The Marquis of Calibre eventually committed suicide. It is said that he ordered that no one be allowed to enter his study and stay out of the house for an entire day.
'Your Excellency!'
The butler, worried about his master's food, disobeyed the order. And when he opened the door to the study and entered, the Marquis Calibre was found dead. He was said to have hung himself with a rope.
Naturally, Sienna was shocked when she found out about this too late. It is said that Sienna cried and cursed the Emperor and his wife before collapsing.
“So, is the child safe?”
Mrs. Dunham nodded in response to the Empress Dowager's question.
“They said she collapsed and gave birth prematurely, but fortunately the baby is safe.”
“Thank goodness. I’m sick of people dying. Besides, if you’re the son of Marquis Calibre, you’re a precious hand.”
The Empress Dowager replied as such. A faint look of sympathy appeared on Mrs. Dunham’s face. It was impossible not to feel sorry for the Empress Dowager who had suddenly lost both her child and her husband.
“I didn’t know His Majesty would cut it off so coldly. No matter what...”
Mrs. Dunham trailed off.
“He made a promise to God.”
The Empress Dowager answered on his behalf.
“Even when the Emperor is lonely, he must remain calm. That is the attitude that the former Emperor emphasized.”
The teacup, which was out of alignment with its stand, began to wobble and eventually fell over. The tea water naturally spilled from the tilted teacup, slightly wetting the hem of her skirt.
“Oh my, my dress is wet.”
“I need to change. Ma’am, can you help me choose some clothes for me to wear?”
After the Empress Dowager had finished speaking, Mrs. Dunham left the house to her maids and hurried to the dressing room.
“Yeah. I guess this was too easy.”
If it were just a matter of taking down one Calibre Marquis, it wouldn't have been the end of the world.
“Well, this isn’t the end.”
Marquis Calibre was nothing more than a pawn on a pre-laid chessboard. He had little influence on the Emperor and Empress Dowager.
“Your Majesty, I have chosen a new dress and accessories for you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Dunham.”
Mrs. Dunham returned and said she had chosen all the clothes to change into. The Empress Dowager smiled and stood up.
“By the way, is Mrs. Dunham interested in theater too?”
“Yes, I like watching it.”
Mrs. Dunham answered meekly. The only special amusements for women were going to the theater, playing musical instruments, and knitting.
“But these days, the content is all the same, so it’s a bit dull. I guess.”
“I don’t know. There might be a new interesting play coming up. If there’s a new play coming up, please let me know.”
"Sure."
Mrs. Dunham nodded at the Empress Dowager's words. Her face was innocent as if she had no idea what was going to happen next.
'I feel like His Majesty has changed.'
'No way, Cecilia.'
The old Cecilia was like that too, the Empress Dowager thought, recalling some past memories.
Under the awning, Eden, who had been waiting first, found Cecilia and stood up from his seat. Then, he pulled Cecilia under the awning to avoid the sunlight.
“It didn’t take long to prepare, did it?”
Sienna quit being Cecilia's maid. Rather than face each other in an uncomfortable situation, Cecilia also liked it better and let Sienna go.
“It’s okay. I can choose the clothes, and the maids will help me with the shopping anyway.”
However, since she only had Siena as her maid, it cannot be said that there was no influence.
“If you had given a countship to your married servant’s husband, you could have brought her in as a maid by now.”
At Eden's words, Cecilia turned to him and shook her head.
“He hasn’t shown any results yet.”
Contrary to what he had thought before marriage, his wife was quite a determined person. She had been an Empress twice. She was better suited to the role of a dignified member of the royal family than Eden.
“Yes. Because you have to keep your promises.”
Eden smiled as he said that. Then he turned towards where the servants were.
“Bring me a horse.”
At Eden's command, the attendant brought a horse along with the manager.
“It’s that guy from back then.”
It was the white horse that ate all the carrots in the pocket the manager was holding.
“Because horses are animals that require a sense of connection more than you think, it’s easier to handle them if they’re familiar faces.”
As he said this, Eden received the reins from the attendant. The white horse twitched at the attendant’s touch but became quiet when Eden took hold of the reins. It seemed that he instinctively recognized that he was superior to the manager.
“What is your name?”
“This is Thelma.”
“Thelma.”
Thelma was a pretty smart girl, and her ears twitched when she heard her name. Cecilia greeted her, gently brushing her hand near the horse's muzzle.
"Hi."
Cecilia greeted her with a somewhat nervous expression. Thelma didn't show any particular aversion. However, perhaps because she wasn't used to being close to animals, she felt a vague fear.
“You don’t have to worry, Cecilia, we’ll ride together.”
As if sensing that, Eden hugged Cecilia.
“This way.”
And naturally, he led Cecilia next to the horse. The attendant hurriedly brought a stepping stone for Cecilia to step on.
“Hold on to the reins. Don’t kick her in the stomach with your shoe.”
Cecilia moved her stiff body according to Eden's instructions. When she barely managed to sit down on the horse's back, Thelma's body flinched. Cecilia's face was about to turn pale at that moment.
“Relax. If you’re nervous, she will be nervous too.”
Eden jumped up onto the horse. The firm chest touched her back. Only then did her pounding heart calm down somewhat.
Thelma, who had been twitching her back muscles as if she was feeling uncomfortable, began to take steps forward with a more relaxed look.
"How is it?"
“It’s a bit high so I’m a bit nervous..."
Cecilia answered, rolling her eyes uneasily. Eden's small laugh tickled her ears.
“Not bad.”
Every time the horse moved, the vitality of the living thing was felt. The scenery seen differently from the higher viewpoint was not bad either.
“But why did you want to teach me horseback riding?”
It was a time when they were taking a leisurely stroll on Thelma under Eden's direction. Cecilia, who had been tense and straightening her back, relaxed enough to lean comfortably against Eden.
“I also learned horseback riding from the late Emperor.”
Although he could have given Eden teachers, he did not. The Emperor personally taught Aster and Eden how to ride horses.
“So when I think about the time I spent with my family or the love I received from my father.”
“...”
“Horseback riding came to mind naturally.”
Even when they were busy, they spent time together and talked. The reason he grew up without feeling the void even after losing his mother at a young age was because of that kind of love. Eden explained it this way.
“That’s why I wanted to tell you, and maybe someday tell my children.”
“...I had no idea.”
Cecilia answered softly. It was a story she had never heard in her previous life.
“Because this is just my personal impression.”
Eden replied indifferently. But there was a hint of bitterness in the faint smile on his lips. Cecilia knew what it meant.
“Do you feel sorry for Sienna’s son?”
"Little."
Eden answered briefly. It seemed like he was trying, but it seemed difficult for him to completely hide his feelings. If it was due to the death of someone close to him and the resentment he felt towards him, then it was only natural.
“Are you adjusting now?”
It was when he had made a big turn that Cecilia, lost in thought, suddenly realized that she was riding a horse.
“Yes, I’m okay now.”
“Can you ride alone?”
At Eden's question, Cecilia opened her eyes wide and looked back at him.
"Of course..!"
He was about to say no. But then a sudden thought occurred to him and his mouth snapped shut. Eden stared at Cecilia with a puzzled expression.
“I'll try.”
If she can ride a horse well on her own, and if by any chance she has a child, she can teach him.
If so, then Eden could also spend time with Sienna's child. That was Cecilia's own apology and consideration for Sienna and her son.
“Then, let’s start by sitting on the horse alone.”
Eden must have known her feelings because he briefly kissed Cecilia on the cheek before jumping down. As if it were a lie that she had relaxed, she became anxious as soon as Eden disappeared. Cecilia calmed her anxiety by gently patting the horse’s neck with her palm.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be watching you.”
After placing Cecilia on the horse, Eden ordered the caretaker to hold the reins and told his servant to bring his horse.
The servant soon brought Eden's black horse, which Cecilia had often seen. Eden quickly mounted the horse, coaxing it. Perhaps because they had been practicing together for a long time, it seemed natural.
“...!”
It was then. Whether it was a joke or not, Thelma turned in the direction of Eden's horse without any instruction. Cecilia was startled and fell flat on her back.
“Cecilia, don’t be surprised and sit up straight.”
As the manager pulled the reins, Thelma unpleasantly kicked her feet. Cecilia, startled by the shaking of her body, clung to her back more desperately.
“Stay still, you punk.”
Thelma was still acting as she pleased, even after carrying the Empress. The manager began to control Thelma with a somewhat forceful hand. Then Thelma began to shake her body openly, trying to shake Cecilia off.
'Your Excellency!'
The butler, worried about his master's food, disobeyed the order. And when he opened the door to the study and entered, the Marquis Calibre was found dead. He was said to have hung himself with a rope.
Naturally, Sienna was shocked when she found out about this too late. It is said that Sienna cried and cursed the Emperor and his wife before collapsing.
“So, is the child safe?”
Mrs. Dunham nodded in response to the Empress Dowager's question.
“They said she collapsed and gave birth prematurely, but fortunately the baby is safe.”
“Thank goodness. I’m sick of people dying. Besides, if you’re the son of Marquis Calibre, you’re a precious hand.”
The Empress Dowager replied as such. A faint look of sympathy appeared on Mrs. Dunham’s face. It was impossible not to feel sorry for the Empress Dowager who had suddenly lost both her child and her husband.
“I didn’t know His Majesty would cut it off so coldly. No matter what...”
Mrs. Dunham trailed off.
“He made a promise to God.”
The Empress Dowager answered on his behalf.
“Even when the Emperor is lonely, he must remain calm. That is the attitude that the former Emperor emphasized.”
The teacup, which was out of alignment with its stand, began to wobble and eventually fell over. The tea water naturally spilled from the tilted teacup, slightly wetting the hem of her skirt.
“Oh my, my dress is wet.”
“I need to change. Ma’am, can you help me choose some clothes for me to wear?”
After the Empress Dowager had finished speaking, Mrs. Dunham left the house to her maids and hurried to the dressing room.
“Yeah. I guess this was too easy.”
If it were just a matter of taking down one Calibre Marquis, it wouldn't have been the end of the world.
“Well, this isn’t the end.”
Marquis Calibre was nothing more than a pawn on a pre-laid chessboard. He had little influence on the Emperor and Empress Dowager.
“Your Majesty, I have chosen a new dress and accessories for you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Dunham.”
Mrs. Dunham returned and said she had chosen all the clothes to change into. The Empress Dowager smiled and stood up.
“By the way, is Mrs. Dunham interested in theater too?”
“Yes, I like watching it.”
Mrs. Dunham answered meekly. The only special amusements for women were going to the theater, playing musical instruments, and knitting.
“But these days, the content is all the same, so it’s a bit dull. I guess.”
“I don’t know. There might be a new interesting play coming up. If there’s a new play coming up, please let me know.”
"Sure."
Mrs. Dunham nodded at the Empress Dowager's words. Her face was innocent as if she had no idea what was going to happen next.
'I feel like His Majesty has changed.'
'No way, Cecilia.'
The old Cecilia was like that too, the Empress Dowager thought, recalling some past memories.
***
Under the awning, Eden, who had been waiting first, found Cecilia and stood up from his seat. Then, he pulled Cecilia under the awning to avoid the sunlight.
“It didn’t take long to prepare, did it?”
Sienna quit being Cecilia's maid. Rather than face each other in an uncomfortable situation, Cecilia also liked it better and let Sienna go.
“It’s okay. I can choose the clothes, and the maids will help me with the shopping anyway.”
However, since she only had Siena as her maid, it cannot be said that there was no influence.
“If you had given a countship to your married servant’s husband, you could have brought her in as a maid by now.”
At Eden's words, Cecilia turned to him and shook her head.
“He hasn’t shown any results yet.”
Contrary to what he had thought before marriage, his wife was quite a determined person. She had been an Empress twice. She was better suited to the role of a dignified member of the royal family than Eden.
“Yes. Because you have to keep your promises.”
Eden smiled as he said that. Then he turned towards where the servants were.
“Bring me a horse.”
At Eden's command, the attendant brought a horse along with the manager.
“It’s that guy from back then.”
It was the white horse that ate all the carrots in the pocket the manager was holding.
“Because horses are animals that require a sense of connection more than you think, it’s easier to handle them if they’re familiar faces.”
As he said this, Eden received the reins from the attendant. The white horse twitched at the attendant’s touch but became quiet when Eden took hold of the reins. It seemed that he instinctively recognized that he was superior to the manager.
“What is your name?”
“This is Thelma.”
“Thelma.”
Thelma was a pretty smart girl, and her ears twitched when she heard her name. Cecilia greeted her, gently brushing her hand near the horse's muzzle.
"Hi."
Cecilia greeted her with a somewhat nervous expression. Thelma didn't show any particular aversion. However, perhaps because she wasn't used to being close to animals, she felt a vague fear.
“You don’t have to worry, Cecilia, we’ll ride together.”
As if sensing that, Eden hugged Cecilia.
“This way.”
And naturally, he led Cecilia next to the horse. The attendant hurriedly brought a stepping stone for Cecilia to step on.
“Hold on to the reins. Don’t kick her in the stomach with your shoe.”
Cecilia moved her stiff body according to Eden's instructions. When she barely managed to sit down on the horse's back, Thelma's body flinched. Cecilia's face was about to turn pale at that moment.
“Relax. If you’re nervous, she will be nervous too.”
Eden jumped up onto the horse. The firm chest touched her back. Only then did her pounding heart calm down somewhat.
Thelma, who had been twitching her back muscles as if she was feeling uncomfortable, began to take steps forward with a more relaxed look.
"How is it?"
“It’s a bit high so I’m a bit nervous..."
Cecilia answered, rolling her eyes uneasily. Eden's small laugh tickled her ears.
“Not bad.”
Every time the horse moved, the vitality of the living thing was felt. The scenery seen differently from the higher viewpoint was not bad either.
“But why did you want to teach me horseback riding?”
It was a time when they were taking a leisurely stroll on Thelma under Eden's direction. Cecilia, who had been tense and straightening her back, relaxed enough to lean comfortably against Eden.
“I also learned horseback riding from the late Emperor.”
Although he could have given Eden teachers, he did not. The Emperor personally taught Aster and Eden how to ride horses.
“So when I think about the time I spent with my family or the love I received from my father.”
“...”
“Horseback riding came to mind naturally.”
Even when they were busy, they spent time together and talked. The reason he grew up without feeling the void even after losing his mother at a young age was because of that kind of love. Eden explained it this way.
“That’s why I wanted to tell you, and maybe someday tell my children.”
“...I had no idea.”
Cecilia answered softly. It was a story she had never heard in her previous life.
“Because this is just my personal impression.”
Eden replied indifferently. But there was a hint of bitterness in the faint smile on his lips. Cecilia knew what it meant.
“Do you feel sorry for Sienna’s son?”
"Little."
Eden answered briefly. It seemed like he was trying, but it seemed difficult for him to completely hide his feelings. If it was due to the death of someone close to him and the resentment he felt towards him, then it was only natural.
“Are you adjusting now?”
It was when he had made a big turn that Cecilia, lost in thought, suddenly realized that she was riding a horse.
“Yes, I’m okay now.”
“Can you ride alone?”
At Eden's question, Cecilia opened her eyes wide and looked back at him.
"Of course..!"
He was about to say no. But then a sudden thought occurred to him and his mouth snapped shut. Eden stared at Cecilia with a puzzled expression.
“I'll try.”
If she can ride a horse well on her own, and if by any chance she has a child, she can teach him.
If so, then Eden could also spend time with Sienna's child. That was Cecilia's own apology and consideration for Sienna and her son.
“Then, let’s start by sitting on the horse alone.”
Eden must have known her feelings because he briefly kissed Cecilia on the cheek before jumping down. As if it were a lie that she had relaxed, she became anxious as soon as Eden disappeared. Cecilia calmed her anxiety by gently patting the horse’s neck with her palm.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be watching you.”
After placing Cecilia on the horse, Eden ordered the caretaker to hold the reins and told his servant to bring his horse.
The servant soon brought Eden's black horse, which Cecilia had often seen. Eden quickly mounted the horse, coaxing it. Perhaps because they had been practicing together for a long time, it seemed natural.
“...!”
It was then. Whether it was a joke or not, Thelma turned in the direction of Eden's horse without any instruction. Cecilia was startled and fell flat on her back.
“Cecilia, don’t be surprised and sit up straight.”
As the manager pulled the reins, Thelma unpleasantly kicked her feet. Cecilia, startled by the shaking of her body, clung to her back more desperately.
“Stay still, you punk.”
Thelma was still acting as she pleased, even after carrying the Empress. The manager began to control Thelma with a somewhat forceful hand. Then Thelma began to shake her body openly, trying to shake Cecilia off.
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