unedited

Noel said nothing about Princess Gabriella’s guests. How startled he was when she was called ‘Victorina’.

What made it even more surprising was that Noel had told her the story about their mother.

He thought Noel would always be in pain because of their mother.

It was admirable that his younger brother now knew how to laugh.

Perhaps all of Noel’s changes were brought about by Rieta.

That gratitude was probably something Darrell couldn’t repay, no matter how much money he spent.

“Please, don’t feel burdened about having to repay me. Besides, families are supposed to help each other like this.”

“Still…..”

Rieta seemed eager to return his favor in any way she could.

“Then, let’s do this.”

Darrell just remembered something good.

“If I were of any help to Princess RIeta, would you shout ‘Darrell is the best!’ with the prettiest smile in the world?”

“What?”

As she asked back in surprise, he jokingly added, “Because I was jealous of BB a while ago.”

“Well, it’s not difficult…”

She didn’t think she could repay Darrell with that much.

Even so, for now, she decided to give the world’s brightest smile for the affectionate Darrell.

Darrell is truly the best!

Whispering, she hugged him by his neck with both arms.

***

She felt magically good when she was with Darrell, but after he left her room, Rieta’s mind got pretty complicated.

First and foremost, she was worried about her younger siblings because of the problems BB told her.

And from time to time, Noel’s wounded expression came to mind.

‘Coming to think of it, Noel is a bit strange.’

Rieta turned around on her bed, unable to sleep.

‘Why on earth does he hate Hugh Mclean?’

In the original work, there was a corner of uncomfortable feelings because he was a competitor who was in conflict with the female lead.

But now none of that is happening.

‘In the first place, even before the female lead appeared, he seemed subtly wary of Hugh Mclean already.’

Weird Noel.

Rieta came to that conclusion and then looked at the doorway beyond the darkness for a moment.

Seeing something that makes him feel empty, she wondered if… she was expecting him.

Noel might be coming.

Saying he was sorry with a big smile, and lightly pinch Rieta’s cheek.

If not, she hoped there’s a piece of paper with ‘Are you sleeping?’

No, it can’t be.

If that’s what she’s expecting, why must Noel…

“… .”

She pulled the thick autumn blanket over her head.

Just like blocking out all the bad thoughts the night brings.

Let’s go to sleep, let’s go to sleep

After chanting to herself dozens of times, she was finally able to fall into a light sleep.

***

While she slept late, Rieta’s morning was earlier than usual.

Perhaps it was because of the cluttered atmosphere that permeated the entire mansion.

She got out of bed and opened the window with a whimper.

A cold wind blew and shook even the door at once.

On one side of the mansion, servants could be seen busily coming and going.

They were already busy preparing for the banquet to be held tonight.

The banquet will be perfect.

There will be dishes prepared from Darrell’s own catch, adorned with fabric chosen by Rieta.

Also, the nobles of the capital will confirm and praise the friendship between Princess Gabriella and the Lords.

This banquet was sure to further solidify Princess Gabriella’s position.

‘Actually, there was never a time when it wasn’t announced.’

Rieta realized that there was an ugly thought rolling in her heart.

‘Ah… I.’

She must have been a little jealous of Princess Gabriella.

Of course, she knew that Princess Gabriela also had her own difficulties.

Rieta even stepped forward and offered her consolation.

Still, she couldn’t help but feel envious of the environment where Princess Gabriella could enjoy such a position.

‘Am I being mean?’

Rieta felt sorry for herself for having such feelings for the person who had shown her kindness and affection.

Even packaging it with the words ‘I can’t help it’.

She yawned again.

It seems that the aftermath of not being able to sleep deeply came back.

Rieta closed the window.

The wind that blew was so cold that she ran her hands over both of arms.

‘It would be nice to drink a glass of warm water and go to sleep.’

With that in mind, she tried to call the maid, but she didn’t want to change their busy schedule.

Rieta changed into their slippers, and opened the door.

The hallway on the second floor was empty and quiet.

She yawned again and walked out slowly, when she heard a nearby voice asking, “What about the carriage?”

It’s Noel. Where is he going at this time?

Rieta didn’t want to run into him anyway, so she hurried back to her room.

“Alright, I’ll be right out.”

But it was to no avail.

Because Noel came out a little earlier.

Her and his eyes met.

“Ah.”

Guess who isn’t a childhood friend?

After making the same sound at the same time, they only faced each other.