CH 89

I got dressed, washed my face, and went to the dining room to eat when I woke up in the morning.

I only completed my natural morning routine, yet Bonita appeared surprised. That feeling makes sense to me. For Bonita, I’m no better than a daughter.

“Miss! I was so worried.”

“Yes, I know. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry; it’s fine to be back like this.”

Everyone probably didn’t anticipate that I’d be so shocked. I’ve done a lot of things so far, but I didn’t realize how much of a coward I was, and I was shocked to learn that.

I’m not sure. The conversations I had with the man that day seem to have been ingrained in some part of my heart. I patted my own chest. Let’s avoid being hurt by meaningless words. Everything that I just heard was what I expected to hear. It’s nothing new.

The conversation I had yesterday with the Grand Duke came to mind. He gave me a hug and said,

‘You have to be strong so that you can hug me and put me to sleep whenever I have nightmares.’

I liked it more when Grand Duke Estin said he would make me stronger than when he said he would protect me. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but it already felt twice as powerful. I even entertained the funny notion that perhaps in the future, when the time comes when I truly must live alone, I will be able to survive thanks to the memories I currently have.

Grand Duke Estin had left when I awoke, but I felt much better. I was even hungry.

Aiden, who had found me eating at the table, bolted with an angry expression. He gave me a hug, which surprised me.

“What’s wrong?”

“Mary, you should get more rest.”

“I’ve been lying down for over a week. I’m all right now.”

Aiden looked at me with disbelief; yes, he saw me being kidnapped on the spot, but isn’t this too much?

I feel a little worn out, but was he really such an overprotective character? Oh, come to think of it, I think he loved Astina so much as the second male lead.

I need to arrange a meeting between Aiden and Astina as soon as possible…… I’m sorry for Astina, though.

“Eat a lot.”

“I’m eating…….”

Aiden was viciously watching me, so I wasn’t sure if I was eating with my mouth or my nose when Theodore yawned into the room.

He’s a fascinating character, and I can’t believe such a free man was born into the Conler family.

“Theodore, cover your mouth.”

“We’re the only ones here, well. Oh, Mary!”

Theodore responded naturally to Aiden’s words, and when he found me, he came to me with a happy face and patted my head. Aiden spoke as if Theodore’s actions bothered him.

Come to think of it, there are a lot of people patting my head.

“Are you feeling better now?”

“Yes.”

“Are you going to cause another trouble in the future?”

Look at him talking. If this situation was a cartoon, I would have angry marks on my forehead. I didn’t cause the trouble this time.

“I’m glad you’re back like this.”

“…….”

“Aren’t two kidnappings a bit excessive at Conler?”

Are you worried or what? Theodore’s eyes were filled with affection when he was looking at me…… so I decided to let it slide. Theodore is the type who can’t honestly say that he’s worried when he’s worried. Yeah, I guess so.

“Miss Mary!”

Oh, that’s too loud.

It was Lucas who rushed in calling me this time. I think he was told I was out of bed. Who in the world is giving Lucas news like this?

As I ate rice in silence, Lucas sat beside me and tried to see my complexion.

“Oh. Why are you like this?”

“No, Miss, are you all right?”

“I’m okay now, so I’m eating like this!”

As if moved by my words, Lucas buried his face in his hands and began to groan. It’s his habit.

“As expected of our kitty….”

What are you saying?

“Do you know how much I missed your coyness?”

“I’ll get an upset stomach, Lucas.”

Lucas gazed at me with sparkling eyes from the side, unfazed by Aiden’s face. Should I just go back to bed and lie down pretending to be sick?

I underestimated how annoying it would be. It’s something to think about carefully.

After finishing my meal, I had custard pudding for the first time in a long time as a snack when Gilbert and Rex came in at the same time.

“Mary.”

“Sister!”

It’s better that both of them came in at once. I swallowed a bite of pudding and smiled at them. No, I smiled naturally because the pudding was so sweet and delicious!

Eating sweets made me feel refreshed. I enjoyed the sweetness in my mouth. I have no choice but to admit it… The chefs here in Conler are so good at making them that it makes one feel great!

“Is it that good?”

“Yes!”

“Come on, eat this too.”

As I ate happily, Theodore even handed me his pudding. What a really nice person…….

“Really? Can I really eat it?”

“Yeah. I don’t like sweet things.”

“It’s not that sweet!”

“Oh, I’m full, so just eat it.”

“Then……thank you for the meal!”

It’s not polite if I keep refusing even though I’m told to eat this much.

I even ate all of Theodore’s pudding with a smile on my face. I find it hard to believe that just one sweet treat can bring me happiness, but. It can’t be helped. It’s fantastic.

“Bonita.”

“Yes, Master Gilbert.”

“Please have the kitchen make lots of desserts.”

“What?”

“Since Mary enjoys it,”

Wow. Gilbert does well!

But Bonita was immediately troubled by Gilbert’s words.

“Miss Mary didn’t eat much, so she won’t be able to finish her meal if she eats dessert.”

“Hmm, is that so?”

Gilbert’s expression changed this time when Bonita spoke. Just why? Isn’t it the same whether you fill your stomach with food or desserts? Gilbert, please don’t lose.

“She can’t eat anything right now, so please prepare it for now.”

“If you say so, young master…….”

“Thank you, Bonita.”

Unable to conceal her worried expression, Bonita entered the kitchen. I’m so sorry for Bonita, who worries that I can’t eat much, but my smile hasn’t yet faded because I still believe I can taste different desserts.

“Don’t like it too much, Mary.”

“Yes?”

“Just this once, and the next time, make sure you eat properly.”

“Yes…”

It can’t be helped.

However, the thought of the desserts I’ll be eating soon made me grateful to Gilbert once more. Why do I appear to be obsessed with sweets?

“Hmm, applause.”

Lucas started to applaud once more as we finished clearing the plates. Only the good Rex of the five started to clap when Lucas finished.

Clap clap.

“Why yet again?”

“I’ve got a great idea.”

A frustrated-looking Aiden asked Lucas. Lucas responded with a bright smile, seemingly unconcerned.

“Everyone, hasn’t it been a while since you four siblings and even your cousin got together like this?”

What are you trying to say? That was a long introduction. After a while, I put the custard pudding I was enjoying on the table and turned to face Lucas.

“Miss Mary is okay now, why don’t you take her on a picnic?”

“Picnic?”

“It would be better to bring the dessert that Master Gilbert prepared.”

Picnic?

In an unexpected conversation, the five of us started exchanging glances. Rex was the only one who did not appear to be too bothered. That’s true…… they are at an age where picnics don’t sound appealing.

I think it’ll taste better if we eat dessert outside.

“I’d like to go.”

“Miss Mary, do you want to go?”

“I just thought it would be fun…….”

But there’s nothing I can do if they don’t want to go; I’ll just eat dessert here. Eating dessert at home doesn’t make it any less delicious; even if I eat it outside, the taste doesn’t change; only how you feel.

“Let’s go.”

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, yes. Let’s go.”

The three brothers abruptly decided to go just as I was about to give up and simply try to finish the custard pudding. What’s going on, um? No matter how annoying, a child is still a child.

I’m shocked to admit that I want to go on a picnic like this.

“Then I’ll have Bonita pack the dessert.”

Lucas walked in that direction, heading for the kitchen, where Bonita had vanished.

“Rex, that sounds like fun!”

“That’s true!”

Rex smiled at me when I spoke to him in a sudden flurry of excitement. Actually, I believe this is my first picnic here.

I can’t believe I’m going with my family. No, isn’t this my first time going on a picnic with my family?