Etienne opened her mouth in surprise.

‘Why do both Prince Lehart and Fernando keep talking as if they’ve received my heart?’

“Does my heart look so appealing?”

Is it so valuable and precious that they want to possess it? She would understand if that were the case, but knowing it’s not made her confused.

However, Fernando nodded.

“Yes.”

Etienne was incredulous but gave up on responding to him. Then Fernando suddenly said,

“We won’t be able to meet for a while.”

“For a while?”

Etienne looked puzzled but then seemed to understand. She had been discussing the Mitril of Duke Supraher’s domain but hadn’t immediately thought of Fernando going there.

“Take care.”

“Will you… come with me?”

“Me? But that’s Duke Supraher’s business. It seems improper for me to go.”

It wasn’t appropriate for someone from another family to intrude.

So, Etienne declined his offer with a polite smile. Fernando didn’t ask again, having anticipated her response.

The conversation ended there, but the awkward silence lingered as neither left.

Etienne was preoccupied with how long Fernando had been away and hadn’t noticed, but Fernando kept looking at her, having more to say.

“Etienne.”

“Yes?”

“…I’ll bring you a gift when I return.”

Surprised by his unexpected words, Etienne looked at him.

“A gift?”

As she repeated his words, Fernando nodded, and Etienne’s mood brightened, smiling broadly.

“Make sure you do. I’ll be waiting.”

Fernando seemed pleased that Etienne accepted the gift. For the first time since arriving at the gathering, his expression softened, and Etienne felt relieved.

“I hate to interrupt when things seem to be going well.”

Someone suddenly appeared and spoke.

“I can’t wait any longer.”

It was Lehart. Not understanding his words, Etienne just stared at him. Then Lehart laughed and spread his arms wide.

“The lady has agreed to join us.”

“Where? You don’t mean… Duke Supraher’s domain?”

“Exactly. The duke was pleased when I said I’d bring a few nobles’ children along.”

Etienne sent him a pleading look, hoping he wouldn’t insist.

‘Why go to the duke’s domain?’

She hadn’t gone there in her past life. All she knew about that place was what she heard from those who had been there.

‘I heard it was tough for those who went!’

“I want to go there. Will you come with me?”

“Then Fernando can go with you.”

“I said I picked a few, including you.”

Etienne didn’t want to go, knowing little about Mitril trees.

“You know why I need to be there, even if others don’t.”

“I really don’t see why.”

“I’ll tell you again. I’m looking for someone. I have suspicions but need confirmation.”

“…What about the adults?”

Etienne, finding a rebuttal, asked. She realized the person Lehart was looking for might not be among the heirs.

“If it were me, I would have used those who will build the future with me. Those who will continue with me…”

His voice trailed off, but Etienne paid no mind.

‘Why should I go? There’s no reason. Why suffer for no gain? No way.’

Etienne kept staring at Lehart, hoping he would change his mind. Finally, seeing her insistent look, Lehart crossed his arms, met her gaze, and reluctantly nodded.

“Alright. I’ll arrange for us to leave as soon as possible.”
Etienne’s response to Lehart’s suggestion was misconstrued. She was about to express her reluctance when she noticed the people around them.

Among them, Alex, the aide, and a few others who came with the prince were paying attention to her conversation with Lehart.

“…Prince Lehart, could we talk privately for a moment…”

“Etienne.”

She intended to pull him aside for a private conversation. However, Lehart was not an easy opponent.

“We already had a private conversation earlier, and now you want another one just for us? That might be a bit inconvenient, don’t you think?”

“Don’t say it’s private time. I just have something to discuss.”

“So, it’s something you specifically want to discuss only with me, right?”

Lehart emphasized certain words with a smile, causing Etienne to jump in reaction.

“No, that’s not what I mean.”

“Then, can it wait until next time? As you can see, I need to start moving soon to adjust the schedule. I’ll make sure to set aside some special time for us during our trip.”

As Lehart continued, Etienne’s face grew increasingly aghast.

“No, Your Highness…”

“I’ll take my leave then.”

“Your Highness? Prince Lehart!”

“Hold on to that eager heart until our trip.”

Etienne was again flustered by the mention of an ‘eager heart,’ and in that moment, Lehart quickly left the scene.

When everyone had gone, leaving only Fernando with her, Etienne asked him.

“So, I have to go, right?”

“The method may not be to my liking…”

Fernando, recalling what the prince had just done, murmured, then looked at Etienne.

“The result isn’t bad, though.”

He then smiled brightly.

Back at her residence, Etienne headed straight to the library.

“Do you suddenly feel like reading?”

“No, I have something to find. You don’t need to come in until I come out.”