FTMR 34

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Chapter 34 I’ve Only Picked Out the Name

“…What?”

“I said, I want to go home with the princess. Right away.”

Seeing Anette’s dumbfounded expression, Cardin let out a soft chuckle and whispered slyly.

“You’ll be more comfortable at the Grand Duke’s estate than in the imperial palace. You can read as much as you like and learn anything you want.”

“……”

“Of course, if Her Highness wishes to stay in the palace longer, I won’t stop you…”

He lowered his gaze, as if to say he would do whatever she wanted since he had already told her she could make her own choices.

After thinking for a moment, Anette replied.

“I’ll go.”

“Really? I’m so glad.”

Cardin looked up at once, smiling brightly. His voice was so sweet it made her fingertips tingle.

If it hadn’t been for the mask, she might have realized he was blatantly seducing her—but clueless, Anette simply nodded along.

“Ah!”

Then a thought struck her.

“Her Majesty the Empress Dowager said she was feeling lonely…”

Wouldn’t she be disappointed if they left so suddenly?

At the clear worry on Anette’s face—likely ready to change her mind on the spot if the Empress Dowager showed even the slightest hint of sadness—Cardin frowned and muttered,

“She has her son, her daughter-in-law, and even her grandchild visiting her every day. There’s no way she’s lonely…”

“……?”

“There’s nothing to worry about. I’m sure Mother will be happy to let you go.”

His tone sounded oddly curt.

Suspicious, Anette narrowed her eyes, but Cardin simply laughed breezily and urged her to get going, telling her to rest before dinner since she’d been swamped with children all day.

Little did Anette know that the moment he dropped her off in her room, Cardin would be dashing straight to the Empress Dowager’s quarters.

Back in the distant past—when the Empress Dowager was still the Empress—a longtime lady-in-waiting quietly placed a teacup before her and left the room.

Only the Empress Dowager had a teacup. The seat opposite hers, where the Grand Duke sat, was empty.

After having scolded the staff for wasting good tea and snacks on someone who never touched them, the Empress Dowager had ordered that they stop setting anything out for him altogether.

But despite such blatant coldness, Cardin didn’t seem to care at all.

Though she had long since given up, the sight of that black mask still irritated her.

“How was she?”

Cardin asked excitedly.

It was obvious what he meant, so the Empress Dowager answered flatly.

“She’s too good for you.”

“You don’t mean…”

“Of course I mean she’s too good for you.”

The Empress Dowager responded dryly, seeing Cardin’s eyes narrow behind the mask.

He’d hesitated, thinking it might be one of those typical mother-in-law comments like “My son is the best,” but then burst out laughing.

“So she made that much of an impression?”

“When did I ever say that?”

“You don’t have to. It’s written all over your face.”

As Cardin playfully teased, the Empress Dowager clicked her tongue in disapproval.

“I heard so many bizarre rumors that I assumed your taste had taken a strange turn.”

According to rumors, the princess was some kind of monstrous swordswoman who could tear demons apart with one hand—yet her son described her as the sweetest, most innocent girl in the world. Naturally, the Empress Dowager thought something was wrong with his taste.

“But contrary to the rumors, she seemed… very normal. I heard she never received a proper education, but her manners were impeccable. Especially her eyes…”

“Aren’t they lovely?”

“You’re already bragging again.”

Even as she scolded her son for butting in, the Empress Dowager muttered as if in agreement.

“Fools, making a fuss over the color of her eyes. They just looked so clear and kind.”

Cardin beamed. “See? I knew you’d notice.”

The Empress Dowager shot her foolish son a withering look.

“Anyway, now I understand why you described her as innocent. After all she’s been through, her eyes should be filled with despair or resentment. Maybe it’s because she’s a child again…”

“She was like that even as an adult.”

Once again, Cardin cut in without missing a beat, prompting the Empress Dowager to shake her head.

She figured he’d start boasting about how adorable Anette was when they first met—but Cardin was a step ahead.

“But honestly, Mother, you of all people should know not to take rumors seriously.”

To suspect his preferences?

Cardin’s tone sounded vaguely wounded.

He suddenly fell silent.

The Empress Dowager’s face had stiffened.

“Mother… You don’t blame the princess, do you? This was entirely my decision.”

Cardin’s tone turned cautious, which was unlike him.

It was obvious why.

Even though it had been his own decision, Anette had been the biggest reason behind it. He was afraid she’d be disliked or resented because of that.

The Empress Dowager sighed at how deeply he cared.

“As if I have the right to blame her. If anything, I owe her a debt I could never repay, not even with a fortune.”

What truly bothered her was how her precious son had been the subject of terrible rumors for years.

She reached for her teacup, trying to soothe her churning thoughts.

“Oh, right. I’m leaving for the Grand Duchy tomorrow.”

Clatter. Her hand slipped slightly, nearly dropping the cup. She managed to set it down on the saucer just in time.

“What did you say?”

“Of course, I’ll be going with the princess. Please don’t try to stop us or act like you’re sad.”

“Hah!”

“And please don’t make that helpless expression either. It’ll weigh on our princess’s heart.”

The Empress Dowager clutched her neck in exasperation, muttering, “This insolent little brat…” but managed to calm herself before replying.

“You don’t think I might actually cry to stop you?”

“You? Crying, Mother?”

Cardin scoffed.

She was a noble through and through, and after marriage, even more regal than some born into royalty. Even during her hardest times—when her husband and eldest son gave her grief—she didn’t shed a tear. Not even when her troublemaker second son vanished from the palace and returned in rags.

She had always responded with stern discipline.

No way would she cry.

Seeing his disbelief, the Empress Dowager snorted.

“Hmph. Who says I can’t? When I set my mind to something, I do it.”

Cardin let out a long sigh, raking his hand through his hair.

“So you would try to stop me?”

“Of course. I’ve already planned what to feed her and what clothes she’ll wear every day.”

“I’ll be in charge of her meals, and as for clothes—you can send them to the Grand Duchy and we’ll dress her in them.”

“Hah! You think I’ll be satisfied without seeing it myself?”

“I’ll send you portraits regularly.”

“Is that even something you should say right now…?”

The Empress Dowager trailed off.

A memory came to her—what the Empress had said just yesterday.

“Isn’t it a bit sudden? The princess might not feel comfortable staying in a place that’s not prepared for her.”

No one had expected Anette to appear as a child, and it was clear Cardin had rushed over upon hearing the news without preparing adequately.

Even if food and clothing could be quickly arranged, room preparations were another matter.

‘Knowing him, he probably wants to spoil her with nothing but the best…’

Just when she thought she found a valid excuse to keep Anette in the palace, Cardin stood there looking smug, arms crossed.

Suspicious, the Empress Dowager narrowed her eyes.

“Don’t tell me…”

“No need to worry, Mother. The princess’s room is already prepared.”

“What? How?”

Cardin simply shrugged.

“Well, we’re getting married, so naturally I thought ahead about our future child. I’ve set up rooms for every stage—from infancy to adulthood. For both boys and girls, of course.”

He said this proudly, chin lifted high.

The Empress Dowager was horrified.

“You…!”

“Oh, and our daughter will get to use her mother’s old room. It’ll be a meaningful space for her.”

As Cardin smiled warmly, imagining a daughter that didn’t even exist yet, the Empress Dowager rubbed her neck again in disbelief.

“I thought you were just rude, but now I realize you’ve actually lost your mind.”

There was nothing wrong with his taste, but he was clearly the problem.

“You set up a nursery for a child who isn’t even born yet? Don’t tell me you’ve already prepared rooms for the children she’ll have someday?”

Cardin gave a little laugh, as if that was too ridiculous.

“I’ve only picked out the names.”

“Get out.”

The Empress Dowager waved him off in utter disgust.