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“Chase.”

“Your Highness?!”

If Chase is calling him “Your Highness,” then it must be Claude Bergen Elihu, the second-male lead of this world. 

After kicking the male lead, why is the second male lead appearing here?

Iva was taken aback by the unexpected situation and quickly hid behind Chase.

However, Chase, like a small puppy meeting its owner, immediately rushed toward Claude.

That useless guy. Left alone, Iva silently glared at the back of Chase’s head.

“I was about to go see Your Highness, how did you come here?”

“You were so worried about Ray, catching an illness. I came to give you some peace of mind.”

Claude smiled playfully and shifted his gaze to Iva, who was standing behind Chase. Seeing her guarded expression, his attention was naturally drawn to her.

Their eyes met, and Iva quickly composed herself and bowed.

“Y-Your Highness, it is an honor to meet you. I am Iva Blanche.”

Claude was the one who had ended Iva’s life twice. 

Memories of her throat being slit resurfaced, making even a simple greeting tense.

Claude closely observed Iva’s voice and the subtle movement of her lips, then raised one corner of his mouth.

“Ah, I didn’t expect to meet the Black Cat so soon.”

He muttered to himself in a low voice, convinced of something.

In a gentle tone, he accepted Iva’s greeting, who was still bowing nervously.

“Nice to meet you, Lady Iva Blanche.”

“It is an honor to meet you as well.”

“You can raise your head now, we’re done with greetings.”

Iva slowly lifted her face, but she avoided making eye contact with Claude and kept her gaze fixed on the ground.

“Lady Iva, do you happen to have a black cat?”

“Excuse me? Ah, no. I don’t have any pets.”

“In that case, do you like raspberries?”

“I don’t particularly like them to that extent.”

“I suppose you must enjoy wine.”

What is he talking about? Why is he suddenly mentioning cats, raspberries, and wine?

Confused by the unfamiliar questions, Iva became even more cautious around Claude.

“Chase, is Lady Iva the friend you want to make in charge of the party?”

“Yes? Yes, that’s correct.”

“Lady, have you accepted?”

“It’s a serious matter, so I said I would think about it a bit more.”

Her attitude was clearly unfriendly.

Claude smiled playfully and took a step closer to Iva.

“I don’t have much time. If you’re still thinking about it, I might have to ask Lady instead. I would like to enter the mansion.”

“Pardon?”

“I would appreciate it if you could offer me a cup of tea.”

Before waiting for an answer, Claude headed towards the mansion ahead of Iva.

Taken aback by his abrupt actions, Iva and Chase hurriedly followed after him.

Why do things keep getting complicated?

* * *

“Your Highness, this… this is jasmine tea. If it doesn’t suit your taste, I can prepare a different tea.”

“This is sufficient, and there’s no need to be so tense. Treat me as a relaxed guest.”

“How dare I do that to Your Highness? It’s such an honor to meet you.”

The sudden visit of the prince put the servants of the Blanche Family in a state of emergency.

They even brewed, high-quality tea leaves, which even Iva’s parents, the owners of the mansion, rarely had a chance to enjoy.

They nervously brought out the most expensive desserts and presented them with trembling hands.

Unlike when she was with Chase, Iva sat up straight, placing her fists on her knees. She seemed like an enthusiastic rookie employee.

“My parents went on a trip, so I can only receive Your Highness alone. Please be merciful and understanding.”

“It’s okay. It seems like I suddenly intruded and caused trouble for everyone.”

If you know that, could you put down that dessert and go back? The thought lingered at the tip of Iva’s tongue, but she forced herself to hold back.

“Haha, no. There’s no trouble caused by Your Highness.”

Iva forced a smile against her will. Claude met her gaze with his green eyes.

“You must have heard from Chase, but the party for the Fenet Envoy requires special attention. It’s the first task that His Majesty personally assigned to me.”

“Yes, I heard from His Highness’s aide.”

“I want to do well in that party. That’s why I’m trying to somehow assign the position of party coordinator to Lady.”

Despite his calm tone, his speech was firm.

However, no matter how scared she was, she couldn’t readily accept.

If preparing someone else’s party turned into my own funeral, who would take responsibility?

Moreover, if she took charge of that party, she would witness Julian and Ray falling in love at first sight.

She didn’t want to witness such a bitter scene from the front row.

“Your Highness, I have only organized small parties for other ladies. It would be more successful to work with professionals instead of me.”

She expressed her refusal cautiously, but Claude smiled even more playfully.

This guy is even scarier when he smiles.

“Although it’s only been over two years since Chase became my Aide, his choices have never failed.”

Chase, who was standing behind Claude, was moved and his eyes sparkled.

“It was Chase who recommended Lady to me. I hope you can work with me, but I won’t force you if it’s burdensome.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“It’s a shame, but it can’t be helped.”

He backed down more easily than expected. Communication works quite well, doesn’t it?

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