Chapter 28

Translator: Skye Editor: herkawaiidramas

* * *

I had been secretly worried when he had left without a word that day, so it was a relief I was able to see him again and give the money I had put aside for him. It felt like I was able to take a big burden off my shoulder.

'Now I don't have to worry about whether or not my father's apprentice is starving for the time being.'

The most upsetting thing in my previous life as a poor student had been that I hadn't been able to eat proper meals because I didn't have enough money.

Perhaps that's why I didn't want to see the people around me starving. Or maybe it was because, after taking care of him for a few days, he slightly grew on me.

The thought of my father's apprentice possibly starving himself made me feel uncomfortable.

'Well, it should be okay since I gave it to him under the pretext of a favorso it shouldn't feel like a burden to him.'

As a noble, I would never have a reason to ask a commoner for help, but I didn't want him to think I was pitying him either.

'Now I need to take care of my own problems.'

First, there was something I needed to take care of before asking Geraldine if he could be my partner to the party.

'How should I make Rydian eat sh*t?'

The cuff buttons I had purchased were made of blue diamondsa rare precious metaland due to the preference of nobles who didn't like wearing the same designs as others, its design was the only one in the world. However, because there had been no one going around wearing those cuffs, it was inevitable that the rumors circulated even more strangely.

'It'd all be solved if there was something to serve as grounds to refute those rumors'

I also couldn't deny that it was embarrassing because I had no evidence to prove that there was no lover. While I was having those troubling thoughts, an idea suddenly occurred to me.

'Oh, that's right. That might work!'

It wasn't guaranteed that my plan would work, but I had nothing to lose. It wouldn't be a bad idea for me to at least give it a try.

I called for Marilyn and told her, When my father returns, tell him that I have something to tell him and that I'd like to see him for a moment.

* * *

Was it because he had made an effort not to waste time? By the time Regis returned to the mansion, the sun had yet to go down. Since dinner was usually a little after seven o'clock, there was still quite a bit of time left till then.

'Fortunately, I'm not late.'

Regis felt relieved that he made it back in time to be able to have dinner with his daughter.

He handed his overcoat to Derrick.

The standards for the marriage proposal list are too low. Rewrite it.

Derrick sighed at his master's remark.

'They were already picked from a selection of distinguished young lords, I don't think there will be much left to choose from'

But in contrast to his inner turmoil, Derrick responded professionally.

Yes, I'll try to draw up a new one.

Alright, and while you're at it, look for ones with character.

In high society, where there were nobles who had dirtied their characters, the duke's request was equivalent to asking to find a seed in a sand dune. Though he felt helpless, Derrick only nodded his head, showing no complaint.

As you wish, Your Grace.

Good. Let me know when it's time for dinner.

As he was about to leave, Derrick suddenly remembered something and added, Ah, also the miss says she has something she would like to tell you.

Something to tell me?

As if he could not believe what he had just heard, Regis' eyes widened, then he turned his head and said, I understand. Tell her to join me for tea before dinner.

Yes, I'll let the miss know.

As soon as Derrick left, Regis glanced at his watch. Afternoon tea was around 5 o'clock so he still had about half an hour left.

'Looks like I'll have to wait quite a bit.'

He sighed softly and stared at the paper on his desk. It was the list of potential marriage candidates for Juvellian, a list with many names. Among those names were royalty from foreign countries, high-ranking nobles, and others who were well-known in high society.

However, with the exception of a few, most of the names were marked with an 'X'. Regis's eyes were fixed on an unmarked name.

Ronald Helmann Crocus.

He soon picked up a pen and drew an 'X' across the name. He then looked over the list, going through each and every name, and let out a deep sigh.

'To think there's not a single one who meets my daughter's conditions.'

While recalling what his daughter had told him, the name marked with a circle caught his eye.

It was his one and only disciple, as well as the heir to the throne, Maximillian.

'If I think about it, he's the one who meets all the requirements so far.'

He had marked his name with the intention of removing it from the list, but the circle made it seem like he was chosen. Regis let out a scoff and frowned.

'My daughter deserves better than that twisted brat.'

As he was about to cross out the name, the voice of the butler came from outside the door.

Master, it's time for tea, Derrick said.

I see, it's time already.

In the end, Regis had to leave the office without crossing out the name.

* * *

Entering the room, I noticed my father had arrived earlier and was already sitting down.

Sit.

Yes, Father.

As I walked over and sat across from him, I deliberately spoke to him with affection.

I'm so happy I'm able to have a pleasant tea time you, Father!

In reality, the words were the complete opposite of how I actually felt, but there was a reason I was deliberately trying to butter him up.

'I have to make it so that he wears these cuff buttons around everywhere.'

Rydian's nonsense only gained credibility because no one knew the whereabouts of the cuff buttonsthey had yet to see anyone going around wearing them.

But if there was someone who went around wearing the cuffs, especially when that someone was my father, that would clear up the misunderstandings immediately.

There was just a slight problem.

I noticed you've been staying home more often these days?

My father nodded his head.

.because I promised.

I didn't know who he made a promise with but it wouldn't do me any good if my father continued to stay home like this.

'At this rate, my plan willfor now, I have to try and convince him.'

In order to put an end to the false rumors, I needed my father to show himself wearing the cuffs around the palace, where there were many eyes.

There was a rumor that there had been an assassination attempt in the palace recently, are you all right?

My father gave a cold reply, You don't need to concern yourself with those matters.

If it had been my former self, I would have been intimidated the moment I heard his words and would have immediately stopped talking, however, my present self had an important goal to consider.

But still, if you're away from your position for too long, I'm worried that it will have a negative impact on the security of the palace. After all, Father, you're the strongest swordsman in the empire and someone the imperial palace absolutely needs.

I tried hard to flatter him, but then I heard him say something completely unexpected.

I'm thinking of retiring before the end of the year.

'What? Retire?'

He was at an age that was still quite far from the usual age of retirement, so I was taken aback by his remark. I never would've thought he would ever declare that he was retiring.

'It'll be difficult for me if it continues like this'

If he retired on top of staying at home like this, my plan was as good as over. The only thing left would be to get him to attend social gatherings like banquets and parties

'Though, ever since I was young, I've never seen my father attend a party. Then again, he never even showed up to his own daughter's debutante.'

In other words, getting him to attend a social gathering was close to impossible.

But

I was going to try and persuade him, but he cut me off and dismissed the subject.

I've been thinking about it for a long time so don't make a fuss over it.

In short, it was a warning not to mention it again. I had to be careful not to get on his bad side too much, or else he might never wear the cuff buttons.

I forced myself to smile and speak lively, Yes, to be honest, I would love it if you're home more often. But it would be good for you to consider attending parties every once in a while, as staying home all the time can be stifling.

He gave a slight nod in response to my suggestion.

Observing his face, it didn't seem like he was in a bad mood. I decided that now was a good time to give him the present along with his pendant.

Father, this is the pendant you left behind the other day.

When I handed over the pendant, he took it back rather calmly.

Yes, I see you had it.

Seeing him take it back so naturally made me wonder if maybe he already knew it was in my possession, but I quickly pushed that thought aside. My father was rather blunt so it was only natural that he wouldn't give much of a reaction.

'He probably won't react to the gift either.'

Thinking so, I presented the box holding the cuff buttons.

Please take this as well.

He stared at the box I handed him and asked, Thiswhat is it?

His voice slightly wavered when he asked so, which was unlike him. I grew worried that he might think it was strange, so I quickly continued, It's a gift. Please open it.

He tore off the gift-wrapping silently. Soon, his eyes grew bigger once he saw what was inside.

Hmseeing as how he wasn't saying anything after seeing the cuffs, it seemed as if it wasn't really to his liking.

'Well, it's not like I was expecting any other reaction so it doesn't matter.'

I added with a nonchalant smile, I thought of you when I went out shopping. I bought it because I thought it would look good on you.

Soon, I saw him nod his head.

'Still, it's a relief that he accepted it at least. If he didn't like it and refused it, I was just going to give it to Geraldine.'

Geraldine, the head of our family's knights, was not just a retainer but an indirect relativean older cousin from my mother's side.

Our empire had a culture where cuff buttons were a gift not only given to lovers, but to family members as well. It would only be seen as a gift between blood relatives, so gifting Geraldine the cuffs would have been the best alternative.

Moreover, I would need Geraldine to play an important role in my plan.

If I were to attend the party with my relative and announce that I have no intention of seeing someone else right now due to my broken heart, it would make it difficult for my father to suggest meeting with a potential marriage partner.

High society tended to be quite obsessed with appearances. If he were to arrange a blind date for his daughter, who had publicly declared she was suffering from heartbreak, he would only be criticized. As a result, if all went according to my plan, my problems would be solved.

Father, about my partner

I decided now was my chance.

Seeing him nod, I continued, I know you're a very busy person, but when it's time for the party, which is in two days

I would like to borrow your precious subordinate, my cousin, Geraldine.

Was what I was going to say, but before I could do so, I was interrupted by my father's low voice.

Alright.

'Huh? Do you know what you're even agreeing to, Father?'

I inwardly asked, but since he had already given me his permission, I was assured he wouldn't take it back.

'Okay, good. I got my father's permission so now I just have to go ask Geraldine if he can attend the party with me as my partner.'

Thinking that my plan was progressing favorably, I picked up a madeleine and was about to put it in my mouth.

Since you're saying it like that, I suppose I can attend the party with you. My father stated, staring directly at me.

I dropped the madeleine in my hand.

'Father, this wasn't part of my plan though?!'

E/N: Dad's gonna regret not crossing Max's name sooner..

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