029. Lovely face
“You’re saying that the girl refused the dress? She got mad and told you not to call her Miss.”
“Yes, Ma’am. You don’t know how embarrassed I was.”
“So what happened? What happened to Hardius?”
“Well, that’s it, well...”
Eier paused for a moment, then repeatedly fanned her face, which was flushed with excitement.
“The young master seemed a little surprised, then he hurriedly called his coachman. He asked him to take her home safely. I felt so embarrassed just watching him...”
As she pretended to choose the jewelry, Kaitlyn felt her head becoming messy and complicated.
Everything was going according to Hardius's plan. It was a good thing, but why did she keep feeling uneasy and uneasy?
Kaitlyn quickly hid her expression before the quick-witted Ellier could ask anything strange.
“Yeah, that kid has that side to her. She ran away without saying anything at the last banquet.”
“Yes, I just realized how much of a headache she's been causing Madam.”
Ellier's beautiful face was crumpled as if she had stepped on a bug.
“But why is Miss Bern so angry? Could it be that she is trying to get more compensation?”
Kaitlyn was about to answer that she might be, but then changed her mind.
“That’s a bit harsh, Ellier.”
"Yes?"
"She may be rude and mean, but she’s not a bad kid. Watch what you say.”
Ellier tried not to look incredulous.
“I’m sorry. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“What could be wrong with that child? This is all His Majesty’s fault. Oil and water can never mix, but I don’t know when His Majesty will admit it.”
Kaitlyn clicked her tongue and stood up. Ellier nodded, “Yes, yes, that’s right,” and followed her diligently.
“But you’re leaving already? I was going to show you some new items I brought in. There’s also some silk I had a hard time getting from Rocha...”
“Next time. I have to go to a concert later. I’m supposed to meet Grand Duke Leichnen and Hardius there.”
“Oh my, a concert. That must be great.”
Kaitlyn smirked as she looked at Ellier with rapt eyes. It was a smile that was slightly contemptuous, looking down from above.
“I’ll invite you next time I get the chance. You must have had a hard time making that child’s clothes.”
“Oh my, how thoughtful. Thank you for your kind words.”
Kaitlyn left the dressing room, leaving the fussing Ellier behind. The carriage carrying the Duchess disappeared from the dressing room in an instant.
Ellier, who had been quietly watching the scene, leaned her trembling body against the display case.
Should I say I'm relieved? I didn't really lie, so why am I so nervous?
A long shadow loomed in front of her as she slowly fanned herself.
Ellier straightened up.
“Sir Grojean was right. Madame Meyer came and questioned me about the day in detail.”
“I hope you behaved well.”
“Where is the point of saying good or bad? You said I should just tell Madam the truth. There is only one thing I didn’t tell Madam Meyer. It was how you felt about her two that day.”
“Yes, well done.”
Grojean nodded, but his furrowed brows did not relax.
“And there’s one more thing you have to keep your mouth shut about. The fact that you’re meeting me like this.”
“Of course. My mouth will remain shut from now on. As long as Master Meyer keeps his promise.”
Ellier covered her mouth with a fan and smiled faintly.
The Regan Opera Hall was owned by the Leichnen family. Bianca's successor, Hannes Leichnen, was a passionate music lover who invited famous musicians from all over the continent to give concerts whenever he had the chance.
When Kaitlyn's carriage stopped in front of the mining magnate's symbol, the wagon emblem, Haness himself came out to greet her.
“Come in.”
“Have you been waiting? I was a little late because I stopped by the costume shop. What about Hardius?”
“He got here a few hours ago. I didn’t realize how much time had passed while I was playing chess with him for the first time in a long time.”
Kaitlyn hid her relief behind a bright smile.
Hardius had always been lukewarm about meeting his future father-in-law, Haness. But now he came so early and even played chess with him!
“Did Hardius show you the contract of divorce?”
Haness, who was walking towards the audience, looked back with a smile.
“He showed me the first thing I saw when I arrived. When I first heard about it, I thought it was useless, but when I actually saw it, it seemed pretty plausible. He even solved the Trunia mine problem by himself. He’s quite capable. I can call him Duke Meyer right now.”
“Well, we’ll have to wait and see.”
“Why are you so stingy with your son? You need to know how to praise him appropriately.”
Haness winked and rubbed his hands as if he were very excited.
“Now he just needs to meet Bianca.”
The corners of Kaitlyn's mouth twitched slightly.
“I would like to do that, but I think it’s too early. You know, the Congress guys got into a fight a while ago.”
“Well, Hardius is handling that well. He’s not going to the King and making a fuss, but rather trying to calm public opinion first. Isn’t that pretty good? Thanks to that, the talk about that country boy in the Loenholt Parliament is gradually decreasing. Is there a problem?”
“No, that’s not the case. So far, it seems to be going well. Fortunately, the child has agreed to break off the engagement unconditionally. If there’s one thing that’s bothering me... I think the two of them will be going to a certain countess’ ball together soon.”
"...Ball?"
Haness suddenly frowned. Even if it was just a show, he was probably displeased with the fact that his future son-in-law was dancing with his former fiancée.
Kaitlyn found Haness understandable, yet unpleasant at the same time.
Now, the Meyer family is suffering from all kinds of criticism without having done anything wrong. Although they can't help it...
Perhaps sensing Kaitlyn's discomfort, Haness quickly relaxed the tenseness in his lips.
“Well, we need to put out the urgent fire first.”
The two exchanged smiles again as if nothing had happened.
As soon as they arrived in the audience, Hardius approached them as if he had been waiting for them. The three shook hands and had a light chat. Then they each returned to their seats.
Haness deliberately placed the Leichnen and Meyer houses far apart.
It was a decision made with people in mind. It is not good for the Meyer family to be rumored to be mingling with the Leichnen family in these sensitive times.
“The concert will begin shortly. Please be seated.”
The conductor rang the bell, and the curtain of the podium was lifted. It was a small chamber orchestra of twenty members. The host, Hannes, introduced the musicians and the performance began to loud applause.
Hardius leaned back on the soft sofa and lost himself in the beautiful melody. Suddenly, he remembered the day when heavy rain poured down.
“I heard that the Nowak society calls for an orchestra? Cello, violin, and flute. So I really wanted to go and hear the performance."
If Emilia hadn't run away that day, she would have been able to hear the orchestra performance she had wanted so badly. He was planning to take a walk in the botanical garden, have dinner, and then go to the concert in the garden.
But that day started off wrong.
'Please show me the agreement first.'
'I don't think it's necessary to go this far. You don't mean for me to pretend to like you, do you?'
Immediately after signing the agreement, when she looked satisfied as if she had the world, Hardius felt as if he had swallowed sand. Everything he had worked so hard to build up collapsed in an instant and returned to where it started.
He had to do some crazy things just for that one ball.
The cold and proud girl was still cold, still wary, still rejecting.
With an indifferent look in her eyes, as if she could do without someone like him.
He wished she would suffer. He wished she would resent and hate him. He wished she would suffer and be sad because of that man.
But on the other hand, he wanted to see her like crazy.
The sight of those cold, piercing eyes letting go of their guard and filling with joy, a look of excitement and longing, or perhaps admiration, directed at him...
A lovely face that boosts a man's pride.
For a moment, the music stopped. Applause broke out, and people began to stand up, one by one.
After exchanging greetings with the people, Hardius left Regan Hall. His hurried steps stopped in front of Grojean.
“You must go to Erndorf tomorrow and meet Miss Bern. Right now.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes. Go and tell her to come to Basilion House in three days.”
“Ah... yes, I understand.”
Grojean nodded his head for a moment. But in his mind, he was thinking of Emilia Bern running out in a fiery rage.
“But, my lord, if the young lady refuses... what should I do? Should I drag her here by force?”
Hardius, who got on the carriage, sat with his legs crossed. His gray eyes reflected in the glass window were unmoved. Hardius's answer was heard a long time after the carriage had started.
“Try to persuade her well.”
"Yes?"
“You were supposed to take responsibility for everything, including Miss Bern’s safety. Aren’t you?”
"...ah..."
“If that doesn’t work, tell her the story of Darren Hockney. What Mitch Bern used to say about me.”
Grojean's eyes, which had been tilting his head as if wondering what was going on, soon widened.
“Miss Bern is more responsible than necessary. So, if she hears that story, she will be happy to come.”
The next day, Grojean knocked on the door of the red brick house as Hardius had instructed. The person who opened the door was not a small, beautiful blonde girl, but a skinny, freckled younger brother.
As soon as the child heard the name 'Hardy', he growled and almost tried to eat Grojean.
“Mitch, what are you doing to our guests?!”
He feels like he really might have gotten bitten if it weren't for Emilia running out in a hurry.
“I’m sorry, Sir Grojean.”
Emilia looked very sorry and apologized profusely. Grojean noticed that her face had darkened noticeably.
It's only natural. Don't be worried about your fiancé acting like a crazy person and just leave.
“But what happened? Did Master Meyer send you again?”
“Yes, the young master asked you to see him in three days.”
A long, deep sigh reached the ceiling. When Emilia looked back at Grojean, a look of exhaustion was evident in her eyes.
“Please tell the young master that I am sorry that I cannot see you due to circumstances. I will faithfully fulfill my duties as a fiancée at Madame Luen’s ball, so please tell him that it would be better if he did not come to see me anymore.”
This time, it was Grojean's turn to sigh.
Am I destined to be sandwiched again...
Although he ended up being a double agent between two hats, Grojean is actually a capable aide who graduated from the prestigious Royal Academy. He is also an ordinary father who raises a happy family.
“With all due respect, Miss, do you know exactly what happened before the comment about you being the ‘abandoned fiancée of the Meyer family’ came out?”
“What... are you talking about?”
As expected, her eyes widened like a rabbit's.
“Do you happen to know a member of parliament named Darrenton Hockney? His grandson goes to the same school as your younger brother.”
Emilia, who had been tilting her head, soon realized what he meant and slowly brought her hand to her mouth. Her face, which seemed shocked, glanced at her younger brother. The child, who was crouching on the window seat, shrugged his shoulders as if to ask why. Emilia looked back at Grojean.
“No way... what did that kid do wrong?”
“You could say that, or you could say it isn’t.”
Her eyes, which had been cold and frozen, suddenly lost their strength and began to tremble slightly. Emilia slammed the door behind her.
“Tell me the truth. What did my brother do?”
“You’re saying that the girl refused the dress? She got mad and told you not to call her Miss.”
“Yes, Ma’am. You don’t know how embarrassed I was.”
“So what happened? What happened to Hardius?”
“Well, that’s it, well...”
Eier paused for a moment, then repeatedly fanned her face, which was flushed with excitement.
“The young master seemed a little surprised, then he hurriedly called his coachman. He asked him to take her home safely. I felt so embarrassed just watching him...”
As she pretended to choose the jewelry, Kaitlyn felt her head becoming messy and complicated.
Everything was going according to Hardius's plan. It was a good thing, but why did she keep feeling uneasy and uneasy?
Kaitlyn quickly hid her expression before the quick-witted Ellier could ask anything strange.
“Yeah, that kid has that side to her. She ran away without saying anything at the last banquet.”
“Yes, I just realized how much of a headache she's been causing Madam.”
Ellier's beautiful face was crumpled as if she had stepped on a bug.
“But why is Miss Bern so angry? Could it be that she is trying to get more compensation?”
Kaitlyn was about to answer that she might be, but then changed her mind.
“That’s a bit harsh, Ellier.”
"Yes?"
"She may be rude and mean, but she’s not a bad kid. Watch what you say.”
Ellier tried not to look incredulous.
“I’m sorry. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“What could be wrong with that child? This is all His Majesty’s fault. Oil and water can never mix, but I don’t know when His Majesty will admit it.”
Kaitlyn clicked her tongue and stood up. Ellier nodded, “Yes, yes, that’s right,” and followed her diligently.
“But you’re leaving already? I was going to show you some new items I brought in. There’s also some silk I had a hard time getting from Rocha...”
“Next time. I have to go to a concert later. I’m supposed to meet Grand Duke Leichnen and Hardius there.”
“Oh my, a concert. That must be great.”
Kaitlyn smirked as she looked at Ellier with rapt eyes. It was a smile that was slightly contemptuous, looking down from above.
“I’ll invite you next time I get the chance. You must have had a hard time making that child’s clothes.”
“Oh my, how thoughtful. Thank you for your kind words.”
Kaitlyn left the dressing room, leaving the fussing Ellier behind. The carriage carrying the Duchess disappeared from the dressing room in an instant.
Ellier, who had been quietly watching the scene, leaned her trembling body against the display case.
Should I say I'm relieved? I didn't really lie, so why am I so nervous?
A long shadow loomed in front of her as she slowly fanned herself.
Ellier straightened up.
“Sir Grojean was right. Madame Meyer came and questioned me about the day in detail.”
“I hope you behaved well.”
“Where is the point of saying good or bad? You said I should just tell Madam the truth. There is only one thing I didn’t tell Madam Meyer. It was how you felt about her two that day.”
“Yes, well done.”
Grojean nodded, but his furrowed brows did not relax.
“And there’s one more thing you have to keep your mouth shut about. The fact that you’re meeting me like this.”
“Of course. My mouth will remain shut from now on. As long as Master Meyer keeps his promise.”
Ellier covered her mouth with a fan and smiled faintly.
***
The Regan Opera Hall was owned by the Leichnen family. Bianca's successor, Hannes Leichnen, was a passionate music lover who invited famous musicians from all over the continent to give concerts whenever he had the chance.
When Kaitlyn's carriage stopped in front of the mining magnate's symbol, the wagon emblem, Haness himself came out to greet her.
“Come in.”
“Have you been waiting? I was a little late because I stopped by the costume shop. What about Hardius?”
“He got here a few hours ago. I didn’t realize how much time had passed while I was playing chess with him for the first time in a long time.”
Kaitlyn hid her relief behind a bright smile.
Hardius had always been lukewarm about meeting his future father-in-law, Haness. But now he came so early and even played chess with him!
“Did Hardius show you the contract of divorce?”
Haness, who was walking towards the audience, looked back with a smile.
“He showed me the first thing I saw when I arrived. When I first heard about it, I thought it was useless, but when I actually saw it, it seemed pretty plausible. He even solved the Trunia mine problem by himself. He’s quite capable. I can call him Duke Meyer right now.”
“Well, we’ll have to wait and see.”
“Why are you so stingy with your son? You need to know how to praise him appropriately.”
Haness winked and rubbed his hands as if he were very excited.
“Now he just needs to meet Bianca.”
The corners of Kaitlyn's mouth twitched slightly.
“I would like to do that, but I think it’s too early. You know, the Congress guys got into a fight a while ago.”
“Well, Hardius is handling that well. He’s not going to the King and making a fuss, but rather trying to calm public opinion first. Isn’t that pretty good? Thanks to that, the talk about that country boy in the Loenholt Parliament is gradually decreasing. Is there a problem?”
“No, that’s not the case. So far, it seems to be going well. Fortunately, the child has agreed to break off the engagement unconditionally. If there’s one thing that’s bothering me... I think the two of them will be going to a certain countess’ ball together soon.”
"...Ball?"
Haness suddenly frowned. Even if it was just a show, he was probably displeased with the fact that his future son-in-law was dancing with his former fiancée.
Kaitlyn found Haness understandable, yet unpleasant at the same time.
Now, the Meyer family is suffering from all kinds of criticism without having done anything wrong. Although they can't help it...
Perhaps sensing Kaitlyn's discomfort, Haness quickly relaxed the tenseness in his lips.
“Well, we need to put out the urgent fire first.”
The two exchanged smiles again as if nothing had happened.
As soon as they arrived in the audience, Hardius approached them as if he had been waiting for them. The three shook hands and had a light chat. Then they each returned to their seats.
Haness deliberately placed the Leichnen and Meyer houses far apart.
It was a decision made with people in mind. It is not good for the Meyer family to be rumored to be mingling with the Leichnen family in these sensitive times.
“The concert will begin shortly. Please be seated.”
The conductor rang the bell, and the curtain of the podium was lifted. It was a small chamber orchestra of twenty members. The host, Hannes, introduced the musicians and the performance began to loud applause.
Hardius leaned back on the soft sofa and lost himself in the beautiful melody. Suddenly, he remembered the day when heavy rain poured down.
“I heard that the Nowak society calls for an orchestra? Cello, violin, and flute. So I really wanted to go and hear the performance."
If Emilia hadn't run away that day, she would have been able to hear the orchestra performance she had wanted so badly. He was planning to take a walk in the botanical garden, have dinner, and then go to the concert in the garden.
But that day started off wrong.
'Please show me the agreement first.'
'I don't think it's necessary to go this far. You don't mean for me to pretend to like you, do you?'
Immediately after signing the agreement, when she looked satisfied as if she had the world, Hardius felt as if he had swallowed sand. Everything he had worked so hard to build up collapsed in an instant and returned to where it started.
He had to do some crazy things just for that one ball.
The cold and proud girl was still cold, still wary, still rejecting.
With an indifferent look in her eyes, as if she could do without someone like him.
He wished she would suffer. He wished she would resent and hate him. He wished she would suffer and be sad because of that man.
But on the other hand, he wanted to see her like crazy.
The sight of those cold, piercing eyes letting go of their guard and filling with joy, a look of excitement and longing, or perhaps admiration, directed at him...
A lovely face that boosts a man's pride.
For a moment, the music stopped. Applause broke out, and people began to stand up, one by one.
After exchanging greetings with the people, Hardius left Regan Hall. His hurried steps stopped in front of Grojean.
“You must go to Erndorf tomorrow and meet Miss Bern. Right now.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes. Go and tell her to come to Basilion House in three days.”
“Ah... yes, I understand.”
Grojean nodded his head for a moment. But in his mind, he was thinking of Emilia Bern running out in a fiery rage.
“But, my lord, if the young lady refuses... what should I do? Should I drag her here by force?”
Hardius, who got on the carriage, sat with his legs crossed. His gray eyes reflected in the glass window were unmoved. Hardius's answer was heard a long time after the carriage had started.
“Try to persuade her well.”
"Yes?"
“You were supposed to take responsibility for everything, including Miss Bern’s safety. Aren’t you?”
"...ah..."
“If that doesn’t work, tell her the story of Darren Hockney. What Mitch Bern used to say about me.”
Grojean's eyes, which had been tilting his head as if wondering what was going on, soon widened.
“Miss Bern is more responsible than necessary. So, if she hears that story, she will be happy to come.”
***
The next day, Grojean knocked on the door of the red brick house as Hardius had instructed. The person who opened the door was not a small, beautiful blonde girl, but a skinny, freckled younger brother.
As soon as the child heard the name 'Hardy', he growled and almost tried to eat Grojean.
“Mitch, what are you doing to our guests?!”
He feels like he really might have gotten bitten if it weren't for Emilia running out in a hurry.
“I’m sorry, Sir Grojean.”
Emilia looked very sorry and apologized profusely. Grojean noticed that her face had darkened noticeably.
It's only natural. Don't be worried about your fiancé acting like a crazy person and just leave.
“But what happened? Did Master Meyer send you again?”
“Yes, the young master asked you to see him in three days.”
A long, deep sigh reached the ceiling. When Emilia looked back at Grojean, a look of exhaustion was evident in her eyes.
“Please tell the young master that I am sorry that I cannot see you due to circumstances. I will faithfully fulfill my duties as a fiancée at Madame Luen’s ball, so please tell him that it would be better if he did not come to see me anymore.”
This time, it was Grojean's turn to sigh.
Am I destined to be sandwiched again...
Although he ended up being a double agent between two hats, Grojean is actually a capable aide who graduated from the prestigious Royal Academy. He is also an ordinary father who raises a happy family.
And here you are, making threats that are not threats against a young lady with a big heart.
“What... are you talking about?”
As expected, her eyes widened like a rabbit's.
“Do you happen to know a member of parliament named Darrenton Hockney? His grandson goes to the same school as your younger brother.”
Emilia, who had been tilting her head, soon realized what he meant and slowly brought her hand to her mouth. Her face, which seemed shocked, glanced at her younger brother. The child, who was crouching on the window seat, shrugged his shoulders as if to ask why. Emilia looked back at Grojean.
“No way... what did that kid do wrong?”
“You could say that, or you could say it isn’t.”
Her eyes, which had been cold and frozen, suddenly lost their strength and began to tremble slightly. Emilia slammed the door behind her.
“Tell me the truth. What did my brother do?”
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