A few minutes later, Rosaline came in as Cherryl settled down in the breakfast room. She didn’t notice Rosaline’s dark countenance as she was looking at the various desserts and sandwiches on the three-tier tray. When she raised her head a beat late, the princess already had a calm smile on her face.

“Lady Milose.”

“Your Majesty, did you sleep in peacefully?”

Rosaline gave her a slight nod as Cherryl rose from her chair and curtsied. This time, the Empress had worn a dark green satin gown that fluttered at the hem. It wasn’t soaked with rain and it went well with her green eyes and her long apple-red hair flowing behind her back. The princess seemed to have dressed carelessly even though Cherryl had sent her a maid to help her get ready. Nevertheless, Cherryl thought it was fortunate that she didn’t dress up too much. When a servant pulled out a chair for the princess, she sat there as silent as a butterfly. Her delicate teacup was filled with black tea and Cherryl started first.

“I heard you got up early. How was your rest?”

Rosaline took a sip of her bitter tea without any additives while Cherryl poured milk and sugar into hers.

“It was alright. It was more comfortable than I remember when I visited this place when I was young. When I first stayed at an inn, I couldn’t sleep a wink.”

“I see. I’m glad you didn’t feel uncomfortable.”

After the small talk, the two women became quite silent. Cherryl picked up a bite-sized salmon sandwich to eat and turned towards the heavy raindrops pelting through the glass window.

“Do you like rainy days?”

Again, Cherryl tried to strike up a conversation over the weather. Rosaline, who wrapped her hands in her warm teacup, also stared out of the window.

“I hate it very much.”

At her extreme dislike, Cherryl’s pale eyebrows raised in surprise. Rosaline glowered at the window as if she were recalling something.

“I hate stepping on mud because it ruins my shoes. I don’t like wet dresses sticking against my skin and suffering from a cold afterward.”

“I wouldn’t be happy with that too.” Cherryl sympathized lightly.

Rosaline looked at her with her muted green eyes.  “What about Lady Milose? Do you prefer rainy days?”

“I don’t hate it that much.” Cherryl picked up a scone with strawberry jam and continued. “I like the sound of raindrops. I feel satisfied staying indoors while drinking tea.  My eyes would often close easily with just the sound of rain. It helps when I find it hard to sleep.”

“Then, do you have any qualms about outdoor activities during a rainy day?”

“I’m not that reluctant unless someone restricts me from doing it.”

Rosaline’s eyes grew interested.

“I can’t like rain at all if I had a bad memory because of it. Did you have a similar experience, Lady Milose?”

Cherryl titled her head. “Everybody probably had experienced the hardships of getting wet in the rain.”

Rosaline’s eyes shone as if seeking a more detailed explanation from her.

“Well…”

Suddenly, Cherryl recalled a particular memory from a long time ago. When she was young, she went on an outing with her mother and encountered an unexpected heavy rain.

“I once went to an orchard near the mansion with my late mother. It was a season when apple trees had born their fruits so it was a perfect day for a picnic.”

“It might have coincided with the rainy season, then.”

“That’s right. I was sitting on the grass trying to eat a sandwich, but there was a sudden rain shower. I dashed back to the carriage, but I was soaked.”

Rosaline listened to Cherryl’s past with interest.

“My new dress was ruined by dirty puddles and one of my shoes got peeled off, so I stepped barefoot on the mud. That evening, I had a bad cold and my fever rose.”

“Oh, my! That must have been terrible.”

Cherryl shrugged her shoulders. “On the contrary, it is still a good memory for me. I’ve never hated rain. Something like that is bound to happen in my life.”

Even though it was a day that Rosaline had gone through all the things she listed that she hated, Cherryl was still fond of the day she encountered the heavy rains without defense. It rather became a precious memory that supported her for a long time.

At that time, Cherryl, who was still young in body but had memories of her past life, easily realized that her biological mother was blinded by love. That was why she wanted to share a lot of pleasant and precious moments with her. Rosaline moistened her throat with tea, insisting on silence for quite a long time.

“I want to ask something, Lady Milose.”

Cherryl, who was observing the rain while recalling memories, turned her gaze towards her.

The princess continued calmly. “You might find this subject unpleasant but I hope you don’t leave your seat until I’m done. I want you to answer my question honestly as you did just now. Is that possible?”

Cherryl’s eyes widened in surprise and closed her mouth after a few seconds. Nevertheless, she didn’t refuse Rosaline’s request to talk about it.

“Sure. Feel free to tell me.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Rosaline asked a question.

“Does Lady Milose love Grand Duke Blkanov?”