CH 245

“I understand. About the theme…”

“Ah, yes. The theme…” Frowning suddenly, she rubbed her temples.

Normally, Madam Perez never showed that she was distracted—to the point that I sometimes wondered if she was human. Astonished by her unexpected behavior, I asked, “Is everything all right?”

She nodded slowly. “Yes. I suffer from headaches that come out of the blue. In any case, do you have any ideas for the theme?”

“I would like to get advice from my friends at the tea-tasting parties. Most of them have been to more parties than I have.”

“I see. Then please let us know when you decide on one.” She was speaking clearly, but her complexion was pale.

“We’ll decide on everything else once the theme is decided. For now, please go and rest.”

Madam Perez looked at me in surprise for a moment before bowing. “Thank you, Your Ladyship.”

I watched as she left the room then frowned slightly. ‘Is it… what I think it is?’

Tap! Tap!

Startled by the sudden sound, I turned around to realize that Max was watching me from the balcony window. ‘I guess he decided that coming in through the front door was no good.’ Letting him in, I greeted, “Come in.”

He stared at me for a moment then opened his mouth. “If you want to send me a letter, you can address it to Count Herend instead of the palace.”

Taken aback by his ridiculous greeting, I frowned. “If you want a letter back, you should write one to me first…” I stopped myself from speaking further as I realized that the letters he had sent were still in my drawer.

I won’t kill you.

I won’t be visiting for a while. During my absence, I hope you realize my importance.

P.S. You will only be able to meet me after you learn of my value.

…If one could call such things letters.

“You’re not asking me to reply to a letter that said you won’t kill me, are you?” Seeming embarrassed, he turned away from me. I held his hands and said, “If you want, I will write you a letter. It won’t be a reply to anything. It will just be a love letter.”

The corners of his lips rose as soon as I finished speaking. “Okay.”

I watched his bright face for a moment, captivated by the charming expression. Gently pulling him by the hand, I began, “Come here, I have something to—” Instead of following me, he lifted my hand that held his and kissed the back of it. I turned toward him, and he showed an attractive smile. The tickling sensation on my hand and his handsome appearance… My heart began pounding.

‘No matter how many times I see him, I can’t get enough of him.’ I was staring blankly at his face, and he grew closer to me. My heart began to race faster. ‘Is he trying to kiss me?’ My dad wasn’t home. Even if he kissed me today, I would be able to accept it without hesitation. ‘Okay, I’m ready.’

“This time, I’ll find a way other than the carrier pigeon,” he whispered in my ear. Although it wasn’t anything romantic as I had expected, it was still a reassuring statement.

Relieved, I nodded eagerly. ‘Thank the heavens. Now I won’t have to worry about pigeons invading my room.’ In any case, I grabbed Max by the hand once again and tried to usher him to the couch. Then I realized he was yawning. ‘I guess he’s handsome even when he’s yawning… Wait a minute.’