Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 43

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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 43

 

Stare.

 

Heidi gazed at Deshion in front of her without blinking. He was handling his duties as head of the family without rest.

 

Rustle.

 

Every time Deshion’s fingertips brushed against the paper, Heidi vividly recalled the cool body temperature that had soothed her forehead and cheeks throughout the night.

 

“Don’t get sick.”

 

“And don’t cry either.”

 

“When you cry, I…”

 

The memory cut off abruptly there.

 

Heidi struggled for a long time trying to recall what words would have followed, but she couldn’t remember at all. What had Deshion whispered after that?

 

‘When I cry, what. What happens then.’

 

Tingle.

 

Heidi pouted her lips and glared at Deshion for a moment. Her gaze stubbornly landed on his tightly pressed lips.

 

“…”

 

Heidi remembered how his breath had tickled her lips and ear yesterday. The presence she could feel even with her eyes closed was so vivid that Heidi unconsciously traced her own lips with her fingertips.

 

‘Could he have been trying to kiss me…?’

 

Even knowing it was ridiculous, the thought wouldn’t leave her mind.

 

Why had Deshion stared at her face for so long at such close distance? What emotion had been sparkling in his eyes?

 

Just then.

 

Knock knock.

 

Heidi startled and turned her head at the knocking sound from the doorway.

 

The butler entered. He nodded to Heidi and spoke.

 

“Miss Heidi.”

 

“Good morning.”

 

“How are you feeling? I heard your fever has completely broken.”

 

“I’m fine. After sleeping well, I feel light as a feather now.”

 

“That’s a relief.”

 

Heidi’s gaze caught the silver tray the butler was holding. On it lay a single sealed letter placed neatly.

 

The butler, noticing Heidi’s gaze, said.

 

“Ah, this came for both of you.”

 

Heidi’s eyes widened.

 

“For me? Where is it from?”

 

“Lord Lawrence sent an invitation.”

 

The butler held out the envelope with both hands. Seeing the pattern engraved on the golden seal, Heidi’s expression softened slightly.

 

“Lord Lawrence?”

 

“I send word after a long time since the last banquet.

 

This coming Saturday evening, we plan to hold a small banquet at the Pretium Duke’s Town House.

 

I wish to arrange a gathering where old friends can converse comfortably.

 

I send this invitation hoping that both of you will grace the occasion.

 

Please send word of your attendance through my servant.

 

Your faithful friend,

 

Laurence Evan Pretium.”

 

After checking the invitation, Heidi looked at Deshion and said.

 

“Should I tell them we’ll attend?”

 

At Heidi’s question, Deshion across the desk looked up.

 

“No. It would be better to decline.”

 

Deshion’s voice was firm. Heidi tilted her head in confusion.

 

It had been Deshion who said they needed to win Lawrence’s favor and make their mark among people at the Pretium Estate, the center of social circles.

 

‘But why is he suddenly telling me to decline the invitation?’

 

As if reading Heidi’s thoughts, Deshion spoke again.

 

“You haven’t forgotten that you were bedridden for several days, have you? Your body hasn’t fully recovered yet, so it would be best to refrain from going out for a while.”

 

Heidi shrugged and replied.

 

“I don’t have a fever anymore and I’m fine. I can go.”

 

Though Heidi spoke as if it were nothing, Deshion didn’t budge.

 

“Even if your fever has broken, your body hasn’t fully recovered. You should be careful.”

 

“You worry too much.”

 

“You don’t worry enough.”

 

Deshion and Heidi’s gazes clashed in midair. The two stared intently into each other’s eyes without a word.

 

Heidi was the first to speak.

 

“…Alright. Let’s do that.”

 

Then Deshion looked at the butler and asked.

 

“Pretium’s servant?”

 

“He’s waiting downstairs.”

 

Deshion nodded. He took out paper and wrote a brief reply, then handed it to the butler.

 

“Deliver this to him.”

 

“Yes, understood.”

 

After the butler left, only Deshion and Heidi remained in the room. Deshion glanced at Heidi and spoke.

 

“Soon there will be His Majesty’s birthday celebration at the Royal Palace. If you wanted to enjoy a banquet, then soon…”

 

“No.”

 

Heidi, who had been reading the situation, parted her lips.

 

“But, Deshion.”

 

“…”

 

“Your plan to use Lawrence hasn’t changed, has it?”

 

Deshion put down his pen.

 

“What exactly do you mean?”

 

As if asking what she was trying to say, Deshion’s gaze turned to Heidi. Heidi looked straight into his eyes and continued.

 

“When I think about it, there seem to have been many opportunities for me to get closer to Lord Lawrence.”

 

“…”

 

“I don’t remember exactly when it started, but whenever my conversations with Lord Lawrence were about to deepen, you always stopped them. Did I misunderstand?”

 

“I did?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Deshion’s eyes visibly wavered.

 

“…”

 

Deshion didn’t answer for a long time. Instead, he leaned back against his chair and caught his breath, as if chewing over some thought.

 

How much time passed? He slowly but carefully uttered each word.

 

“Lawrence is a very important person in this plan. If he takes your side, we would have gained a mighty army. That thinking hasn’t changed.”

 

“I see…”

 

Heidi lowered her thick eyelashes and bowed her head slightly. The uneasiness in her heart still wouldn’t go away, but if he said so, well.

 

‘That aside…’

 

Heidi raised her head.

 

“Um, Deshion.”

 

“Yes, please speak.”

 

Heidi looked at Deshion and asked.

 

“You stayed by my side all night last night, didn’t you?”

 

Deshion’s fingertips paused for a moment. He asked.

 

“…Were you awake?”

 

Heidi nodded.

 

“Half awake. I was grateful.”

 

“It was only natural. Your illness was partly my fault too.”

 

Deshion rose from his seat.

 

“I apologize, but I must excuse myself for a moment. I have some matters to attend to.”

 

“I…”

 

“Please don’t overexert yourself and rest comfortably. If you’ll excuse me.”

 

But I still had things to say.

 

Heidi’s hand stopped awkwardly in mid-air. Deshion’s retreating figure somehow looked like he was fleeing from her.

 

‘I wanted to ask what he whispered in my ear back then…’

 

* * *

 

And the next morning.

 

Count Haizen’s mansion was more lively than usual. Especially the young maids.

 

“I apologize for the sudden visit. However, there’s something I wanted to convey to you.”

 

This was because Lawrence, Panther’s most beloved handsome man, had visited the mansion carrying an armful of flowers as beautiful as his own face.

 

Upon hearing news of his visit, Heidi hurriedly adjusted her appearance and went down to the drawing room on the lower floor. There, Lawrence and Deshion were already sitting across from each other, holding tea.

 

“I greet Your Lordship.”

 

As Heidi entered, Lawrence immediately rose to his feet.

 

“Heidi.”

 

He extended the bouquet toward Heidi as he spoke.

 

“I heard you were unwell, so I came out of concern.”

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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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