Episode 5. Gift
After staring into the man's cold eyes for a while, Emilia came to her senses.
“Hello, Young Master.”
It is a cold greeting without any highs or lows or longs or shorts.
“Still the same.”
"...Yes?"
“Acting like a servant.”
There was a reason why Emilia couldn't accept it right away.
Long ago, on their engagement day, he made it a point to never again say the word 'Master' in front of him, and never use honorifics.
'You want to look like a servant, not a fiancée?'
He had asked so.
However, Emilia has been using the title 'Master' and 'honorifics' without fail, as if it were nothing. It wasn't because she was narrow-minded, but because she had her own reasons.
She didn't want to act indiscriminately like that. If she didn't use honorifics, she felt like she would become an ambiguous and strange being, neither a commoner nor a noble. Her family and friends, excluding her, would still have to use honorifics and call him "Master!"
That's what status is. Just because you've risen to a high place doesn't mean you can instantly transform into a different being.
“...There’s nothing I can do. I can’t change the world, so even if I look like a servant, you have no choice but to endure it, Young Master.”
“How cheeky.”
Contrary to what he said, Hardius smiled. Emilia felt a little dazed at the corners of his lips rising for the first time since they met.
Come to think of it, this is the first time they've had a conversation alone since their engagement ceremony. They've always been surrounded by people, and when they do talk, it's just formal greetings and ceremonial greetings.
“Unfortunately, Wisher was not invited today.”
What are you talking about out of the blue?
He strode forward towards Emilia, who was frowning. The old shoes made her take a step back without realizing it.
“I cannot allow someone who does not meet my standards.”
Only then did Emilia remember.
Erger Wisher. Her partner at last year's banquet.
“That’s funny. I know I’m not worthy of Your Excellency’s position.”
“No way.”
Those peaceful and light eyes keep getting on her nerves.
“I don’t know why you keep bringing up that person, but Master Wisher is at least a man with a conscience and compassion. Unlike some people. Now that I think about it, he’s not on the same level as the people of the Meyer family.”
“Did Erger Wisher approach you like that? Showing sympathy and compassion?”
Ha!
Emilia barely managed to hold back a sigh that threatened to burst out.
“Let me tell you something. Some men hide their messy feelings behind pity and compassion.”
She, who had been furious, suddenly became disillusioned.
What am I doing here now?
“Thank you for the advice anyway. It may not seem like much, but I’m sure he didn’t mean it in a bad way.”
The uninspiring voice continued stiffly.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve greeted each other like this. It was nice and pleasant to meet you. The carriage will be here soon. Well, I’ll take my leave now...”
“Follow me. Let’s walk.”
Want to walk?
Hardius started to walk forward, passing the surprised Emilia.
Her pulse quickened again. Her mind went back to the memories of the past five years.
Have they ever walked alone?
None. This is also the first time since the engagement ceremony. She feels more anxious than excited.
“No, I tell you again, the carriage will be here shortly.”
He turned around.
“The carriage will be a little late.”
“Why...?”
“If you’re curious, follow me.”
Emilia, who couldn't even move, had no choice but to follow him.
They walked along the promenade along the River Rie. They both remained silent, as if they had made a promise.
The man's steps suddenly stopped as he passed under a willow tree that was covered in green leaves. He looked somewhere along the calm riverbank and suddenly asked an unexpected question.
“How is Mrs. Bern?”
Emilia's eyes doubled in size, then quickly returned to their original form.
“Yes, my mother is healthy.”
“I heard you have a younger sibling.”
Charlotte and Mitch came to mind, and before she knew it, her lips softened.
“Yes, I have a younger sister and a younger brother.”
“...You seem happy.”
For a moment, Emilia doubted her ears. Was the word happiness such a cold and unfamiliar word?
"...No?"
Emilia answered sincerely, “Yes, I am living happily.” Her head was in confusion and doubt, but she did not hate this moment.
The wind was creating fine water scales on the surface of the water and rustling through the reeds. The pleasant sound was gently rustling in her ears, making her fall into a strange mood.
The two eyes that had been chasing the river turned to him once more. He was lost in thought, unaware of anything around him, and was shining alone. The pure white shirt that had caught the sunlight was dazzling. Her trembling gaze went down his shoulder and touched the cuffs. The family crest engraved on the button made Emilia feel even more bitter.
Three arrows pierced the shield.
A symbol of the conglomerate that ruled the continent through steel and finance.
Is it because she still has a bit of regret? As Emilia stands shoulder to shoulder with him and looks at the same place, the emotions that were boiling over just before subside, and she feels vaguely nostalgic.
After leaving such shocking words, Hardius took another step. Emilia, who stood there as if possessed by something, followed him hurriedly. Before her heart could calm down, he continued to ask surprising questions.
“How are your bridal classes going? Are you taking them well?”
Emilia cleared her throat and barely managed to say,
"Yes."
He answered.
“Do you learn dancing there? Like the quadrille or the waltz.”
“...Yes. A little.”
“That’s fortunate.”
Her steps suddenly stopped.
“What’s fortunate?”
“I can’t attend graduation with a girl who can’t dance.”
She thought she had misheard. But the words 'graduation ceremony' were clearly engraved in her mind. With blinking eyes, he came closer and closer.
“Come as my fiancée.”
"No..."
Emilia shook her head firmly. Something dangerous was boiling over and on the verge of overflowing.
“That’s ridiculous.”
“Why doesn’t that make sense?”
“Of course... The young master and I... have that kind of relationship...”
Emilia felt frustrated with herself for rambling on and on, but she couldn't help it. This whole conversation felt like nonsense.
“If you need a partner, you can do it like we did at the banquet earlier. Bring another partner.”
“A graduation ceremony is not like a formal dinner. You said there was going to be a prom. I have a fiancée, so I can’t dance with another woman.”
“No... I don’t like it.”
"No?"
“Yes, I don’t like it.”
Hardius smiled crookedly.
“Have you forgotten? Our relationship isn’t a matter of likes and dislikes.”
“Even so... you want me to attend as your fiancée and even dance? Did you think I’d just obediently say ‘Yes, I understand’ without even asking why? Do you think I’m that stupid?”
Hardius stopped walking and looked at Emilia's flushed face.
“His Majesty the King always attends the graduation ceremony of the Elport Academy. If I show up with someone else, he’ll be curious. He might even get angry and ask where the fiancée he arranged for you to go.”
The lips that had been wide open slowly closed.
“Do your duty, Emilia. As my fiancée.”
The arrogant tone of voice did not even register in her ears. Emilia was once again shocked by the conclusion she had not thought of. Yes. Unless the King officially permits the breakup, they will have to remain engaged to each other, whether they like it or not.
Even if they were the Mayer family, they wouldn't be able to openly disrespect the King in an official setting.
“So since earlier...”
Only then did she understand Hardius' strange behavior today. On the day of graduation, he must show His Majesty the King that he is faithfully keeping his engagement.
“Come on. We’re almost there.”
Hardius started walking again as if urging the dazed Emilia. Emilia, who was following him, became dazed as if she had lost her mind.
She has to go to Hadius' graduation ceremony... and a prom too?
Emilia walked absentmindedly, half-asleep. Suddenly, she realized that she had been walking for too long. She looked up and around, and it was really strange.
Why doesn't it go back?
Just then, a carriage came into view.
Hardius stopped right in front of her. The man, who appeared to be a coachman, took off his hat and bowed politely.
“Get in. It’s your carriage.”
What?
“This is the groom, Beppy Dilson.”
The person called 'Beppy' didn't even come into view. Emilia stared at Hardius, completely lost in thought.
“What is all this...?”
"Yours."
"Mine?"
“It means I’ll give you a carriage. As a gift.”
After staring into the man's cold eyes for a while, Emilia came to her senses.
“Hello, Young Master.”
It is a cold greeting without any highs or lows or longs or shorts.
“Still the same.”
"...Yes?"
“Acting like a servant.”
There was a reason why Emilia couldn't accept it right away.
Long ago, on their engagement day, he made it a point to never again say the word 'Master' in front of him, and never use honorifics.
'You want to look like a servant, not a fiancée?'
He had asked so.
However, Emilia has been using the title 'Master' and 'honorifics' without fail, as if it were nothing. It wasn't because she was narrow-minded, but because she had her own reasons.
She didn't want to act indiscriminately like that. If she didn't use honorifics, she felt like she would become an ambiguous and strange being, neither a commoner nor a noble. Her family and friends, excluding her, would still have to use honorifics and call him "Master!"
That's what status is. Just because you've risen to a high place doesn't mean you can instantly transform into a different being.
“...There’s nothing I can do. I can’t change the world, so even if I look like a servant, you have no choice but to endure it, Young Master.”
“How cheeky.”
Contrary to what he said, Hardius smiled. Emilia felt a little dazed at the corners of his lips rising for the first time since they met.
Come to think of it, this is the first time they've had a conversation alone since their engagement ceremony. They've always been surrounded by people, and when they do talk, it's just formal greetings and ceremonial greetings.
“Unfortunately, Wisher was not invited today.”
What are you talking about out of the blue?
He strode forward towards Emilia, who was frowning. The old shoes made her take a step back without realizing it.
“I cannot allow someone who does not meet my standards.”
Only then did Emilia remember.
Erger Wisher. Her partner at last year's banquet.
“That’s funny. I know I’m not worthy of Your Excellency’s position.”
“No way.”
Those peaceful and light eyes keep getting on her nerves.
“I don’t know why you keep bringing up that person, but Master Wisher is at least a man with a conscience and compassion. Unlike some people. Now that I think about it, he’s not on the same level as the people of the Meyer family.”
“Did Erger Wisher approach you like that? Showing sympathy and compassion?”
Ha!
Emilia barely managed to hold back a sigh that threatened to burst out.
“Let me tell you something. Some men hide their messy feelings behind pity and compassion.”
She, who had been furious, suddenly became disillusioned.
What am I doing here now?
“Thank you for the advice anyway. It may not seem like much, but I’m sure he didn’t mean it in a bad way.”
The uninspiring voice continued stiffly.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve greeted each other like this. It was nice and pleasant to meet you. The carriage will be here soon. Well, I’ll take my leave now...”
“Follow me. Let’s walk.”
Want to walk?
Hardius started to walk forward, passing the surprised Emilia.
Her pulse quickened again. Her mind went back to the memories of the past five years.
Have they ever walked alone?
None. This is also the first time since the engagement ceremony. She feels more anxious than excited.
“No, I tell you again, the carriage will be here shortly.”
He turned around.
“The carriage will be a little late.”
“Why...?”
“If you’re curious, follow me.”
Emilia, who couldn't even move, had no choice but to follow him.
They walked along the promenade along the River Rie. They both remained silent, as if they had made a promise.
The man's steps suddenly stopped as he passed under a willow tree that was covered in green leaves. He looked somewhere along the calm riverbank and suddenly asked an unexpected question.
“How is Mrs. Bern?”
Emilia's eyes doubled in size, then quickly returned to their original form.
“Yes, my mother is healthy.”
“I heard you have a younger sibling.”
Charlotte and Mitch came to mind, and before she knew it, her lips softened.
“Yes, I have a younger sister and a younger brother.”
“...You seem happy.”
For a moment, Emilia doubted her ears. Was the word happiness such a cold and unfamiliar word?
"...No?"
Emilia answered sincerely, “Yes, I am living happily.” Her head was in confusion and doubt, but she did not hate this moment.
The wind was creating fine water scales on the surface of the water and rustling through the reeds. The pleasant sound was gently rustling in her ears, making her fall into a strange mood.
The two eyes that had been chasing the river turned to him once more. He was lost in thought, unaware of anything around him, and was shining alone. The pure white shirt that had caught the sunlight was dazzling. Her trembling gaze went down his shoulder and touched the cuffs. The family crest engraved on the button made Emilia feel even more bitter.
Three arrows pierced the shield.
A symbol of the conglomerate that ruled the continent through steel and finance.
Is it because she still has a bit of regret? As Emilia stands shoulder to shoulder with him and looks at the same place, the emotions that were boiling over just before subside, and she feels vaguely nostalgic.
Yes.
Maybe they needed this kind of time at least once.
If what she heard earlier is true, Hardius will soon return to his former fiancée. Even if it is only a relationship in name, it needs to be sorted out.
But Emilia doesn't know how to bring it up.
“I’m graduating soon.”
Emilia was shocked by the words that suddenly came out.
“Yes, I heard.”
She barely managed to answer.
“You will hear the name Duke Meyer.”
Is this too much for a man who just turned twenty?
But he had a mature look in his eyes for his age. It was the same when Hardius first met her when he was sixteen, and it is the same now.
“You don’t like it?”
“No way. I have to have everything I want. I don’t know how to give up one thing to get another. There is no compromise.”
Contrary to his extreme words, his face is calm.
“That’s the exact opposite for me. I don’t think there’s anything free. You have to give up something to get something.”
So she gave up on Hardius in her heart, to go back to living a normal and happy life.
Even if she doesn't give up, she will be abandoned anyway, but what's important is the fact that in her heart, 'I was abandoned too.' That was Emilia's last pride that she couldn't let go of until the very end.
It's funny. Either way, the other person doesn't care.
Suddenly, Emilia felt sick of it all.
“I know it’s presumptuous of me to ask, but I’m always worried that I might miss the carriage.”
Two eyes filled with worry look toward the sunset sky.
“If it’s okay with you, I’d like you to go back now. The banquet hasn’t even ended yet, so Your Excellency, you should go back quickly...”
“The more I listen to it, the more I think it’s not bad.”
"Yes?"
"I feel like I'm playing with a maid, so why shouldn't it be dirty?"
Maybe they needed this kind of time at least once.
If what she heard earlier is true, Hardius will soon return to his former fiancée. Even if it is only a relationship in name, it needs to be sorted out.
But Emilia doesn't know how to bring it up.
“I’m graduating soon.”
Emilia was shocked by the words that suddenly came out.
“Yes, I heard.”
She barely managed to answer.
“You will hear the name Duke Meyer.”
Is this too much for a man who just turned twenty?
But he had a mature look in his eyes for his age. It was the same when Hardius first met her when he was sixteen, and it is the same now.
“You don’t like it?”
“No way. I have to have everything I want. I don’t know how to give up one thing to get another. There is no compromise.”
Contrary to his extreme words, his face is calm.
“That’s the exact opposite for me. I don’t think there’s anything free. You have to give up something to get something.”
So she gave up on Hardius in her heart, to go back to living a normal and happy life.
Even if she doesn't give up, she will be abandoned anyway, but what's important is the fact that in her heart, 'I was abandoned too.' That was Emilia's last pride that she couldn't let go of until the very end.
It's funny. Either way, the other person doesn't care.
Suddenly, Emilia felt sick of it all.
“I know it’s presumptuous of me to ask, but I’m always worried that I might miss the carriage.”
Two eyes filled with worry look toward the sunset sky.
“If it’s okay with you, I’d like you to go back now. The banquet hasn’t even ended yet, so Your Excellency, you should go back quickly...”
“The more I listen to it, the more I think it’s not bad.”
"Yes?"
"I feel like I'm playing with a maid, so why shouldn't it be dirty?"
After leaving such shocking words, Hardius took another step. Emilia, who stood there as if possessed by something, followed him hurriedly. Before her heart could calm down, he continued to ask surprising questions.
“How are your bridal classes going? Are you taking them well?”
Emilia cleared her throat and barely managed to say,
"Yes."
He answered.
“Do you learn dancing there? Like the quadrille or the waltz.”
“...Yes. A little.”
“That’s fortunate.”
Her steps suddenly stopped.
“What’s fortunate?”
“I can’t attend graduation with a girl who can’t dance.”
She thought she had misheard. But the words 'graduation ceremony' were clearly engraved in her mind. With blinking eyes, he came closer and closer.
“Come as my fiancée.”
"No..."
Emilia shook her head firmly. Something dangerous was boiling over and on the verge of overflowing.
“That’s ridiculous.”
“Why doesn’t that make sense?”
“Of course... The young master and I... have that kind of relationship...”
Emilia felt frustrated with herself for rambling on and on, but she couldn't help it. This whole conversation felt like nonsense.
“If you need a partner, you can do it like we did at the banquet earlier. Bring another partner.”
“A graduation ceremony is not like a formal dinner. You said there was going to be a prom. I have a fiancée, so I can’t dance with another woman.”
“No... I don’t like it.”
"No?"
“Yes, I don’t like it.”
Hardius smiled crookedly.
“Have you forgotten? Our relationship isn’t a matter of likes and dislikes.”
“Even so... you want me to attend as your fiancée and even dance? Did you think I’d just obediently say ‘Yes, I understand’ without even asking why? Do you think I’m that stupid?”
Hardius stopped walking and looked at Emilia's flushed face.
“His Majesty the King always attends the graduation ceremony of the Elport Academy. If I show up with someone else, he’ll be curious. He might even get angry and ask where the fiancée he arranged for you to go.”
The lips that had been wide open slowly closed.
“Do your duty, Emilia. As my fiancée.”
The arrogant tone of voice did not even register in her ears. Emilia was once again shocked by the conclusion she had not thought of. Yes. Unless the King officially permits the breakup, they will have to remain engaged to each other, whether they like it or not.
Even if they were the Mayer family, they wouldn't be able to openly disrespect the King in an official setting.
“So since earlier...”
Only then did she understand Hardius' strange behavior today. On the day of graduation, he must show His Majesty the King that he is faithfully keeping his engagement.
“Come on. We’re almost there.”
Hardius started walking again as if urging the dazed Emilia. Emilia, who was following him, became dazed as if she had lost her mind.
She has to go to Hadius' graduation ceremony... and a prom too?
Emilia walked absentmindedly, half-asleep. Suddenly, she realized that she had been walking for too long. She looked up and around, and it was really strange.
Why doesn't it go back?
Just then, a carriage came into view.
Hardius stopped right in front of her. The man, who appeared to be a coachman, took off his hat and bowed politely.
“Get in. It’s your carriage.”
What?
“This is the groom, Beppy Dilson.”
The person called 'Beppy' didn't even come into view. Emilia stared at Hardius, completely lost in thought.
“What is all this...?”
"Yours."
"Mine?"
“It means I’ll give you a carriage. As a gift.”
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