056. Worries
“What did my mother say?”
Grojean quickly hid his embarrassed expression and relayed the conversation at Kramwitz in its entirety.
Although he didn't say anything the whole time he was listening, Grojean could tell that his master, like him, was unable to completely let go of his anxiety.
“Don’t worry, Mrs. Meyer seems to be certain that you are enjoying your vacation without any contact with the outside world. Besides, didn’t His Majesty send you a message a while ago? He said that the engagement was broken off, but public opinion hasn’t completely died down yet, so you should be careful with your words and keep a close eye on yourself for the time being. It seems that all the baits you dropped are working.”
Hardius nodded and poured himself a drink. The reason he was doing the work that would normally be done by a butler or a servant was that all the servants of the villa had been moved elsewhere.
Right now, the only people here are Hardius Meyer, Grojean, and the mercenaries who are maintaining strict security.
When young Meyer declares an unplanned vacation and empties the place of all rats, there's only one real goal.
“Pip will arrive today. Everything is ready, so just give me the order and I will invite Miss Bern soon.”
“An invitation...”
Hardius chuckled and drank the alcohol in one gulp. He didn't even raise an eyebrow while he was swallowing the liquor.
The calm eyes stare at the empty glass before turning towards the vineyard.
“Oh, by the way, Beppy Dilson came to see me this morning. He said he had something to tell me about Miss Bern.”
The hand that was pouring alcohol into the glass one after another stopped.
“I heard that Miss Bern was sick. He said that she had been feeling sick right after she met the master a few days ago and returned home.”
Silence followed. Grojean, feeling awkward, took out his notebook and pretended to check something.
Hardius stood there with his back to him, his glass hanging precariously in his drooping hand, looking as if it might fall at any moment.
The sign that he wanted to be alone was so strong that Grojean waited for the right moment and then slowly backed away.
“Then I guess I’ll... go.”
Hardius was staring blankly into space, unaware that his aide had disappeared.
What brought his blurry vision back into focus was the farmers diligently picking grapes in the distance. A bitter smile appeared on his lips.
When he first got his hands on this villa, he had some pretty romantic fantasies about it.
She, walking barefoot through the sweet-smelling vineyards and picking ripe berries one by one. He wanted to see her, a woman smiling brightly without shoes on, just like she did on the forest beach.
After washing her muddy feet in the cool stream water, she would return to the villa and admire the red-blazing sky.
He wanted to see her enjoying the sunset, next to him.
Hardius brought the glass to his lips. The liquor seeped into his icy tongue. The first glass had been hot as if his esophagus was on fire, but now it was as numb as plain water.
So this is why you drink alcohol.
Blurry gaze turns to the empty glass again.
'I think differently from you, my lord. We've never had each other, so it's easy to throw each other away.'
Yeah, she always said goodbye.
He meant nothing to her, to the point where the expression 'breakup' is laughable.
Not a single moment in her life, not anywhere, will exist.
It is he who cannot let go of the petty string of attachment. It is he who is trying to forcibly connect what has already been severed long ago.
‘I don’t know... really... why is the young master like this...’
She will never understand. No, even if she does, she will never accept it.
There's a past between them that's hard to overcome, and she's already decided on the answer.
He's a selfish and mean Meyer.
That fact never changes, so he has no choice but to trap her and have her be mean.
Hasn't he been preparing meticulously for a long time?
But why can't it be executed?
If necessary, he would deceive her, and if that didn't work, he would trample her mercilessly. He didn't plan on choosing the means and methods...
Hardius poured himself another drink and drank it in one gulp.
Her quivering Adam's apple and stiff shoulders were completely engulfed in worry.
Even though Rosie had been gone for a long time, Kalia was still sitting on the dining table, unable to move.
She stared blankly at the cold teacup, then came to her senses for a moment.
She can't just sit here like this. She has to starch the fabric by tomorrow.
As Rosie said, she borrowed money from 'Ramsco', so she has to pay it back somehow. Even if her body breaks and crumbles.
Just as Kalia was about to straighten her hunched back, a sullen Emilia appeared, rubbing her eyes.
“Did you... Sleep well?”
“Yes, my back hurts so bad.”
Emilia stretched and yawned. Contrary to her haggard face, her voice was quite bright and cheerful.
Emilia's eyes widened as she discovered the basket on the table.
“Huh? What kind of cookie is that?”
“Auntie Rosie came by earlier.”
Kalia answered as she carefully examined Emilia's face.
Not knowing whether she knew her anxious feelings or not, Emilia muttered cheerfully, “Oh, really? What happened to her?” and picked up another cookie.
“She's going to start going to church again next week. She baked a bunch of cookies to celebrate.”
“Oh, they’re really good. I told you that Mom’s cookies are a masterpiece.”
Emilia was amazed and ate two more cookies on the spot.
“What did my mother say?”
Grojean quickly hid his embarrassed expression and relayed the conversation at Kramwitz in its entirety.
Although he didn't say anything the whole time he was listening, Grojean could tell that his master, like him, was unable to completely let go of his anxiety.
“Don’t worry, Mrs. Meyer seems to be certain that you are enjoying your vacation without any contact with the outside world. Besides, didn’t His Majesty send you a message a while ago? He said that the engagement was broken off, but public opinion hasn’t completely died down yet, so you should be careful with your words and keep a close eye on yourself for the time being. It seems that all the baits you dropped are working.”
Hardius nodded and poured himself a drink. The reason he was doing the work that would normally be done by a butler or a servant was that all the servants of the villa had been moved elsewhere.
Right now, the only people here are Hardius Meyer, Grojean, and the mercenaries who are maintaining strict security.
When young Meyer declares an unplanned vacation and empties the place of all rats, there's only one real goal.
“Pip will arrive today. Everything is ready, so just give me the order and I will invite Miss Bern soon.”
“An invitation...”
Hardius chuckled and drank the alcohol in one gulp. He didn't even raise an eyebrow while he was swallowing the liquor.
The calm eyes stare at the empty glass before turning towards the vineyard.
“Oh, by the way, Beppy Dilson came to see me this morning. He said he had something to tell me about Miss Bern.”
The hand that was pouring alcohol into the glass one after another stopped.
“I heard that Miss Bern was sick. He said that she had been feeling sick right after she met the master a few days ago and returned home.”
Silence followed. Grojean, feeling awkward, took out his notebook and pretended to check something.
Hardius stood there with his back to him, his glass hanging precariously in his drooping hand, looking as if it might fall at any moment.
The sign that he wanted to be alone was so strong that Grojean waited for the right moment and then slowly backed away.
“Then I guess I’ll... go.”
Hardius was staring blankly into space, unaware that his aide had disappeared.
What brought his blurry vision back into focus was the farmers diligently picking grapes in the distance. A bitter smile appeared on his lips.
When he first got his hands on this villa, he had some pretty romantic fantasies about it.
She, walking barefoot through the sweet-smelling vineyards and picking ripe berries one by one. He wanted to see her, a woman smiling brightly without shoes on, just like she did on the forest beach.
After washing her muddy feet in the cool stream water, she would return to the villa and admire the red-blazing sky.
He wanted to see her enjoying the sunset, next to him.
Hardius brought the glass to his lips. The liquor seeped into his icy tongue. The first glass had been hot as if his esophagus was on fire, but now it was as numb as plain water.
So this is why you drink alcohol.
Blurry gaze turns to the empty glass again.
'I think differently from you, my lord. We've never had each other, so it's easy to throw each other away.'
Yeah, she always said goodbye.
He meant nothing to her, to the point where the expression 'breakup' is laughable.
Not a single moment in her life, not anywhere, will exist.
It is he who cannot let go of the petty string of attachment. It is he who is trying to forcibly connect what has already been severed long ago.
‘I don’t know... really... why is the young master like this...’
She will never understand. No, even if she does, she will never accept it.
There's a past between them that's hard to overcome, and she's already decided on the answer.
He's a selfish and mean Meyer.
That fact never changes, so he has no choice but to trap her and have her be mean.
Hasn't he been preparing meticulously for a long time?
But why can't it be executed?
If necessary, he would deceive her, and if that didn't work, he would trample her mercilessly. He didn't plan on choosing the means and methods...
Hardius poured himself another drink and drank it in one gulp.
Her quivering Adam's apple and stiff shoulders were completely engulfed in worry.
***
Even though Rosie had been gone for a long time, Kalia was still sitting on the dining table, unable to move.
She stared blankly at the cold teacup, then came to her senses for a moment.
She can't just sit here like this. She has to starch the fabric by tomorrow.
As Rosie said, she borrowed money from 'Ramsco', so she has to pay it back somehow. Even if her body breaks and crumbles.
Just as Kalia was about to straighten her hunched back, a sullen Emilia appeared, rubbing her eyes.
“Did you... Sleep well?”
“Yes, my back hurts so bad.”
Emilia stretched and yawned. Contrary to her haggard face, her voice was quite bright and cheerful.
Emilia's eyes widened as she discovered the basket on the table.
“Huh? What kind of cookie is that?”
“Auntie Rosie came by earlier.”
Kalia answered as she carefully examined Emilia's face.
Not knowing whether she knew her anxious feelings or not, Emilia muttered cheerfully, “Oh, really? What happened to her?” and picked up another cookie.
“She's going to start going to church again next week. She baked a bunch of cookies to celebrate.”
“Oh, they’re really good. I told you that Mom’s cookies are a masterpiece.”
Emilia was amazed and ate two more cookies on the spot.
Kalia, who had been anxious that the child might have heard her conversation with Rosie, was finally able to relax.
“Please, I’ll do it too.”
Emilia squatted down next to Kalia.
The sleeves were rolled up, revealing her white hands and arms. They were smooth and delicate hands that ordinary people like Kalia could only dream of.
“Leave it. Your hands are rough.”
“It’s okay. And wheat grass is good for your skin.”
“You must be tired. Get some more rest.”
“If I keep lying down, I feel like I’m going to get bedsores on my back.”
Emilia smiled and picked up the cloth. The stiff cloth sank into the basin with a squelch sound. Kalia could not stop it any longer and put her hand into the basin in front of her.
The creaking sound of fabric being kneaded echoed through the quiet kitchen.
“When will everyone come?”
“They might be late since they went to the mill to pick wild strawberries. I asked Beppy to let Charlotte get some fresh air since she’s out for the first time in a while.”
“Are you crazy?”
“They haven’t come from the barn yet.”
Emilia looked up at the dark sky outside the window with concern.
“You should come back before it’s too late.”
“That’s right. I’ve been playing a game of ambush or hiding lately, and it’s causing a lot of trouble. What’s so suspicious about a perfectly good farm?”
“But just in case, I’m thinking of going to a place called Hilden Farm with Mitch.”
“Yeah, that would be better. After I go and see it with my own eyes, I’ll have fewer of those ridiculous thoughts. He’s my son, but I don’t understand why he doesn’t study as I tell him to and instead does such ridiculous things.”
Emilia giggled, dipping her hands in the wheat grass.
“Don’t think too badly of him. He’s crazy curious and smart. He’s just passionate and works hard at whatever he does. There’s a saying that goes, ‘You don’t get old because of your age. You get old when you lose your passion.”
“Where did you hear such nice words?”
“In the book.”
“...It is truly a blessing to be able to read books.”
Kalia was muttering without thinking, but Emilia suddenly snapped her fingers.
“Would you like to learn how to write from me?”
Kalia, who had been blinking, soon shook her head.
Each person has his or her own path.
Kalia hated herself for going to the moneylender, but she didn't really hate herself for not being able to read.
“If you change your mind, please let me know. I’m currently teaching Braille to Charlotte, so I think it would be good for you to join me from time to time.”
“Come to think of it, Charlotte has been studying really hard these days.”
“I think it’s thanks to the new Braille books.”
“How can you work so hard just because of one word from Master Meyer...”
Kalia paused at the name 'Meyer'. Her searching gaze once again roved over her daughter's face.
Emilia pretended not to know anything and continued to knead the cloth diligently.
“Oh, I think I’ll have to go out a bit tomorrow.”
“Where are you going?”
“I’m thinking of buying Laura’s wedding present. I think it would be a good idea to prepare a present for Uncle Beppy as well. We’re going to be parting soon, so we need to say goodbye.”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea.”
The moment she answered, a thought crossed Callia's mind. She got up and washed her hands.
When she returned to Emilia's side, there was a small purse in her wrinkled hands. A few coins clanked together, making a jingling sound.
Emilia shook her head vigorously.
“No, it’s okay. I’ll take care of it.”
“Why do you say that? Where is the money you have?”
“Have you forgotten? I received money from Mr. Haspel.”
“But you bought a dress with that...”
Emilia picked it up and laughed.
“Don’t worry. There’s still money left.”
Unfortunately, the hand holding the pocket could not go any further.
It was something that Kalia had collected especially for Mitch.
Mitch Bern is probably the only kid at school who can't pay his dormitory fees on time and has to wear a uniform that's too small.
Kalia was always heartbroken because she knew her son's personality, which was to stand in front of people and act as the leader.
“Save this and use it for Mitch. He needs a new uniform. I don’t know why he keeps growing up. I wonder if he’ll hear the sound of bones.”
Emilia giggled as if it were a joke.
But Kalia couldn't laugh at all. She couldn't laugh.
Oh my god.
Emilia is a gift from heaven.
She clearly remembers a nine-year-old girl who would go into the laundry room, pick up a mountain of laundry, and fold it neatly without a speck of dust.
Is that all?
Emilia took care of Charlotte, who was blind, and even educated her. She read to her and taught her in place of her mother, who could not read.
It's all thanks to Emilia that Mitch is considered an excellent student, even though he entered school much later than others.
She can't believe she wavered for a moment at the words, "Make that child a government member."
Kalia prayed to the sky in her heart.
“Please, I’ll do it too.”
Emilia squatted down next to Kalia.
The sleeves were rolled up, revealing her white hands and arms. They were smooth and delicate hands that ordinary people like Kalia could only dream of.
“Leave it. Your hands are rough.”
“It’s okay. And wheat grass is good for your skin.”
“You must be tired. Get some more rest.”
“If I keep lying down, I feel like I’m going to get bedsores on my back.”
Emilia smiled and picked up the cloth. The stiff cloth sank into the basin with a squelch sound. Kalia could not stop it any longer and put her hand into the basin in front of her.
The creaking sound of fabric being kneaded echoed through the quiet kitchen.
“When will everyone come?”
“They might be late since they went to the mill to pick wild strawberries. I asked Beppy to let Charlotte get some fresh air since she’s out for the first time in a while.”
“Are you crazy?”
“They haven’t come from the barn yet.”
Emilia looked up at the dark sky outside the window with concern.
“You should come back before it’s too late.”
“That’s right. I’ve been playing a game of ambush or hiding lately, and it’s causing a lot of trouble. What’s so suspicious about a perfectly good farm?”
“But just in case, I’m thinking of going to a place called Hilden Farm with Mitch.”
“Yeah, that would be better. After I go and see it with my own eyes, I’ll have fewer of those ridiculous thoughts. He’s my son, but I don’t understand why he doesn’t study as I tell him to and instead does such ridiculous things.”
Emilia giggled, dipping her hands in the wheat grass.
“Don’t think too badly of him. He’s crazy curious and smart. He’s just passionate and works hard at whatever he does. There’s a saying that goes, ‘You don’t get old because of your age. You get old when you lose your passion.”
“Where did you hear such nice words?”
“In the book.”
“...It is truly a blessing to be able to read books.”
Kalia was muttering without thinking, but Emilia suddenly snapped her fingers.
“Would you like to learn how to write from me?”
Kalia, who had been blinking, soon shook her head.
Each person has his or her own path.
Kalia hated herself for going to the moneylender, but she didn't really hate herself for not being able to read.
“If you change your mind, please let me know. I’m currently teaching Braille to Charlotte, so I think it would be good for you to join me from time to time.”
“Come to think of it, Charlotte has been studying really hard these days.”
“I think it’s thanks to the new Braille books.”
“How can you work so hard just because of one word from Master Meyer...”
Kalia paused at the name 'Meyer'. Her searching gaze once again roved over her daughter's face.
Emilia pretended not to know anything and continued to knead the cloth diligently.
“Oh, I think I’ll have to go out a bit tomorrow.”
“Where are you going?”
“I’m thinking of buying Laura’s wedding present. I think it would be a good idea to prepare a present for Uncle Beppy as well. We’re going to be parting soon, so we need to say goodbye.”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea.”
The moment she answered, a thought crossed Callia's mind. She got up and washed her hands.
When she returned to Emilia's side, there was a small purse in her wrinkled hands. A few coins clanked together, making a jingling sound.
Emilia shook her head vigorously.
“No, it’s okay. I’ll take care of it.”
“Why do you say that? Where is the money you have?”
“Have you forgotten? I received money from Mr. Haspel.”
“But you bought a dress with that...”
Emilia picked it up and laughed.
“Don’t worry. There’s still money left.”
Unfortunately, the hand holding the pocket could not go any further.
It was something that Kalia had collected especially for Mitch.
Mitch Bern is probably the only kid at school who can't pay his dormitory fees on time and has to wear a uniform that's too small.
Kalia was always heartbroken because she knew her son's personality, which was to stand in front of people and act as the leader.
“Save this and use it for Mitch. He needs a new uniform. I don’t know why he keeps growing up. I wonder if he’ll hear the sound of bones.”
Emilia giggled as if it were a joke.
But Kalia couldn't laugh at all. She couldn't laugh.
Oh my god.
Emilia is a gift from heaven.
She clearly remembers a nine-year-old girl who would go into the laundry room, pick up a mountain of laundry, and fold it neatly without a speck of dust.
Is that all?
Emilia took care of Charlotte, who was blind, and even educated her. She read to her and taught her in place of her mother, who could not read.
It's all thanks to Emilia that Mitch is considered an excellent student, even though he entered school much later than others.
She can't believe she wavered for a moment at the words, "Make that child a government member."
Kalia prayed to the sky in her heart.
Support Novellate!
Comments
Post a Comment