The meeting concluded after an hour, and they proceeded to the dining room for their meal. Byrant, who was already present, was thrown out of the kitchen for asking too many questions to the chef when he was busy preparing the meal for the Duke's family. Shortly after, Leesa joined them, accompanied by her maid, Wienne. They enjoyed their dinner together, with the Duchess inquiring about Byrant's progress in his culinary lessons and whether he can keep up with the teacher. Byrant responded with a smile, expressing his enjoyment and the wealth of new knowledge he was acquiring. Following the meal, the Duke and the Duchess embarked on a leisurely walk, while Leesa retired to her room, with Byrant following closely behind. Flavian found himself unable to speak with Leesa, as Byrant constantly tailed her. With no alternative, he reluctantly accepted the situation and retired for the night.
The next morning the Duke accompanied Flavian on a comprehensive tour of the residence, showcasing its grandeur and historical significance. As the tour concluded and lunchtime approached, after the meal everyone dispersed to attend to their respective duties and engagements. Finally, Flavian found an opportunity to converse with Lessa.
"Do you mind taking a light walk with me, Lady Marlene? If you are free that is, since everyone else seems a bit engaged at the moment," asked Flavian as he approached Leesa, who was stepping towards the back door which led to the woods.
'What, why me all of a sudden? Ah, I was about to go to practice since everyone seemed busy so no one would bother me. Well, not like I have any choice but to say yes since Father told me to make sure that the crown prince enjoys his stay here.' Leesa answered with a business smile "Of course, Your Highness, would you like to take a stroll in the garden in front of the palace or back in the woods perhaps?"
"Where would you like it, my lady?"
"By the woods, there should be good, as nice winds as grazing and you can even enjoy the scenery and the relaxing sound of the birds and wind sitting on the soft green grass."
"Oh, excellent, then shall we go to the woods?" asked Flavian to confirm if Leesa wanted to go to the woods.
"Yes, Your Highness," responded Leesa showing the way.
They took a detour through the woods, exploring the serene surroundings. After some time, they found a peaceful spot and decided to sit down and enjoy the tranquillity. While taking a detour Flavian felt that Leesa somehow seemed unfamiliar with him so he tried to make some small talk.
"Do you remember me, my lady? I am the one you saved a few days back," inquired Flavian with a trace of hope in his eyes.
"Of course, how could I forget you, your facial characteristics are rather hard to forget Your Highness," acknowledged Leesa with her back of mind filled with 'I started having nightmares about you calling me with a cringy name'.
[Following the incident, the day proved arduous for Leesa, prompting her to retire early and enter a peculiar dream. In her dream, she encountered a man who bore a striking resemblance to someone she had known in her earlier life, and he called out her name, the very weird nickname she had heard from Flavian. Subconsciously, Leesa associated this man with Flavian, drawing a connection between them.]
"Oh is that so, I didn't know I was that distinctive! Well, I wish to thank you for saving me that day so please let me know if you would like to have anything, so I can return the favour," expressed Flavian in the hope to know anything more about Leesa.
"No need, Your Highness I saw someone get hurt in front of me and I just acted on my own accord there is nothing for you to thank me for."
"But still please let me know of anything you wish, otherwise I won't be able to relieve my burden of thanking you."
Oh please stop, I said I want nothing, get the damm idea, well I don't think he is going back out without giving something to me, then it calls for the special trick. "Ok then, Your Highness, I would like you to send me the finest dish you have eaten."
"That's it? I wanted to give you some grand gift, though."
What is he pouting for? This is the first time I am seeing this type of reaction, till now whenever I said these people lose interest in me in an instant, thought Leesa and to comfort Flavian, Leesa assured him that she didn't need any extravagant gifts and that she was more interested in simple pleasures like food. She emphasized that material possessions were not what mattered to her, but rather genuine thoughts of the person giving the gift.
"Ok then, if you say so," said Flavian feeling happy that he could find another opportunity to talk with Leesa in the name of the gift.
After the talk, both of them duly returned to the residence where Flavian got ready to depart. As Flavain took his leave from the Marlene residence, the duke, the butler and a few servants accompanied him to his carriage. Flavian left for the royal palace satisfied as the thing he came to discuss was accomplished and even his hidden mission of conversing with Leesa. As the royal carriage left the duke returned to his work.
Flavian felt a sense of anticipation, knowing he would have the opportunity to see Leesa again soon during the royal celebration for his 18th birthday and his official announcement as the crown prince. He was confident that Leesa would attend the event, as it was mandatory for noble families to be present. The thought of their reunion filled him with excitement, and he eagerly looked forward to the upcoming occasion.