Angie set the bread bag down on the porch railing and gathered the fallen corn leaves and flower petals to one side. She vaguely remembered her mother Lillian doing this long ago. It had been three years since she left the island, and during several visits to Lorsha and Revan, most of the old memories had come back.
It was a very warm and happy childhood. Her parents loved her very much as an only child, and the small but affectionate village of Lorsha was peaceful. The village of Revan, where she visited her maternal family once or twice a year, was also the same. It was a bustling, bustling day, full of love and care for each other.
What shattered that peace one day was war, and... Kyle’s grandfather, Duke John Fitzroy Blackwell. The scars of war may fade, but the latter will never be forgotten.
Angie straightened her back and picked up the bag of bread. She turned her head absentmindedly before opening the door. The rustling of fallen leaves was the sign of the neighborhood cat, strutting around the neighborhood as if it were her own home.
But the owner of the sound wasn't a cat. Angie froze in place like a stone. The bag she was holding fell to the floor, spilling out soft butter rolls and raisin buns.
The man who had been standing over the fence staring at Angie bent down and picked up the bread that had rolled to her feet. He sat up on one knee and looked up at her again. Then he took off his hat. A short, confident sigh escaped Angie's lips.
"You are...!"
A few days after the National Day celebrations in the capital city of the Citadel, good news arrived in the Armitage household. An official letter arrived informing that Willem van Armitage would be awarded the honorary citizenship, a distinction given to only one person each year, in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation.
The Order of Merit for National Foundation Day was awarded to one person from various fields, with the mutual approval of the Royal House of Vintergar and the Parliament. It seemed that the award was given in recognition of his achievements in reviving the Industrial Revolution through various projects, as well as his outstanding contributions to the construction of steamships and railroads.
“Congratulations, Father. I wonder if you will become a member of the National Assembly next year.”
“Congratulations, Dad! I’m happy for the honor of the family, but I’m also really happy for another reason. The name Armitage will be a more definite strength for Martin and Angie.”
Willem nodded as he put the letter down on the table. It was certainly good news, but he was also upset that Angie had fled to the countryside at this time. Martin and Bryn must have thought the same, as they glanced at the nursery where Patricia and Noah were sleeping peacefully.
“That’s right. It’s indeed a blessing for everyone. If we just wait another week, Angie will return... and everyone will be able to return to their comfortable daily lives. Has there been any movement from the Trieste delegation?”
Willem's gaze turned to his son-in-law. Martin, who had just returned from work at the police station, was still in his uniform. His face changed from a look of distress to a serious expression.
“Yes. It’s very quiet. It’s so quiet that it’s a bit strange.”
“What does that mean?”
“What do you mean, Martin?”
The woman asked at the same time as if they had made a promise.
“That’s a bit... There’s no news other than the peace treaty being signed. The Emperor and the nobles of the Privy Council, as well as the Duke of Blackwell, seem to be shut in the palace and not leaving their homes.”
“I see. I wonder if something is going on. The award ceremony at the Citadel Palace is in three days. It’s two days before the Trieste delegation leaves.”
“Perhaps you will also see the Trieste delegation. They may not show up at the award ceremony, but if they are also positive about the trade agreement, I think they will attend the dinner.”
“We’ll just wait and see. It’s unclear whether the Emperor of Trieste has any intention of changing, so it’s hard to make a hasty judgment.”
Martin and Bryn nodded at Willem's words. Not only were the Emperor's thoughts about the future unclear, but so were the Blackwell family's actions. They just hoped that they were not planning to continue that horrible and absurd evil practice.
“Angie.”
Angie stood frozen in place, flinching at the call. No one in this village of Revan called her Angie. In Vintergar, and in the home of her real family, Grandma Catherine, she was Amber Wynn, not Angie Ridsdel.
“Angie, don’t worry. I’m not trying to hurt you, absolutely not.”
The man stopped a few steps in front of her, calling her once more as if to reassure her.
“How could I hurt you? Me, of all people.”
“Michael.”
A deep sigh escaped Angie's lips. Michael was wearing a felt hat, a loose ascot tie, and a gray coat. It was not much different from what the men of the village wore when they went out. He might have been dressed deliberately to avoid being noticed, but it could also have been a coincidence. She heard that when the night market opened, vendors from other villages would come over in large numbers.
“How is it here...”
“I came here while I was in the neighboring town of Ebenhof on business... I saw you earlier. At the town hall across the lake. I wondered if you were a similar person because your hair was different, so I followed you from the bakery here, and now I know for sure. And your hair is a wig.”
It was a reunion after three years. He looked the same as before, but he wasn't exactly the same. Michael had lost the boyish look that always hung on his face and had become a full-fledged young man. Michael must have been thinking the same thing, as his purple eyes, staring intently at Angie, were filled with strangeness and admiration.
“How come in Vintergar... I heard that Cullinan Island burned down and everyone moved to Hedestad.”
“That’s right. I’ve been settled in Hedestad for quite some time. I’m currently in Vintergar on business.”
Angie's eyes widened a little. Now that the two countries had cut off contact, there was no reason for an individual to come to Vintergar from Trieste except for matters related to state affairs or private trade. Does that mean he was no longer a member of the Blackwell family?
“You’re not working at the Duke’s residence anymore? Are you doing something else? Oh, by the way... I’m so glad you’re safe, Michael. I was really worried when I heard about what had happened to the island.”
“Thank you. For worrying about me.”
Michael expressed his sincere gratitude and then got straight to the point.
“Angie, I have to get back to my lodgings in Ebenhof in two hours. By the way, do you know that inn across Lake Revan? I’ve reserved a booth in the first-floor restaurant. I was thinking of having a quiet meal and then heading back. Instead of doing this here, maybe we can talk there?”
There was no time. He bribed a doctor from a nearby village and pretended to be in solitary confinement with food poisoning. This was to fool Leticia's confidant. He had at most two hours left, and he had to return to his room within that time.
“Angie. Do you... trust me?”
When Angie didn't answer, he asked again. He couldn't tell her that time was running out. If she of Blackwell knew that the Duke and Duchess Blackwell were looking for her for different reasons, she might panic.
“Yes, Michael. Before that, I’ll tell Mrs. Line... the person who takes care of my grandmother that I’ll be going out for a bit. You go ahead.”
“Yes. Take your time.”
Angie bent down to pick up the loaf of bread that had become covered in dirt, but Michael was a little faster. He stopped her and picked up the loaf himself, putting it in a bag and holding it in one hand.
“I’ll throw this away. I’m sorry, it’s all useless because of me.”
It was the same old, kind, and gentle Michael Randall. Angie nodded and disappeared into the door. The shock was short-lived, but her mind quickly calmed down and found peace.
It's probably nothing. She just happened to come across him when she came to town. And he seems to have no connection to the Blackwell family anymore.
So his sudden appearance had nothing to do with Kyle. And their direct eye contact during the parade. In fact, it probably had no meaning at all.
Angie calmly approached Mrs. Line, who was preparing dinner in the kitchen. Grandma Catherine had woken up from her nap and was watering the geraniums. Darkness was beginning to fall beyond the window.
Three years. The passage of time seemed to have passed only by Angie Ridsdel. She was as beautiful as ever. No, she was even more beautiful and charming than three years ago. Her face was as clear as a milky white, her features were painted, her green eyes sparkled like emeralds, and her beauty had matured even further.
He thought he knew where that deep, mature feeling came from. Angie had now become a woman from a girl. Just as he had now become a man.
Michael didn't go to the inn first, but sat on a bench at the corner of the alley and waited for Angie. The sun was setting, but the area around the lake square was starting to become more lively than during the day, with people laughing and the sound of carts pulling. The whole town was excited, ready for the night market to open and ready to go sightseeing.
Michael thought it was a good thing. It would be a crowded place with a lot of outsiders, so even if Angie and him were to meet, it wouldn't be noticeable.
Michael clasped his hands together and thought. Fortunately, he found her in time. But what should he do now? He had to protect Angie not only from Leticia but also from Kyle's search. Kyle had seen Angie at the parade, and if their eyes met, he would have recognized her. Jerome must have sent his men to find Angie.
Kyle had been searching for Angie for three years. No matter how thoroughly he tried to hide it on the surface, the Shadow Guard, who were always watching him closely, could not have been unaware of the fact.
What should I do... Where should I send Angie?
First, he called Angie, pretending that they had met by chance, so as not to startle her, and that they would talk for the first time in a long time. There was no other way. The most urgent task was to explain the situation and immediately pack up and evacuate. Not only this village of Revan, but also Ebenhof and Lorsha, and to a place that was farther away and not easily accessible to anyone.
It was a very warm and happy childhood. Her parents loved her very much as an only child, and the small but affectionate village of Lorsha was peaceful. The village of Revan, where she visited her maternal family once or twice a year, was also the same. It was a bustling, bustling day, full of love and care for each other.
What shattered that peace one day was war, and... Kyle’s grandfather, Duke John Fitzroy Blackwell. The scars of war may fade, but the latter will never be forgotten.
Angie straightened her back and picked up the bag of bread. She turned her head absentmindedly before opening the door. The rustling of fallen leaves was the sign of the neighborhood cat, strutting around the neighborhood as if it were her own home.
But the owner of the sound wasn't a cat. Angie froze in place like a stone. The bag she was holding fell to the floor, spilling out soft butter rolls and raisin buns.
The man who had been standing over the fence staring at Angie bent down and picked up the bread that had rolled to her feet. He sat up on one knee and looked up at her again. Then he took off his hat. A short, confident sigh escaped Angie's lips.
"You are...!"
***
A few days after the National Day celebrations in the capital city of the Citadel, good news arrived in the Armitage household. An official letter arrived informing that Willem van Armitage would be awarded the honorary citizenship, a distinction given to only one person each year, in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation.
The Order of Merit for National Foundation Day was awarded to one person from various fields, with the mutual approval of the Royal House of Vintergar and the Parliament. It seemed that the award was given in recognition of his achievements in reviving the Industrial Revolution through various projects, as well as his outstanding contributions to the construction of steamships and railroads.
“Congratulations, Father. I wonder if you will become a member of the National Assembly next year.”
“Congratulations, Dad! I’m happy for the honor of the family, but I’m also really happy for another reason. The name Armitage will be a more definite strength for Martin and Angie.”
Willem nodded as he put the letter down on the table. It was certainly good news, but he was also upset that Angie had fled to the countryside at this time. Martin and Bryn must have thought the same, as they glanced at the nursery where Patricia and Noah were sleeping peacefully.
“That’s right. It’s indeed a blessing for everyone. If we just wait another week, Angie will return... and everyone will be able to return to their comfortable daily lives. Has there been any movement from the Trieste delegation?”
Willem's gaze turned to his son-in-law. Martin, who had just returned from work at the police station, was still in his uniform. His face changed from a look of distress to a serious expression.
“Yes. It’s very quiet. It’s so quiet that it’s a bit strange.”
“What does that mean?”
“What do you mean, Martin?”
The woman asked at the same time as if they had made a promise.
“That’s a bit... There’s no news other than the peace treaty being signed. The Emperor and the nobles of the Privy Council, as well as the Duke of Blackwell, seem to be shut in the palace and not leaving their homes.”
“I see. I wonder if something is going on. The award ceremony at the Citadel Palace is in three days. It’s two days before the Trieste delegation leaves.”
“Perhaps you will also see the Trieste delegation. They may not show up at the award ceremony, but if they are also positive about the trade agreement, I think they will attend the dinner.”
“We’ll just wait and see. It’s unclear whether the Emperor of Trieste has any intention of changing, so it’s hard to make a hasty judgment.”
Martin and Bryn nodded at Willem's words. Not only were the Emperor's thoughts about the future unclear, but so were the Blackwell family's actions. They just hoped that they were not planning to continue that horrible and absurd evil practice.
***
“Angie.”
Angie stood frozen in place, flinching at the call. No one in this village of Revan called her Angie. In Vintergar, and in the home of her real family, Grandma Catherine, she was Amber Wynn, not Angie Ridsdel.
“Angie, don’t worry. I’m not trying to hurt you, absolutely not.”
The man stopped a few steps in front of her, calling her once more as if to reassure her.
“How could I hurt you? Me, of all people.”
“Michael.”
A deep sigh escaped Angie's lips. Michael was wearing a felt hat, a loose ascot tie, and a gray coat. It was not much different from what the men of the village wore when they went out. He might have been dressed deliberately to avoid being noticed, but it could also have been a coincidence. She heard that when the night market opened, vendors from other villages would come over in large numbers.
“How is it here...”
“I came here while I was in the neighboring town of Ebenhof on business... I saw you earlier. At the town hall across the lake. I wondered if you were a similar person because your hair was different, so I followed you from the bakery here, and now I know for sure. And your hair is a wig.”
It was a reunion after three years. He looked the same as before, but he wasn't exactly the same. Michael had lost the boyish look that always hung on his face and had become a full-fledged young man. Michael must have been thinking the same thing, as his purple eyes, staring intently at Angie, were filled with strangeness and admiration.
“How come in Vintergar... I heard that Cullinan Island burned down and everyone moved to Hedestad.”
“That’s right. I’ve been settled in Hedestad for quite some time. I’m currently in Vintergar on business.”
Angie's eyes widened a little. Now that the two countries had cut off contact, there was no reason for an individual to come to Vintergar from Trieste except for matters related to state affairs or private trade. Does that mean he was no longer a member of the Blackwell family?
“You’re not working at the Duke’s residence anymore? Are you doing something else? Oh, by the way... I’m so glad you’re safe, Michael. I was really worried when I heard about what had happened to the island.”
“Thank you. For worrying about me.”
Michael expressed his sincere gratitude and then got straight to the point.
“Angie, I have to get back to my lodgings in Ebenhof in two hours. By the way, do you know that inn across Lake Revan? I’ve reserved a booth in the first-floor restaurant. I was thinking of having a quiet meal and then heading back. Instead of doing this here, maybe we can talk there?”
There was no time. He bribed a doctor from a nearby village and pretended to be in solitary confinement with food poisoning. This was to fool Leticia's confidant. He had at most two hours left, and he had to return to his room within that time.
“Angie. Do you... trust me?”
When Angie didn't answer, he asked again. He couldn't tell her that time was running out. If she of Blackwell knew that the Duke and Duchess Blackwell were looking for her for different reasons, she might panic.
“Yes, Michael. Before that, I’ll tell Mrs. Line... the person who takes care of my grandmother that I’ll be going out for a bit. You go ahead.”
“Yes. Take your time.”
Angie bent down to pick up the loaf of bread that had become covered in dirt, but Michael was a little faster. He stopped her and picked up the loaf himself, putting it in a bag and holding it in one hand.
“I’ll throw this away. I’m sorry, it’s all useless because of me.”
It was the same old, kind, and gentle Michael Randall. Angie nodded and disappeared into the door. The shock was short-lived, but her mind quickly calmed down and found peace.
It's probably nothing. She just happened to come across him when she came to town. And he seems to have no connection to the Blackwell family anymore.
So his sudden appearance had nothing to do with Kyle. And their direct eye contact during the parade. In fact, it probably had no meaning at all.
Angie calmly approached Mrs. Line, who was preparing dinner in the kitchen. Grandma Catherine had woken up from her nap and was watering the geraniums. Darkness was beginning to fall beyond the window.
***
Three years. The passage of time seemed to have passed only by Angie Ridsdel. She was as beautiful as ever. No, she was even more beautiful and charming than three years ago. Her face was as clear as a milky white, her features were painted, her green eyes sparkled like emeralds, and her beauty had matured even further.
He thought he knew where that deep, mature feeling came from. Angie had now become a woman from a girl. Just as he had now become a man.
Michael didn't go to the inn first, but sat on a bench at the corner of the alley and waited for Angie. The sun was setting, but the area around the lake square was starting to become more lively than during the day, with people laughing and the sound of carts pulling. The whole town was excited, ready for the night market to open and ready to go sightseeing.
Michael thought it was a good thing. It would be a crowded place with a lot of outsiders, so even if Angie and him were to meet, it wouldn't be noticeable.
Michael clasped his hands together and thought. Fortunately, he found her in time. But what should he do now? He had to protect Angie not only from Leticia but also from Kyle's search. Kyle had seen Angie at the parade, and if their eyes met, he would have recognized her. Jerome must have sent his men to find Angie.
Kyle had been searching for Angie for three years. No matter how thoroughly he tried to hide it on the surface, the Shadow Guard, who were always watching him closely, could not have been unaware of the fact.
What should I do... Where should I send Angie?
First, he called Angie, pretending that they had met by chance, so as not to startle her, and that they would talk for the first time in a long time. There was no other way. The most urgent task was to explain the situation and immediately pack up and evacuate. Not only this village of Revan, but also Ebenhof and Lorsha, and to a place that was farther away and not easily accessible to anyone.
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