Let alone the fact that I had burst into his study by my own will, the Duke also seemed surprised that I was starting a conversation with him for the second time in my life. However, I was unaffected.

As I recalled the dreadful hell of a cuteness overload that I was forced to withstand previously, I considered laying down what I wanted as quickly as possible and withdrawing just as swiftly.

“Wait, allow me to prepare some tea beforehand—”

“No, I don’t really need any. Please accept my request instead.”

As I firmly interrupted the Duke’s words, the Duke froze awkwardly mid-action while standing up from his chair.

“I told you last time that I wouldn’t stay still if you continue to obstruct me from breaking off my engagement.”

I ignored his reaction, the corners of my lips lifting. “However, it seems that you’ve partaken in spreading false rumors? Something about a marriage announcement at the Spring Ball? Even if it’s by the request of the Crown Prince, how could you spread falsehoods, ones of which your own daughter hates?”

The Duke was unable to respond, his eyes merely shifting about aimlessly.

Being honest, it was a bit childish of me to nitpick the Duke’s past sins. However, I had something that I needed to fulfill, even by the means of nitpicking.

“…So, what do you want?”

As the Duke asked his question in a low voice, I answered as if I’d been waiting. “First, please allow all but the minimum number of needed servants working at our estate to leave for a vacation.”

“What?”

The Duke’s jaw dropped upon my confident attitude and shameless request.

“It’s only summer vacation.”

I shrugged my shoulders and looked at the Duke as though I was asking what the problem was.

Even I myself thought that my shamelessness was nearing the same level as Ian’s … No, that was too much. It was about the extent of Yona’s, perhaps.

“And my second request is…”

The Duke’s jaw cracked upon my upgraded shamelessness, which neared the shamelessness of Yona asking for a significant pay raise. It wasn’t something I concerned myself about.

***

Summer came. Even if I say that it’s only been a month since I’d received Jack’s letter.

The bustling estate was now nearly empty. It was because the Duke ended up listening to my request. Of course, it was out of guilt, and not out of fatherly love for his cute daughter. Not to mention, the Duke understood the reason for my requests.

Up till now, the happiness of the servants of the Podebrat Estate was total trash, so it was important to give them space to take a breath of relief. Not to mention, having more people around the ‘guy’, who would soon arrive, would only worsen the situation.

…… Those were the excuses I gave.

In truth, I was worried that our servants would be harmed because of the volatile werewolf, so I had them evacuated. Because today was the day that Jack Ponton would arrive at the estate.

Damn it.

“Hayley, are all the preparations finished?”

“Ah, yes, milady! I have prepared everything just as you’ve ordered.”

As a result, Yona was all half-forced into a vacation. She had barely sent away the Yona who was shouting about working and receiving overtime pay. As she was a very rare talent, should Yona meet Jack, it was likely they would start an argument, so it was a matter that couldn’t be helped.

Instead, the young maid Hayley willingly volunteered to stay by her side. She was an energetic young girl whose red hair was her key characteristic, and while she was kind, she was sometimes clumsy.

“I,I’m very happy to stay at Milady’s side! I’m also very happy to see Milady’s swordsmanship! I’m so happy to see Milady from up close…….”

“Right. Thank you, Hayley. Let’s go.”

…….Of course, kindness and being burdensome are two totally different things.

I opened my dull eyes and burst out of the room while closing my ears.

I was scared she would shout I’m a merman at this rate.

“Since there are ten minutes till his arrival…….”

I looked leisurely at the table and parasol that had been prepared in the garden.