Cediloy nodded at Arianthe.

“That’s right. But Alis Mama lived a very long time ago.”

“How long ago? When my father was young?”

He laughed.

“No, much longer ago. She was the king’s sister, but she did a lot for the country. His Majesty admired Alis Mama, so he named the room she cherished specially.”

In other words, that place was one of the most treasured and important rooms among all the rooms in the royal city.

Most nobles wouldn’t even dream of staying here for a day, but it was offered for Cediloy and Arianthe.

When they entered the room, Arianthe, and even Mayana, lost their words at the majestic scenery. Beautiful paintings filling the ceiling and crystals hanging delicately below… It was a piece that made it look as if the crystals were coming down from the ceiling using almost invisible threads.

Arianthe pointed to the ceiling.

“Father, look! Mayana, look there! An angel is showering rain!”

Mayana, who was admiring the enchanting iridescent colors reflecting in the sunlight, said,

“That’s right, my lady. It’s truly beautiful. I thought the crystals were floating in the air.”

“I want something like this in my room!”

Arianthe, who shouted with joy, looked at Cediloy eagerly. He nodded, seeming to cuddle his daughter and agreed.

“When we go back, let’s think about putting something like this in Arianthe’s room.”

“I’m excited!”

Cediloy gently put down the excited Arianthe. Arianthe urged Colman to explore other rooms, and all the employees of the royal city vacated their places, leaving only Cediloy and Mayana in the beautiful hall.

Cediloy spoke.

“That over there is my bedroom. And there’s another bedroom here. You and Arianthe will share that one. The reception room and bathroom are over there, and the living room is right here to the left. The toilet room connects directly from your and Arianthe’s bedroom.”

“You seem to know this room very well, Duke.”

“I’ve stayed here a few times.”

If Cediloy had married Mayana or even engaged her, they would have naturally shared a bedroom. When Mayana thought of it, curiously, Cediloy seemed to be thinking the same thing.

Should he say that she can come to his bedroom? Cediloy thought. However, he soon gave up on that idea. Instructing Mayana to come to his bedroom after putting Arianthe to bed felt… somehow inappropriate. After all, Mayana was not just any maidservant or concubine.

Cediloy said.

“There will probably be a banquet tonight. I hope you can go with Arianthe.”
Mayana’s eyes narrowed.

“Me? What would I do in such a place, Your Grace?”

“Taking care of Arianthe, just like you’ve been doing.”

“No, but…”

There might be people in the royal city doing such tasks, or Cediloy could handle it himself. Although Mayana had come this far to take care of Arianthe, she didn’t want to follow to the grand ball full of arrogant nobles.

Mayana spoke with a slightly desperate voice.

“Did you miss it earlier? I’m not familiar with such places, Your Grace.”

“Is that so? But I heard you couldn’t stand hearing bad things about Lady Arianthe. Your gaze changed instantly, didn’t it?”

Mayana frowned at his teasing tone.

“Of course. How can I tolerate hearing disrespectful words about Lady Arianthe? I absolutely cannot.”

Cediloy nodded.

“That’s enough. Just think about going to the ballroom with Lady Arianthe. Don’t think about anything else. Regardless of what others say or think about you… It doesn’t matter. It won’t be important.”

Mayana didn’t ask what his words meant. She could figure it out without hearing it from Cediloy. However, confirming that was frightening. It was much more comfortable to stay in a vague state thinking, ‘Anyway, it will turn out well’…

But how long could she keep that up?

Mayana sighed, raising her arms as if to say, “Look at me.”

“Understood. I’ll do as you say, Your Grace. Since I came all the way dressed like this… But remember that I know nothing about ballroom etiquette.”

“Don’t worry about such things. You don’t have to care. Anyway, Lady Arianthe is the protagonist today. You just have to prevent her from throwing cakes at people in other dresses.”

Mayana snorted.

“Lady doesn’t do such things.”

At that moment, a knock was heard from outside. It was so loud and clear that even Arianthe, who had jumped into the bedroom, ran out.

Colman opened the door for them. When several young servants, who seemed to be still learning, brought in boxes wrapped in blue ribbons, Arianthe became excited again.

“Father! What’s this?”

Mayana also looked at Cediloy with a curious expression.

He said, “Shall we open it together?”

“Okay! Okay! Is it mine?”

Arianthe jumped around. The young servants, who seemed to be running into the room due to Arianthe’s excitement, placed the boxes one by one on the long table. Meanwhile, Cediloy brought a chair for Arianthe and sat across from her.

“Listen well, Arianthe.”
Cediloy’s voice became serious. Ariante’s fingers, eager to pull the ribbons right away, twitched.

“Yes, Father. I will listen.”