TCBCVF 23

~Chapter 23~

“……”

Is this really something to be praised for?

The princess threw me another question.

“So, there’s no guy you’re interested in right now?”

“Not really?”

“Really? Not even someone you think is handsome, or kind, or even a little bit appealing? There’s no one at all?”

In that moment—

A certain man came to mind.

Silvery blond hair like moonlight.

Eyes as blue as if carved from winter itself.

A man so dazzlingly beautiful, it almost hurt to look at him.

But what stood out most to me—

“Then, Lady—what do you think?”

The Duke had naturally asked for my opinion, and truly listened to my answer.

That was the first time…

I had ever confidently spoken my thoughts about art in front of someone else.

And—

“That’s a unique interpretation. Very intriguing.”

…He didn’t dismiss what I said.

I forced myself to shake off lingering thoughts about him and answered firmly:

“No one.”

“Really? You did seem to get along pretty well with my brother though?”

I flinched.

It felt like she hit a nerve.

The princess casually continued.

“To be fair, my brother is kind of good-looking.
But honestly, his personality sucks.”

“Sucks?”

“Of course! He tried to blackmail me over my allowance! How petty can you get?!”

Seems like she still holds a grudge…

I gave a sheepish laugh while she kept grumbling about her brother.

“He acts polite on the outside, but inside, he’s super picky and cranky.
But somehow… you treat him naturally.”

But I was skeptical.

“There’s no way that’s true.”

He’s the male lead of this world—and destined to fall for Seraphina someday.

More importantly—

“Um, Your Highness… Why do you keep asking about my love life?”

She answered proudly:

“Because at pajama parties, people are supposed to talk about romance!”

“….”

I was speechless.

It seemed she had some… unrealistic ideas about what pajama parties were.

Time passed.

“Your Highness, if you’re tired, you should get some sleep.”

Watching her nod off, I finally spoke up.

The princess opened her eyes wide.

“I-I’m not sleeping! I’m totally awake…!”

But with that, she collapsed onto the bed.

Soft breaths filled the room.

She looked so much like a curled-up kitten, even while asleep.

Smiling a little, I gently pulled the blanket up to her chin.

Then I quietly stood up.

“Maybe I’ll get some air.”

Since I was in a new bed, I couldn’t sleep at all.

I wrapped a shawl around my shoulders and walked to the balcony.

Click.

When I opened the balcony door—

Whoosh.

A cool breeze carrying the scent of roses swept past me.

My hair fluttered in the wind, and it felt refreshing.

I closed my eyes and enjoyed it.

And then—

“Lady Ansi?”

Startled, I turned my head.

A man was standing on the balcony right next to mine.

It was the Duke of Claudius.

Unlike during the salon, he wore a casual shirt and soft pants.

His silver-blond hair fell gently across his forehead.

And yet, he still carried that natural noble grace—he didn’t look messy at all.

He blinked in surprise, then smiled warmly.

“It’s late. Aren’t you sleeping?”

“I couldn’t sleep… Just getting some fresh air.”

I answered awkwardly, then quickly added:

“Ah, the princess has already gone to sleep.”

He gently furrowed his brow.

“She must’ve given you a hard time.”

“Not at all. I’m always the one receiving her kindness.”

“Well, knowing Eva, I don’t even need to ask to imagine how much trouble she gives you.”

He shrugged slightly and added lightly:

“Still, it’s nice to see you again like this.”

Maybe it was the soft moonlight, but I nodded without thinking.

“M-Me too.”

He smiled even more at my reply.

As I looked at him, I cautiously spoke.

“Um, Duke… I hope this isn’t too forward, but may I say something?”

He gave another small shrug.

“Please, go ahead.”

I swallowed hard and continued.

“Actually, there’s one misunderstanding I think you have.”

“Misunderstanding?”

“Yes. You said the princess might be bothering me… but that’s not true at all.”

His blue eyes briefly widened.

“She doesn’t bother me. Not even a little. Because…”

I took a deep breath.

Saying this took a lot of courage.

It was a sore spot for me.

But—

“I hate seeing people get the wrong idea about her.”

I straightened my posture.

“I used to be childhood friends with Lady Lopez.”

“You mean… the one they call the ‘rose of high society’?”

“Oh—you’ve heard of her too.”

Well, of course. Seraphina is known for her beauty and charm.

And more importantly, she’s destined to end up with the Duke.

I gave a bitter smile.

But then the Duke said something unexpected.

“Eva often complains about her.”

“She does?”

He looked a little embarrassed.

“Well… Eva’s just really straightforward about what she likes and dislikes.”

I instantly knew what kind of complaints he meant.

After all…

“Lady Lopez is so annoying.”

I could still clearly hear the princess’s voice grumbling.

I laughed quietly without realizing it.

“It’s just… Seraphina and I had different personalities, so we drifted apart.”

I tried to stay calm and clutched the hem of my dress.

“No one else ever wanted to befriend me. The only person who accepted me as a friend… was the princess.”

Princess Claudius.

When Gregory—my ex-fiancé—and everyone else saw me as nothing more than Seraphina’s servant…

She was the first person to hold out a hand to me.

Even if our friendship began from necessity, still—

“She stood by me.”

I never realized until now how comforting it is to laugh and chat and share the little things with someone.

That’s why—

“…The princess has been a huge comfort to me.”
“At least to me, she’s a very good person.”

“……”

The Duke stared at me quietly.

And suddenly I snapped back to reality.

“Oh no.”

Did I say too much?

I tensed up, shoulders going stiff.

“…I see.”

After a moment of silence, the Duke finally spoke, his voice gentle.

“So even Eva… can be a good person to someone.”

“Duke…”

“I always thought I was the only one who cared for her…”

He murmured softly, then looked up at me.

The moonlight poured over his elegant features.

And on his beautiful face, brighter than even the moonlight—

Was a pure, soft smile.

“Thank you, Lady Ansi.
Hearing you say that… it really puts my heart at ease.”