Dear My Friend - Chapter 53

Chapter 53 – I Wish Your Acquaintance Luck

After a momentary pause, Sir Dilton continued. “What would you do if you were in that situation?”

“Pardon?” I asked.

“Would you confess your feelings of unrequited love? Or would you keep hiding them?”

“I…” I hesitated and just laughed it off. “I’m not sure. I have never thought about it.”

I was a coward, so I have never confessed or anything like that whenever I had an unrequited love towards someone. Half of me held regret for it—but that also meant the other half didn’t regret it at all. It was because I realized that that feeling would eventually be forgotten. It would have to depend on the situation.

“But whatever I choose, it won’t be helpful to your acquaintance,” I said finally.

“Why?”

“Because our thoughts and feelings are different. So I can’t carelessly give any advice.”

“You’re being cautious.”

“It’s an important matter, by any means.” I gave a shrug. “But I wish your acquaintance luck.”

***

The first thing I did after Lord Dilton’s return was to tell Odeletta this good news.

Of course, the schedule was up to them to discuss, but Odeletta needed to know in advance first so she could be ready. I sent a letter and, unless something came up, she should know the news by tonight.

As expected, a letter arrived from Odeletta the next day.

The contents were simple. She said she was very happy about Xavier’s approval and she was excited to meet him alone. It made me feel good to think that she would be happy.

‘I hope it will all go well for them.’

I was already imagining the picture of their future together.

3. Unexpected

Odeletta wrestled with sleeplessness the night before. She couldn’t get her mind to rest at all. She forced her eyes to close, telling herself she couldn’t meet with the Crown Prince tomorrow with her skin looking like a mess, but her anxiety would not leave her.

In the end, Odeletta spent the whole night tossing and turning.

“I’m doomed,” she said the next morning as she stood in the front of her mirror. She combed her pink hair, which looked even more disheveled than yesterday. In reality, her hair hadn’t changed that much from yesterday, but the fact that she didn’t get enough sleep last night fed into her anxieties.

“Not only my hair, but even my skin is a mess,” she mumbled gloomily, while the nanny beside her attempted to soothe her.

“Keep your chin up, My Lady. You’re beautiful.”

“Really?”

“Of course. You’re probably the most beautiful woman in this Empire,” the nanny assured.

“That was too much,” Odeletta said with a wan smile, but she didn’t appear offended. “Will the Crown Prince like the dress I chose yesterday, nanny?”

“Of course, My Lady. I think it’s beautiful.”

The dress had been quickly selected for the last-minute appointment. Of course, that didn’t mean the dress wasn’t beautiful enough for the meeting. Encouraged by the nanny’s remark, Odeletta’s shoulders straightened with confidence.

“What time am I supposed to arrive at Thurman Palace?” she asked.

“Noon time, My Lady. You don’t have to rush. It’s only 9 o’clock.”

“But Thurman Palace is far away, so I have to depart by at least 11. So actually, there is not that much time left.”

After accurately assessing the situation, Odeletta gently combed her hair once more. Several minutes later, the maids came into her room to help her dress. They put on a light layer of makeup on her face and helped her step into a purple dress that suited her pink hair. Odeletta worried that it was too strong of a first impression, but her heart leaned towards the outfit when all the maids in the mansion enthusiastically agreed to the dress.

Odeletta left her room ten minutes before 11 p.m. She hugged Marchioness Trakos five minutes before. Then, three minutes before, she stepped into the carriage and left for Thurman Palace.

She arrived at the palace at noon sharp, at the appointed time. However, being on time already made her slightly late. The carriage was not allowed into the Imperial Palace and, as a result, Odeletta would have to get out of the carriage and follow a servant. When she stepped out of the carriage, she smiled at the sight of a familiar face.

“Lady Odeletta, welcome to Thurman Palace,” a man’s voice said.

“Dilton?”

“It’s been a long time, Lady Odeletta,” Sir Dilton greeted in a rather mischievous voice, and Odeletta responded with a tone overflowing with joy.

“How long has it been?” she said.

Sir Dilton gave her a questioning look. “Didn’t I meet you with your mother last time?”

“But it’s true that we haven’t met much since you became the chamberlain of the Crown Prince. Is that why? I feel happier to meet you here.”

“Perhaps it’s because you’re meeting a familiar person in an unfamiliar place,” Sir Dilton said thoughtfully.

“Yes. Perhaps,” Odeletta replied. Sir Dillon smiled as if her answer made sense.

Sir Dilton was a childhood friend of Odeletta. Since his mother, Countess Orus, and Odeletta’s mother, Marchioness Trakos, were also childhood friends, they had been together since they were children.

One wouldn’t be surprised to hear rumors about them circulating in society, but the two were almost like same-sex friends that it didn’t matter. A rumor almost caught fire once, but both of them denied it so emphatically that the rumor never surfaced again.

In any case, their mothers still liked to flaunt their friendship, so Odeletta and Dilton also encountered each other quite often, if not as often as they did when they were young. Ever since Dilton had been working at Thurman Palace as Xavier’s servant, the number had dropped considerably.

“So where is His Highness?” Odeletta asked.

“He sent me to pick you up.” Dilton gestured to her. “He’s waiting in the dining room. Come along.”

At Dilton’s words, Odeletta picked up the skirt of her dress and followed him. As they made their way to the destination, Dilton spoke up.

“Do you really like the Crown Prince?”

The question had come out of the blue. Odeletta slightly raised her eyebrows. “What are you talking about?”

“The question is, do you really like the Crown Prince?”

“Yes, of course,” Odeletta answered affirmatively. Her expression turned strange. “Why are you suddenly asking something like that?”

“Why else? I was just curious if you really like the Crown Prince.”

“You’re asking all sorts of questions. You don’t dislike me getting involved with the Crown Prince, do you?”

“Not at all.” Dilton looked at Odeletta and forced a smile. “Why should I think like that?”

“Maybe you like me,” she teased. When she realized that she had uttered those words, an involuntary laugh escaped her lips. It was clear that she had gone crazy. How could she say that to anyone, let alone Dilton Orus?

Odeletta shook her head at the gaffe. “Sorry. That was a mean joke between us. That kind of thing has happened many times, hasn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“From now on, let’s address each other formally. We have been too casual in the Crown Prince’s palace.”

“…Of course, Lady Odeletta,” Sir Dilton said after a pause.

“So how much further is the dining room, Sir Dilton?”

“A little more, Lady Odeletta. Are your feet already hurting?” He glanced downwards to check on her feet. She was wearing high heels. A weary sigh left his lips. “You’re wearing those damned high heels,” he said beneath his breath.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing, Lady Odeletta,” Dilton said in a dismissive voice. After walking nonstop, they finally arrived in front of the dining room.

“Your Royal Highness, Lady Odeletta is here,” Dilton announced through the door.

“…Bring her inside,” a voice replied.

“Come in, Lady Odeletta,” Dilton said, opening the double doors and then gesturing to Odeletta.

“Thank you, Sir Dilton,” Odeletta thanked politely, then entered through the doors.

Dilton stared at her retreating back until the doors were closed and soon turned around without a word.