The Third Prince’s Visit

As for the outfit that had been harshly criticized by Lady Yumila, Marguerite’s worries vanished after breakfast when Lucien, rising from his seat alongside her, said,

“I think… it suits you.”

When Marguerite answered with a beaming smile, “Thank you very much!” Lucien made a face as though he had swallowed something bitter, which gave her pause—but she decided to accept his attempt at encouragement honestly.

Since the clothes she now wore were no longer dresses she could afford to soil, she apologized that she could no longer help with chores. The servants shook their heads vigorously.

“No, Lucien-sama ordered us never to make his wife do such things again!”

“I see.”

Marguerite understood that the dramatic change in her life came from Lucien’s dramatically changed policy on how she should be treated.

However, she still had no idea why his policy had changed so drastically.

‘He must simply be a very kind person.’

Unfortunately, due to years of broken relationships at her family home, Marguerite could not grasp what constituted proper emotional distance. Compared to Maurice and Isabella, almost everyone seemed “very kind.”

And so, Marguerite could not distinguish whether what Lucien showed her was goodwill or affection.

It was during such a time that Third Prince Noel Filienne visited the de Broy ducal residence.

As Lucien and Marguerite stood side by side to welcome him, Noel smiled gently at them.

Caught off guard by the warm expression of a prince who had rarely shown emotion until now, Marguerite listened as he said,

“When I’m with my mother, I try to stay in the shadows as much as possible. To avoid standing out.”

“I see…”

Indeed, overwhelmed by Emilenne’s presence, Noel had left little impression before.

But if he was consciously securing that position for himself, then Noel was no simple figure after all.

‘I wonder what brings him here today…?’

Sensing the guarded thoughts of Lucien and Marguerite, Noel suddenly brightened his smile and spread his arms.

“Of course, I didn’t come with bad news. I even brought a personal wedding gift.”

At Noel’s words, an attendant presented a rectangular package. It was opened.

Several books lay inside.

“T-The Maritime Adventure Chronicles, complete volumes…!! And even the supplemental volume! Are you sure I may receive these?!”

The cry of joy came from Marguerite. She stared at the book covers, oblivious to Lucien’s startled glance.

The volumes compiled records of adventures tied to seas across the world, complete with illustrations. Their rarity meant even the de Broy library did not possess them. Yet they were frequently cited in other works, making them something Marguerite had long yearned to read.

“But how did you know that I wanted these books…?”

She had never told anyone.

Looking up in wonder, Marguerite saw Noel chuckle softly—but he did not answer.

“And this is for Lucien.”

Once more, an attendant offered a package. This one was round and large, with a ribbon on top.

‘It even looks like it’s moving…?’

There was a rustling sound from inside.

As Lucien accepted the weighty bundle, tension crossed his face. He seemed to have guessed what was inside.

Then, with a particularly loud rustle, pointed ears popped out from beneath the ribbon.

“Myaa~”

What emerged was a long-haired cat, bluish chestnut in color, with curled lapis-blue eyes and perked ears.

The cat stared straight at Lucien and let out another “Myaa~.”

“Lucien-sama… do you like cats?”

“……”

“If it’s from me, Lady Yumila can’t really complain, right? She dislikes animals, after all.”

“Thank you for your consideration…”

Lucien stood there, face red, utterly stunned.

Marguerite thought this must have been a wish he had never told anyone.

‘What an unfathomable man…’

What sort of information gathering did he conduct while hiding behind the queen’s shadow?

As Lucien and Marguerite looked at him with a hint of awe mixed with fear, Noel merely smiled as if it were nothing.

“Haha, don’t look at me like that. I told you, it’s not bad news. Shall we take a walk in the garden?”

“Yes.”

Lucien nodded and instructed the butler to clear the area.

The three walked along the rose garden path that the Duke of de Broy was said to favor especially, and Noel narrowed his eyes at the budding roses.

“It feels like everything is about to bloom. Actually, thanks to you two, we may be able to conclude a friendship treaty with a neighboring country.”

“That is wonderful news.”

“House de Broy and House Clavel are both houses of martial valor. Once it became known that those two had finally joined hands, they decided there would be no opening for a while.”

“I see.”

Listening with a tense expression, Marguerite let out a sigh of relief.

Marguerite had once been involved with matters concerning the Clavel territory. Because Maurice spoke only of his resentment toward House de Broy, Isabella knew almost nothing about their own lands.

She had worried about their state, but if neighboring countries held them in regard, then things were likely fine.

“Until the treaty is signed, I want you two to remain close. A banquet like the previous one is fine, but perhaps you could host a tea gathering in Lady Marguerite’s name.”

“In my name…?”

Recalling Sharon’s suggestion of “a tea party,” Marguerite murmured.

At the time, she had thought Lady Yumila would never grant permission. But if it came as Noel’s request—and if Lucien supported it—

“Start by inviting people you’re comfortable with. I’d be glad if you invited me too.”

“Understood.”

Though spoken lightly, this was tantamount to an order.

Indeed, despite residing in the Royal Capital, Marguerite had not gone out together with Lucien. At the very least, she should be active within the estate.

‘I’ll discuss it with Lucien-sama, and then—eh?!’

Lost in thought, Marguerite glanced up at Lucien and nearly cried out in surprise.

Until moments ago, Lucien had nodded along with Noel, showing subtle expressions even without smiling—but now, for some reason, a gloomy air clung to him, his gaze vacant.