Dear Ex-Fiancé, I Hope You Regret Everything - Chapter 28

“You seem quite cheerful today, Lady Nia.”

“Yes, everything would be perfect if you could just style my hair properly without any mistakes.”

“…Of course. I’ll be extra careful…”

Today is my date with Dragoark. I wonder where he’ll take me.

The squall season has passed, and we have clear, brilliant Haira weather. Perfect for a date.

When I stepped into the garden, I saw long legs just emerging from a carriage.

“My apologies for keeping you waiting.”

Dragoark appeared and, taking my hand, led me to what’s said to be the currently popular sweets shop.

He’s becoming more and more attractive. Everyone we pass blushes and turns to look at him as we walk side by side.

Since I pointed it out, he seems to have been diligent about skincare. Moreover, with his hair down and parted in the center, his dignified eyebrows stand out, making him a handsome man who doesn’t lose to my brother.

At the sweets shop, which apparently opened recently, there was already a line forming.

“The other day, someone gave me some to try, and they were so delicious I thought you must taste them.”

“What is it? Orangette?”

Peering into the display case, I saw sweets with chocolate coating over orange.

They look adorable, and I can see why women are lining up outside the shop.

The female shopkeeper recommended brandy or tea sets to go with the sweets.

I see. It seems they’re increasing the average customer spending by selling sets, not just the sweets alone.

“For tea, I recommend milk tea.”

Recommendations aside, to tell the truth, milk tea is the only way I can drink tea.

I’m just forcing it down. I think probably when I become an adult, I’ll be able to drink it straight. Since everyone does, I’m sure that’s how it will be.

Since there’s no need to bother buying tea leaves myself when the castle has plenty, I decided to just try the sweets.

I don’t understand the idea behind coating oranges with chocolate, but the young ladies are probably drawn in by the cute appearance.

Some noblewomen are having theirs wrapped together with brandy.

(…Come to think of it, he said he got them from someone too. Could it be from a woman?)

Contrary to my unsettled feelings, we stepped outside to the light sound of a bell.

“…If you have no other plans, would you like to have some tea?”

At my spontaneously offered invitation, Dragoark smiled and said, “I’d be delighted.”

Crisp,

The texture is pleasant, but to me, it’s bitter. A taste adult prefer. The peel’s unique numbing sensation stings on the tongue and lingers. I don’t want any more.

“How do you like the sweets, Lady Nia?”

“Huh? Oh, they’re delicious. Popular sweets are quite nice, aren’t they?”

Dragoark peered at me with a smile that seemed almost scheming.

“…You’re lying.”

“What…?”

“Actually, they’re bitter, and you can’t possibly think these sweets are delicious. Am I wrong?”

With a clatter, I stood up.

“How rude! I do think they’re delicious! I’m not a child who can’t appreciate this flavor!”

“And Lady Nia, you can’t help but wonder who I got these sweets from, can you?”

“Wha—what? Aren’t you being conceited!?”

“…You’re adorable when you get worked up too.”

“I’m not getting worked up or anything.”

I sighed heavily and plopped back down into the chair.

“I don’t mind telling you. I received them from Lady Iris Dostoevsky.”

“Iris…? …What did you say? What did you just say?”

“That sweets shop is run by Count Chaudan, but the Maison family has also invested in it.”

“So why is that woman involved!?”

“Orange jets are sweets that Lady Dostoevsky brought from Isac. In other words, that shop is jointly managed by Count Chaudan and Lady Dostoevsky. When they opened, I received some as a thank you gift as well.”

It felt like being struck by lightning. The shock was so great I could only open and close my mouth wordlessly.

“I had a feeling, but did something happen between you and Lady Dostoevsky?”

How happily he’s smiling.

I grabbed the sweet and smashed it.

“These things!! They’re not delicious at all!!!”

“First you say they’re delicious, then you say they’re not—everything about you is adorable.”

His murmured words didn’t reach my ears.

Narrowing my eyes, I shook his shoulders in anger.

“What’s your goal!? Hey!”

But Dragoark gently grasped my arm and kissed the back of my hand.

“I can understand anything about you. Do you still have feelings for His Highness Crown Prince Skyford?”

I hurriedly pulled my hand back.

“M-my brother? Not particularly.”

“Then why do you get so worked up about Lady Dostoevsky?”

“I just dislike Isac.”

“…You’re bad at lying. See, it shows on your face right away.”

“What is your goal? Are you mocking me for fun?”

But Dragoark chuckled softly.

“Ah, my apologies. You’re just too adorable when you react to everything like that.”

“You still think I’m a child, don’t you! I can’t believe you!”

“No. Testing the woman you like is an unchanging male trait throughout the ages.”

“The woman you like…”

“Lady Nia, you should value yourself more.”

“Suddenly giving me a lecture?”

“If you don’t, it makes me sad.”

His green eyes reflected only me, shimmering.