Etienne, upon entering the restoration room, looked around.
“It feels like it’s been a while since I’ve been here.”
She rarely visited the restoration room in the past. It was more often frequented by her father, the Duke.
Even today, she felt somewhat awkward for coming to see Lani, and aimlessly observed the vast space of the restoration room. It occupied the entire east wing of the main house and even extended to an additional annex due to its size.
Though primarily for restoration, the space was divided into detailed sections. It was created to conceal the direct line’s powers but was thoroughly equipped for genuine restoration work. Over 200 years, it became a hub for anyone with rare items needing restoration.
The first area upon entering was the appraisal room, where experts determined the authenticity and value of items brought in. The staff here were the most experienced and knowledgeable, mostly older than Etienne’s father.
After greeting these pillars of the family, Etienne ventured further in, where the actual restoration work happened. One area had metal pieces being carefully attached to objects, while another had papers soaked in liquids for restoration. Everyone was so engrossed in their work that they hardly noticed Etienne’s arrival.
Spotting Lani not far away, Etienne was about to approach her with a smile when a sharp voice halted her steps.
“I told you not to overstep your bounds!”
The voice came from where Lani was. Lani stood with her head bowed, holding a rag, while a researcher in a white coat, presumably from the restoration room, scolded her.
“Why do you interfere in everything without knowing anything?”
“That’s not it… the paper will dissolve if soaked in that solution…”
“Again!”
“I’m sorry.”
Lani apologized meekly as the researcher berated her. Other researchers nearby seemed accustomed to such scenes and paid no attention. Etienne found this odd, considering the family’s head or at least the butler would usually be aware of such disturbances.
“How can you understand the material of this paper when you can’t even read?”
“But not all papers are made from the same wood. This paper is fragile because it’s made from daylwood. It will surely dissolve if soaked in that solution.”
Despite being reprimanded, Lani was still insisting on her point.
“She’s trying to extract another paper hidden inside this one. That solution is perfect for it.”
Listening, Etienne realized the researcher wasn’t really scolding Lani but rather explaining to her. Their conversation was more like an exchange of ideas than a reprimand.
“Did you think we were bullying a delicate girl here?”
The butler, who had quietly joined Etienne’s side, asked this, and she replied with a laugh.
“Seems like it.”
Acknowledging her misunderstanding, Etienne approached Lani. As soon as they realized Etienne’s presence, the researcher and Lani quickly straightened up and greeted her respectfully.
“I needed to talk to Lani.”
At Etienne’s words, the researcher hastily left. Etienne wondered if he was afraid of being scolded but then turned her attention to Lani.
“Could we talk somewhere private?”
“Yes.”
Lani put down her rag and followed Etienne.
In an empty room, Etienne asked Lani a few questions and then sent her away. Alone, she murmured softly to herself.
“Lani’s father worked at the Pigment Count’s estate.”
Since she had to attend the banquet anyway, it seemed she wouldn’t need to do extra legwork for investigation.
Still, she hadn’t decided who to go with.
“It’s nice to share tea like this, isn’t it?” Lehart commented, prompting Fernando to frown. He clearly didn’t enjoy the tea.
“I’m not sure about that.”
“Having tea face-to-face like this is what makes us close. You’re not here to cut me off as a competitor, are you?”
Lehart’s taunting words caught Alex by surprise from a distance.
Was this really an adult dealing with a child?
Despite being competitors over a girl, it seemed excessive for the elder to act like this.
“I find this floral tea not to my taste.”
Fernando retorted sharply, openly criticizing Lehart’s preference, even though he had just become one of the few to know it.
The tension between them piqued Alex’s curiosity, who listened in quietly from a distance.
“So, what do you want?”
“I wanted to discuss being partners for the Pigment Count’s banquet. We both requested the same person, didn’t we?”
Fernando was direct, and Lehart looked unsurprised. Crossing his arms and cocking his head, Lehart signaled him to continue.
“Please choose someone else.”
“I don’t like that idea.”
“If you don’t have a partner, I can help you find one.”
“Do I look that desperate? I can find someone to go with.”
“Then find someone and go.”
“I did. Etienne Claire.”
Alex clenched his fist with excitement. He hoped Fernando would win.
“Etienne is not an option.”
“Are you rejecting her on her behalf?”
“Etienne will go with me.”
Cold Male Lead Became My Clingy Husband (Female-Dominant)
Feng Bai Su transmigrated into a matriarchal novel, becoming the sister of the female protagonist and the Seventh Princess of the Feng Ling Kingdom.
After working herself to death in her previous life, finally reincarnating as a princess, she only wanted to be a lazy fish who could eat, sleep, and play.
Until she met the male protagonist from the book, Wei Jing Mo, and he took a liking to her!
Wei Jing Mo is the top young man in Feng Ling City, talented in both appearance and ability, from a prestigious family, with a cold and otherworldly appearance, a figure like the bright moon in the hearts of noble ladies. It was thought that only the most powerful and talented noble lady in Feng Ling City would be worthy of such a brilliant young man. Who knew that this young gentleman would secretly admire the infamous Seventh Princess?
Short scene 1:
Feng Bai Su looked at the young man crying like a pear blossom in the rain before her, and couldn’t help but doubt her life.
Wasn’t the male lead described as a cold and otherworldly figure in the book?
Then who was this poor little thing crying with swollen red eyes and tear-stained face?
Short scene 2:
Wei Jing Mo stared intently at Feng Bai Su who was about to go out, wanting to say, “Be careful on the road.”
Before he could speak, Feng Bai Su suddenly bent down and bit his cheek.
Her peach blossom eyes were full of disdain: “Tsk! You’re so clingy!”
Wei Jing Mo: “…”
A talented fox spirit female lead with a flirtatious appearance but actually abstinent VS A cold-looking but actually naive and clingy little jealous male lead
