I'm the Real One, Duke! - C2
The day the Duke of Astorius would visit the count’s residence to formally propose finally came.
Flora was tasked to be part of the team who would receive him, but as a servant.
“Welcome, Duke Astorius.”
“We have been waiting for you, Your Grace.”
Father, his second wife Cedonia, her parents and the chamberlain of the count’s mansion welcomed him.
Maggie was staring at Theodore with flaming cheeks.
In the midst of this, Flora could only gaze at Theodore from afar.
His jet black hair and brilliant scarlet eyes was still the same as when he was just a child.
However, he was now far taller, and he had the physique of a well endowed male.
Flora was overcome with nostalgia, and tears threatened to flow down her cheeks, but she held on
Unfortunately, Maggie was the only one he had eyes for.
“Your Grace, it’s me, Flora. I am beside myself with joy that you have come to propose for us to be tied in marriage.”
Maggie daintily took her skirt with both hands and performed the perfect curtsy.
Meanwhile, Flora desperately tried to supress her anger that was threatening to boil over.
Flora and Maggie both resembled their father with their golden locks and sky-blue eyes.
For a person who hadn’t seen them for 10 years, it was only natural that he wouldn’t be able to distinguish who is who.
And yet Flora was inwardly screaming the words that wouldn’t spill from her mouth no matter what.
No, the real Flora is me!
Please, Lord Theodore!
Please realize it!
“It has been so long, young lady Nazca. 10 years had already passed since we met and it had been only once. Do you still remember me?”
“Eh…”
Maggie was dumbfounded for a second, but she immediately regained her composure and beamed at him.
“W-Why of course!”
“Really, thank goodness. I thought you already forgot all about me.”
Theodore beamed, looking relieved.
Indeed.
Maggie didn’t live in the count’s house 10 years ago.
The only young noble lady that time was Flora.
Flora felt depressed as she gazed at Theodore from afar.
I remember.
I can even recall the exact place where we promised that we will marry each other!
Her voice didn’t reach him.
~
Flora wasn’t allowed to enter the drawing room where Theodore and the others were having a pleasant chat.
A different maid was assigned to serve the tea, and Flora was assigned to the kitchen to prepare the food.
The maid returned from the drawing room, and she immediately gossiped about Theodore, happily gushing over him. Flora quietly listened beside them.
“The Duke is truly magnificent! I’m so envious of our Miss!”
“You’re right. He’s so dreamy. I also want to fall in love at first sight to such a person.”
“Miss met His Grace in the past, apparently.”
“Oh goodness me, is that true? When was that?”
“10 years ago, he said.”
“What a pity, no one is left from the servants back then. I want to hear all about their childhood.”
Flora continued polishing the silverware without a word.
Those servants of the past didn’t have an inkling that Flora met Theodore.
That’s because the count had her locked up in a narrow room.
However, Flora managed to sneak out, and she played in the backyard garden.
Theodore would occasionally stroll in that garden, and that was where they first met.
Flora was 6 and Theodore 9.