“It’s fortunate that I’m awake. As you said, it’s early in the morning, so I’ll take you to a bedroom in the Great Hall———-”

“The princess is going to the villa.”

Cade cut her off firmly behind her back. Cherryl frowned and looked over her shoulder. This wasn’t the attitude of a man who always listened to what she had to say. At that moment, Rosaline immediately spoke. “A small bedroom is fine. Can’t I stay in this castle?”

“You can’t.” Cade refused coldly.

However, Rosaline, who was in front of Cherryl, confronted him with vigor after gaining an ally. “As I said earlier, I’m a little tired from having to walk a long way. It’s still raining outside so it’s hard for me to go to your villa not when the Great Hall is right here.”

“You said it’s hard. Didn’t you decide to visit my residence all by yourself?”

“Can’t I ask for a one-week accommodation in this castle before your wedding, Grand Duke?”

“It’s the 11th.”

“How can you be so heartless? I’m not complaining. I’m asking you politely.”

“How can an uninvited guest who arrived at four in the morning even dare to talk about politeness?”

Cade and the princess confronted each other hotly with Cherryl in between. As they raised their chins along with their voices, Cherryl eventually got annoyed.

What was he doing? The villa was a mansion located on the outskirts of Carlsvik, far from the Grand Duke. The northern place facing the east coast had a warmer temperature than average. It was built for relaxation, so family members and precious guests often stayed there. However, what was his reason for sending the princess who had already entered the castle to the villa? Cherryl had thoroughly examined Cade’s residence so she already knew that they would never run out of bedrooms in the Great Hall. It was fairly easy to assign a room for the princess. What was even the reason behind the princess’ early visit, anyway? What did she talk to Cade about in the drawing room? Why were they shrouded in a suspicious atmosphere? Unanswered questions floated in her head but there was something else that bothered her the most. Cherryl didn’t like that Cade and the princess were arguing as if they were having a lover’s spat. It was super annoying.

“Lady Milose, can you hear me?” Rosaline asked Cherryl with a smile. “The Grand Duke Blkanov seemed furious at my rudeness.”

“…….”

“I asked him to give me a bedroom, but he’s still sending me to a villa outside. Can you see how I’m doing now?”

When Rosaline twisted her waist slightly while showing her palms, Cherryl noted the princess’ appearance. She was dressed in a high-quality fabric suitable for her status and had colorful hairpins adorning her hair. At the same time, she also looked miserably wet from the downpour. Her sleeves were soaked, in particular, and her drooping apple-red hair was darker than before. Rosaline looked at Cherryl. She was shivering but still smiling. Upon noticing a hint of hesitation in Cherryl’s blue eyes, the princess added for good measure.

“He didn’t even  let a butler serve me a cup of hot tea in the drawing room.”

After thinking for a few seconds, Cherryl glanced up at Cade with a troubled expression.

“Your Grace.” Cherryl continued as she glanced at Rosaline. “It’s still raining and it’s unreasonable to send Her Royal Highness to the villa now.”

“You have no idea what she———-”

“Yes. I had no idea what the circumstances were but seeing that you didn’t care about a drenched lady in the rain… I don’t think I want to see it.”

Despite saying so, Cherryl had no desire to welcome the princess either. When she remembered her creating a suspicious situation with Cade by visiting his residence at dawn without both of their permission, she also wanted to send her out of the estate and not just the villa. However, the shivering princess shouldn’t be sent into the rain for the second time. Above all, it was awkward to kick her out just like this.

Cade narrowed his eyes at Cherryl as if trying to persuade her to listen. But instead of saying something, he exhaled a long breath and tapped his bottom lip in contemplation. He had an obedient look in his gaze, making Rosaline wonder if he was the man from earlier who treated her with indifference. Rosaline, who had always suspected her eyes and ears, remained silent and waited for Cade’s decision. It was Cherryl who brought it up again.

“First of all, you should change your wet clothes, princess. I’ll show you to the guest room.”

Cherryl fixed the lantern and led Rosaline to the guest room. Cade, who was calmly staring at her, stepped forward as if to block their path.

“I’ll guide her myself. Just go to your bedroom upstairs, My Lady.”

Cherryl shook her head and dragged her slippers.

“No, I’ll do it for you.”

‘You think I’m gonna let you go alone with her?’ Fortunately, she was able to swallow her words. Still, Cade didn’t back down and stretched his arms out to block her.

“Then I will order the butler to guide her since he’s still awake.”

Even though he was only blocking her with one arm, Cherryl couldn’t move as if she was tied to a trap. At that moment, the layers of discomfort caught fire.

“I said I’ll do it!”

When he seemed to have no intention of yielding, Cherryl unknowingly raised her voice.

There was a heavy silence in the hall.