Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 223

Chapter 223: I Want to See the Fairy Queen, Gorgeous In a Dress
“You two, come sit here. I’ve reserved a table for you guys.”

Madeline grasped Lariette’s shoulders, pushing her from the back to one of the square tables. Ruediger refrained from knocking the back of his cousin’s head for suddenly taking Lariette away.

The table stood next to the windows, allowing Lariette and Ruediger to see the yard. Several guests mingled outside, exchanging pleasant chatters despite not knowing each other.

Madeline remained standing by the table when Lariette and Ruediger had sat down. Raising her hands, she clapped once while calling, “Francis!”

A butler in a deep maroon vest appeared, pushing a cart with drinks on the racks. He gave Lariette and Ruediger a courteous bow.

“Good evening, Lord Ruediger and Lady Lariette. Would you care for a floral-infused or some enchanted berry wine? Or, how about a fancy apple-berry sparkling water?”

Lariette returned the greeting. She was familiar with Francis from the times she spent in this cafe before. Glancing at Ruediger, she asked, “Shall we try some wine?”

Ruediger smirked, “You should try it on my behalf, then. I’ll take the tea since I drive.”

“On a second thought, never mind,” Lariette shrugged. Smiling, she ordered, “One sparkling water and one tea for us, please.”

Francis immediately served them with two drinks. He placed a tall crystal glass before Lariette, the ruby liquid catching the light elegantly.

“Try it, Lari,” Madeline urged. She still remained by the table, “Have some food first before you guys enjoy the other activities. I’ve told Derek to serve your meals soon.”

“Thanks, Maddie,” Lariette grinned at Madeline, her eyes drifting toward the main entrance, “You should go now, Miss Hostess. The new guests are arriving.”

“I really should! Later, guys~”

Turning around, Madeline quickly disappeared between the mingling crowd. Some customers were enjoying their meals at their tables while the others chose to play at the activity booths.

Lariette picked up the tall glass. After taking a few sips, she hummed in appreciation. She said cheekily, “Can I say that it tastes like summer and stardust?”

Ruediger chuckled softly. Raising the tea cup, he asked, “Have you tried eating stardust before?”

“In my dreams.”

“Hahaha!”

Soon, Derek appeared, bringing platters of delicacies for Lariette and Ruediger. They stared at the small feast served on the table.

Honey-glazed duck with a touch of lavender, rosemary garlic mashed potatoes and cut fruits infused with edible gold dust.

“Let’s eat,” Ruediger reached for the fork and knife. He gestured to their surroundings with a tilt of his chin, “We should look around. The activity booths look interesting.”

“Hehe, but we don’t have any baseball track here,” said Lariette with a playful grin, referring to the time Ruediger showed his skills off[01].

“Well, I think I saw a dart booth there,” Ruediger began cutting through the duck meat, one corner of his lips tugged higher, “It’s time for you to show off now.”

“You’ve seen me play darts at home, remember?”

Following Lariette’s question, Ruediger lifted his eyes from the plate, looking at him. Another chuckle slipped past his lips.

“Should I rephrase it?” Ruediger leaned forward, his emerald eyes glinted under the lights, “I want to see the Fairy Queen, gorgeous in her dress, showing off her skills before everyone else.”

“…you have a point.”

Unsure what she should say, Lariette replied shortly. She lowered her face, silently began slicing through the duck meat. Her cheeks were heated as she heard Ruediger’s low chuckles.

“Lettie, take this.”

“Huh?”

Blinking, Lariette looked at Ruediger who placed the plate of tinyly cut duck in front of her. He took her plate, bringing it before him.

“Enjoy.”

Ruediger simply said that, his lips still curved into an easy smile. Lariette looked at the plate in front of her before staring at him again.

“Thank you, Eddy.”

Ruediger shrugged. He focused on cutting the other duck meat. He said nothing despite noticing that Lariette’s eyes were still on his face.

‘My heart feels strange again.’

Pursing her lips, Lariette smiled shyly before starting to eat the evenly cut meat. The divine taste of the honey-glazed duck spread in her mouth.

While enjoying the meal, Lariette and Ruediger chatted. They occasionally saw Madeline among the crowd as the lady busily greeting the customers.

Once Lariette and Ruediger were done with dinner, they immediately left the table, intending to play at the activity booths.

“Should we go to the potion bar?”

Ruediger pointed in a direction. Two staff handled the booth. It became a magical mixology station where guests could craft their own fantasy-inspired drinks.

“It looks fun. Let’s go!”

From the potion bar, Lariette and Ruediger took their time moving from a booth to the next. They especially had fun at the enchanted dart booth.

“Go, Lettie! Aim at it!”

Lariette’s cheeks were colored with flush when Ruediger began cheering on her. Still, her gaze sharpened once her eyes met the dart board. A few guys lingered around, watching her.

With a steady hand, Lariette raised the dart. She gripped it with precision, and…

Whoosh! Thud!

A subtle flick of her wrist sent the dart soaring through the air, straight to the bullseye.

“Yes! Lettie, congrats! I knew you would hit it!”

Lariette turned to Ruediger who started clapping his hands. She smiled sheepishly but, satisfied. The man’s action surged pride within her despite her simply doing what she usually did.

“Hehe, I did well, huh?”

Lariette chuckled as she returned to Ruediger’s side. The man nodded a few times, his glimmering eyes seemed wanting to tell her she did more than well.

Before Lariette could say anything, Madeline’s familiar voice suddenly rang out like a bell, announcing…

“Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you’ve been waiting for is here! Our main highlight for tonight! The Waltz Under The Enchanted Night Sky.”

Lariette and Ruediger looked in the middle of the cafe where they saw Madeline alone. The latter resumed speaking, encouraging the guests to join the dance floor.

“Don’t be shy, everyone~ It’s night to remember! Come and dance! Create a memorable night with your partners!”

Under Madeline’s encouragement, the guests began filling in the dance floor. The music shifted into a waltz. The soft hum of violins interwined with the deep notes of the piano.

Ruediger turned to Lariette, his expression gentle. Extending one hand, he asked, “Shall we, Lettie?”

Staring at Ruediger’s broad palm, Lariette glanced at the dance floor where couples moved gracefully, “I’m not the best dancer… I didn’t know waltz much.”

Ruediger’s lips quirked into a grin, “Don’t worry. I’ll lead you. And… if you look at them clearly, not everyone dances waltz.”

Blinking, Lariette took another look at the dance floor. Ruediger was right. Most of the guests simply moved around, not really dancing properly according to waltz steps.

It was expected. Not everyone here knew how to dance waltz. The most important thing was, they were enjoying the moment with their partners.

“Then….” Lariette placed her palm over Ruediger’s. Grinning, she said, pretending to warn him, “Don’t be mad if I step on your foot, okay?”

“Hehe, I won’t.”

Gently leading Lariette to the dance floor, Ruediger’s emerald eyes glinted with unspoken affection. The world around them seemed to fade.

———-

Reference:

1 – Chapter 172