The poor turtle stumbled when she bumped into me, so I guess I had another inspiration to be buff.

“Your Grace, I apologize for my slowness. Expect me to speed up the pace.”

I shook my head when she said that she would speed up her space. What a great joke because if she can, then why would I return?

I put my cloak on her because she was as pale as a sheet of paper. Giving fan service and carrying a lady in a bridal style way was never this fun!

“Your Grace, you could put me down, the woman and the man ...”

How dare you nag me as if you’re my Mom? Wrong response, it should be: “Your Grace, what an incredible strength you have!”

“Tell me that fucking rule, and I would not show any mercy to you.”

This woman had to know that I’m not the type of person who would resist being put in a box.

Did I become too hard on her? Carrying a rock made time slower, but when I glanced, I couldn’t help but grin. Her rosy cheeks and heart-shaped eyes said it all—being with me was like ecstasy because I’m once in a blue moon, baby!

“Have you become my fan?”

Although I already knew it, I had to hear it from the person itself.

“Your Grace, how did you know?” she asked.

Of course, I would always recognize my lovely fans, so don’t be shy with me and I would always welcome you with open arms!

“You gawked at me as if you have seen a knight in shining armor.”

When she said that I belonged to the top 10 handsome bachelors in the empire, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Who would’ve thought that Reyner contributed a significant result in an unexpected time?

“Who is more handsome, me, or Reyner?”

Actually, this is my ultimate fan test.

“Of course you are, Your Grace!”

Thus, this concludes that I’ve found an interesting and genuine one who replied in less than a minute.

Sniffs signaled code blue—I should stop or else I’ll lose her, which I can’t afford to happen, so I thanked her for telling the truth even though it was obvious.

****

“Frederick, what were you thinking?” Reyner asked.

“I appreciated that you’re always here for me, however, you know that I’m the kid who always dived in the water no matter how deep or shallow it was.”

We’re back from trekking, and this man thought that extreme sports were equal to suicidal. All I have to do is to release “his kryptonite” then the violent storm would be quiet.

“No, I was referring to Lady Bethany, you didn’t have to carry her as if she was your Duchess.”

The next seconds of my life became eternal suffering.

Why did you put her in a tough situation? Don’t you know she has a weak body? We should empower women not include them in a scandal. Blah, blah, blah!

I told him she would be alright because I’ll help her to the best of my abilities. James was a life savior when he informed me she returned our belongings and gave us heat packs.

Staring at the gift gave smiles to my face, she deliberately uses teal blue cloth being my favorite color.

“Lady Bethany doesn’t deserve a trashy guy that only uses the head between his legs. ”

“You just can’t believe My Lady has the best preferences!”

I put my hand on my chest as the roasting heat inside me made me sweat. Dang! This curse won’t stop until it killed me!

I ordered everyone to leave and cast a barrier spell in this room. I don’t want everyone to see how miserable I am.

When I woke up to find Reyner, a group of noblemen passed by. I asked what was the commotion about because it engrossed them in a heated argument.

They explained what happened at the banquet. I smirked when they mentioned my new fan.

After I relayed my plan in their investigation, I searched for her. Maybe my feet wanted to find her, maybe because Count Viscar was a pest who viewed himself like a deadly best in front of the weaker people.

Where did she go?

“My Lady, you already gained 3 friends today. That’s amazing!” the maid said.

The Lady hummed like a nightingale. I bet her mood would be better if she would meet me. What could be the best approach?

I slapped the wall and got closer to her. How did you like that?

Also, I glared at the nosy maid who didn’t know how to read the atmosphere.

“My Lady, I think I should go.”

That was one of the best decisions you’ve ever made, lass.

“Your Grace, what brings you here?”

That was it? I expected another kind of response.

“I think I should be the one who’s asking that.”

Gotcha! You couldn’t resist my charm, so you resorted to pushing me away. You’re the type who enjoyed chasing games. Noted.

“I apologize, Your Grace, it was just your face that was too close to mine, my reflexes...”

You don’t have to apologize because your tomato cheeks explained it all.

“I understood. But why do you always forget to bring your coat whenever we meet? A concerned woman about the freezing weather who gifted me handmade heat packs. Therefore, I conclude you handed out those elsewhere.”

Yep, there’s no way that she would forget putting on her mittens, scarf and would just put a see-through shawl on you. Where have you been, Grimaldi? Why are traces of straws on the hem of your skirt?

“Yes, I gave it to someone who needed it the most,” she said.

Someone who needed it the most? Was it a horse?

“Lady Bethany was a kind-hearted person, it touched me. You did two heroic deeds today. I can’t help but admire you.”

No response?

“Please, receive this gift from mine.”

“Of course, Your Grace. It’s my plea…”

What was this soothing icy feeling? Should I hug her too? No, I can’t. She would think I’m a pervert, however, if I hug her it would be like lying down on cottony clouds.

“Your Grace, what was the meaning of your action?”

She didn’t know about the Royal Family’s blessing? Which planet did she come from?

“Your Grace, could you please explain why you were teasing me like this? I admired you because I had this impression that you were a man of principles, yet everything was an illusion.”

“I was not teasing you. My bad I did not inform you about the process beforehand.”

Calm down, My Lady. Recall the story of blessing because I’m lazy at explaining the history.

“I understand it, but why did you give me a priceless gift, Your Grace?”

I picked strands of her curly hair and smelled them. It has a faint smell of jasmine—a flower that suits her.

“Who knows, maybe it would become handy in the future? Be thankful because many women would kneel to receive my special gift.”

Honestly, you’re the first woman to whom I have given my blessing. I can’t understand why I am drawn to you letting other people hurt me. I hope I did not make the wrong decision.