly enough, seemed even more impressed by Evangeline’s growth than the meeting itself.
And Dietrich agreed.
“Eva really gave it her all today.”
Even with Larit’s help, she had put in visible effort—and that deserved praise.
So Dietrich turned to the butler who had come to escort him.
“Where’s Eva?”
He wanted to compliment her today.
“She went out, sir.”
“She went out?”
She’s never around when you go looking for her.
And yet she found time to step out during the retainer meeting?
Dietrich frowned slightly.
But the butler wasn’t finished.
“Also, Lady Ansi is here.”
“…Lady Ansi?”
Dietrich looked back in surprise.
“Yes, Her Highness called her over. She said she’d have to leave during the meeting and asked Lady Ansi to keep an eye on things in her place.”
“I see.”
Dietrich’s frown deepened.
“Did she just dump everything on Lady Ansi and go out?”
He sighed at his sister’s carelessness.
“Where is Lady Ansi now?”
“In the library, sir. She’s looking up some materials.”
“Got it.”
With a nod, Dietrich impulsively turned to leave—for the library.
“Why am I going to see Lady Ansi?”
Even as he questioned himself, his feet kept moving.
“Because she’s my sister’s close friend.”
“Because she’s helped guide that wild girl Eva in the right direction.”
“Because Evangeline insisted I take care of her.”
All kinds of reasons filled his mind.
And Dietrich…
Was happy to be persuaded by every one of them.
