# 64
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Duke Roger's estate was not far from the Grand Duke's residence.
After about 30 minutes in the carriage, the front gate of the Duke's Palace appeared.
“…It's beautiful.”
Well-kept road, gardens extending on both sides, and perfectly lined trees.
The building itf, painted ivory with a green roof, exuded a warm and welcoming atmosphere, much like the Duke himf.
“Does the palace really reflect its owner?”
While I was busy admiring the palace through the carriage window, we arrived in front of the main building.
Duke Roger was already there, waiting to receive me.
He opened the carriage door, approached, and extended his hand.
His wavy brown hair swayed gently in the early summer breeze.
“Welcome, Your Highness the Grand Duchess.”
“Duke Roger, thank you for inviting me.”
His dark green eyes curved into a friendly smile.
“Oh, no, thanks to you for accepting my invitation so easily.”
I took his hand and got out of the carriage. I was about to enter the main building when the Duke tightened his grip on my hand.
“Excuse me, Your Highness.”
I turned around to see him hesitating with an embarrassed expression on his face.
“Is there a problem?”
In response to my question, he opened his mouth but then briefly averted his gaze, looking embarrassed. Then he cleared his throat.
“Well, I was originally planning to serve you a wonderful meal in the greenhouse, but about an hour ago, the chef severely injured his hand while preparing the ingredients.”
My eyes widened in surprise.
“Oh no, is he seriously injured?”
The Duke shook his head.
“No, fortunately not. But without the chef, it seems that the lunch I planned won’t be possible...”
The Duke's face showed obvious annoyance, he clearly did not expect this situation.
“This is the first time.”
I blinked in confusion, then looked at the main building of the Duke's estate before speaking.
“Maybe we should then-”
“No, no!”
The Duke waved his hands quickly, surprised. His dark green eyes were wide with worry.
“That's not what I meant. I was just wondering if, with your permission, I could take you to a nearby restaurant instead.”
“But...”
“I know it's very embarrassing and inappropriate of me, but can you give me another chance?”
His voice was cautious, and he was anxiously watching my reaction.
His gaze met mine briefly before wandering to the floor, then to the side, and finally back to me, roving restlessly.
When I watched him lick his lips nervously a few times, I raised my eyebrows.
'He really looks like an awkward puppy.'
The expensive clothes Vivi had dressed me in to make sure I wouldn't "lose" seemed almost ridiculous now.
Aside from that, going out to eat together was very different from a simple invitation to a meal at his house.
Typically, leaving one's residence for a meal means a more intimate outing, not just a formal social engagement.
The Duke seemed to be aware of this distinction, given how uncomfortable it made him.
He bowed his head slightly, his soft eyes hidden behind his wavy bangs. She frowned and then relaxed again.
'I could have politely declined and gone back...'
But watching him move like a nervous dog made me calm down.
It felt like his ears and tail were drooping as he anxiously waited for my response.
'Is this really the person I'm supposed to be wary of?'
No matter how hard I tried to imagine him as the unexpected character Ian had warned me about, I couldn't imagine it.
Meanwhile, the Duke looked at me warily.
“So, would that be okay for you...?”
His dark green eyes sparkled in the afternoon sunlight.
Despite the fact that his gaze was physically higher than mine, I felt like he was looking at me.
It was hard enough to maintain my composure around him, since his appearance was already the type I liked, but seeing that face made it impossible to refuse.
After a short silence, I reluctantly nodded.
“…Okay, let’s do this.”
Although I wasn't particularly close to the Duke and probably never would be, given my relationship with Ian, I found myf agreeing.
The Duke's face lit up noticeably.
A moment ago, he looked like a depressed puppy, but now it seemed like his invisible tail was shaking violently like a fan.
“I will accompany you in the duke’s carriage.”
He eagerly took my hand and led me away.
I followed him, somewhat puzzled, and glanced back at the Grand Duke's carriage that had brought me here. I tilted my head in confusion.
“But I already have a cart.”
“I cannot accompany a distinguished guest in any other carriage. It may not be as luxurious as the Grand Duke’s carriage, but I assure you that the Duke’s carriage will be comfortable for you.”
"Yes."
Well, that would be really weird.
After quickly understanding the matter, I followed his companion towards the carriage.
It seemed as if everything, including the horses and driver, had been prepared in advance before my arrival.
After seating me in the warm cream and green carriage, Duke Roger sat down in front of me.
When we were out holding hands, I didn't notice it, but now, sitting face to face in the confined carriage, his warm scent washed over me.
This was completely different from the cold aura surrounding Ian, and without realizing it, I subtly stepped back.
'This is…'
I felt somewhat embarrassed.
When I started to feel embarrassed and hot, he smiled cheerfully.
“Then let us go, Your Highness the Grand Duchess.”
❖ ❖ ❖
The place we arrived at, after riding in the Duke's carriage, was an upscale restaurant that had recently gained a lot of popularity in the capital.
He was particularly known among the nobility for his exquisite vacuum-cooked dishes.
When I got off the carriage, accompanied by Duke Roger, I looked at the restaurant sign and my eyes widened.
“…Can I make a reservation at this place on the same day?”
From what I've heard, even royals need to book at least a month in advance to eat here.
Duke Roger laughed softly at my question.
“Well, I was lucky.”
Was this really something that could be arranged by luck?
Regardless of my doubts, Duke Roger politely took my hand and led me into the restaurant.
As soon as we entered, a middle-aged man, who looked like a manager, rushed in like a bullet.
“Duke Roger, welcome.”
“Baron Vichy, how are you?”
“Thank you, always fine. And your partner is… uh, Her Highness, the Grand Duchess?”
The man, who was introduced as Baron Vichy, sighed when he saw me standing next to Duke Roger.
As he took turns looking at us in shock, Duke Roger smiled again and spoke.
“You see, I am hosting Her Highness, the Grand Duchess today, so I would like you to take special care of us, Baron Vichy.”
Baron Vichy snapped out of his astonishment and hurriedly nodded his head.
“Oh, of course! No doubt about it! Your Excellency Duke Roger, and Your Highness the Grand Duchess, please allow me to show you to your seats.”
Baron Vichy bowed repeatedly and led us into the interior of the restaurant. It was a window seat, one of the brightest spots in the restaurant.
'A window seat, even when the place is full?'
I looked at Duke Roger in surprise, but he simply gave me his usual gentle smile.
Then he briefly released my hand and gestured for me to sit while he pulled up my chair.
“Ah, thank you.”
“This is nothing.”
He pushed my chair in as soon as I was seated, then took his place in front of me.
Unlike Ian, this was really more like “accompaniment”, and it gave me a new feeling.
'How is the male hero more similar to the actual male hero?'
It was surprising that Duke Roger wasn't even introduced as a minor hero in the original story.
“All the dishes here are good, but I recommend dish B. The chicken dish in the middle is especially delicious.”
“Then let's start with this dish.”
I closed the menu I was looking at and nodded. Duke Roger immediately called one of the waiters. As I glanced around the restaurant, I noticed something – there had been a furtive, lingering glance at us from earlier.