“Does it matter? You lost to His Highness, that’s what matters.”

“How could that even be possible?”

Bradley ignored Dwayne’s complaints, munching on his food while stealing glances at Noah. He was also surprised by Noah’s unexpected skills.

Then, advisor Joseph arrived at the high seat, cautiously taking his place beside Noah. Noah, without giving Joseph a second glance, continued to gaze toward the hall entrance. Bradley narrowed his eyes.

‘Dwayne was careless, but even if he wasn’t, victory wasn’t guaranteed.’

Having practiced martial arts for many years himself, Bradley could tell Noah was well-versed in them.

‘I’ve never heard of the Grand Duke being skilled in martial arts.’

In fact, little was known about the Grand Duke. But then…

Bradley fixed his gaze on the stewardess entering the hall.

‘The infamous ghost stewardess was originally from the Crown Prince’s palace. When did she switch sides to the Grand Duke?’

Moreover, despite her being an enemy, the Grand Duke trusted her immensely. It was evident from how meticulously she took care of him during their journey north.

‘Did they have a previous connection?’

But that seemed unlikely, considering the Crown Prince’s exceptional favor toward her, even causing headaches for the Empress. At least that was the case before Bradley left the palace. Maybe the Crown Prince’s feelings had changed in the meantime.

He clicked his tongue.

‘Well, I’ll find out soon enough.’

“Did you inform the chef about His Highness’s dietary preferences?”

Amy, after touring the residence with Melvin, immediately checked the dishes as soon as she entered the hall. Melvin confidently affirmed.

“Of course.”

“Then why isn’t he eating?”
Anxious, Amy quickened her pace. Seeing her approach, Noah, who had noticed her, stood up with a delighted expression. Amy, surprised, hurried to dissuade him.

“Please sit and have your meal, Your Highness.”

Reluctantly, Noah sat back down, looking up innocently.

“Amy hasn’t sat down yet.”

“I’ll eat later on my own. Please go ahead. The chef has specially prepared your favorite dishes.”

Amy smiled casually.

‘He must have gotten used to dining together during our travels.’

But things were different now. Noah was the Grand Duke, the master of this place. Where was it common for a stewardess to sit at the high seat with the master? However, Noah was insistent.

“Amy is a noble lady. There’s no reason she can’t dine with us.”

“…….”

Amy was at a loss for words; he wasn’t wrong. Noah gazed at her intensely, as if determined not to take back his words.

Joseph, sitting beside them, looked at her with pleading eyes, silently begging her not to leave him alone with the Duke.

“……Very well, then.”

Finally, Amy had no choice but to take a seat between them.

Noah, pleased, lifted his glass to drink watered-down wine, smiling brightly. A murmur of admiration escaped from below. Amy, observing his cheerful face, then focused her gaze on the table.

‘The Crown Prince never asked me to dine with him…’

Despite the Empress’s hints, the Crown Prince always took for granted that Amy stood behind him, treating her no differently than a maid, while claiming to adore her. Now accustomed to that and seeing Noah’s behavior, Amy felt a flutter in her heart.