“If you feel that ‘great’ is inaccurate, I should think you are at least ‘honorable,’ ‘illustrious,’ or ‘courageous.’”

In that thick dictionary, he found surprisingly amazing words

Until now, those were compliments Rieta had never dreamed to hear.

And that was why.

She felt as though she was wearing clothes a size too big. It was like… like the gorgeous dress she wore now.

Unaware of her feelings, the duke bowed to express his respect, as if stating that it was ‘just respect for Rieta.’

“……You’re sweet.”

Rieta answered in Imperial, hiding herself with the veil again.

She was a little embarrassed. Why did she have a terrible feeling about this?

Rieta probed her own memory.

Then, she remembered one fact that she wanted to avoid.

At today’s dinner, there would be a “repayment plan” and a “letter” from her father. Rieta bet all she had that her father had written down a bill full of superficially realistic plans.

He enjoyed demeaning her, saying things like “Rieta really lacks in all aspects, doesn’t she?”

‘But I hope it’s not.’

She wished she wouldn’t get hurt by this.

Rieta was used to the scathing drivel her father spewed, so she only listened with half an ear. However, it was a different problem for such words to be heard by others.

She didn’t want him to tell those things to the people of the Empire, especially the Duke who showed her true kindness.

‘I hope it will just be a formal greeting.’

At least, she didn’t want to be branded ‘the kingdom’s neglected princess.’ She would be viewed as one who was just like her incompetent father.

“I’m done, Princess.”

Just in time, the maid helping her pulled the ends of the ribbon, finishing the bow beautifully.

“You’re very pretty.”

“R-really?”

Rieta put her hands in the gloves and asked, hesitant.

“Look, you look wonderful like this.”

“Is that so…?”

She looked in the mirror along with the maid, but honestly, she wasn’t confident.

Only the clothes were gorgeous, and Rieta knew she couldn’t compare.

“Of course! I’m sure everyone thinks so.”

However, Noel didn’t.

Rieta recalled the memory of her wearing this dress for the first time. Noel had left the room grumbling, but Rieta remembered what he said and secretly checked the meaning afterward.

Most of them couldn’t be deciphered, but he definitely said ‘unfit.’

He was so mean!

He became a second male lead because he was so scathingly honest about everything.

Anyways, she could not keep the Duke waiting, so she stepped out beyond the curtain.

Soon, the Duke, who sported a dashing suit, reached for her hand.

Matching his former nickname, the ‘prince,’ the Duke’s manners, were so perfect and beautiful that Rieta thought he was just like a prince from a fairy tale book.

‘I envy him.’

To have the formality that suits his seat.

She held his big hand as she looked up at the Duke and asked,

“I… Can I be like the Duke if I keep trying?”

“I’m not a very good example, so I hope you don’t.”

Rieta shook her head.

Duke Mayer was the most graceful person she knew.

“As far as I know, the princess is also the most wonderful, generous, and communicative person. Besides, you look even more charming today.”

“Y-you’re going too far.”

When Rieta shook her head with a red face, he opened the door and asked, ‘Why do you think so?’

“That’s him.”

Someone who actually stated it didn’t look good on her.

That’s what she was getting at.

Her words stopped when she suddenly bumped into someone standing in front of the door.

‘….?’

When she looked up in amazement, Noel was standing there.

He was dressed up like the Duke, also in a debonair suit, sporting an expression of disapproval.

“Noel?”

When Rieta called out as if something was wrong, he put out his glove-stuffed hand with a sulky look.

“I- I’m supposed to take you to the carriage. My father will talk to the butler and catch up right away.”

The Duke, who was next to him, explained Noel’s words in the Kingdom language.

“So if you stay in the carriage first, I’ll catch up with you soon, Princess. I will ask you the rest of the story on the way.”

Rieta’s hand was passed from the Duke to Noel.

Even with gloves on, it was a bit strange to walk with a boy his age, hand in hand.

They used to hold hands while they were playing in the garden, but it didn’t feel this polite.