This is the first time I have taken part in a staring game. None of us tried to look away as if we had a non-verbal agreement in which the first to give up was the loser.

The poor Crown Prince became the mediator.

“Good job, Lady Bethany! I think the Duke had the same opinion,” the Crown Prince declared.

Duke Frederick just let out a smile before saying, “Your Highness, I agree with your statement,”

 If you had agreed earlier, I would have gotten inside.

They started walking towards the manor. I waited until they took several steps.

This was not stupidity. The shitty game world had complex rules. There was an etiquette saying that people of higher ranks should go first. Women should remember this. There should also be distance when an unmarried woman and man interacted. Like every rule, there were exceptions. 

I strolled as I rubbed my palms and breathed on them. I was thankful to Reyner for giving me these mittens. Somehow it helped. I estimated that it took about 50 more steps before I could enter the manor.

This was a wonderful opportunity to exercise. 

I touched my forehead when I fell because of hitting something soft. The owner of this body has a weak physique.

I greeted the person who bumped into me.

He did an Asian squat and commented, “Were you a turtle?”

I stood up. I am thankful that I fell on the grass.  

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

As if there is a way to speed up the pace of my little feet.

Did I tell them to wait for me? I followed the rules of your world, even if it made little sense! Why was it still my fault I fell? Why were people so unfair?!

I was in a daze when he put his cloak on my shoulders. Before I could speak, he already carried me in his arms. If we were newlyweds, I would be in this embarrassing position, but we only met today!

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

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

I knew it. I remained silent. Soon, my annoyance disappeared with amazement. Even though I only saw half of his face, I fell on his spell.

Why did he put on a mask? The novel depicted this man who had heavenly beauty, enough to launch and halt wars.

“Have you become my fan?”

My teeth gritted. He was right. I am a fan of his looks, but not his cockiness.

 “Your Grace, how did you know?” I gasped, my hands were on my mouth.

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

“But it was true, Your Grace! You are a gallant man. You belong to the Top 10 handsome faces of the Daria Empire!”

It was not a smart move to start a fight with this man. Who knows if he would dispose of my dead body somewhere? Avoid death at all costs! I have not done a single task.

He chuckled upon hearing my compliment.

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

Did the cold air pass through his brain? Was he not satisfied that I praised him? What a narcissistic guy!

“Of course you are, Your Grace!”

That was a simple decision. I did not want intrigue. If I chose Reyner, you would consider putting me on the list of crazy obsessed women. Being a concerned cousin, you would warn him to stay away from me. How could I do my job as a cupid if one of my targets did not trust me? I must also get your heart, devilish Duke Frederick.

“Were you sure? Was that an objective or subjective statement? ”

 I tried my best to look like a depressed and teary-eyed puppy. I also sniffed because his sight was directed towards the manor, so I had to get his attention.

“Both, Your Grace! Should I explain and dissect every detail again? You don’t believe me?”

“That was enough. Thank You, Grimaldi.”

When the three of us entered, the attendants and other guests turned pale. I never knew that the mannequin challenge was also a trend here.

My father ran and gave respect to the two. He even apologized because he said I was bothering them. Duh! They were the ones who bothered me!

Eventually, the Duke took me down. I thanked him as if I owed him everything.

Fortunately, Reyner explained that I was their friend, and it was only a small thing to help me. The annoying Duke asked where his room was because he wanted to rest.

What was he trying to imply?

“My dear, how did you meet the Prince and Duke Frederick?”

Instead of resting, my parents (in this world) asked me a question. 

I explained that we had just met, and the speed of events even surprised me.

“Mother, Father, I am exhausted from the shaky trip.”

They understood and left immediately. My mother even kissed me on the cheek. Adrian, the future heir of the Grimaldi household, tapped me on my shoulder. Charlie, the middle child, reminded me about dangerous men.

“Until now, I still could not believe that Duke Frederick put this on you. Did you know?” she caressed the hem of the cloak.

Charlie did not finish her story because Adrian dragged her away.

“Do not disturb our sister. Those useless stories would only make her anxious. She wanted to rest. Let us get out of here.”

First, I removed the cloak, carefully folded it, and hid it in the wardrobe.

What was that story about this cloak that would make me worry?

Whatever.

“Freedom at last!” I murmured as I felt my back touch the bouncy and soft mattress. 

Alone time--- a thing that introverts love.

I have only spent a few hours in this world, but many things happened.

***

Five o’clock in the afternoon. Frost seeped into my window. While the servants prepared the lukewarm water for my bath, I was busy sewing the heating pads while sitting near the fireplace. I am not used to freezing weather. I could not afford to get sick.

“My Lady, your bath is ready,” Nora said.

“I can take a bath by myself. Just finish sewing these heating pads.”

Hot baths were the best! After I took a bath, I dressed up. I have to return their belongings.

But as I was going to their rooms, something unexpected caught my eye.

A perfect tool, an instrument that would create disturbance!

That chaos would be a decoy for Count Viscar and my true target.