MFTR 62

Chapter 62

“…Yes.”

Cardin responded a beat too late.

That was because he had just realized Anette’s words were a response to the awkward question he had blurted out earlier, unable to bear the tense atmosphere.

Now that he thought about it, he vaguely recalled Lady Hilda reporting that today would be Anette’s final etiquette lesson.

Since arriving at the Grand Duchy, checking Anette’s schedule in advance had become one of his most important tasks.

Nodding, Cardin kept his gaze fixed on the ground as he spoke.

“Then I’ll come pick you up at lunchtime.”

Anette blinked in surprise.

If this were the usual Cardin, he would’ve made every effort to meet her eyes just once more. But now, he was so blatantly avoiding her that it was impossible not to notice.

‘What’s this? Why is he acting so cute all of a sudden?’

Unaware of Cardin’s inner turmoil, Anette almost broke into a wide grin again simply because he was so endearing—but quickly restrained her expression.

‘I must’ve really looked like a crazy person earlier, laughing like that.’

She had just wanted to show him a pretty smile, but something about it must have been off.

After seeing her smile and seemingly losing his mind, Cardin had abruptly lowered his head and finished his meal in silence, as if he hadn’t seen anything at all.

Though it left her feeling both disappointed and awkward, Anette—who had only just become aware of her own feelings—decided to let it go generously.

Rather, given her current state, it might be for the best that she couldn’t confess her feelings yet. She resolved to keep them hidden for now.

She was used to suppressing and hiding her emotions.

Even when facing her father, King Hayworth—who had locked her away in a separate palace and never once visited—she had never let her anger or resentment show.

Of course, she had never tried hiding affection before, but surely it couldn’t be that different.

Maybe it was just the good mood, but a strange sense of confidence filled her.

And then…

She noticed something familiar in the tall, broad-shouldered man who had his head slightly turned away, avoiding her gaze with an uncertain expression.

Especially the faint red around his eyes—it caught her attention and wouldn’t let go.

On impulse, Anette asked,

“Come to think of it, Your Grace… How often does the Grand Duchy organize subjugation hunts for magical beasts?”

“…Pardon? Magical beast subjugation?”

Cardin’s dazed eyes lit up at the sudden topic shift. His eyelids even trembled slightly.

Thank goodness he was still looking down.

“Yes. I heard you were on a subjugation hunt before coming to the capital, so I wanted to ask.”

Anette’s tone made it sound like this was something she’d been meaning to ask for a while, not something spur-of-the-moment.

“In Hayworth, we used to go out every three weeks. Each hunt lasted about a week.”

It was a schedule Cardin knew all too well.

The moment the name “Hayworth” left Anette’s lips, he felt something bitter rise in his throat.

Slightly furrowing his brow, he quickly answered,

“As you know, the Duchy of Harzent borders the magical beast swamp and is near the national frontier, so we conduct regular patrols. The knights are divided into four squads that conduct small-scale subjugations three times a week, and once a month, the entire order enters the deeper parts of the swamp for a large-scale operation.”

Anette blinked.

Unlike his usual sweet voice that could melt anyone, his tone now felt almost cold and indifferent—like he was uncomfortable with the conversation. Was it just her imagination?

“You go out a lot more often than I expected.”

“That’s why the region is relatively safe from magical threats. Protecting the people is the highest priority. And things are well-organized now, so it’s efficient.”

“Hmm, I see…”

Nodding, Anette smiled innocently so as not to seem like she was prying and asked,

“Then I guess the Grand Duchy keeps a lot of purification stones stocked up too?”

Clap clap clap.

“Perfect, my lady!”

Lady Hilda clapped enthusiastically after watching Anette elegantly hide her lips behind an opened fan.

At first, even with Cardin’s permission, she had insisted on calling Anette “Princess” in accordance with proper etiquette.

But once Larisa, the head maid, and all the servants began eagerly calling her “My Lady,” Hilda had eventually followed suit.

Honestly, she hadn’t wanted to be the only one calling her “Princess,” creating distance. So she gave in—albeit reluctantly.

In the end, what a good thing it was that she gave in early!

“With today’s lesson, you’ve now learned everything—from basic greetings to table manners, aristocratic speech, and the language of fans. You’ve done so well, my lady.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Lady Hilda. Thank you for your hard work and guidance.”

Seeing Anette blush and smile shyly, Hilda instinctively clutched her heart.

‘Too cute. Too, too cute!’

She couldn’t understand how Her Majesty the Empress Dowager could bear to let this adorable girl leave the palace for the Grand Duchy.

Having once served the Empress Dowager in the palace, Hilda recalled her old mistress’s love for all things tiny and sweet—and then imagined Cardin, who had been a stubborn child that always got what he wanted.

She gave a small nod of understanding.

‘Her Majesty must have mellowed with age. Well, no parent ever truly wins against their child.’

Having convinced herself, Hilda felt it was her good fortune to serve such a lovely lady and said,

“Hard work? Not at all. You were already quite disciplined and gifted in etiquette, so every day was a joy and fulfillment for me.”

She remembered when Anette first asked to learn etiquette—how unsure of herself she had looked, how she hesitated to accept praise.

Hilda had practically begged her with her whole heart.

And Anette, startled, had asked,

“Really?”

“Yes! I, Hilda, have seen many noble young ladies well-versed in etiquette since my days in the palace—but most of them began learning when they were toddlers. None of them could’ve done what you’ve done in just two weeks.”

To be honest, Hilda had worried that Anette’s lack of formal royal education and years of knight training would make it hard for her to appear graceful—but that worry proved groundless.

“Even though you’re in a child’s body, which must make many postures uncomfortable, your balance and body control are excellent. You adjust your gait and arm positions right away.”

“I guess I’ve always been okay at physical things…”

Anette looked flustered by the endless praise but eventually admitted it shyly.

While staying at the imperial palace, she had been so insecure about her manners that she moved cautiously.

Watching the Empress Dowager and Empress naturally exude elegance made her feel even more inadequate.

Surprisingly, though, it was Audrey who gave her the biggest shock—despite being younger, she was so composed and well-mannered.

‘I promised myself that next time we met, I’d display perfect etiquette…’

And now, receiving Hilda’s praise made her feel euphoric.

To her relief, it seemed that she had actually learned well from Sara in her childhood.

Sara, who had left too soon, had taught her many things from infancy—and for that, Anette was deeply grateful.

Just then, Larisa, who had been quietly waiting nearby, noticed the lesson was over and rushed over.

“My lady, you must be thirsty from all that movement. Here’s some cold water.”

“And it looks like there’s still time before lunch is ready. Shall I bring you some sweet fruit?”

From Larisa offering water, to Hilda preparing rare treats for her (since Cardin had restricted snacks)—Anette smiled awkwardly, surrounded by such doting care.

‘Maybe… maybe I really can tell her that I’m happy now, just like she always said I would be…’

She had never once believed happiness would come to her.

She thought she remembered her nanny’s words only because Sara had been the only one to stay by her side.

But now Anette understood—

It wasn’t just memory. She had clung to those words because she desperately wanted to believe them.

That even through hardship and pain, if she endured long enough, happiness would surely come.

‘How strange.’

Somehow, now that her body was a child’s again… she felt like she was finally growing into a true adult.

‘Of course, I can’t stay like this forever.’

To express her heart to Cardin—and to understand his—she had to return to her original body soon.

While Anette was burning with determination, Hilda stepped out to choose some fruit herself, and Larisa opened the window wide.

“My lady, the sunshine is beautiful today. The air is so fresh, too.”

“Yeah. The breeze feels really nice.”

Drawn in, Anette sat on the sofa by the window. As the cool breeze brushed her face, a soft smile appeared.

Somehow, she had a feeling—

That everything would turn out just fine.

‘Besides, Martin said the antidote will be ready soon too.’