CH 37.2

To build a bridge between the two, Cherryl replied clearly. “How about going altogether?”

“All together?”

“Sure. It would be fun if we take Axel and Cole, too. These boys also followed you to Milose’s mansion. Do you remember their faces?”

“Um… I don’t know. I haven’t been properly introduced to them.”

“Those two have the same age as you, Lucy. You will have no problem communicating with them. I just need the Grand Duke’s permission to go out of the castle, but… I hope he’ll gladly allow me to.”

It would be more effective to establish closeness while enjoying the crowded festival with everyone instead of just Lucy and Lecter being awkward by themselves.

Smiling inwardly, Lucy suddenly raised her chin while wearing a mysterious expression.

“Aren’t you going with the Grand Duke?”

Cherryl’s voice gradually faded when she asked. “The Grand Duke would be at the festival?”

She couldn’t imagine Cade naturally melting into the festival’s atmosphere beside her.

Buying street food, watching the band’s exciting performances, and checking out exotic items were opposite to his nature.

Perhaps, he would be drinking fruit wine or shooting something with a crossbow.

“Of course, the Grand Duke might not be interested in such activities. However, I think he would value spending time with his future wife.”

Lucy hurriedly added as if she had read Cherryl’s mind.

She and Cade seemed to be on good terms, so of course, everyone thought they would go to the Winter Festival together.

“Well, he’s so busy that it’s hard to invite him to the Winter Festival on a whim.”

As the owner of a vast territory, going to a leisurely festival was somewhat unreasonable for a man who had heavy responsibilities on his shoulders.

Cade never seemed as busy when he decided to spend time with her, but…

“Oh! He must be. I’m sorry for being presumptuous, My Lady.”

Lucy waved her hand admitting her slip of the tongue.

If a nobleman such as Marquis Milose had heard Lucy, he might have shouted at her for suggesting she impose on the time of a man with a sky-high title as if he was a mere commoner.

However, Cherryl seemed to understand where Lucy was coming from.

Lucy must have assumed their relationship was pretty good when they kissed in front of her.

It must be similar to how she brought up Lecter, as well.

Cherryl smiled brightly, shaking her head.

“What are you talking about, Lucy? Anyway, no matter who accompanies you, I will go to the winter festival with you.”

“It’s the same for me, My Lady. I’m so glad. I haven’t even unpacked yet, but I had no idea there are be so many things I want to do in the North.”  Lucy was about to clap her hands in excitement. “It feels like a dream to sit next to my mistress while eating. The Marquis would have never imagined this happening. It’s all thanks to you, My Lady.”

“That’s right. I’m very grateful to the lord.”

“You look very close. I think you’ll be happy to be loved by him.”

As soon as she said those weighted words, Cherryl lowered her eyes and pursed her lips.

“I guess it looks like I’m loved by others.”

When Cade’s frosty, unreadable eyes turned towards Cherryl, the illusion would sometimes remain for a while before it vanished, to be replaced by boiling flames in a furnace.

Every time the Grand Duke hugged her, he felt like a magnificent wave crashing over her small frame.

There were times when she was afraid to face him head-on because she was too overwhelmed with emotions that she couldn’t keep up.

“Can I love someone that much in a short period?”’

From the short period of knowing each other, she always questioned herself whether or not their feelings were deep.

Deep feelings didn’t equate to knowing each other for a long time.

“You must be excited. You want to wed the Grand Duke as soon as possible, don’t you?”

Her complicated thoughts were scattered by Lucy’s bright voice.

“Wed?”

“Yes. I meant the wedding, My Lady. There’s not much time left. I heard that the garden is undergoing major construction, and it could be completed soon.”

Cherryl reeled as if she had been attacked from out-of-the-blue.

“I’m excited to see you all dressed up in a wedding gown so much my heart trembles with joy just by imagining it, My Lady. I’m like this even though I’m just a mere witness. But I’m sure you’re also looking forward to the wedding more than anyone else, right?”

Lucy chattered incessantly.

“Since the Grand Duke seemed to be in his prime, you might have a baby early. Wow, a baby girl who looks like you would be so cute. I’m confident that she will be loved more than anyone else. How many children do you plan to have?”

“Uh… A baby?”

“Have you had such a conversation with the Grand Duke yet? How long should both of you wait to have a baby and when is the best time to have one? Well, if he’s good at it, it might be a honeymoon baby. I don’t know!”

Unlike Lucy, who was overwhelmed with joy, Cherryl stiffened.

A wedding.

The wedding’s first night that she wasn’t allowed to skip.

The act of having a baby and what she just witnessed this early morning.

“Ohmygod.”

With a silent scream, Cherryl covered her face with her hands.