Should I politely say, 'Thank you so much! I really needed this!' or rate it right in front of him and become a tactless human devoid of empathy?
Common sense would dictate the former… but…
"You can be honest with me. After all, I just confessed something I hadn't told anyone else, didn't I?"
Under Arthur's earnest gaze, the logical side of me calmly typed out an imaginary review:
★★☆☆☆
The bandage quality is excellent, and delivery was fast. However, gifting a bandage without knowing the recipient's condition or needs is a bit bewildering. While there's no issue with the product itself, I'd rate it 2 stars.
…Now, how do I phrase that more tactfully?
"I would've chosen flowers or food instead. Flowers to brighten the mood of a patient unable to walk outside, and food to support the family taking care of them."
"Ah."
Arthur nodded like an attentive student.
"I see. The bandages focused too much on the 'sprain.'"
"You're quick to understand."
"Got it. Food, flowers… hmm."
"That's just the general approach. But there's an exception when it comes to you and Maria."
"An exception?"
"You saw it earlier, right? How Maria touched the bandage, saying it might be from Frost Hill, with that reminiscent expression."
"…Yes, I did."
"When there's shared history, even a humble fallen leaf can become a precious key to fond memories."
It's probably thanks to that shared history—and their unfulfilled childhood first love—that Arthur won Maria over in the original story.
I fixed him with a firm gaze as realization dawned on him.
"In everyday situations, take notes from the popular gentlemen around you. My amazing fiancé would be an excellent role model."
"…Ah, yes."
"But when you're alone with her, lean on your shared memories. In that sense, you hold a treasure more valuable than any jewel."
"I understand. Follow the role model for the day-to-day, but use shared memories for special opportunities…"
Arthur repeated my advice a few times, committing it to memory with a serious expression.
This awkward moment turned out to be a good chance. If they face issues later, I can advise him immediately!
Arthur bowed deeply.
"I came to atone for my mistake, but I leave indebted to you. If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask."
"Fufu, I won't forget that offer."
Just then, someone opened the front door. The lack of knocking made it obvious—it was the countess.
She lit up upon seeing Arthur.
"Oh my, Young Duke! You're here early. Have you eaten? I hope my Dory wasn't too clumsy in hosting you."
"I received excellent hospitality, so please don't worry."
"You're too kind. Wait a moment—I'll prepare some fine whiskey for you."
The countess brushed past him, leaning in to whisper to me.
"Natalie? Don't tell me she's still asleep?"
"She's out walking in the garden with other guests. Didn't you see them outside?"
"No, I didn't. What's with the sudden stroll? And who are these 'other guests'?"
"Miss Maria Meyer and her knight escort. They should be back soon…"
At Maria's name, the countess's brows momentarily furrowed. Her practiced socialite smile quickly masked any further reaction.
"I see. So, Young Duke, what will you do? Shall I have drinks prepared for you?"
It seemed her initial plan to keep him with whiskey had shifted to a casual "leave if you wish."
Arthur stood abruptly at her words. Definitely an introvert.
"I came to check on Miss Redfield's health. I'll take my leave now. Miss Redfield, please take care of yourself."
"Thank you. I hope to see you again."
Arthur ambled slowly toward the entrance, successfully timing his departure to coincide with the return of Maria and the others.
Their conversation was brief.
"I'll be off, Miss Meyer, Miss Redfield, and Mr. Rey."
"Take care! It was nice meeting you."
"Visit again soon. A bouquet would make it even better next time."
Natalie, as ever, was consistent.
Rick gave a small nod. Their short farewells didn't feel out of place.
Once Arthur left, Maria and Rick also prepared to depart.
"We're grateful for the hospitality, Lady Redfield. Thank you for your kind guidance as well, Miss Redfield."
Maria turned to me one last time, her expression tinged with regret.
"Dory, I truly hope you recover soon. Next time, let's visit a teahouse together, okay?"
"Sure! I'll find a good one."
I waved them off, and Rick gave an elegant bow.
After all the guests had left, it was clear what I needed to do first.
"Mother, how do I remove this cast?"
"Dory! What did the young duke say? Does he seem to like you? You made sure Maria left early, right? Sitting next to her would make any comparison too harsh!"
"Untie this first, please!"
"Of course, I'll untie it. Don't get worked up, just answer my question, okay?"
"Mother! I only said he was kind and polite!"
"That was your chance! You should've said that, then fainted right into his arms! What am I going to do with a daughter so oblivious?"
Why even ask if you're not going to listen to my answers anyway?
After grilling me thoroughly, Mother finally stood up. But she wasn't done yet—she had another target in mind.
"I can't believe you didn't make the most of this opportunity, Natalie."
Natalie stayed silent. Mother glared at her for a while before spinning on her heel and leaving the sitting room.
Finally, the tension eased, and I could relax.
So tired!
It felt like I'd met everyone I was supposed to see in a whole week all in one day.
I sank deeply into the sofa.
Strangely enough, it felt natural, even in front of Natalie.
"Sis, where'd you go earlier?"
"Just walked a lap around the garden. The problem was that every time I spoke, that Maria girl would shower me with praise."
"…She's sweet."
"I know. She'd fit better in a holy epic or myth than in real life."
Natalie shook her head, looking utterly drained.
She's unbeatable in a fight but clearly gets worn out when forced to keep the peace.
"Sis, you left to give me some alone time, didn't you? You really didn't have to."
"It was for my own sake too. I didn't want to hear Mother nagging about whether I chatted with the young duke or set up our next meeting."
"You didn't want to end up like me earlier…"
"Oh, and here. I got you a present."
She casually tossed me a small box. The orange-printed paper lid released a rich buttery scent the moment I opened it.
Financiers!
Golden little treats lined up like bars of treasure, adorned with figs, walnuts, and salt crystals that made my mouth water.
"Wow! Sis, what's this?"
"A famous dessert shop opened nearby. Eat a few before Mother catches you."
But before reaching for one, I asked something more important.
"Who's it from?"
"Your fiancé."
I nearly dropped the box.
"His Highness Tristan? Oh, he must've sent it by mail."
"No. He came in person."
Her clipped tone oozed irritation. Oh no, oh no…
"Did you stop him from coming in?"
"Yep. I told him you were exhausted from all the visitors and suggested he come another day, and he left without argument."
"Why would you lie? He's my fiancé!"
I couldn't laugh it off anymore and raised my voice.
"I'm not interested in any man other than my fiancé! I didn't even want alone time with the young duke, and I'm not grateful for it either!"
"Got it. So… you like His Highness Tristan?"
The question came so calmly, like she was asking if I liked apples.
My reflex was to blurt out "Of course not!" but all I managed to do was clamp my mouth shut before it escaped.
No, I don't like him. I just think he's the best choice for my life.
Natalie spoke coolly.
"That silence is your answer."
"…"
"I know you see him as a good match for marriage. I respect that."
"Then why stop him?"
"Because if your marriage goes smoothly, you'll see his face every day. No need to start getting tired of him already. Especially if things go awry later—you'll need all the patience you can muster."
"…"
"Enjoy your life. You've got more safety nets and opportunities than you realize."
She stood, picking up a financier. I sat there speechless, my mind a mess, as she paused at the door to add,
"Oh, and I did say Maria seemed nice, right? But be careful around Rick Rey."
"What? Did he do something to you?"
"Just a hunch. Something about him feels… off."
"…Okay."
As usual, she dropped her thoughts unfiltered and left.
Her judgments might lack logic, but…
Natalie has a good eye.
In romance fantasy stories, sub-male leads usually fall into two categories.
One is the silent, silver-haired knight type, often dying heroically to protect the heroine, leaving readers in tears. Thankfully, this story doesn't have one of those.
The other is the warm, golden- or brown-haired friend type. Some are genuinely good people, while others hide dark secrets.
Rick is the latter.
Not a villain, but… he could be trouble for me.
At seventeen, he lost his future with both the royal family and the Redfield Countess.