036. Seeping in little by little
The cigarette was completely burned out. Grojean quickly stubbed out the cigarette and headed to the study where his master was.
“Your Excellency, this is Grosjean.”
“Come in.”
When he opened the door and went in, Hardius was buried in a pile of papers as usual. Grojean took out the first one among the many papers he was holding in his hand.
“These are the results of the investigation into Bernen Cavendish that you mentioned earlier. As expected, Baron Cavendish got involved in the Quiren wool business, and there was considerable fraud and backroom dealing in the process. His debts are also at a dangerous level. Here they are.”
Hardius read the documents for a long time. When he raised his head again, his eyes were shining with satisfaction.
"Great job."
“There is one thing you should know. William Richard came to see Lord Cavendish a few days ago.”
“William?”
The smooth lines of the young man's face were flawless, but Grojean knew better now. His master hid his emotions better than anyone else.
The eyes are so detached, but perhaps inside, they are seething.
“They say they had a secret conversation while leaving all the servants behind. But strangely enough, their youngest daughter, Sheila Cavendish, was there with them.”
“Why?”
“I haven’t found out that far. I don’t even know what they were talking about. I couldn’t ask because I was worried that Richard would find out.”
Hardius, who had uncrossed his arms, closed the curtains. Standing with his hands on the windowsill, he exuded a deep anxiety that he had never seen before.
“William Richard told me that he had heard an interesting rumor about Miss Bern. He told me to go and ask my mother if I was curious. I guess it’s related to that.”
“Could it be that Madam Meyer noticed something?”
“No, if she had noticed, she would have called you in right away. Is there anything else?”
Grojean took out his notebook and began reporting on other things. Stories he had heard from spies planted everywhere, rumors floating around...
Hardius leaned back in his chair and listened silently. Grojean quietly watched his master and then turned a page of his notebook.
“Your Excellency, the mercenaries from Hilden Farm actually came just now. It was Captain Maesen himself.”
“What happened?”
Grojean just relayed the story the mercenaries had just told him.
“I dare advise you to tell Miss Bern some of the truth now. Keeping it a secret from the mercenaries at Hilden Farm will only complicate matters further.”
“I think I’ve answered that question sufficiently.”
“At least give them a priority. Security or secrecy?”
“Both.”
At that moment, Grojean felt as if his breath was being suffocated. It was as if he were standing before a high wall that seemed to pierce the sky.
“Then... I’ll be going now.”
Grojean came out and shook his head to shake off the unpleasant feeling.
Well, it's not easy for people to change.
Hardius Meyer will keep it hidden until the end.
A rare rain fell in the zelkova forest. The cool water, accompanied by thunder and lightning, completely washed away the dust and dirt in the forest that had been covered in drought.
Is it true that time heals all wounds?
Emilia felt the memories that had been tormenting her for days gradually fading away. The habitual 'Forget it, it was just a mistake' was having an effect.
When she climbed a large, beautiful tree halfway up the forest, she was startled for a moment, wondering if the carriage she saw in the distance might be that man's.
Like a carriage moving away without even reaching the forest, the events at 'Elver' faded from her mind.
Maybe they'll never meet again like this.
Considering his attitude just before they broke up that day and the fact that there has been no contact since then, it is certain that Hardius also regrets that incident. He may also be very busy negotiating a break-up with His Majesty the King.
Please, just let it be so, Emilia prayed earnestly.
The sky after the heavy rain became clear again as if nothing had happened. Emilia also returned to her peaceful daily life.
The garden in July, after the rain has stopped, is so busy that you can't even let go for a moment. The lush weeds are growing again when you turn around, and the stakes need to be firmly fixed in preparation for the next heavy rain. Picking off insect-eaten or damaged leaves is also an important task. If you miss this time, the joy of harvesting in the coming fall may be reduced by half.
Charlotte, who had always been locked up in the attic, spent a lot of time outside during this time. The child was worried that her sister's face would get tanned under the scorching sun. She didn't know exactly what 'sunburn' meant, but noblewomen never stood in the sun without a parasol. So she had no choice but to help her sister.
Charlotte used all her senses besides her eyes to pick out the diseased leaves. Then she paused for a moment.
“That’s strange. Who would eat half of a leaf like this and throw it away?”
Charlotte had a bunch of torn and perforated leaves in her hands. Emilia, who was watching from afar, chuckled.
“Sister, will you tell me who the culprit is?”
Emilia took Charlotte's hand and turned it palm up.
“Don't be surprised.”
A moment later, something long and green was placed on the child's tiny palm. Charlotte flinched and made a surprised face.
And yet, she looked down at the writhing creature in her hand, as if she could see it.
“It’s a caterpillar. That guy was the culprit.”
“Really? Is this called a ‘caterpillar’?”
"How is it?"
“It’s strange. I feel..."
Charlotte frowned, then asked seriously.
“Sister, is this what it feels like? Is this what it feels like to be dirty?”
“Probably so.”
Charlotte suddenly became sullen.
Emilia seemed to know why. After the mention of the one-eyed monster, wasn't the word 'gross' always followed like a needle and thread?
“But there’s something important you need to know. Do you know what this disgusting caterpillar will become when it grows up?”
“What is it?” she asked.
“He will become a butterfly. A beautiful butterfly with wings as white as snow.”
"Lie."
“It’s true!”
Unfortunately, Charlotte never believed it. She must have thought her sister was lying to her to comfort her.
“Where do all these disgusting legs go, and where do the wings come from?”
“A butterfly does not turn directly from a bug, but goes through a process called a pupa in the middle.”
"Pupa?"
It was the moment Charlotte asked back. Suddenly, Brave started barking madly. The two people's eyes turned in the direction of the sound at the same time.
Clearly, it's the sound of a carriage.
Words that made Emilia's heart skip a beat came out of Charlotte's mouth.
“Are you the master?”
"What?"
“I’m sure. The sound of the carriage is definitely that of Lord Meyer.”
Could there be anything more heartbreaking than that?
Emilia hastily put down the basket and grabbed Charlotte's arm.
“Listen carefully, your sister is not here right now.”
Charlotte stuck her mouth out as if to say something nonsensical. Emilia wanted to beat her chest at how clueless this child who could cast mysterious magic was.
“Your sister is at the market with Mitch and Uncle Beppy right now. Do you understand?”
Only then does Charlotte realize, and her face turns sullen.
“Please, I beg you. Help me. Yes?”
Meanwhile, the sound of a carriage was getting closer.
Emilia ran into the house without even listening to the child's answer. She ran up the stairs like a madman and locked the attic door.
At that moment, “Haa.” Her breath burst out. Emilia’s sweaty back fell, and she leaned against the wall.
It's absurd to be squatting in such a dark and cramped place.
Why is she like this? She always thought that avoiding and hiding was cowardly.
But she's scared.
She's slowly forgetting what happened that day, but it feels like everything will go back to square one if she meets Hardius again. She still doesn't have the confidence to look him in the face.
Hr must be here by now, Charlotte. Please, Charlotte has to be good at lying.
Emilia rested her chin on her knees and waited impatiently.
Time passed so slowly.
Charlotte should be back by now, but why is it taking so long?
Is he getting her to ride the swing again?
The moment she couldn't stand it anymore and slowly got up, she heard a knock on the door.
The cigarette was completely burned out. Grojean quickly stubbed out the cigarette and headed to the study where his master was.
“Your Excellency, this is Grosjean.”
“Come in.”
When he opened the door and went in, Hardius was buried in a pile of papers as usual. Grojean took out the first one among the many papers he was holding in his hand.
“These are the results of the investigation into Bernen Cavendish that you mentioned earlier. As expected, Baron Cavendish got involved in the Quiren wool business, and there was considerable fraud and backroom dealing in the process. His debts are also at a dangerous level. Here they are.”
Hardius read the documents for a long time. When he raised his head again, his eyes were shining with satisfaction.
"Great job."
“There is one thing you should know. William Richard came to see Lord Cavendish a few days ago.”
“William?”
The smooth lines of the young man's face were flawless, but Grojean knew better now. His master hid his emotions better than anyone else.
The eyes are so detached, but perhaps inside, they are seething.
“They say they had a secret conversation while leaving all the servants behind. But strangely enough, their youngest daughter, Sheila Cavendish, was there with them.”
“Why?”
“I haven’t found out that far. I don’t even know what they were talking about. I couldn’t ask because I was worried that Richard would find out.”
Hardius, who had uncrossed his arms, closed the curtains. Standing with his hands on the windowsill, he exuded a deep anxiety that he had never seen before.
“William Richard told me that he had heard an interesting rumor about Miss Bern. He told me to go and ask my mother if I was curious. I guess it’s related to that.”
“Could it be that Madam Meyer noticed something?”
“No, if she had noticed, she would have called you in right away. Is there anything else?”
Grojean took out his notebook and began reporting on other things. Stories he had heard from spies planted everywhere, rumors floating around...
Hardius leaned back in his chair and listened silently. Grojean quietly watched his master and then turned a page of his notebook.
“Your Excellency, the mercenaries from Hilden Farm actually came just now. It was Captain Maesen himself.”
“What happened?”
Grojean just relayed the story the mercenaries had just told him.
“I dare advise you to tell Miss Bern some of the truth now. Keeping it a secret from the mercenaries at Hilden Farm will only complicate matters further.”
“I think I’ve answered that question sufficiently.”
“At least give them a priority. Security or secrecy?”
“Both.”
At that moment, Grojean felt as if his breath was being suffocated. It was as if he were standing before a high wall that seemed to pierce the sky.
“Then... I’ll be going now.”
Grojean came out and shook his head to shake off the unpleasant feeling.
Well, it's not easy for people to change.
Hardius Meyer will keep it hidden until the end.
***
A rare rain fell in the zelkova forest. The cool water, accompanied by thunder and lightning, completely washed away the dust and dirt in the forest that had been covered in drought.
Is it true that time heals all wounds?
Emilia felt the memories that had been tormenting her for days gradually fading away. The habitual 'Forget it, it was just a mistake' was having an effect.
When she climbed a large, beautiful tree halfway up the forest, she was startled for a moment, wondering if the carriage she saw in the distance might be that man's.
Like a carriage moving away without even reaching the forest, the events at 'Elver' faded from her mind.
Maybe they'll never meet again like this.
Considering his attitude just before they broke up that day and the fact that there has been no contact since then, it is certain that Hardius also regrets that incident. He may also be very busy negotiating a break-up with His Majesty the King.
Please, just let it be so, Emilia prayed earnestly.
The sky after the heavy rain became clear again as if nothing had happened. Emilia also returned to her peaceful daily life.
The garden in July, after the rain has stopped, is so busy that you can't even let go for a moment. The lush weeds are growing again when you turn around, and the stakes need to be firmly fixed in preparation for the next heavy rain. Picking off insect-eaten or damaged leaves is also an important task. If you miss this time, the joy of harvesting in the coming fall may be reduced by half.
Charlotte, who had always been locked up in the attic, spent a lot of time outside during this time. The child was worried that her sister's face would get tanned under the scorching sun. She didn't know exactly what 'sunburn' meant, but noblewomen never stood in the sun without a parasol. So she had no choice but to help her sister.
Charlotte used all her senses besides her eyes to pick out the diseased leaves. Then she paused for a moment.
“That’s strange. Who would eat half of a leaf like this and throw it away?”
Charlotte had a bunch of torn and perforated leaves in her hands. Emilia, who was watching from afar, chuckled.
“Sister, will you tell me who the culprit is?”
Emilia took Charlotte's hand and turned it palm up.
“Don't be surprised.”
A moment later, something long and green was placed on the child's tiny palm. Charlotte flinched and made a surprised face.
And yet, she looked down at the writhing creature in her hand, as if she could see it.
“It’s a caterpillar. That guy was the culprit.”
“Really? Is this called a ‘caterpillar’?”
"How is it?"
“It’s strange. I feel..."
Charlotte frowned, then asked seriously.
“Sister, is this what it feels like? Is this what it feels like to be dirty?”
“Probably so.”
Charlotte suddenly became sullen.
Emilia seemed to know why. After the mention of the one-eyed monster, wasn't the word 'gross' always followed like a needle and thread?
“But there’s something important you need to know. Do you know what this disgusting caterpillar will become when it grows up?”
“What is it?” she asked.
“He will become a butterfly. A beautiful butterfly with wings as white as snow.”
"Lie."
“It’s true!”
Unfortunately, Charlotte never believed it. She must have thought her sister was lying to her to comfort her.
“Where do all these disgusting legs go, and where do the wings come from?”
“A butterfly does not turn directly from a bug, but goes through a process called a pupa in the middle.”
"Pupa?"
It was the moment Charlotte asked back. Suddenly, Brave started barking madly. The two people's eyes turned in the direction of the sound at the same time.
Clearly, it's the sound of a carriage.
Words that made Emilia's heart skip a beat came out of Charlotte's mouth.
“Are you the master?”
"What?"
“I’m sure. The sound of the carriage is definitely that of Lord Meyer.”
Could there be anything more heartbreaking than that?
Emilia hastily put down the basket and grabbed Charlotte's arm.
“Listen carefully, your sister is not here right now.”
Charlotte stuck her mouth out as if to say something nonsensical. Emilia wanted to beat her chest at how clueless this child who could cast mysterious magic was.
“Your sister is at the market with Mitch and Uncle Beppy right now. Do you understand?”
Only then does Charlotte realize, and her face turns sullen.
“Please, I beg you. Help me. Yes?”
Meanwhile, the sound of a carriage was getting closer.
Emilia ran into the house without even listening to the child's answer. She ran up the stairs like a madman and locked the attic door.
At that moment, “Haa.” Her breath burst out. Emilia’s sweaty back fell, and she leaned against the wall.
It's absurd to be squatting in such a dark and cramped place.
Why is she like this? She always thought that avoiding and hiding was cowardly.
But she's scared.
She's slowly forgetting what happened that day, but it feels like everything will go back to square one if she meets Hardius again. She still doesn't have the confidence to look him in the face.
Hr must be here by now, Charlotte. Please, Charlotte has to be good at lying.
Emilia rested her chin on her knees and waited impatiently.
Time passed so slowly.
Charlotte should be back by now, but why is it taking so long?
Is he getting her to ride the swing again?
The moment she couldn't stand it anymore and slowly got up, she heard a knock on the door.
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