The prince arrived without prior notice. Technically, someone from the Prince’s Palace did come, but Joshua himself appeared on horseback at the estate less than 5 minutes after the message was received.
Duke Adrian, who was busy with paperwork in his office, and Daniel, who had just changed clothes, rushed out in surprise.
“Your Highness, what brings you here so suddenly without prior notice?”
Duke Adrian asked, trying to maintain his composure. Joshua, who had gracefully dismounted his horse and handed the reins to a servant, laughed.
“Ha ha, I did send a message, didn’t you receive it?”
Daniel responded this time.
“We did. Just 5 minutes ago.”
“Anyway, since the message arrived before me, it’s not like I came without any notice, right?”
Daniel, seeing Joshua shrug, was at a loss for words.
‘This isn’t like him.’
Under normal circumstances, Joshua was expected to ascend to the throne. Although not yet officially crowned as the crown prince, he had been educated in the ways of a monarch since childhood.
He was also taught to restrain his emotions. Naturally, he rarely acted impulsively.
Yet, here was Joshua, barging in unexpectedly, nonchalantly claiming he had given notice when it was practically the same as not having contacted at all.
Moreover, Daniel had just returned from meeting him an hour ago.
“Do you have something else to tell me?”
“It’s not that, exactly. I came to see with my own eyes if the Duke is alright. And while I’m here, to see Isabelle and Lucas too.”
Joshua smiled meaningfully.
“And to see the youngest lady, the subject of the rumors.”
Realizing his purpose, Daniel sighed softly.
‘So he’s here to see Rose.’
Despite repeated assertions that she wasn’t ready to meet royalty, his curiosity couldn’t be contained.
It was a bit odd. Why was Joshua showing interest in Rosette? It was unlike him to be swayed by rumors.
“What are you planning to do, standing here?”
Daniel snapped out of his thoughts and led Joshua inside.
“Please come in. I apologize for not having time to prepare refreshments in the reception room.”
“Tell them to take their time bringing it out. I’ve already had tea, so it’s fine if there’s nothing.”
As the two boys entered the estate, Duke Adrian instructed a servant.
“Tell the children to prepare to meet His Highness.”
“Yes, sir.”
“No, I’ll go to Rose myself.”
“Yes.”
Duke Adrian then headed straight to Rosette’s room.
At that time, Rosette was admiring a spring outing dress sent by Lady Wyde.
“Wow, look at this, my lady. It’s so beautiful.”
Joan took out a pale pink dress from a large box, exclaiming in admiration. Rosette fiddled with her fingers and muttered.
“But, Joan, I didn’t order a spring outing dress.”
True, Duke Adrian and the siblings had insisted on getting outing dresses.
But Rosette had vehemently opposed it. “There’s no need for an outing dress! Besides, I’m going to get even chubbier soon…” was her reason.
Isabelle had sighed, muttering ‘that darn chubbiness…’ while the rest just laughed.
However, they had eventually agreed to respect Rosette’s wishes. Duke Adrian had no plans to expose Rosette to the public for the time being.
Yet today, Lady Wyde had suddenly sent a dress that wasn’t even ordered.
“Maybe it was sent to the wrong person? If the real owner finds out I opened it, they might get angry.”
In Joan’s eyes, even Rosette’s serious look seemed adorable. Joan laughed and replied.
“I don’t think so. The box said ‘To Lady Rosette Adrian.’”
“Still…”
“Here’s a letter too. Would you like to read it?”
Rosette tore open the ivory-colored letter that Joan handed her. The letter was penned in an elegant script.
As she casually read it, Rosette suddenly realized something.
‘Right, I haven’t learned to read here yet!’
Duke Adrian had not yet assigned a tutor for her, insisting she should relax more for now. When there was a need to read something, the three siblings or Joan would read it to her.
Joan probably waited for Rosette to open it and hand it back, respecting the etiquette that she couldn’t open her lady’s letter herself.
“Joan, please read it for me.”
As Rosette handed the letter back, Joan eagerly began to read aloud.
“To the beloved little Lady of Adrian. I hope my sudden gift didn’t startle you. You’re not wondering if it’s a mistake, are you?”
Joan added with a laugh, “Why wouldn’t she?”
“Today’s dress is a gift from me to you, my new muse. I made it in a color that complements your beautiful hair. I hope you like it. From your Lady Wyde.”
My hair is beautiful?
Rosette touched her hair with a dubious look as Joan folded the letter.
“Lady, shall we try it on?”
“Now?”
“Of course. It’s customary to try on a dress as soon as you receive it.”
Rosette swallowed nervously, observing the dress that was half-draped over the box.
Lady Wyde was known to design primarily for the Adrian family. The Duke’s clothes, as well as those of the three siblings, were all her creations.
Turns Out He’s Been Secretly in Love with Me
One-line summary: He acts like he doesn’t like her but is actually playing hard to get.
Synopsis:
Xu Muzhou like her. He has liked her for a very long time, and through repeated schemes, he finally closed the distance with her.
But this is still far from enough.
He wants to be the one who stands out among her many suitors, to fight for her attention, and to make her take the initiative to pursue him.
_____
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