Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 35

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 35

 

The moment their eyes met, Lawrence’s eyes widened in surprise.

 

His expression, which had frozen in apparent shock, soon changed to delight. His eyes curved like crescents as a smile spread across his entire face.

 

Lawrence made his way through the crowd toward Heidi and Deshion.

 

“You came.”

 

Lawrence smiled brightly.

 

“I did send you an invitation, but I wasn’t entirely certain you would actually come. I’m delighted to see you here.”

 

Lawrence stood before Heidi, bowed his head, and gently lifted her hand to place a kiss on the back of it.

 

“…!”

 

Heidi was momentarily flustered but pulled up the corners of her mouth.

 

“Thank you for inviting me. Thanks to you, I’ve been able to visit such a beautiful place.”

 

Only then did Lawrence turn his gaze to Deshion standing beside her. The two men’s eyes briefly crossed, and a subtle tension flowed between them.

 

“Count.”

 

“Your Excellency.”

 

Brief and formal ceremonial greetings were exchanged. Despite their courteous expressions, there was a strange force in both men’s voices.

 

Just then, someone from inside the ballroom spotted Deshion and approached with apparent pleasure.

 

“Count Haizen!”

 

“Ah, Count. We exchanged greetings at the Royal Palace before.”

 

“You have no idea how regretful I was that we couldn’t speak more then. You saw my son at that time, didn’t you? Today I’ve come with my daughter.”

 

The other party continued speaking endlessly with an excited face, while Deshion smiled appropriately and offered ceremonial responses.

 

Watching this scene, Lawrence tilted his head slightly.

 

“Since the Count seems busy, I’ll personally guide the young lady. She is an honored guest, after all.”

 

Heidi blinked in surprise.

 

“Would that be alright? If the host leaves his position…”

 

“Everyone will be too busy talking among themselves to notice.”

 

Lawrence shrugged his shoulders.

 

“Besides, Miss Heidi is the only one visiting this estate for the first time today. It’s only natural for the host who invited her to show her around.”

 

Lawrence naturally led Heidi away. The two left the main greenhouse and headed toward a large building next to it.

 

“There are quite a lot of buildings. The greenhouses too.”

 

“That’s my brother’s work. He’s loved all kinds of flowers and plants since childhood, though I can’t understand it at all.”

 

Lawrence shrugged his shoulders.

 

“This is an annex with a space where precious artworks are displayed, which I only show to honored guests.”

 

Lawrence winked at Heidi.

 

“Like you, Miss.”

 

“Haha…”

 

Heidi laughed awkwardly and scratched the corner of her mouth.

 

‘I suppose there’s no need to investigate the truth behind the rumors about him making many women cry.’

 

The corridor of the annex was lined with paintings that were obviously expensive even at a glance. Interspersed between them were pottery with unfamiliar patterns and wooden crafts that caught the eye.

 

“This is amazing. Everything is beautiful.”

 

When Heidi expressed her admiration, Lawrence briefly explained the origin and story of each item. While not boastful, his pride in the collection was evident.

 

‘He really does love art as they say.’

 

As Heidi was admiring the displayed works, her gaze settled on the carpet laid on the floor.

 

The pattern made by boldly mixing brilliant colors captivated her eyes. At that moment, she suddenly recalled the scenery of Aras she had seen with Deshion.

 

“This really reminds me of Aras.”

 

When Heidi murmured this casually, Lawrence turned his head in surprise.

 

“You have a good eye. It is indeed an item brought from Aras. Have you ever been there?”

 

“Yes, I went there to travel. It’s a beautiful country. I saw many items with such vivid colors there. Have you been to Aras, Your Excellency?”

 

“Long ago, yes.”

 

Lawrence said, looking down at the carpet beneath his feet.

 

“This is probably the most precious piece in this entire estate. No one has noticed it until now.”

 

Oh my.

 

‘Was this such an expensive item?’

 

Heidi tried to hide her surprised expression.

 

Lawrence crouched down and ran his hand along the texture of the carpet as he spoke.

 

“People don’t understand. Using expensive items like this, I mean. They ask if I have money rotting away.”

 

Lawrence looked at Heidi and asked jokingly.

 

“But it does feel much more luxurious this way, doesn’t it? What do you think?”

 

After thinking for a moment, Heidi said.

 

“I think objects gain more value when they’re used. No matter how precious they are, they lose their luster if kept hidden away.”

 

“Do you really think so?”

 

Heidi nodded. Lawrence, who had been staring at her intently, smiled broadly.

 

“I think the same way. We’re quite similar in some ways. I’m pleased.”

 

“It seems so.”

 

As Heidi listened to Lawrence’s continued explanations, she felt an emptiness behind her.

 

‘I thought he would follow soon.’

 

Deshion, whom she had expected to silently guard her side as always, was nowhere to be seen.

 

‘I did say it would be better for me to handle today alone, but…’

 

Heidi’s gaze unconsciously turned toward the window. As if drawn by a magnet, Heidi was able to spot him immediately.

 

“Huh…?”

 

In a corner of the garden, Deshion was standing face to face with a young woman, having a conversation.

 

When Deshion said something, the woman lightly placed her hand on his arm and burst into laughter. To Heidi’s eyes, she looked as fresh as a spring daffodil.

 

“Count Haizen is a top marriage prospect.”

 

Lawrence, who had somehow approached from behind, whispered playfully in Heidi’s ear.

 

“The competition is quite fierce. If we were to line up all the young ladies here today who covet the Count, they would probably fill this entire corridor.”

 

“…”

 

Well, that would be natural.

 

Heidi’s eyes narrowed. After staring at Deshion for a moment, she turned her head sharply.

 

Meeting Lawrence’s eyes, Heidi asked in a prim voice.

 

“Isn’t that the same for you, Lord Lawrence? I heard you’re engaged to the Princess? Or have you already done so?”

 

“That’s…”

 

Lawrence stammered for a moment. His usually relaxed smile wavered momentarily, and a flustered expression spread across his face.

 

Heidi smirked at his reaction. Seeing Lawrence at a loss for words made her sunken mood improve slightly.

 

Heidi placed her hand on her stomach and said.

 

“I’ve been looking around for quite a while and I’m getting a bit hungry. Shall we head back to the greenhouse?”

 

“…Ah, I’ve kept you away for too long, Miss.”

 

Just then.

 

“Lawrence, there you are.”

 

Both turned around at the voice from behind.

 

Thud, thud.

 

Heavy footsteps echoed clearly in the corridor.

 

“…”

 

Though it was a face she’d never seen before, Heidi instinctively knew who he was.

 

‘This person must be the Viscount.’

 

Silver hair reaching down to his chest, sharp and long eyes like a snake. He was a gentleman-like man wearing a frock coat that fit his body perfectly.

 

Though he didn’t much resemble Lawrence, who had delicate and elegant features, standing side by side, the two somehow gave off a strangely similar atmosphere.

 

Clovis, who had stopped in front of the two, wore an elegant smile across his face.

 

“Oh, I didn’t expect you to have a guest with you. But…”

 

A gleam of interest appeared in his eyes upon discovering Heidi.

 

“Heidi Ermetel.”

 

“…!”

 

“I saw you at the Royal Palace not long ago. I was disappointed we couldn’t exchange greetings then, but thanks to my younger brother, I get to meet you like this. What a coincidence.”

 

Clovis muttered meaningfully and suddenly extended his hand toward Heidi.

 

“I am Clovis Ervin Pretium.”

 

“It’s an honor to meet you, Viscount.”

 

As the nervous Heidi placed her hand on his in bewilderment, Clovis lightly kissed the back of her hand.

 

Lawrence’s eyebrows furrowed slightly as he watched this. Lawrence opened his mouth with a stiff expression.

 

“We were just about to return to the greenhouse.”

 

“Is that so? Then you should go. I have an appointment soon anyway.”

 

Clovis stepped back cheerfully as if he wasn’t disappointed at all. As he was about to pass by Heidi’s side, he suddenly gazed intently at her face and narrowed his eyes.

 

“By the way, your eye color is truly beautiful. Violet, no less. It’s not a common color.”

 

“Ah…”

 

Clovis smiled at the flustered Heidi and nodded his head as he spoke.

 

“I hope to see you again soon. I hope you have a pleasant time in my greenhouse.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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