Should I politely say, "Oh, thank you so much! I really needed this!" or should I be the socially oblivious person who rates the gift in front of him like a product review?
Logically, the first option would be better, but...
"You can be honest. I just confessed something I haven’t told anyone else."
Faced with Arthur’s earnest gaze, my inner critic started typing a brutally honest review.
★★☆☆☆
The bandages are of good quality, and delivery was fast. However, gifting bandages without knowing the recipient’s recovery progress or specific needs was a bit bewildering. While there’s no issue with the product itself, I can only give it two stars.
...Now, how do I put that diplomatically?
"If it were me, I’d have gone with flowers or food. Flowers to brighten the mood of a patient who can’t walk far, and food to support the family taking care of them."
"Ah."
Arthur nodded like a diligent student.
"I see. So the bandages were overly focused on ‘sprains’ as a theme."
"You’re quick to understand."
"Got it. Next time, food or flowers..."
"However, this is just the general approach. There’s an exception when it comes to you and Maria."
"An exception?"
"You saw earlier, didn’t you? Maria touched the bandages, wondering if they were from Frost Hill, with a look of nostalgia."
"...Yes, I did."
"When there’s a shared history between two people, even something as insignificant as a fallen leaf can become a cherished key to precious memories."
Arthur and Maria’s connection in the original story—stemming from shared childhood memories and the bittersweet regret of a love that couldn’t blossom—was the foundation of their bond.
I met Arthur’s gaze and nodded firmly, emphasizing my point.
"In public, follow the behavior of popular gentlemen. My dashing fiancé should serve as a wonderful role model."
"...Ah, yes."
"But when you’re alone with Maria, use your shared memories as a starting point. In that regard, you possess something far more valuable than any jewel."
"Understood. In public, I’ll emulate a role model, but when the opportunity arises, I’ll lean on our memories..."
Arthur repeated my advice several times, his expression serious.
What started as an awkward situation turned into a surprisingly productive moment. If any issues arise in their relationship, I’ll be right here to offer advice.
Arthur bowed deeply.
"I came here to atone, but I end up indebted instead. If there’s anything I can do to repay you, just say the word."
"Hehe, I’ll never forget you said that."
Just then, someone opened the front door. Without bothering to knock, the Countess entered the house.
As soon as she saw Arthur, her face lit up.
"Oh my, Young Lord! You’re here early. Have you eaten? I wonder if our Dori was attentive enough to properly host you."
"I was treated exceptionally well, so please don’t worry."
"You flatter us. Wait a moment; let me fetch you some fine whiskey."
As Arthur tried to decline, Mother leaned toward me and whispered.
"Where’s Natalie? Don’t tell me she’s still asleep?"
"She’s out in the garden with the other guests. Didn’t you see her on your way in?"
"No, I didn’t. What’s this about a garden stroll? And who are the other guests?"
"Miss Maria Meyer and her escort. They should be back soon..."
Hearing Maria’s name, Mother’s expression briefly stiffened. As expected of a seasoned noblewoman, she quickly smoothed her face.
"I see. Young Lord, what will you do? Shall we prepare something to drink?"
It seemed her plan to keep Arthur here with whiskey had shifted to "leave if you want."
At her words, Arthur promptly stood up. Clearly, he was an introvert.
"Now that I’ve confirmed Miss Redfield’s health, I’ll take my leave. Take care, Miss Redfield."
"Thank you. I look forward to seeing you again."
Arthur walked toward the entrance with a deliberately slow pace, successfully timing his departure to coincide with Maria and the others returning from their stroll.
Their conversation was brief.
"I’ll take my leave now, Miss Meyer, Miss Redfield, Mister Ray."
"Goodbye. It was nice meeting you."
"Come visit anytime. Preferably with a bouquet in hand."
My sister, ever consistent.
Rick only gave a slight bow. Since the three of them were exchanging pleasantries, it wasn’t unusual for it to take a little time.
After Arthur left, Maria and Rick didn’t linger for long either, quickly gathering their belongings.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Redfield. And thank you, Miss Redfield, for your kind guidance."
Maria turned to me one last time, her expression tinged with regret.
"Dori, I truly hope you recover quickly. Next time, shall we visit a tea house together?"
"Of course. I’ll find a good one!"
I waved as the two departed. Rick Ray bowed gracefully.
Once all the guests had left, there was only one thing left to do.
"Mother, how do I take this cast off?"
"Dori! What did the young lord say to you? Did he seem to like you? You sent Maria away early, didn’t you? You’d look too plain sitting next to her!"
"Can you just undo this knot already?"
"I’m undoing it, obviously! Stop getting worked up and answer me, will you?"
"Motherrr! He just said I was fine, that’s all!"
"When someone says that, you’re supposed to stand up and dramatically collapse into his arms! How can you be so clueless?"
If you’re not going to listen to me anyway, why bother asking?
After thoroughly grilling me, Mother finally stood up. But she wasn’t done; she turned her sharp tongue toward her second daughter.
"I didn’t expect you to waste the opportunity given to you, Natalie."
My sister didn’t reply. Mother glared at her for a long moment before sharply turning on her heel and leaving the sitting room.
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Finally, the tension eased, and I let out a sigh of relief.
"Exhausting!"
It felt like I’d met everyone I could possibly meet in a week, all in one day.
I slumped deeper into the sofa. Somehow, I’d grown accustomed to Natalie’s presence, enough that even sitting next to her felt comfortable.
"Sis, where did you go?"
"Just a walk around the garden. The problem was that Maria kept singing praises every time I spoke."
"...She’s kind."
"I know. She’d fit better in a sacred text or myth than in real life."
Natalie shook her head, exhaustion etched on her face. She had the type of personality that refused to lose in a fight, but situations where she had to maintain peace clearly drained her.
"You cleared out on purpose to give me alone time, didn’t you? You really didn’t have to."
"It was for my sake, too. I didn’t want to hear Mother pestering me about whether I had a pleasant chat with the young lord or scheduled another meeting."
"You didn’t want to end up like me earlier, then..."
"Oh, and this. I brought your gift."
Out of nowhere, Natalie tossed a small box at me. Opening the paper lid adorned with oranges, a rich buttery scent wafted out.
Financiers!
Golden, sweet treats lined up like little gold bars, some decorated with figs, walnuts, or flecks of sea salt, tantalizing my taste buds.
"Wow! Sis, what is this?"
"Apparently, a famous dessert shop opened nearby. Eat a few before Mother catches you."
But before picking one up, I asked something more important.
"Who’s the gift from?"
"Your fiancé."
I nearly dropped the box.
"His Highness Tristan? Oh, did he send it by mail?"
"No, he came in person."
The sudden switch to formal speech barely concealed her negative tone. Surely not...?
"Did you stop him from coming in?"
"Yes. I told him you were tired from hosting so many guests and suggested he visit another day. He left after that."
"Why did you lie? He’s my fiancé!"
This was no laughing matter anymore. My voice rose in frustration.
"I’m not interested in any man but my fiancé. I didn’t appreciate you trying to give me alone time with the young lord, either!"
"Oh, I see. So you like His Highness Tristan?"
The question came so casually, like someone asking if I liked apples, that I couldn’t react. My instinct to say, "Of course not!" almost escaped my lips before I clamped my mouth shut.
I don’t like him. I just think he’s a good choice for my life.
Natalie spoke coldly.
"Your silence says it all."
"..."
"I know you see His Highness as a suitable partner. I’ll respect your desire to marry him."
"Then why did you interfere?"
"If, as you claim, your marriage goes smoothly, you’ll see his face endlessly anyway. Why should you have to deal with someone you don’t even like prematurely? And if you end up falling for him, the same logic applies."
"..."
"Live your life with some fun. You have more safety nets and possibilities than you realize."
Natalie picked up a financier and stood.
I was too overwhelmed to say anything as she left the room, but she paused at the door to add one last thing.
"Oh, I mentioned Maria’s kindness earlier, didn’t I? But be careful of Rick Ray."
"What? Did he do something to you?"
"Just a hunch. That guy feels... off."
"...Okay."
As always, Natalie dumped her opinions and left without waiting for my reaction.
There was no logic to her judgment, but...
"Natalie does have a good eye."
In romantic fantasy stories, supporting male characters often fall into two categories. One is the reserved, silver-haired knight who sacrifices himself protecting the heroine, leaving readers swooning. Thankfully, this story didn’t have one of those.
The other is the cheerful, blonde or brown-haired friend type. They’re either genuinely good-hearted or hiding a dark secret.
Rick belonged to the latter group.
"Not a villain, but..."
He could still be bad news for me.
After all, at seventeen, he lost his future with the royal family and the Redfield house.