The Cooking Princess - Chapter 36

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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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The Princess Who Cooks

 

Episode 36

 

“Your Grace, I’m busy. If you have nothing to say, I’ll be going.”

 

It was a statement that could be seen as not just bold but downright rude for a duchess to make to a grand duke. However, Chloe had no intention of being friendly with Claude.

 

Reputation?

 

While Chloe herself had to clarify the rumors surrounding her since there was no evidence that the Empress had created them, the Empress and the Grand Duke himself were different matters.

 

The fact that those two were tormenting Chloe was something everyone here knew, so there wouldn’t be anyone criticizing her for acting a bit defiant in front of Claude.

 

‘Claude acts far more selfishly anyway.’

 

With that thought, Chloe gave a light bow and passed by Claude, returning to the Garnet Estate.

 

And some time later, at a social party she attended, when Chloe came face to face with Claude, she finally had to admit it.

 

‘This bastard is blatantly following me around.’

 

Whether he didn’t have much leave, his face looked tired the whole time, but he was clearly ‘following’ Chloe around.

 

Chloe had no choice but to acknowledge it.

 

‘I should at least ask why he’s acting like this.’

 

She sighed inwardly and headed to the terrace.

 

Sure enough, Claude followed Chloe.

 

As soon as she confirmed they were alone on the terrace, Chloe asked in an annoyed tone.

 

“Excuse me, why exactly are you following me around?”

 

“Someone keeps avoiding me,”

 

Claude, having said that, seemed to be choosing his words for a moment.

 

“So I thought we should at least face each other.”

 

‘What is he really saying.’

 

When she asked why he was following her, he said it was because he thought they should face each other.

 

‘Does he seriously think this would be a proper answer to the question?’

 

Chloe didn’t hide her annoyed attitude as she spoke.

 

“As I mentioned, I don’t particularly have anything to say to Your Grace the Grand Duke.”

 

She didn’t know what more to say here, so she let out a long sigh.

 

At that, Claude’s shoulders flinched.

 

If you looked wrong, it was a scene where you might mistake that arrogant Grand Duke for being mindful of Chloe’s mood.

 

“This could cause strange misunderstandings, so please don’t do this anymore. Let’s just live without paying much attention to each other.”

 

If rumors of her dating Claude were to spread, he would die that very day.

 

Claude would, not me.

 

Because I was planning to kill him somehow anyway, since my marriage prospects would be blocked except for Claude.

 

With that thought, Chloe turned around and tried to leave the terrace.

 

Right then, Claude’s ominous voice was heard from behind Chloe.

 

“You don’t think those are the only rumors Mother can spread, do you.”

 

Claude’s words were a kind of warning.

 

A warning that if she wouldn’t talk with him, he would continue to spread malicious rumors.

 

Unable to hold back at those words, Chloe asked.

 

“Why are you really doing this to me?”

 

“Why am I doing this?”

 

He was silent for a moment.

 

“Why, am I doing this.”

 

He seemed to be mulling over Chloe’s question for quite a while.

 

“Get engaged to me.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

She tilted her head for a moment, wondering if she had heard wrong.

 

But since it didn’t seem like she had heard wrong, she asked back with annoyance.

 

“Do you perhaps like me?”

 

At Chloe’s question, Claude had no answer for quite a long time.

 

In the continuing silence, Chloe truly felt an ominous feeling.

 

‘Given Claude’s personality, if it were no, he would answer with a sharp no. Why is he hesitating about this?’

 

Was there a reason to drag out time like this when asked if he liked her?

 

Just as Chloe’s face was about to contort with that thought, Claude’s indifferent question was heard.

 

“Does something like my feelings matter?”

 

At the sight of Claude coldly turning dark, Chloe somehow felt chills and had a strong premonition that something was terribly wrong.

 

Along with his words, Claude grabbed Chloe’s wrist and continued in a calm tone.

 

“If you just get engaged, I promise the best treatment. The rumors surrounding you will of course all disappear too.”

 

Considering that the rumors themselves arose because of Claude and the Empress in the first place, it was an utterly shameless proposal.

 

“You’re grabbing me carelessly again. Let go and let’s talk.”

 

Thinking that Claude’s grip was so strong that she would get bruises at this rate, Chloe frowned as she spoke, and as expected, the ill-mannered Claude didn’t comply with Chloe’s request.

 

“I’m planning to absolutely not let go until you say you’ll get engaged.”

 

It felt like her insides were boiling with anger.

 

‘This person really intends not to let go until I actually agree.’

 

Even though Chloe had learned swordsmanship, it was impossible to win a physical fight against the villainous sub-male lead who was a genius at swordsmanship and had trained for a long time.

 

Moreover, Claude was now even gaining real combat experience at the front lines.

 

He was an opponent Chloe absolutely could not defeat!

 

After trying to shake off Claude several times and only getting out of breath, Chloe was thoroughly irritated.

 

‘He’s really too strong. How annoying.’

 

Was it right to be dragged around like this by the Empress and Claude who were clearly acting like thugs?

 

‘I thought Shuel and the original Chloe’s engagement was simply because of Chloe’s one-sided love, but there might have been other reasons.’

 

The Garnet Family would become a powerful force for Shuel who had no maternal relatives, and Shuel would make it so Chloe could be free from engagement pressure. If there was mutual affection, it was an engagement beneficial to both.

 

Before Chloe could say anything, the sound of footsteps was heard from behind.

 

Chloe, who had turned around to ask for help, opened her eyes wide in surprise.

 

Familiar blonde hair had entered her field of vision.

 

It was Shuel Siclamene, who had appeared without her knowing when.

 

Shuel warned Claude in a cold voice that Chloe was hearing for the first time.

 

“Let go of that hand.”

 

Both Chloe and Claude were flustered by Shuel’s sudden appearance.

 

Claude came to his senses first and greeted Shuel.

 

“I greet the Empire’s Little Sun. What brings Your Highness the Prince here. You must be busy with official duties.”

 

Despite Claude’s cold response, Shuel’s voice remained firm.

 

“I don’t think I’ve come to a place I shouldn’t be. Isn’t that right, Grand Duke?”

 

While properly responding to Claude’s provocation, Shuel’s gaze was still fixed on Chloe’s wrist that Claude was forcibly holding.

 

“And I’m sure I said it. Let go. Do I need to say it twice?”

 

At those words, Claude answered in an extremely cold tone.

 

“This is a matter between the Duchess and myself. I don’t think there’s any reason for Your Highness the Prince to interfere.”

 

“I have plenty of reason to be concerned. The Duchess is my friend.”

 

At Shuel’s retort, Claude’s expression became even colder, but he had no choice but to let go of Chloe’s wrist.

 

As soon as Claude released his grip, Chloe hurriedly pulled her wrist away.

 

Shuel quickly asked Chloe about her wrist’s condition in a worried tone.

 

“Is your wrist okay? Duchess.”

 

“Ah. It was just grabbed a bit hard, but I’m fine.”

 

“You’ll get bruises.”

 

Shuel looked at Chloe’s reddened wrist with a worried expression, as if he was truly concerned.

 

Then he issued an order to leave to Claude with an extremely cold gaze.

 

“What are you doing not leaving?”

 

Even at Shuel’s sarcasm, Claude didn’t back down.

 

“I’m not here for Your Highness the Prince, but I have business with the Duchess beside Your Highness.”

 

“Then farewell in advance. I have something to discuss with her first.”

 

Shuel coldly replied to Claude, then asked Chloe for permission.

 

“May I hold your other wrist for a moment, Duchess?”

 

At that polite request, Chloe also responded calmly.

 

“Yes, Your Highness.”

 

Shuel took her other wrist and walked away from the spot.

 

When Claude was no longer visible even when looking back, Shuel apologized to Chloe.

 

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize Claude would torment you so terribly.”

 

Since this wasn’t Shuel’s fault, Chloe smiled and answered.

 

“Your Highness has nothing to apologize for. Rather, thank you for coming at the right time. This is Count Blair’s daughter’s tea party, but what brings Your Highness here?”

 

“I heard that Cloud, Duke was attending a tea party that the Duchess was participating in, so I hurriedly finished my work and came.”

 

It meant he had stopped by this tea party to protect Chloe even while busy.

 

Shuel was so devoted to Chloe’s every move that one wondered if there could be another person so kind and sincere.

 

‘Get a grip. I can’t fall for him.’

 

The reason Shuel treated Chloe so delicately was probably because she was the daughter of the Garnet Family and an unparalleled genius in cooking.

 

In fact, Chloe’s business was thriving, and thanks to the refrigerator distribution, the mortality rate of people in the Garnet Domain had dropped dramatically, making it worth the Imperial Court’s attention.

 

But conversations with Shuel were enjoyable after all, so Chloe forgot about complicated matters and talked with Shuel until the tea party ended.

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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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