Willem's gaze turned to Angie.
“Yes, I will do that.”
As Angie nodded, Martin continued.
“I’ll send a telegram to Grandma telling her I’ll visit her in three weeks. I don’t think anything will happen... but just in case, you should be more careful. As usual, refrain from going out for the time being and always be careful.”
“I will. The dress I am working on will be finished next week. So I will not be taking any work for a while and will just stay at home.”
“That would be great. Oh, right! The tablecloths that were commissioned by the royal family before have all been delivered, right? Oh my, when I heard that the chief chamberlain commissioned them, I thought someone was joking. Now, Madame M is recognized even by the royal family!”
“How about just staying far away in case another request comes in?”
“I guess that would be better? I’ll tell the costume shop. Madame M is on vacation, so please ask again after November.”
Angie smiled gratefully at Martin and Bryn's additions.
“Thank you. I think that would be better. Instead, I’ll just make clothes for the family at home. I’ve already prepared Uncle Willem’s handkerchiefs and Patricia’s baby clothes. The fabric materials will arrive tomorrow. There are also two of them, but that’s a secret.”
“Oh, it’s a Christmas present? I’m already looking forward to it!”
Bryn smiled brightly. The air on the table, which had been heavy for a moment, became warm again as usual. Following the stew with potatoes, cabbage, and beef, a large smoked ham and a golden-brown halibut dish were served one after another, accompanied by wine. Everyone ate with a much lighter heart and chatted about this and that.
Angie listened to Willem's story about the construction of the intercontinental railroad and prayed to God in her heart. Please, don't let this happiness be shattered. She prayed that the peace of this family would never be ruined because of her. And Kyle too...
She just wished he would forget her completely. It was impossible to wish him happiness. It was impossible, considering the sins of his ancestors, and the atrocities of Kyle brutally murdering Angie's adoptive parents.
All she wanted was to truly atone for all her past and not commit any more sins. That was all Angie wanted. It was her only wish for the Duke of Kyle Roden Blackwell, who had brought Kai and Noah into the world, and whom she truly loved.
On the highest hill in the city center of Citadel, the Imperial Palace, which bears the same name as the capital of Vintergar, was majestic and solemn, yet full of life. The palace, which had been half-blown away in two continental battles, had been rebuilt to be stronger and more beautiful than before.
The city center, overlooked by the towering fortress, was a new world. The smoke from the chimneys rising here and there, the bustling streets, and the people laughing together were the most impressive. Even the noise of the iron lumps was not jarring to the ears and felt like a manifestation of a new civilization.
Vintergar was on the path to success as a constitutional monarchy and industrial state. No one in the Trieste royal delegation could question that fact, as the Kings and their entourages of the two countries held a formal welcoming banquet late into the night.
Three Trieste guards stood in front of a tower far from the palace. Someone wearing a cloak and a hood covering his face approached them. The moonlight was particularly dim there, so the surrounding area was practically pitch black. One of the guards spoke first. His voice was so low that it was almost like he was talking to himself.
“In six days we will be having a parade through the streets to celebrate the founding of the nation. That will be the right time. The best guards of Vintergar will be there, while the cowardly King of Trieste will be holed up in this palace.”
“I see. Then I guess I’ll have to send the King, the Duke, and all three at once that day.”
“Keep in mind. The assassin must be killed by leaving evidence that he is a Vintergarian. Only then can Archduke Winston use the excuse of war or severance. The current Vintergar is too powerful, and it has allied with its neighbors through armistice agreements. It will lose if it fights in the current situation, so Trieste will try to avoid war as much as possible.”
“Then again... they’re just going to take a huge amount of compensation and lock the door again.”
“That’s right. What Archduke Winston and the Privy Council ultimately want is an eternal class society. A country where the nobility reigns supreme and the commoners work themselves to death forever. We just watch the situation unfold and take a big chunk of our savings before running off to other countries.”
“This Vintergar doesn’t seem so bad as a country of exile. Non-noble citizens became members of the cabinet and were equal to the royal family. Isn’t that something unimaginable in Trieste?”
“I agree. Trieste has no future unless the royal family is completely wiped out. But... Hey, Shadow. You’re not asleep, are you?”
The man called Shadow remained silent the whole time, then shook his head while wearing his hood. He stood up from his position leaning against the fence of the tower. The eerie fog cleared and the sky became brighter. The leader who had spoken first began to talk.
“Anyway, keep in mind. The mission will be completed in six days. Failure will not be tolerated.”
Clouds passed over the moon, revealing a face beneath the hood. Between the beautiful features, the eyes were bathed in moonlight in the soft darkness. One of the men felt a strange sense of unease and tried to say something, but then closed his mouth.
That's unusual. It's my first time seeing purple eyes...?
A few days passed busily. At the end of the Corinthian-columned gallery was the Royal Lady Chamber, where Queen Vintergar resided. The night before the civic procession, the ladies of both countries went to the chamber together to have some time alone before bed. Leticia was one of them.
“Oh my gosh... This place is so beautiful. I really don’t know where to look.”
She was deeply fascinated by Vintergar. Not only because of the grandeur and grandeur of the palace and the royal chambers but also because of the grandeur and grandeur of the Duke of Blackwell's residence in Trieste.
What Leticia admired was the bright and free atmosphere within the palace. It was different from the splendid and magnificent but dark and gloomy Trieste. It had nothing to do with the rigid and suppressed royal family of her home country.
It was good that she came. Could Trieste also change like this someday? She hopes it does, under the influence of Vintergar.
Her heart was pounding and fluttering. A ray of hope was blooming in Leticia's foolish heart.
It would be good if they could introduce a constitutional monarchy and develop it like this. Just because a cabinet system is established and the citizen class is activated, the nobility won't disappear overnight. It's just that their power is weakened, but since the royal family remains the same, if the Dukes live the same way as they do now and develop industry...
Leticia pretended to listen to the Queen's words, her eyes quickly scanning the cushions on the sofa, the bedding, and the dress.
Look at that. That fancy lace and frills. That must have been made with the latest sewing machine equipment. Even the tablecloth is so pretty. Wait, that lace...
Leticia stared at the guipure lace that ran across the center of the table while the valet filled the teapot. The unusual pattern was familiar. It was a design of intricately and delicately interwoven marigolds in full bloom. She had seen it before.
"Wow, you did all this hard work in two days? That's amazing, Angie! Not a single strand is out of place!"
"It's so luxurious! It's a lace tablecloth that you would only see at a royal tea time."
Leticia blinked. The embroidery meeting on Cullinan Island a few years ago came back to her vividly as if it had happened yesterday. The girls' chattering was also clearly playing in her ears. The next moment, she unconsciously grabbed the valet's sleeve and asked.
“Excuse me, this tablecloth... Where did you get it? Did it come from Trieste? Before trade was cut off...”
“Huh? Oh, no. I ordered it from a downtown costume shop.”
“I think this is the style that the Duchess of Blackwell likes. If it’s okay with you, I’ll get you the exact same one and give it to you.”
Princess Elise of Vintergar smiled brightly, seemingly interpreting Leticia's confusion as admiration.
“Oh, no! I’m really embarrassed to even say that. It’s just... It’s so similar to something someone made before. If you don’t mind, could you tell me who the madam in the costume shop is? What’s her name...?”
Leticia looked back at the attendant.
“I’m sorry. I’ve never seen her myself, but I only know it as Madame M. I’m guessing that M stands for the initials of the marigold, the flower of this pattern.”
“Ahh... So that was Madame M.”
"Someday, the fog will clear and the world will be safe enough to go outside. Then, Angie could open a costume shop. Wouldn't she be very famous?"
"That's right. Since costume designers usually use Madame as their stage name, Angie made one too. Madame Angel? Madame Annes? Oh, how about Madame Marigold? You're making this flower into a kind of signature!"
The girls’ chatter flashed through Leticia’s mind. Her head felt dizzy, but her heart sank. Angie’s face, holding the marigold-patterned lace and smiling brightly, was so vivid. Her heart pounded, thump, thump.
No way... No way Angie is here?
“By the way, the Duke and Duchess have also decided to take part in the city parade tomorrow. Since it will be an unofficial participation and not visible to the public, you will be able to tour the city center comfortably from your carriages.”
“Oh, then you’re coming with us. That’s great!”
The Princess clapped her hands in delight at the Queen's words. Leticia quickly raised her head and responded.
“Yes, I think it would be nice to see the atmosphere of the Citadel. I’m already very excited.”
Come to your senses. There are plenty of people who can make something like this. Marigolds are common flowers not only in Trieste but also in Vintergar. It must be a coincidence.
Leticia forced a smile and rejoined the conversation, thankfully the teacup held to her lips masked her slightly trembling lips.
“Yes, I will do that.”
As Angie nodded, Martin continued.
“I’ll send a telegram to Grandma telling her I’ll visit her in three weeks. I don’t think anything will happen... but just in case, you should be more careful. As usual, refrain from going out for the time being and always be careful.”
“I will. The dress I am working on will be finished next week. So I will not be taking any work for a while and will just stay at home.”
“That would be great. Oh, right! The tablecloths that were commissioned by the royal family before have all been delivered, right? Oh my, when I heard that the chief chamberlain commissioned them, I thought someone was joking. Now, Madame M is recognized even by the royal family!”
“How about just staying far away in case another request comes in?”
“I guess that would be better? I’ll tell the costume shop. Madame M is on vacation, so please ask again after November.”
Angie smiled gratefully at Martin and Bryn's additions.
“Thank you. I think that would be better. Instead, I’ll just make clothes for the family at home. I’ve already prepared Uncle Willem’s handkerchiefs and Patricia’s baby clothes. The fabric materials will arrive tomorrow. There are also two of them, but that’s a secret.”
“Oh, it’s a Christmas present? I’m already looking forward to it!”
Bryn smiled brightly. The air on the table, which had been heavy for a moment, became warm again as usual. Following the stew with potatoes, cabbage, and beef, a large smoked ham and a golden-brown halibut dish were served one after another, accompanied by wine. Everyone ate with a much lighter heart and chatted about this and that.
Angie listened to Willem's story about the construction of the intercontinental railroad and prayed to God in her heart. Please, don't let this happiness be shattered. She prayed that the peace of this family would never be ruined because of her. And Kyle too...
She just wished he would forget her completely. It was impossible to wish him happiness. It was impossible, considering the sins of his ancestors, and the atrocities of Kyle brutally murdering Angie's adoptive parents.
All she wanted was to truly atone for all her past and not commit any more sins. That was all Angie wanted. It was her only wish for the Duke of Kyle Roden Blackwell, who had brought Kai and Noah into the world, and whom she truly loved.
***
On the highest hill in the city center of Citadel, the Imperial Palace, which bears the same name as the capital of Vintergar, was majestic and solemn, yet full of life. The palace, which had been half-blown away in two continental battles, had been rebuilt to be stronger and more beautiful than before.
The city center, overlooked by the towering fortress, was a new world. The smoke from the chimneys rising here and there, the bustling streets, and the people laughing together were the most impressive. Even the noise of the iron lumps was not jarring to the ears and felt like a manifestation of a new civilization.
Vintergar was on the path to success as a constitutional monarchy and industrial state. No one in the Trieste royal delegation could question that fact, as the Kings and their entourages of the two countries held a formal welcoming banquet late into the night.
Three Trieste guards stood in front of a tower far from the palace. Someone wearing a cloak and a hood covering his face approached them. The moonlight was particularly dim there, so the surrounding area was practically pitch black. One of the guards spoke first. His voice was so low that it was almost like he was talking to himself.
“In six days we will be having a parade through the streets to celebrate the founding of the nation. That will be the right time. The best guards of Vintergar will be there, while the cowardly King of Trieste will be holed up in this palace.”
“I see. Then I guess I’ll have to send the King, the Duke, and all three at once that day.”
“Keep in mind. The assassin must be killed by leaving evidence that he is a Vintergarian. Only then can Archduke Winston use the excuse of war or severance. The current Vintergar is too powerful, and it has allied with its neighbors through armistice agreements. It will lose if it fights in the current situation, so Trieste will try to avoid war as much as possible.”
“Then again... they’re just going to take a huge amount of compensation and lock the door again.”
“That’s right. What Archduke Winston and the Privy Council ultimately want is an eternal class society. A country where the nobility reigns supreme and the commoners work themselves to death forever. We just watch the situation unfold and take a big chunk of our savings before running off to other countries.”
“This Vintergar doesn’t seem so bad as a country of exile. Non-noble citizens became members of the cabinet and were equal to the royal family. Isn’t that something unimaginable in Trieste?”
“I agree. Trieste has no future unless the royal family is completely wiped out. But... Hey, Shadow. You’re not asleep, are you?”
The man called Shadow remained silent the whole time, then shook his head while wearing his hood. He stood up from his position leaning against the fence of the tower. The eerie fog cleared and the sky became brighter. The leader who had spoken first began to talk.
“Anyway, keep in mind. The mission will be completed in six days. Failure will not be tolerated.”
Clouds passed over the moon, revealing a face beneath the hood. Between the beautiful features, the eyes were bathed in moonlight in the soft darkness. One of the men felt a strange sense of unease and tried to say something, but then closed his mouth.
That's unusual. It's my first time seeing purple eyes...?
***
A few days passed busily. At the end of the Corinthian-columned gallery was the Royal Lady Chamber, where Queen Vintergar resided. The night before the civic procession, the ladies of both countries went to the chamber together to have some time alone before bed. Leticia was one of them.
“Oh my gosh... This place is so beautiful. I really don’t know where to look.”
She was deeply fascinated by Vintergar. Not only because of the grandeur and grandeur of the palace and the royal chambers but also because of the grandeur and grandeur of the Duke of Blackwell's residence in Trieste.
What Leticia admired was the bright and free atmosphere within the palace. It was different from the splendid and magnificent but dark and gloomy Trieste. It had nothing to do with the rigid and suppressed royal family of her home country.
It was good that she came. Could Trieste also change like this someday? She hopes it does, under the influence of Vintergar.
Her heart was pounding and fluttering. A ray of hope was blooming in Leticia's foolish heart.
It would be good if they could introduce a constitutional monarchy and develop it like this. Just because a cabinet system is established and the citizen class is activated, the nobility won't disappear overnight. It's just that their power is weakened, but since the royal family remains the same, if the Dukes live the same way as they do now and develop industry...
Leticia pretended to listen to the Queen's words, her eyes quickly scanning the cushions on the sofa, the bedding, and the dress.
Look at that. That fancy lace and frills. That must have been made with the latest sewing machine equipment. Even the tablecloth is so pretty. Wait, that lace...
Leticia stared at the guipure lace that ran across the center of the table while the valet filled the teapot. The unusual pattern was familiar. It was a design of intricately and delicately interwoven marigolds in full bloom. She had seen it before.
"Wow, you did all this hard work in two days? That's amazing, Angie! Not a single strand is out of place!"
"It's so luxurious! It's a lace tablecloth that you would only see at a royal tea time."
Leticia blinked. The embroidery meeting on Cullinan Island a few years ago came back to her vividly as if it had happened yesterday. The girls' chattering was also clearly playing in her ears. The next moment, she unconsciously grabbed the valet's sleeve and asked.
“Excuse me, this tablecloth... Where did you get it? Did it come from Trieste? Before trade was cut off...”
“Huh? Oh, no. I ordered it from a downtown costume shop.”
“I think this is the style that the Duchess of Blackwell likes. If it’s okay with you, I’ll get you the exact same one and give it to you.”
Princess Elise of Vintergar smiled brightly, seemingly interpreting Leticia's confusion as admiration.
“Oh, no! I’m really embarrassed to even say that. It’s just... It’s so similar to something someone made before. If you don’t mind, could you tell me who the madam in the costume shop is? What’s her name...?”
Leticia looked back at the attendant.
“I’m sorry. I’ve never seen her myself, but I only know it as Madame M. I’m guessing that M stands for the initials of the marigold, the flower of this pattern.”
“Ahh... So that was Madame M.”
"Someday, the fog will clear and the world will be safe enough to go outside. Then, Angie could open a costume shop. Wouldn't she be very famous?"
"That's right. Since costume designers usually use Madame as their stage name, Angie made one too. Madame Angel? Madame Annes? Oh, how about Madame Marigold? You're making this flower into a kind of signature!"
The girls’ chatter flashed through Leticia’s mind. Her head felt dizzy, but her heart sank. Angie’s face, holding the marigold-patterned lace and smiling brightly, was so vivid. Her heart pounded, thump, thump.
No way... No way Angie is here?
“By the way, the Duke and Duchess have also decided to take part in the city parade tomorrow. Since it will be an unofficial participation and not visible to the public, you will be able to tour the city center comfortably from your carriages.”
“Oh, then you’re coming with us. That’s great!”
The Princess clapped her hands in delight at the Queen's words. Leticia quickly raised her head and responded.
“Yes, I think it would be nice to see the atmosphere of the Citadel. I’m already very excited.”
Come to your senses. There are plenty of people who can make something like this. Marigolds are common flowers not only in Trieste but also in Vintergar. It must be a coincidence.
Leticia forced a smile and rejoined the conversation, thankfully the teacup held to her lips masked her slightly trembling lips.
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