Chapter 13

Celly had been using her charm to coax and barter with the regular traders who came to see them and bragged about getting aloe vera gel from them. She applied it to Scheuer’s face, promoting her as a healthy and radiant figure.

“Make sure you appear stronger than anyone else and keep everyone at the meeting quiet. So, sit right next to Jest,”

she said, igniting a fire of determination in Sheuer.

This all preparation didn’t seem like much, but time was slipping away, and it was almost time for the meeting with Raygrain. While they waited in their office to attend the meeting, Scheuer couldn’t help but look at him, who was now donned a well-tailored, crisp uniform.

She contemplated how a dress that had seemed comfortable just the day before had turned into such a sharp military attire. Raygrain still appeared as she had imagined him, composed in his pristine uniform. Engrossed in paperwork, he spoke coolly without lifting his gaze, 

“Seems like you have nothing to do.”

Scheuer responded, “Of course, I’m working really hard right now. Do you like the fountain pen I gave you?”

Raygain noticed the pen was too short for his hand. He commented,

“It’s not long enough to hold comfortably.”

Scheuer replied, “Still, I won’t take back what I gave you. I’ve already ordered a pen holder for you.”

Only then did Regrain look up and ask,

“What did you order?”

“I ordered a pen holder. Dust can be problematic if it collects on your items.”

Raygain seemed confused. “So you took something I don’t use.”

Scheuer replied, “Yes. I won’t return it. I’ve already ordered the pen holder.”

Raygain finally asked, “What did you order?”

Scheuer clarified, “A pen holder because it would be inconvenient if dust gets on your things.”

Raygain remarked, “I see. You ordered a pen holder.”

After this exchange, Raygrain stood up, and Scheuer handed him the pen holder she had prepared.

Scheuer felt an opportunity to shake hands with him, which she couldn’t let slip away. She eagerly accepted his outstretched hand. When they were able to shake hands at last, she was filled with a sense of accomplishment and happiness.

“…This doesn’t seem like an escort.”

Raygrain held her hand, looking down at their entwined fingers. He calmly removed his hand from hers and held it again.

Walking hand in hand with Scheuer, the footsteps felt light on the cold, hard marble floor. But Raygrain, just as he always was, remained calm. He observed Scheuer’s expressions closely, as they shifted rapidly.

For Scheuer, however, this corridor was no different from walking on a red carpet. She had to stop herself from sighing.

Scheuer suggested that they take a quick stroll around the mansion as a warm-up before the meeting.

“Let’s walk around the estate a bit. Stretch our legs before the meeting.”

Raygrain responded coolly, “Your intentions are clear.”

Sheuer raised an eyebrow, and he continued,

“But I’ll play along.”

Her playful suggestion got the expected response, but it didn’t surprise her.

Nevertheless, he dismissed her with a simple response,

“The meeting comes first.”

As they continued walking slowly, Raygrain maintained his calm demeanor. Scheuer began narrowing her steps, unwilling to let go of the hand she had grasped.

By the time they were halfway through the corridor, Sheuer was attracting too much attention. Some of the servants and courtiers they passed couldn’t help but glance at the pair.

At last, Chief Steward Feton approached and greeted them.

“Your Highness, Lady Relida has arrived safely.”

Raygrain replied curtly, “I know.”

It seemed like Feton tried to provide some warmth to the interaction by giving a friendly nod. Then, turning to Sheuer, he delivered his message.

“Lady Scheuer, as you requested, all the equipment is ready for the gathering. Everything has been prepared.”

“Thank you, Feton. We’ll take a look after the meeting.”

“Very well. We’ll be waiting with Celly.”

Feton left, and Scheuer proceeded to talk to Raygrain, who had been escorting her.

“I got some additional equipment for the garden. There wasn’t much available at the estate, so I bought some more.”

“Is that so?”

The answer was as dry as expected. Scheuer had been wanting to share her story since she received the flowers from him yesterday, even though she hadn’t asked. It wasn’t a story that should pique his curiosity, but she wanted to share it.

“I took the flowers you gave me and arranged them in vases. Jess placed them in the center of the conference room. You should take a look when you get there.”

Though she didn’t ask, Raygrain provided a straightforward response.

“Meetings come first.”

Scheuer decided to push her luck and asked, “Do you have any expectations for the meeting? Anything you’re looking forward to?”

Raygrain responded simply, “I expect nothing.”

As they approached the conference room, they encountered two Blenga knights. The knights immediately ran over, saluting Raygrain and greeting him with enthusiasm.

“Your Highness, good morning!”

“Good morning, Your Highness!”

Raygrain raised his hand for a brief response, and they turned to Scheuer.

“Lady Scheuer, we’ve completed the fence you requested. We trained our men during their breaks, and it’s roughly finished.”

“Really? You finished it so quickly. That’s impressive!”

Scheuer showed her appreciation with a warm smile.

Thrilled by the praise and wanting to bask in it, Scheuer responded enthusiastically to the knights’ compliments. It seemed that the knights also found fulfillment in their approval, as their faces brightened up. Raygrain’s gaze swept across the knights, his look uninterested. Were Blengar’s knights always so cheerful and eager to please? They were displaying an unfamiliar level of warmth and openness, which was quite unusual in the formal atmosphere of the grand estate.

Once the knights took leave and headed back to their duties, Scheuer couldn’t help but notice Raygrain’s indifference. She explained that these knights had guarded her door when she first arrived at the estate, and they had helped with setting up the fences. She added that Luther and Matther had great respect for Raygrain. She suggested he remember their names and call them; they would appreciate it.

Raygrain responded with a simple acknowledgment.

“Seems like they hold me in high regard.”

Scheuer continued to talk to Raygrain, trying to explain the situation. Raygrain, finally seizing the moment, said,

“You seem busier than I am.”

Scheuer, however, dismissed his concerns, highlighting that he was responsible for the northern territories and needed to attend the meeting and accompany her.

As they continued walking, the head chambermaid, Josephina, emerged from a room, carrying a tea tray. She greeted them with a courteous nod. Glancing at Raygrain’s demeanor, she discreetly informed Sheuer that they could use as much fertilizer as needed from the stables without any concerns.

“Great news. I’ll personally thank the owner later.”

“Very well. Good luck at the meeting!”

Josephina gave them an encouraging wave and then moved along. Scheuer turned her head towards Raygrain, ready to explain the situation once more. This time, Raygrain spoke first.

“It seems you are busier than I thought.”

Scheuer nodded. “Indeed. You handle the northern territories, attend meetings, accompany me, and manage your other duties.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the energetic voice of a Navid member.

“Your Grace, Sheuer! Good midday!”

He approached them excitedly and chattered away.

“Actually, I was just about to meet with Scheuer. I made another fantastic fence. You won’t believe it.”

“Already made it? I was discussing it yesterday in the armory!”

“I had to see you. I put special effort into making it resemble you.”

The mention of the fence’s resemblance to Sheuer led her to cheer in excitement.

Raygrain, on the other hand, maintained his stoic composure, concealing any reaction.

…

“Scheuer Netri. She’s the future Grand Duchess.”

In the quiet conference room, a low voice echoed throughout. It was a brief and contextless introduction, lacking any further qualifiers. With this minimal description, everyone began to observe her in silence.

Among them, a boy who appeared to be around seven years old looked at her with a puzzled expression and asked Raygrain