"But Princess—His Highness said he would stop by Tiase Palace, even if it's late."
Baroness Sophron spoke with a puzzled expression when I said I was heading back.
I looked at the sky for a moment.
My conversation with the Empress had taken longer than expected—and Leopold was still nowhere to be seen.
Baroness Sophron avoided my gaze, as if she could see right through to her dim-witted prince.
"It's late in the evening. I'll contact him again another time."
At my firm words, the Baroness offered no further advice.
Instead, she simply bowed her head and saw me off.
I held out my hand to the Grand Duke in front of the carriage, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
I'd grown accustomed to this escort.
As I climbed into the carriage, the Grand Duke sat across from me with a quick, fluid movement.
The door closed, and the carriage set off.
Familiar scenes passed by outside the window.
"How was the garden?"
"It was a lovely place—just as you said. Don't you think it's a shame we didn't get to see more?"
"I feel the same."
I smiled faintly and looked outside.
I'd known today would be my last day with my palace, so I'd braced myself.
I felt strangely relieved that I'd have to return once more.
When will I see Leopold again to settle everything?
As I counted the days in my mind, I felt a gaze on me and turned to face the Grand Duke.
He was looking at the envelope in my hand with curious eyes.
I waved it slightly with a playful expression.
The Grand Duke pouted.
"It looks like you brought something interesting back with you?"
"Yes. This is my trophy."
I deliberately raised my chin with a bit of sass.
Though my dowry was modest, I still had an asset I liked.
And it seemed the Grand Duke would be pleased with my victory—regardless of its usefulness.
"Isn't it amazing?"
It was such a sweet, fuzzy feeling—to have my expectations met, to see my hopes come true.
I smiled brightly without even realizing it, speaking with genuine pride in myself.
The Grand Duke, seeing that smile, was speechless for a moment.
I didn't notice that the tips of his ears, hidden by his hair, were turning red.
"...Is there anything left for me, after I cheered so hard from the sidelines?"
"Hmm. Well... Your Highness already has everything, don't you?"
I looked at the Grand Duke as if pondering deeply.
Even if I offered him a jewel as a gift, the Grand Duke would refuse it first.
And now, I couldn't afford to buy expensive gifts.
The Grand Duke knew this well.
As I looked at him with narrowed, searching eyes, he seemed to realize something—and my eyes widened.
I hugged my envelope tightly before the Grand Duke could even grin.
"Even so—this won't do."
I can't show him this abandoned mine yet.
I hadn't even properly planned what to do with that desolate place.
It was too barren for people to live in, and not marketable as a tourist resource.
It would take quite some time to come up with a good idea.
I spoke sincerely—but the Grand Duke blinked blankly.
His lashes slowly cast shadows across his face.
Did I speak too sharply?
Just as I began reflecting on my words, the Grand Duke burst into laughter.
"Haha! You think I'd take away your hard-won victory?"
I felt a little embarrassed when I saw his eyes crinkling with languid amusement.
I muttered softly.
...Or would he?
The Grand Duke rested his elbows on his knees, a broad smile on his face.
Then he leaned toward me and rested his chin on his hand.
"I'd like to wish for something other than material things."
My face brightened.
If it wasn't material, maybe I could manage it.
"Just say the word."
"Could you call me... a little more familiarly?"
"Pardon?"
"You see, our relationship is clear in our speech—but you still treat me so formally when you see me. You keep your distance by always using titles."
It sounded like a complaint—but ended up as one anyway.
I chuckled.
The Grand Duke didn't miss the opportunity and leaned a little closer.
"So... would you like to try calling me by name?"
"..."
"You do know my name, don't you?"
"Of course I do. From that very first day, I came to know Your Highness's name very well."
"It's an honor to introduce myself properly, then. Edwin Lowell Vikander."
A name spoken with playful eyes.
Edwin Lowell Vikander.
I muttered the Grand Duke's name without realizing it—then froze.
The quick-witted man in front of me was already smiling.
"I beg your pardon? It's hard to hear when you speak so softly."
He told a blatant lie with a face that said he'd already heard everything.
Calling his name isn't such a big deal...
I shrugged my shoulders as if it were nothing.
And once more, I tried to speak—but was silenced by my own hesitation.
"Why won't you call me?"
"...I called you earlier."
"I didn't hear it."
The Grand Duke opened his eyes wide and tilted his head, as if he'd never heard such a thing.
It really isn't a big deal... so why is it so nerve-wracking to just say one name?
I thought for a moment, then exhaled softly.
Now that I think about it... I've never been allowed to use someone's name like this.
Suddenly, I remembered Maria Ethel, who'd called Leopold's name without hesitation the other day.
If I call him by name... I'll truly have an intimate relationship with the Grand Duke.
A strange feeling swept through my heart.
I looked at the Grand Duke for a moment.
His red eyes, sparkling like fiery rubies, gazed at me—full of anticipation.
"We're going to get married anyway..."
"Yes. It's only natural to call each other by name in marriage."
"It might look more awkward if I don't..."
The small face making excuses looked more and more endearing.
If I touch her now, she'll burst like a bubble.
The Grand Duke clasped his hands together tightly.
I've barely managed to create this atmosphere—if I act rashly, she might run away like a rabbit.
Her innocent green eyes wavered slightly.
Her red lips parted, about to speak—
"Your Highness."
A gruff voice echoed inside the carriage.
My eyes widened.
My lips, which had been slowly opening, closed tightly.
Barely suppressing his rising irritation, the Grand Duke looked toward the driver's seat.
"What."
The voice that came out between his teeth was heavy.
He'd been holding back to be as considerate as possible to me—but it seemed his emotions were leaking out without him realizing it.
Hah...
The Grand Duke laughed awkwardly.
The coachman spoke, sounding flustered:
"There's a carriage standing in front of the Grand Duke's residence. I think you should check it out."
"A carriage?"
The Grand Duke looked out the window, silently vowing that I would not leave the carriage alone.
I also tried to peer toward the window, curious.
It was then that the Grand Duke drew the curtains closed.
I blinked.
What...?
"The moonlight is too strong."
"Pardon? Suddenly?"
"The night's getting deeper. The night air is cold—it would be better to close the curtains."
It was completely random.
I found the Grand Duke's behavior more interesting than wondering what was outside.
Before I knew it, the request to call his name had been forgotten.
I deliberately pretended to be curious about the outside world.
The Grand Duke, holding onto the curtain and refusing to let go, urged the coachman to move faster.
The carriage sped up again—
"Olivia!"