CH 260

He kept making me feel sorry, and I couldn’t get myself to reject him. “F-fine! I will… do my best,” I said so that he wouldn’t be able to make fun of me even if the product turned out ridiculous.

“I love you,” he hugged me tightly.

They were sweet words, but at the same time, I was worried that I might not live up to his expectations. Wrapping my arms around his waist, I sighed. What was I going to do now?!

***

Recalling the lady’s flushed appearance, Max chuckled. He imagined what kind of embroidery she would make as he happily opened the window to his room. When he stepped in, Victor yelled, “Your Highness, you’ve returned!” His eyes were wide with astonishment. Dennis was also in the room, and his expression brightened as if he had just met his savior. Puzzled, Max remained silent.

“You must change your clothes immediately, Your Highness,” Dennis urged, restless. It was unusual for a calm man like him to rush Max.

“What’s going on?”

“The emperor has sent a message to have a private meeting with you. It seems he has something to say about the upcoming hunting competition.”

“I was so worried that you wouldn’t come back in time, Your Highness!” Victor chimed in.

Max frowned. What could his father be planning now? “Do I meet him at the office?” he asked.

“No, he has asked you to his room for a drink.”

The crown prince’s expression crumpled at the mention of booze. “All right.”

***

Once Max left, I was tempted to ask Merilyn for help regarding the handkerchief. Judging by her personality, however, it was obvious that she would do the sewing, saying that I would need to watch first before doing it. I had told Max that I would embroider one myself, and I wanted to keep my promise. I was busy thinking of a suitable candidate who would be able to teach me when someone knocked on my door.

“It’s Perez, Lady Jubelian.”

“Come in, please!” I called as I got out of my chair.

She entered my room, notebook in hand. “My lady, I’ve come to discuss the concept for the banquet…”

Although I didn’t have to, I wanted to let her sit—by the looks of it, she was older than my mom back in my previous life. “Please, sit down,” I invited.

“Thank you, Your Ladyship,” she bowed, speaking rather robotically.

Smiling, I repeated, “So, the concept for the banquet.”

“Yes. I was thinking of hiring a professional for the preparations if we couldn’t decide on one by the end of this week.” It seemed that she—a perfectionist—was not fond of my ways. Still, I was to be blamed as the concept of any banquet played a huge part in the ball.

I let out a quiet sigh. “There is one I have in mind—it’s just not organized yet. I was going to discuss this with you tomorrow since it was getting late.”

“I see,” she nodded. “Then please let me know tomorrow.”

I watched the woman stand up, then I suddenly remembered something. She was someone who took care of all the maids working in our mansion. I quickly asked, “Oh! Do you know of any maids who know how to embroider?”

Sitting back down, she asked, “Embroider, did you say?”

“Yes. I just want to learn…”

“I’m sorry?” she squinted her eyes. I was now thoroughly embarrassed, but I managed to remain calm.

“I want to make something for my lover… as well as Dad.”

She gazed at me for a moment before noting, “I must say that I now truly feel that we are preparing for your coming-of-age ceremony, my lady. To see how much you have matured…” She smiled warmly.