Don't Remember Me - Chapter 54

Chapter 54

“Sir Pedwin,” Haven’s voice lowered, prompting Pedwin to stop his teasing and slowly step back, having carefully tucked away the documents he had received.

With a soft thud, Pedwin closed the door behind him, leaving Haven to let out a sigh. He had almost revealed a flushed face to his own knight. Rubbing his hands over his face, he turned to look out the window.

The rain continued to pour relentlessly.

In the stillness, only the sound of the rain could be heard, bringing to mind the day he had enjoyed tea with Rosé a few days ago.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

He found himself unconsciously tapping on the desk, his brow furrowing.

‘Who was the man she had been unable to forget and long for all this time?’

Suddenly, curiosity struck him. No, it had been a question that nagged at him multiple times each day since that moment. Even when he had instructed someone to buy fireworks for Flitta, he had watched Rosé standing beside the child, wondering about it. And while they set off the fireworks in the garden, his gaze remained fixed on Roze.

“I’m losing my mind… I really am.”

Feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over him, Haven shook his head vigorously.

***

“Hayang, you’re going to rip that dress!”

“Woof, woof!”

Despite Flitta’s admonitions, the puppy darted around her excitedly, wagging its tail and barking joyfully. The shimmering dress was a constant source of fascination for the puppy as Flitta changed outfits multiple times.

“I can’t do this, Your Highness. I’ll have to put the puppy in the closet for a bit.”

“Oh? Um… okay, do that.”

After pondering Rosé’s suggestion for a moment, Flitta sighed and nodded, realizing that they couldn’t leave things as they were.

Squeak, squeak.

As if sensing its fate, the puppy suddenly let out a pitiful whimper. However, Rosé ignored the display and placed the puppy into a basket before sliding it into the closet.

“Woof!”

“Stay quiet in there.”

When the puppy stood up in the basket, paws raised, Rosé playfully tapped its black nose and warned it to settle down. But the puppy, oblivious to her words, barked again and scratched at the basket walls.

“Just wait a moment, okay?”

Rosé spoke once more to the puppy and then partially closed the closet door. If it was completely shut, it might be too dark and scare the puppy, but leaving it wide open could tempt it to escape to watch Flitta change dresses.

“Cough!”

In the now quiet room, Flitta, free from interruptions, coughed again—her third time. Rosé worriedly glanced at her while preparing a thin, bright dress.

“No fever, but…”

“I’m not sick. The doctor just checked on me earlier.”

Flitta shrugged to reassure Rosé, but the concerned look in her eyes made her shake her head.

“I really think we should choose another dress, Your Highness.”

“Another dress?”

Flitta’s eyes widened at Rosé’s suggestion. She cleared away all the delicate, bright dresses she had set out for the banquet and pulled out a thick, cozy one. Flitta’s eyes grew even wider at the sight.

“Can I wear this? I heard other nobles will be there. My nanny always says I should wear something as fancy as possible for occasions like this to look pretty.”

The derisive comment from her governess— ‘You need to dress well to hide your lowly blood!’ —went unspoken. But Rosé, as if she had overheard those words, knelt before Flitta and spoke firmly.

“It’s important for you to look beautiful, of course. I understand you need to wear a fitting dress for formal events. But, dear Flitta…”

Rose took the child’s hands and looked into her eyes, warmth radiating from her gaze.

“Wearing fancy dress doesn’t mean you won’t look pretty. You shine just as you are, Flitta.”

“Just… as I am?”

Flitta blinked her round eyes, pondering her words, who assured her with a smile and a nod.

“Yes. And most importantly, your health is what matters. You’ve been coughing, so it’s better to dress warmly. What do you think?”

“I like this one. I was feeling a bit cold, anyway.”

The weather had turned chilly with the rain. After holding back her feelings for a while, Flitta finally admitted the truth. Rosé smiled at her and began to help her change clothes and comb her hair.

“Next time, please tell me when you feel cold or hot. I might not notice otherwise.”

“Alright.”

Flitta answered while swinging her legs back and forth from her chair. Then, as if suddenly remembering, she turned to Rosé.

“You said a lot of big brothers and sisters would come today, right?”

“Yes, I heard all the young nobles from the nearby estates will be attending.”

“Hmm…”

Flitta made a humming sound, as if singing, then turned to Rosé, her mouth moving but no words coming out. She guessed what was in Flitta’s mind, gave a smile and spoke first before her.

“Are you excited, Your Highness?”

“…  A little.”

Flitta answered shyly, twisting her body as she spoke in a small voice. But then her expression shifted to a frown as she squinted.

“What if they all don’t like me? Adella didn’t want to be friends with me…”

“I doubt she dislikes you. It’s likely just because they’re unfamiliar with you so they tend to be shy around new people.”

“That’s true, but…”

Flitta pouted. Just then, a loud crash came from the direction of the closet. The puppy had bolted from the basket.

“Woof!”

“Oh no! No, Hayang! Now you really can’t! If the dress gets ruined, it’ll be a disaster!”

Flitta squealed and jumped onto her chair. But the puppy, undeterred, began to bounce on its front paws, eager to join her on the chair.

A commotion ensued. Once Flitta managed to calm the puppy, she slumped back into her chair, exhaling heavily. The puppy, nestled in her arms, panted happily, wagging its tail.

“I think I know one thing for sure.”

“…?”

Rosé raised an eyebrow at Flitta’s unexpected comment,  who was petting the child.

“This one doesn’t dislike me. Right? In fact, it’s a problem that he likes me too much.”

“Woof!”

The puppy, panting with its tongue out, barked in response, as if affirming Flitta’s words. Rosé couldn’t help but laugh at her grumble about being liked too much. It was a relief to see the child’s spirits lift again.

‘I hope everything goes smoothly at the banquet…’

Rosé quietly murmured to herself.

***

“Are you nervous?”

Before entering the banquet hall, Haven turned to Flitta, who was trembled next to him. Flitta flinched but quickly whispered back.

“A little.”

“There’s no need to be nervous. There’s no one of higher status here than you. Well, except for…”

“For Dad, right?”

Flitta tried to shake off her nervousness with a response, causing Haven’s lips to curve into a subtle smile.

“Exactly. So, don’t be nervous. Hold your head high.”

“… Al, alright.”

Following Haven’s advice, Flitta lifted her chin. However, just a few seconds later, she began to glance around, spotting Rosé standing in the back, and asked Haven again.

“Isn’t Rosé coming in with us?”

“No. If needed, the Count’s maids will attend to you.”

“Hhnng…”

Flitta’s lips formed a little pout, but she wasn’t throwing a tantrum or complaining.

“I’ll be waiting right here, Your Highness.”

Rosé who stood behind them consolingly told her then Flitta turned to her.

“You’ll be waiting the whole time?”

“Yes.”

“Really?”

“Yes, Princess.”

Rosé smiled and nodded, and Flitta’s face began to relax, the tension easing as she felt reassured. Haven noticed the change in Flitta and exchanged a grateful glance with Rosé.

Just then, the butler approached, bowing politely to Haven. When Haven nodded in acknowledgment, the butler opened the door to the banquet hall.

“His Grace the Grand Duke, and the Young Lady have arrived!”

A small commotion ensued inside, with the sound of rustling dresses and murmuring voices as guests stood to greet Haven and Flitta.

This was a familiar sight for Haven, one he encountered everywhere he went. However, for Flitta, it was entirely new.

“Flitta.”

He extended his hand toward his own child. Flitta looked ahead with a nervous expression but then turned to Haven, grasping his outstretched hand without hesitation.

Haven held her small hand tightly in his as they stepped forward, adjusting his pace to match her little strides.

“Your Grace the Grand Duke, it is truly an honor to have you here.”

The Count and Countess approached immediately, bowing to Haven. He nodded in return, acknowledging their greeting before speaking.

“I am grateful for the hospitality you have shown these past few days. It’s a pleasure to see you all before my departure.”

His blue eyes scanned the other nobles present. Those who met his gaze bowed respectfully, while the ladies lifted their dress hems and curtsied. As this unfolded, the band positioned at one side of the banquet hall began to play, marking the official start of the evening’s festivities.