FTMR 36

Chapter 36

 The Future Lady of the Grand Duchy

“You see what I mean, Princess? You’re far too popular for your own good.”

As news arrived that the knights of the Grand Duchy had reached the palace gates, Mikhail—who had only just calmed down—burst into tears again. To comfort him, Annette excused herself from the imperial couple and stepped outside, lifting her head at Cardin’s remark.

His voice carried a hint of petulance, as if sulking, but the gaze he gave her remained as gentle as ever.

Relieved by that warmth, Annette asked cautiously.

“Um…”

“Yes, Your Highness?”

“Would it be alright if I gave the Crown Prince a gift later?”

“A gift?”

Annette nodded.

Maybe what she felt was guilt.

Even though it was flustering to see the young prince crying because of her, oddly enough, it didn’t feel entirely unpleasant.

In fact, the sight of his tears felt… precious somehow. And that made her feel sorry.

She wanted to give him something the next time they met—something that might bring a bright, welcoming smile to his face.

“A gift, hmm…”

Cardin trailed off, making Annette a little nervous.

She didn’t have a single coin to her name.

She had donated her final paycheck to the Order before leaving, and the royal family hadn’t prepared even a single penny of dowry for her.

As disgraceful as it was, the only person she could turn to was Cardin.

Though he had once told her she could empty the Grand Duchy’s coffers if she pleased, Annette still thought it only right to ask for his permission before using its funds—even for a gift.

Cardin seemed to reach a conclusion and gave a small nod.

“As I see it, your presence alone is gift enough. But since you’re kind enough to ask, I suppose we can consider it. Now then, what kind of gift are we thinking?”

Annette’s expression turned odd at his reply.

She hadn’t asked for his opinion on the type of gift—only for his permission to spend the money.

But she let the misunderstanding stand and replied slowly.

“Maybe… some chocolates? Or candy?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, her cheeks burned.

Wasn’t that far too simple a gift for the Crown Prince?

Surely there must be something more valuable, more refined, more suitable out there.

Still, she knew one truth: the best gifts were the ones the recipient liked.

She hadn’t received many gifts in her life, but she remembered the sword Franz had once given her. And the Purification Stone she’d received during a subjugation mission…

“…”

The awkward memory of that day floated back to her mind, and she bit her lip.

Cardin noticed her sudden silence and tilted his head. “Princess?”

Startled from her thoughts, Annette shook her head and asked quickly,

“Would it be alright to gift the Crown Prince chocolate or sweets?”

“Of course. I’m sure he’d love it. Though he’s not allowed to eat more than five pieces a day, mind you.”

“Oh…”

Annette frowned involuntarily, sympathizing with Mikhail.

Cardin added reassuringly,

“Well, if it’s a gift from you, he might try to save it—make it last.”

That actually sounded quite possible, and Annette smiled shyly.

“Oh, that reminds me, Princess.”

Cardin suddenly halted in his tracks and turned to her.

“I heard you ate all the desserts I sent yesterday. Is that true?”

Annette flinched.

“Ah, um… yes…”

When she had returned to her chambers after parting with Cardin, she’d been more exhausted than she realized.

Sensing this, Serina had suggested they sample the desserts Cardin had sent. The table was lavishly set, and they’d even begun discussing Annette’s departure for the Grand Duchy the next day.

Serina had looked so disappointed and surprised by the news that Annette’s chest ached. Trying to fill the hollow feeling inside her…

“Well, I only meant to try one or two pieces…”

The next thing she knew, the table was covered in empty plates and open, now-empty boxes.

“Setting aside cookies and macarons, the total amount of sliced cakes alone added up to three whole cakes.”

Gasp. Had it really been that much?

Annette stammered.

“I-I didn’t eat all of it myself. Miss Serina had some, too…”

Though, of course, most of it had ended up in her mouth.

But unless Serina herself told him, Cardin had no way of knowing that.

While Annette looked around nervously, Cardin studied her expression carefully, as if weighing the truth, and then said,

“I heard you barely touched your food at last night’s dinner.”

“What?”

“That must’ve been because of the desserts. I’m glad you enjoyed them, but what if they upset your stomach? You skipped your meal because of sweets?”

“No, that’s not—”

It wasn’t because of the desserts.

Annette hurried to explain, but—

“From what I’ve heard, this isn’t the first time you’ve skipped proper meals because of sweets. So from now on, you’ll have a daily snack limit too.”

“…!”

The declaration hit her like a bolt from the blue. Her wide eyes trembled as if the earth had shaken beneath her feet.

No way.

She wasn’t a child like the Crown Prince!

Surely he was just teasing—he liked to be playful like that.

Just as Annette was about to regain her composure and tell him to stop joking—

“Your Grace.”

Someone knelt before Cardin, halting his steps.

Only then did Annette look up and freeze.

Unbeknownst to her, they had arrived at the gathering point for the knights of the Grand Duchy.

The knights stood in two perfect lines, black cloaks billowing behind them, each adorned with the crest of House Harzent. Every one of them knelt in perfect sync, heads bowed low. It was a breathtaking sight.

Annette felt her heart thud.

She couldn’t help but think of her former subordinates—the knights of House Hayworth.

They were never this disciplined…

Her gaze swept quickly over the formation.

There wasn’t even a hint of fatigue, despite the knights having ridden day and night for two days to reach the capital.

Clearly, they were well-trained. Their reputation wasn’t for show.

And their armor’s spotless. Even their weapons are well-maintained.

Annette was impressed—this knight order was clearly well cared for.

But then she flinched.

The knights, having risen with Cardin’s nod, were all now looking directly at her.

“This lady… she’s the one?” asked the man in the lead.

Cardin nodded and turned to Annette, then to the knights.

“Princess, this is Sir Morton Feyren, the vice-captain of our knight order. Gentlemen, this is Princess Annette Hayworth. Serve her well, and without fail.”

The moment he finished speaking, all the knights raised their scabbards and struck the ground with a thunderous clang before lowering their heads again.

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness.”

Annette blinked in surprise.

This salute was even more respectful than the one they’d given to Cardin, their liege.

Had they misunderstood something?

But Cardin bent close to her and whispered with a smile,

“She’s the future mistress of the Grand Duchy—of course their first greeting should be with the utmost respect.”

His voice was as smooth and calm as silk. Annette gave a small nod in agreement.

At the same time, a ripple of shock passed through the ranks of kneeling knights.

“…?”

Annette tilted her head, puzzled.

Cardin had said he’d informed his household in advance that she would be staying at the Grand Duchy, which explained Morton’s curious glance and the knights’ deference.

But why were they suddenly flustered now?

The answer would remain a mystery to her.

The knights of the Grand Duchy were reeling from the shock of seeing their usually sharp, commanding lord smiling so gently—eyes curved sweetly at the young girl before him.

And no one was brave enough to tell her the real reason for their sudden unease.

Even Samuel, the Grand Duke’s aide standing nearby, let out a pointed cough, signaling them all to pull themselves together.

The knights realized: this wasn’t a dream. Their lord was truly acting this way. And they would need to get used to it.

“You may all rise now,” Annette said, addressing the kneeling knights.

Since she was the one receiving the salute and Cardin showed no sign of issuing the order himself, she took it upon herself to speak.

She straightened her posture, tried to sound authoritative, and lifted her chin.

But with her blushing cheeks and eight-year-old frame, it only made her look even more adorably noble—like a child pretending to be a queen.

Cardin chuckled beside her, prompting Annette to pout and glare at him, only to sigh and turn away.

“…Huh?”

Her eyes widened, blinking rapidly.

In all her focus on the knights, how had she not noticed?

Behind them stood a carriage so extravagant, its presence was impossible to ignore.

It was a gleaming black four-wheeled carriage, adorned with gold trim and red gemstones along every edge—from the frame to the windows, handles, and wheels. And at its center: the proud crest of House Harzent.

The knights had brought it all the way from the Grand Duchy.

Whether or not they actually opened a townhouse in the capital, such a spectacle would’ve drawn attention the moment it crossed the palace gates.

Had Cardin ever intended to be discreet? Or was he simply focused on leaving quickly?

Just as she turned toward him with narrowed eyes—

“Ahem.”

A soft cough echoed behind her, and the air shifted.

Annette turned around and stiffened.

There stood the very man who had rendered her unable to eat properly at dinner last night.