Special Side Story, Chapter 5

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At this, Dahlia’s eyes sparkled as she looked up at Eloise.

“We need to decorate the banquet hall, and we’re going to need flower arrangements for that!”

“You little rascal.”

Eloise’s smile deepened at Dahlia’s cheeky demeanor.

“Our Dahlia, you came all the way here just to ask me for this, didn’t you?”

“Is that a nooo?”

Auntie Rose, Dahlia is counting on you.

With that thought filling her heart, Dahlia looked at Eloise with earnest eyes.

And understandably so—Eloise was one of the most renowned florists in the capital.

Her reputation had soared ever since she handled the floral decorations for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Rochester.

While her status as the former Empress certainly played a role, it was her innate aesthetic sense that truly set her apart.

Thanks to that, not only did Eloise supply flower arrangements for imperial events, but she also orchestrated successful events for the capital’s most prestigious families.

Now, even requesting Eloise’s services was as difficult as reaching for the stars…

“So, what’s the use of connections if not for times like these, hmm?”

“Goodness, how does a ten-year-old even come up with such things to say?”

Eloise let out a soft chuckle at Dahlia’s precocious and cunning words.

“Alright, fine. If it’s for Charlize’s birthday, how could I say no?”

“Yay! This is amazing!”

Dahlia threw her arms up in excitement, cheering loudly.

Meanwhile, Joshua wore a slightly discontent expression.

‘What’s his deal now?’

Eloise thought to herself, glancing curiously at her nephew.

Just then—knock, knock, knock.

The soft sound of a knock was followed by Hayden, the head maid, entering with a tray of refreshments.

And behind her, another figure stepped into view.

“Lisa?”

“Mother?”

It was Lisa, the Duchess of Rochester.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

Lisa respectfully bowed to Dahlia and then offered a gentle smile.

“I heard you were here, Your Highness, so I came by to see you. I hope I’m not interrupting?”

“Oh, no! Not at all!”

Dahlia shook her head fervently.

As Lisa took a seat, she asked with curiosity, “What were you all chatting about so delightfully?”

“Well, actually…”

At that moment, Dahlia’s eyes gleamed like a hawk’s.

This was her chance.

Following Aunt Rose, she now had an opportunity to secure support from the Duchess of Rochester for the ‘surprise birthday party.’

“Actually…”

Dahlia began, slyly drawing out her words.

After hearing the full story, Lisa nodded in agreement.

“Oh, so you’re planning a surprise birthday party for Her Majesty the Empress? In that case, I’ll take care of the food.”

She generously offered her assistance.

‘Just as planned.’

Dahlia grinned mischievously.

The three women then enjoyed their tea and chatted cheerfully.

However, there was one person who remained sullen throughout.

That person was none other than Joshua.

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Eventually, it was time for Dahlia to return to the palace.

“Today was so much fun!”

Standing at the front entrance of the Rochester townhouse, Dahlia bid farewell to the duke’s family.

“Thank you, Aunt Rose and Duchess, for agreeing to help.”

Dahlia flashed a bright smile and then glanced around before lowering her voice to a whisper.

“Since it’s a surprise birthday party, you must keep it a secret until the day of, okay?”

“Of course. Absolutely.”

“Dahlia, make sure you don’t give it away yourself,” Lisa and Eloise teased as they chuckled, nodding in agreement.

Then, Dahlia turned her attention to Joshua one last time.

She couldn’t shake the feeling of unease about his gloomy demeanor from earlier.

Fine, I’ll be nice just this once.

Grasping Joshua’s hand firmly, Dahlia smiled warmly.

“Next time, come visit me at the princess’s palace, okay?”

“…Okay.”

Only then did Joshua shyly nod.

“See you all again soon!”

With that, Dahlia climbed into the carriage.

She waved enthusiastically through the window at the three standing outside.

Joshua, in turn, kept waving back for a long while.

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After Dahlia departed for the palace, Eloise narrowed her eyes and looked down at her nephew.

“So, why is my dear nephew sulking so much?”

“….”

Joshua pouted silently, keeping his lips tightly shut.

For a moment, he hesitated, then finally spoke up.

“Why is it that Her Highness… doesn’t ask me for help?”

“What?”

“What is this child even saying?”

Eloise and Lisa stared at Joshua in disbelief.

But Joshua remained completely earnest.

“I can help Her Highness too.”

“….”

“……”

Eloise and Lisa exchanged uncertain glances.

It seemed Joshua, with his precocious mind, was once again overthinking things.

“You see? Her Highness asked Aunt Rose and Mother for help, but didn’t say a word to me,” Joshua said, clenching his fists tightly.

“This is unfair.”

“What is?”

“Today, too, the two of you monopolized Her Highness!”

Joshua lifted his head abruptly, glaring at his aunt and mother.

His green eyes burned with frustration and indignation.

“……”

“……”

From the perspective of the two women, it was simply ridiculous.

After staring at her nephew for a while, Eloise casually asked, “Joshua, do you know how much a banquet costs?”

“……”

Joshua froze for a moment, his shoulders stiffening.

Eloise pressed further, her tone teasing.

“Do you have money?”

“……”

Joshua clammed up like a shell, his lips firmly shut.

Eloise smirked knowingly.

“A ten-year-old trying to act all grown-up, huh?”

Joshua glared at her resentfully, but only for a moment.

Then, with surprising seriousness, he said, “This won’t do.”

What outrageous idea is he coming up with now?

Eloise narrowed her eyes as Joshua continued, speaking with resolve.

“I’ll have to ask Father to pass down the dukedom as soon as possible…”

Lisa immediately straightened up, her face turning serious.

“Over my dead body.”

Of course, it was no surprise. The famously affectionate couple, Lisa and Mathias, always prioritized each other over anything else—even their son.

“Not happening until the day I die,” Lisa said firmly.

“Mother, do you like me or Father more?” Joshua tried to deal a critical blow to his mother.

“Your father.”

Lisa answered without hesitation.

“Tch.”

Joshua clicked his tongue as if he had expected that response all along.

After all, Lisa and Mathias’s loving relationship was well-known even among the nobility.

Their affection was so overwhelming that even their own son found it a bit much to witness.

At that moment, Eloise, feeling playful, turned to Joshua with a mischievous tone.

“Joshua, did you know that first loves never work out?”

“I don’t know who came up with such a foolish notion,” Joshua replied with an uncharacteristically stern expression.

“But in 10 years, that superstition will be proven wrong.”

“Why 10 years? …Wait, don’t tell me—”

Eloise paused, startled.

It made sense. In 10 years, both Dahlia and Joshua would be adults.

Which meant…

“As soon as you turn 20, are you planning to marry Dahlia?”

“Of course.”

Joshua shrugged nonchalantly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Just watch. I’m definitely going to marry Her Highness.”

“…Alright then.”

Eloise stared at her nephew with a mix of amusement and skepticism.

That kid—could he really end up marrying Dahlia?