Thank You For The Confinement, Grand Duke! - Chapter 70.2

“Be careful from now on!”

“What…?”

“Your answer?”

“Yes, yes.”

Enfrise, looking dazed, nodded as he sparkled in the morning sunlight. Seeing him like that made me think from deep within my heart.

I’m glad I didn’t pounce on him.

…Or did I miss my chance to pounce on him…?

* * *

“Wow, you look truly beautiful, miss.”

I really wanted to say, “I’m totally amazing!” but that felt too out of place for this world. Besides, it felt strange to praise myself like that, so I just smiled faintly while Tambor adjusted my outfit.

“Are you uncomfortable at all?”

“It’s… a bit tight, but it’s fine.”

The dress, with a light sky-blue base and various gold embroidery adorned with sparkling beads, was finally complete—the same one Tambor had first let me try on.

“Could you move around a bit?”

I wiggled my arms and legs. Sitting down was a bit tough, but I could manage most movements. However, something was bothering me.

“Will it be hard to ride a boat in this?”

“As long as the hoop skirt doesn’t flip over, it should be fine.”

“Wait, it can flip over?!”

If that happened, it would be like an umbrella turning inside out… I definitely wanted to avoid looking like that in front of Enfrise, especially today.

“By the way, is the lunch box ready?”

“Yes. You did very well for your first time, miss.”

Haha.

Making the pie crust was a bit challenging since it was my first time, but the filling wasn’t too difficult. It was mainly the spices that were quite different. Other than that, it wasn’t too unlike the meat dishes I made at home…

Well, maybe it was a bit different.

It was my first time simmering the meat after grilling it. Perhaps calling it a stew would be more accurate.

When I tasted it, the filling was genuinely delicious. It melted in my mouth even more than braised ribs that had been cooked for hours. Still, the flavor was distinct from braised ribs. It had a unique taste, with the umami from the vegetables and the juiciness of the meat blending together for a rich, tender flavor.

After stuffing that into the pie crust I had made the day before, brushing it with egg wash to seal it tightly, I placed it in the oven and waited. When it was done, I took it out…

“Miss?”

“Yes?”

“There’s something on your lips…”

…Ah, I drooled.

The savory smell of bread mixed with the aroma of the meat was unforgettable. I wanted to eat it soon.

“I’m sure His Grace will be pleased.”

“I hope so.”

I ran to the kitchen the moment I came to my senses in Enfrise’s room and worked hard to make it. Speaking of which, I wonder if Enfrise has finished getting ready.

“Is it okay if I come in, Chaperil?”

“Oh, yes!”

The outfit was all set, and the accessories were perfect.

I chose the set with the turquoise gemstone from the three I had bought last time. Although I had been a little worried that the beads and jewels on the dress might be too much, they actually added a touch of antique charm, enhancing the overall look.

It looked beautiful to me.

I wondered if Enfrise would think it looked pretty, too.

Standing nervously in front of the door, I watched as it slowly creaked open. And there stood Enfrise.

“….”

We both stared at each other and got speechless.

He looked stunning. This man really went all out today!

Usually, he just wore a simple white shirt and a coat, but today he shone. The coat had a blue hue with bright gold embroidery on the sleeves, and the vest underneath was intricately embroidered in gold as well. Yet it didn’t look gaudy at all. His pants were also blue, without embroidery, and tucked into black boots that reached up to his knees.

Around his neck hung a white cravat, adorned with a brooch featuring a brilliant blue gemstone.

His hair, usually effortlessly styled, was neatly swept back on one side, while the other side had just enough volume, curling slightly inward.

To be honest, I wasn’t usually a fan of wax in men’s hair.

I’ve rarely seen anyone pull it off well. But on Enfrise, it looked fantastic. I could finally understand why my friends swoon over actors flipping their hair.

“Chaperil.”

“Ye, yes?”

I finally came to my senses at Enfrise’s call.

‘Oh no, I hope I didn’t drool!’

I must have been staring at him without realizing it. I was supposed to make Enfrise lose his composure, not the other way around.

“…Come here.”

Normally, if the male lead told me to come over like that, I would have thought, “You should be the one to come to me!” But this time, I moved without hesitation in response to his words.

Honestly, my mind was blank, and I couldn’t think straight.

Enfrise stepped closer, staring at me for a while before suddenly smiling. Yet, there was an expression on his face that made it seem like he might cry at any moment.

“May I have the chance to escort you?”

…In that instant, I regained my senses.

He must have wanted to say that line every time there was a party, every time he saw Chaperil from a distance—just watching her from afar.

I felt sorry for being the one to hear those words, Enfrise.

But,

“The only person I want to be escorted by is you.”

I said that with a bright smile.