"I heard you went out?" Father asked as we were having dinner together.

This was a daily routine for us now. Whenever dinner approaches, we eat together like one happy family. Nathan, who looked indifferent sitting in front of me, doesn't look exactly the 'happy' part.

"Mmm! We strolled around the capital and visited landmarks." I replied.

I heard Nathan snort, so I glanced at him. He was wearing this cynical half-smile of his which makes him look arrogant. Well, he IS arrogant...

"Did you buy anything?" Dad glanced at me as he sips his wine.

Honestly, why does dad keeps asking me about buying things? Is that all Nadia ever asked him? .

"Yes, I did! I bought something for everyone as well."

"That's a first" Nathan butts in all of a sudden.

This guy's being a jerk again. Whenever we're in the same room, every single time he opens that mouth of his, he is either mocking me, or he's being a dedicated a$$hole. There is no in-between.

I gave him a smile, even though inside, I was itching to smack him over his head.

"I hope you'll like it, dad." I beamed and signal for Mari to bring it in.

Lily and Erin entered the dining room carrying the thing I had brought from earlier. It was a chocolate cake, and I specifically bought it for tonight's dessert.

"We tried one of the cafes from the Capital and the cakes there were really delicious! So I bought one for everyone to try as well~" I narrated while looking really excited all throughout.

I wasn't lying though. The cakes were scrumptious! I literally felt the chocolate melting inside my mouth and was having culture shocks the entire time.

I watched them eat the cake. Nathan was looking apprehensive at first, but I know his weakness well fufufufufu~

C'mon Nathan! I know you have a sweet tooth! This is basically a personal attack to you, you know! Fufufufufufu~

As the saying goes, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

I had already contracted the kitchen staff to teach me about baking. In due time, I would frequently give frontal attacks so he better be prepared.

"What do you think?" I was batting my eyelashes to them, anticipating their replies.

"This is really good." My dad says while nodding.

I know he's not a fan of sweets so it's so sweet of him to even try one just because I gave it to him.

"It's... fine," Nathan uttered.

My eyes narrowed.

Hohhh? Only fine? Nathan, you're such a big liar.

"Thank you, brother!" I exclaimed and let out a wide grin at him.

His expression soured in an instant, not amused at the thought that he made me happy.

Heh~ Knowledge is power, you know!

I thought while celebrating mentally.

Nathan - 0

Nadia - 1

------------------***

Squinting my eyes, I stared really hard at the rows and rows of shops that lined the wall. I was trying to determine which looks better, but I couldn't, for the life of me, distinguished anything. They all look equally better in my eyes. To me, it all looked similar, the only thing that differentiates them, is their colors.

"Which one do you think looks expensive and also, had never been worn?" I inquired, looking at the hundred shoes lined up in front of us.

Erin was beside me, looking as well.

"This one?" She uttered and points at the shoe which is displayed at the top like a trophy while scratching her head.

I stared at it and nodded.

Yep! This one screams money to me. Lots of money was probably spent on this one because it's being flaunted here.

"Wrap this up and mail it to-- AH!" I screamed, realizing something.

" I forgot to ask her name!" then proceeds to pull my hair.

Oh, I'm so dumb!

Dumb Nadia!

Ugh...

Why did I forget that one important thing! How am I supposed to send this then?

"I'm so stupid!" I mumbled as I paced to and fro.

I was biting my nails as I stepped back and forth, trying to think of something! Even just a hint!

Did she say anything about where she's from? I don't remember...

"Did something happened milady?" Erin inquired, watching me go crazy with worry.

"Oh, Erin... What if she really sends a receipt? Then I'm really doomed right?!"

I stopped moving and grasped my hair.

"What am I gonna do?"

"I don't know what's happening but... maybe milady should ask the Marquis for help?" Erin answered, blinking at me.

I glanced at her and remained silent for a moment.

Well, I could, but there's a risk of Nathaniel finding it out after.

"You're right but... Ah, whatever! I'll just explain then!" I exclaimed with a snap.

Right. Why must I get scared of what Nathan would think? It's not like I have done anything wrong!

Making up my mind, I decided to just throw the towel and make a break for it. So I made my way to dad's office.

I stood there in front of the door, biting my lip. I was eyeing it with uncertainty. Should I come in or not?

"What are you doing?" A voice suddenly echoed out behind me.

I whirled around and saw Nathan, looking down at me with those same cold eyes.

Dang it...

Why is he here?

I avoided his eyes and looked at the door again.

"I... uhh..."

His left brow shot up in question but remained silent.

"Dad's not here." He stated.

Hearing what he said, I immediately deflated like a balloon. Then I came here for nothing...

I sighed and looked wistfully at the door again. Why must he go when I need him...

Looking at Nadia's forlorn face, Nathan debated if he should ask or not. After all, he doesn't care about whatever shit she does as long as he's not involved in it.

"Do you have a problem?"

He didn't know what possessed him to say that. He wanted to take it back, but he saw Nadia's eyes glinting with shock.

Heh. What an expression...

Nadia struggled, contemplating if she's going to tell him, and worrying about what he would think at the same time.

She glanced at Nathaniel again, who was stiff and silent as a board. This might be a chance to get closer to him so fudge it!

"I... actually have a problem." I started and looked at him with hesitation. Seeing him still looking at me and remaining mute, I continued.

He might actually help her!

"You see, Lily accidentally stepped on some noble girl's foot and she was acting really crazy about it."

Nathan's head cocked to the side. The little action made my inner fangirl screamed in delight. She was going 'kyaah kyaah' like a lunatic.

"So I accidentally told her to buy another and mail the receipt in here. It's not intentional I swear!" I exclaimed and stared at him wide-eyed. "I was gonna tell dad, but he's out..."

Twiddling my thumbs, I peeked at him through my lashes and looked away after.

"I was also going to send one of my shoes in exchange but I forgot to ask for her name..." I mumbled, getting nervous about the possibility of him getting mad.

"Really?" He asked, looking unbelieving.

He's not buying it...

"I'm telling the truth!"

Nathan looked on again, still appearing unperturbed. It's getting clear that he doesn't believe me one bit so I started feeling remorseful.

Why must Nadia ruin her relationship with my second favorite male lead...

Nathaniel stared at her, looking for whatever the fvck he wants to see.

Is this one of her ploys? He thought.

He saw her face losing its brilliance as a frown appeared and marred her usual playful self. She looked really troubled...

So she's not lying?

Nathan was still perplexed. How many times did Nadia lie to him from the past? Countless... He couldn't even remember most of it now. He can't help but be wary of her.

"I'll just wait for dad to come back..." She muttered and started walking away.

I looked at her retreating form and frowned.

"Wait."

I got surprised at first, then sighed deeply. Whatever...

"I'll tell Uno to look for information about her," I said and walked ahead of her.

Just this once. I'm only doing this for once and that's all...

Nadia stared at Nathaniel's back and gawked. She doesn't know what to feel because she's both confused, bewildered, and happy. It's hard to focus on one emotion.

What is that? Is that a flag? Am I progressing? Did the cake work?!

I couldn't believe my eyes and my ears. My brain wouldn't even register it!

A wide shit-eating grin appeared on my face as I watched him disappear around the corner.

"Thank You!" I yelled and hoped he heard it.

Ehehehe~

I went back to my room still sporting that wide smile and even my attendants could see how incredibly good of a mood I am.

It was close to noon when someone knocked on the door in my room. I was having tea on the balcony and enjoying the sun when it happened. Freesia went to the door to see who it was.

She then let someone in, and it was Uno, the head of guards. He was still young, probably mid-twenties but he already has the highest position in Herman's secret guards.

"Milady, I found the name of the person from yesterday." He started. "She's the youngest daughter of Count Riviere, Gwyneth."

My eyes sparkled in delight.

"Thank you~"

Uno bowed and retreated. He was already out of the door in record time.

"Milady?" Lily muttered at the side.

I looked at her and smiled.

"It's okay~ Don't worry about it anymore," I said and sipped my tea, feeling great.

"Erin..." I called out.

"Yes milady! I'm going to send it now!" She responded, knowing what I want her to do.

The others looked very confused but said nothing.

I looked outside and watch the setting sun. The hues of orange and red painted the sky and looked very lovely.

Now, how am I going to repay Nathan?