The Second Life's

XLV - Stiffening Surprise

I chose to end our conversation because of my bad mood. I didn't want to lose control and instead said things I didn't really want to say in front of Lucas.

My eyes closed after pondering for almost thirty minutes. Tonight is a long night.

***

I was wearing a simple dress that didn't have a lot of lace-like decoration. In front of the mirror I saw Chloe busy combing my hair seriously. Holly was in the kitchen preparing the lunch I was going to bring to Idris.

After my hair was combed and neatly styled, I went downstairs with Chloe to meet Holly. Holly's prepared lunchbox was placed on the living room table wrapped in gold cloth. The food was enough for three people.

You know what I mean.

“Has my horse carriage arrived?” I asked Holly.

Holly nodded. “Yes, Miss Winston. Miss's horse-drawn carriage just arrived a few minutes ago. Is Miss going to leave now?”

“Yes, I don't want to make the Crown Prince eat another meal because I didn't arrive on time,” I replied indifferently.

“Chloe, grab that supply box,” my orders while walking out of the Bronze Palace.

Chloe picked up the box on the table and followed me from behind. Max, my coachman, opened the door and I went in with Chloe.

I didn't forget to bring Jack's handkerchief that Chloe washed. Even if I don't use it, it would be more polite if I don't return the handkerchief unwashed.

“Nona ..., what if His Highness the Crown Prince is being with Miss Hindley like last time?” chloe asked with a worried look on her face.

Is Chloe worried that I'm sad?

It shouldn't have to be done. It's a big sin if I'm sad just because a man br*nsek like an Idris Theodoric Vanhoiren.

“I'm fine about it. It's even better if Miss Hindley is really there with the Crown Prince right now. Me and them both can have lunch together,” I said without the slightest hesitation.

Instead of being relieved, Chloe looked even more sad. Does he think I'm just pretending to be tough? Oh, my gosh.

“Nona don't forget the tea meeting with the nobles,” said Chloe.

“Yes, I won't forget. Thanks for reminding about it.”

Finally, after a long time in the carriage, I arrived in front of the Imperial Palace. While still inside the horse carriage, I could see Jack walking hastily due to my sudden arrival.

I had a small smile before Max finally opened the train door so that Chloe and I could get out. Jack stretched out his hand and I welcomed the hand.

I took Jack's hand and smiled. Chloe just stayed behind me as usual.

“Looks like you're in a hurry today,” I told Jack.

Jack fixed the position of the collar of his shirt and glasses. “Not usually Miss Winston comes without making an appointment. Please follow me.”

“I want to give the Crown Prince a surprise,” I said as I followed Jack into the Palace.

“Uhm. But, His Highness the Crown Prince is not wanting to be disturbed,” Jack said without stopping to walk.

I don't give a shit. “The Crown Prince always does not want to be disturbed. There is no need to hide the facts about the special relationship between the Crown Prince and Rose Hindley. I've seen it myself.”

“Oh, so.” I refused to go to Idris's room. “Please just call the Crown Prince to the dining room. I'll meet him there. Tell the Crown Prince to take Miss Rose to see me.”

Jack stopped walking and looked back. “What Miss Winston is serious?”

“Ya, go. I'll wait in the dining room.”

Jack left me and Chloe. I walked back to the dining room. As I know, the Emperor and Queen usually eat in their own rooms. Only Idris eats in the dining room.

Chloe went out for a while to request for furniture in the Empire's kitchen. I sat alone at the dinner table before Chloe came back and arranged the plates and spoons and provisions brought by us here.

Shortly thereafter, Idris appears along with Jack. And behind Jack, there's a red-haired woman tailing. Who else if not Rose. He just looked down, reluctant to see my face.

I seem to have interrupted both of them.

“May Your Highness the Crown Prince be blessed Goddess of Virtue,” my regards to Idris along with Chloe who is still faithfully standing behind me.

“A-What are you doing here, Charlotte?” Idris was confused. She hid her nervousness that I could still tell. “Didn't you have tea with the nobles?”

“Sit, Idris.” Although still confused, Idris remained seated together with Rose. “Sorry to have visited you suddenly. But I really want to have lunch with you. You know our time is limited for preparing for our wedding.”

I pressed the last two words to insinuate Rose to be more conscious.

“For a tea visit, I postpone it tomorrow so I can be with you today,”. “It just so happens that Miss Rose is also currently with you. We can have lunch three now. Holly has prepared everything well,” I said later.

“Uhuk.” Idris pretended to cough. “For the future, I beg you to let me know in advance if you want to see me,” he said.

I saw Rose laughing because Idris was reprimanding me. Fellowship.

“Good, Idris. Today I just wanted to surprise you because I thought you would like this,” I said while putting on a sad face. “It turns out I've been interrupting both of you.”

“Ti-No, Charlotte,” by Idris. “I'm not at all disturbed. But I just want you to be welcomed to the Imperial Palace.”

“Jack does its job well,”. Should I throw a fire in a puddle of gasoline? “By the way about Jack ..., come here Jack. Approaching me.”

Idris and Rose looked curious as Jack approached me. This is more than enough.

“What's up, Miss Winston?” ask Jack.

“Chloe ..”

As if understanding my code to her, Chloe came forward and gave me Jack's handkerchief. I smiled and gave the handkerchief to the owner.

I can tell if Idris' jaw is hardened.

“Thank you, Jack.” Jack lowered his head and returned to his position after receiving his handkerchief. I patted my hand once and smiled broadly. “Let's eat. You must be hungry, right?”

“Thank you, Charlotte.” Idris began to taste his food.

“Oh yes. Miss Rose, why don't you say a word?” I grinned. “Is your power to talk drained out of serving people's fiancees?” ask me with a challenging voice.