Three Men: Boyfriend, Dad, and Dad's Friend—Also My Friend's Dad, My Future Father-in-Law, My Employer, and So On (1)

I was still subjected to a flood of glances that seemed to whisper.

But at least I felt much more at ease leaving than I had when I arrived.

Maybe it was because I'd been assured those looks would eventually sink beneath the surface.

Or because I'd confirmed they weren't speaking ill of me, but were merely gossiping about Derek and me.

Whatever the reason, the burden weighing on my heart had lightened considerably—enough that I could at least entertain the possibility that they were only gossiping about us.

Even knowing that everyone was watching, I still exchanged a casual greeting with that troublemaker, who appeared before me as usual without a second thought when he heard I'd visited.

Hmm, Her Majesty had asked me to remain neutral if possible.

What would she think if she knew this troublemaker had already set his sights on our adorable Maria from such a young age?

That would mean betraying some of the tips passed down secretly by word of mouth.

...I even had enough presence of mind to think things like that...