TCMGF 50

Chapter 50

“Uncle, it’s time to move on to flirting.”

Michele, who had been the first to bring up yesterday’s news, suggested this.

Ezekiel furrowed his brows as though he had just heard something utterly strange.

“How am I supposed to do that?”

“It’s not supposed to be hard… but for you, it might feel difficult.”

Perhaps his competitiveness had been stirred, for Michele began to explain in detail.

“Progress in a relationship starts with tender words. Since Uncle has already improved his image with Aunt by speaking more gently than before, what you need to do now is say something impactful—something that will linger in her mind.”

“I hope you’re not telling me to spout awkward, cringeworthy lines.”

“Not exactly. But think about it—what was the one thing you said to Aunt that drew the biggest reaction from her?”

Uncle closed his eyes to think, then his shoulders gave a small shake.

“Recently, in front of Viola, I said, ‘You’re beautiful.’”

“And what happened after you said that?”

“Our relationship became a little… delicate. We kept watching each other, hesitating.”

“But it improved, didn’t it?”

“I can’t deny that.”

See? A single straightforward comment like that can improve things faster than a racing horse at full gallop.

“Starting today, wait for the right moment and let slip words of affection toward Aunt. Keep them positive, like you did last time.”

Michele grew impassioned as he spoke.

“You can even casually voice your true feelings outright. Say things like, ‘I like you,’ or, ‘Honestly, I wish you wouldn’t leave.’ If it’s hard to say it seriously, then at least toss it out lightly, like a joke.”

“But…”

“Yeah, I know what you’re worried about.”

Ezekiel’s objection had already been predicted by Michele. That Aunt might recoil, asking what on earth he was saying.

But even if such words were exchanged, it would be like getting drenched in a drizzle without realizing—it would gradually make them more comfortable with each other.

And before they knew it, the two of them would be in a relationship where expressing affection openly came naturally.

“Remember: it has to be casual yet tender, and something that sticks in the mind.”

Uncle rubbed his lips thoughtfully, falling deep into contemplation.

He didn’t look confident at all, which made Michele a little worried.

…Will Uncle be all right?

***

One day before Crown Princess Giovanna’s visit.

Just as nobles began flocking to Vetra to enjoy an early holiday, the ducal residence and the old audience palace were lavishly decorated for a single guest.

I spent the last day almost running through the palace to inspect every newly renovated area.

“They’ve done an excellent job. Luxurious, yet spacious and open.”

“That’s because the interior designers we hired this time have a great sense of aesthetics.”

Olly followed closely behind me as I made my rounds, but his demeanor felt strangely off.

“You have something you want to say, don’t you?”

Of course I could tell.

“Since I’ve been caught, I won’t hide it. Haha… The young lord—that is, His Grace—suggested that while redecorating the audience palace, perhaps we should also redo your chambers, Madam.”

“My rooms? All of a sudden…?”

“As Duchess, it’s practically your duty to use your taste to decorate your parlor and chambers.”

I was about to refuse, but Olly’s words made me falter.

“His Grace said he would support the redecorating for the Duchess’s dignity. Since the chance is here, wouldn’t it be best to do it now?”

“I… I’ve never decorated my own rooms before, so I’m not sure.”

“Just do whatever you want. No need to mind anyone else.”

But I was someone who would likely leave in six months. Was it really right for me to leave my mark here?

As if sensing exactly what I was thinking, Olly added:

“Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy the remaining time, at least? His Grace wouldn’t have suggested it if he didn’t mean that.”

I couldn’t help but agree.

“All right. I’ll speak with the decorators.”

***

“Well done.”

“Goodness, you startled me!”

Ezekiel was leaning against the wall, speaking to Olly.

“You heard everything?”

“Mm.”

“You should have told Madam directly. Don’t you think people appreciate hearing good things from the person himself?”

“No.”

Ezekiel pursed his lips tightly before speaking again.

“I thought it might be better if the suggestion came to her indirectly through you.”

“What is this, a game of tag?”

Olly scolded, but Ezekiel only chuckled.

“Relationships between people are like a game of tag to begin with.”

He decided not to rush things.

After all, he and Viola were already gradually growing closer.

***

Even before the Crown Princess arrived at the audience palace, thunderous cheers rang out.

“Hurrah! Long live Crown Princess Giovanna!”

Because this was a meeting between two sides that had once clashed over the unification of the duchy, it drew tremendous attention.

The symbolic weight of this event was such that it would be spoken of for years to come.

The ducal guards lined the palace for the princess’s entry.

Soon, from the balcony, the princess waved her hand, and moments later our meeting with her began.

Standing nervously beside Ezekiel, I stepped forward to greet her, but she spoke with surprising ease.

“It truly feels as though the Duke and Duchess of Vetra have developed this land well.”

Her tone was quite kind, a courtesy shown to a Doge and Dogaressa who governed a region.

“I will spend the next three days of my holiday here, seeing many things.”

While lodging in the guest quarters of the audience palace, dozens of attendants would wait upon her.

Her schedule was leisurely yet tightly packed.

It began with a luncheon with Ezekiel and me, and tomorrow she was to visit the toy street in the arcades.

The princess carried out her schedule with admirable composure.

Which meant that Ezekiel and I would be accompanying her for all of it.

“At first, when I told you to speak your ambition, I never imagined you would demand a visit from me.”

At the luncheon, the princess joked playfully.

“You didn’t seem like the type, but you’re unexpectedly bold.”

“You told me to ask for whatever I wanted.”

“I thought you’d request help with some project for the duchy’s development.”

I could have asked her then and there to designate a royal warrant for toys.

But my philosophy was to seize a good opportunity to its fullest.

“Simply receiving a royal warrant isn’t nearly as advantageous as having the princess herself visit the duchy.”

And the princess had fulfilled my expectation perfectly. After lunch, she declared she wanted to go out.

Thanks to this, she rode the note-shaped boats that were Vetra’s pride, crossed the canals, and imprinted herself in the memories of countless spectators.

I sat opposite her as her conversational partner in the role of lady-in-waiting.

“Viola, I thought you were from the capital. How do you find living in this city?”

“I’m very happy here. I hope Your Highness also enjoys the leisure and beauty of this place.”

One could spend half a day boasting about Vetra’s unique scenery and still not finish.

“You sound so proud. Almost as if you were born and raised here.”

“It’s as though I’ve been reborn in this city.”

“Viola, look behind you.”

Ezekiel, who was seated just behind me, was smiling with rare satisfaction—but quickly erased it.

“…Were you smiling?”

I was genuinely shocked. I had seen faint smiles from him before, but never one so bright. The princess raised her lips playfully.

“Your answer pleased him so much that he actually smiled? I’ve heard you two are close, but he’s completely besotted, isn’t he?”

Ezekiel pretended he hadn’t smiled. Embarrassed by the princess’s teasing, I nearly choked.

“You really do seem quite close.”

It was flattering to look like a devoted couple, but also embarrassing.

Lightly teasing Ezekiel, the princess waved again to the cheering crowd without concern.

When the short water parade ended and she and her attendants set foot safely on land, walking toward the square, I turned to him and asked:

“Why did you smile like that earlier?”