It Seemed My Fiancé Hated Me, So I Distanced Myself—But for Some Reason, He Complained - Chapter 44

After that, we spent the whole time chatting about trivial matters.

We talked about my life since coming to the castle, and about the maids. I shared stories about the castle gardener and stable hand I’d recently become friendly with.

Prince Lucas seemed to be quite observant of the castle staff, as whenever I mentioned someone’s name, he would immediately understand, saying, “Ah, that person.”

I also learned that the three maids who always accompany me were specifically scouted by Prince Lucas, who sought out individuals he deemed trustworthy. No wonder all three of them were so capable. I was impressed.

According to His Highness, all three were exceptionally skilled but each had their own circumstances, which was why he wanted to bring them into his circle. When he said this, he wore a rare, mischievous expression, as if he were plotting something.

The tea party with Prince Lucas was truly enjoyable.

I had been so tense about needing to be recognized as Prince Lucas’s fiancée by Lady Anastasia, but the tea party made me realize that perhaps such events didn’t require so much pressure.

Maybe His Highness had arranged this rule-free tea party precisely to make me feel that way.

As the tea party ended and I saw Prince Lucas off reluctant to leave due to his duties, I felt a strong desire to repay his kindness. And of course, to honor the enthusiasm of the three maids who were so diligently supporting me.

For the roughly two weeks leading up to the tea party, I devoted myself entirely to researching the prince and princesses.

I studied the portraits Aria lent me and cross-referenced them with records I borrowed from the royal castle library, verifying the achievements the prince and princesses had built over the years.

I asked the maids to tell me everything they knew about the three royal siblings, and I even attended events like concerts where the prince or princesses were present, blending in as just one member of the audience.

I wasn’t sure if this was the right approach, but I felt that to compete with Lady Anastasia who knew far more about the three than I did and was accustomed to hosting. I needed to gather as much information as possible.

Would I be able to pull this off?

The anxiety never completely faded, but I also felt a little thrill. After all, when I thought about it, this was the first time I had ever taken the initiative to do something like this.