068. Even if it gets dirty
You can't sleep again.
Pip looked at his master's empty bed and thought.
Since he's not even on the terrace, he must have been locked up in his study all day. He's been like that ever since that woman left.
“If only Miss Bern hadn’t been there...”
Mr. Grojean said that if that woman had not existed, the young master would have married Miss Bianca and lived happily ever after.
Pip also had heard a little about Miss Bianca.
They say that from a young age, she was a kind of slacker who liked guns more than dolls and rocks more than jewels. She had a pretty face, but she was a bit chubby, so she was often pointed at by bad people.
But since she has a refreshing personality and a good personality, it's impossible not to like her once you start talking to her, right?
Even just hearing snippets of her speech, he finds Miss Bianca very attractive.
“They say that being a ‘wispy’ is never something you’re born with. It’s foolish men who make women that way. Remember that, Pip. A man should be discerning, especially in front of women.”
Sir Grojean whispered as he watched the young master, who could not take his eyes off her for a long time, even though the carriage carrying the woman had long since disappeared.
“What is it that our master lacks?”
Pip grumbled and roughly shook off the blanket.
As he cleared the table, he saw an empty bottle of medicine sitting neatly in front of him.
Pip's lips hardened.
The doctor said it was 'obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorder.' he really doesn't know how such a physically fit and healthy-looking young master could suffer from such a terrible illness, but he has certainly been taking more medication since spending the night with that woman.
“What on earth is the problem...”
Pip muttered to the clear sky.
When he turned his head a little later, his eyebrows furrowed again.
Somewhere along the tree-lined street, something like a whitish cloth was hanging ominously.
What?
Pip, who had been squinting his eyes, soon raised his eyebrows and said, '... That's a lantern, isn't it?'
It must have flown in from the village a few days ago.
If you let go of a sky lantern, an emergency will be declared in the area. You never know when the sparks will come back to life and start a fire.
Luckily, what Pip was looking at was completely turned off.
“But we have to clean it up quickly.”
Pip, who was turning around, suddenly stopped.
Why does that shabby lantern, lying around, look so much like the young master?
It flies the highest and goes the farthest, but in the end, it burns up and falls powerlessly.
“You want to come help out on the farm sometimes? Where is Laura...?”
“Yes, at the vineyard.”
“It’s not difficult or dangerous, is it?”
“Not at all.”
“Yes, then that’s a good thing...”
Kalia answered weakly. Emilia was clearly looking straight at her, but her mind was completely elsewhere. She had been like that ever since she learned about the Punishment Squad.
It was a fortunate thing for Emilia, who was nervous that her stepmother would ask her questions about this and that.
She stayed out overnight without permission, and that too while her family was in turmoil due to these crazy issues.
But the stepmother doesn't seem to have the time or energy to care about that level of deviation.
“I don’t know what to do with Mitch. I think I should just make him quit school right away. What do you think?”
Emilia began to carefully bring out the words she had prepared.
“I’d like to ask Master Meyer a favor.”
“To the lord?”
“Yes, please help him so that even if problems arise later, he won’t be punished.”
Kalia's eyes sparkled with hope.
“Will His Excellency help me?”
“Yes, he will help us... definitely.”
“Ah, Emilia...”
Kalia sighed and sank into her chair.
“I really hope that happens...”
Emilia forced the corners of her lips to rise.
“But I think it would be better to quit school. I’m going to go to Liberty soon and submit a letter of resignation. While I’m at it, I’ll also look into other schools.”
“Thank you, Emilia... Thank you so much...”
Kalia, who had been holding her hands together as if praying earnestly, turns her head to look for her son.
“You heard everything, right?”
He was sweeping the floor with his head down like a crazy, guilty person.
Kalia's eyes were filled with pity for her son, but it was only for a moment. She had made up her mind to slap him, so she wasn't going to let it go this time.
“From now on, you will do whatever I say without fail. If you ever criticize Lord Meyer again or speak carelessly, I will really not stay still.”
She could sense a look of discontent in his hesitant hands, but Mitch soon nodded his head in resignation.
It was a bitter moment when all of Hardy Meyer's despicable deeds were covered up, and he was crowned the savior.
“For the time being, you are not allowed to go out. You cannot go to the barn, the beach, or the city. I will never trust you again.”
The child's head suddenly rose. A silent cry echoed, asking how that could be possible.
“You still haven’t come to your senses, have you?”
At the sharp voice, his skinny body flinched and shrank like a turtle.
Both the angry Kalia and the dispirited Michie were too unfamiliar sights. For some reason, it was hard to watch, so Emilia ran outside as if she were running away.
The air had become quite cold. The midsummer was at its peak, and they were quickly approaching the threshold of fall.
Alone in the quiet garden, dark memories threatened to invade her again. Emilia shook her head vigorously and took out some firewood from the pile under the porch.
She lit a fire in the stove and put a kettle of water on it. Only then did the cool house start to feel warm.
Emilia stared blankly at the red flames. Watching the firewood crackle and burn black, she felt as if her heart was burning along with it.
Emilia found herself smiling bitterly without realizing it.
Yeah, I'd rather it all burn down.
May it turn to ash and smoke and disappear without a trace...
“Where is His Excellency?”
“He is in the study. He is on vacation in name only, but he seems to be doing more work than when he was in the Basilion.”
Grojean chuckled and looked down at the stack of papers he was carrying at his side. They were drawings and papers he had secretly collected from all over the continent.
“You have become a trusted aide to the master, so keep this in mind. Our master is not a person who has the luxury of enjoying things like vacations in the first place.”
The purpose of the sudden vacation wasn't just for the woman. In fact, there was a bigger purpose.
Young Meyer had no intention of giving up on the railroad. He was secretly gathering information on railroad-related technology and patents in order to avoid opposition from the established powers, including Kaitlyn Meyer.
After making the enemy let their guard down, he secretly made a plan and gradually took control.
That's the young Meyer way. His fiancée has been doing it that way, too.
“Oh, someone came from the Ricardi Palace earlier.”
"Yes?"
“Yes, I have conveyed it well to your lord.”
“Well done.”
Grojean patted Pip on the shoulder and headed straight to the study. Hardius was looking at a large map hanging on the wall.
A long line is drawn up and down from the trading port of Siena, through the capital city of Nowak, to the northernmost point of Kunt.
They are planning a long railway connecting the north and south of the continent.
In front of the young Meyer's sharp gaze, Grojean felt more than relieved, his heart pounding with excitement.
He was worried that he might end up lying around with a blank expression on his face like his father, as he heard that he was looking for a tranquilizer more often.
But he doesn't seem to have any intention of following in his father's footsteps.
“Your Excellency, how have you been?”
Grojean greeted him briskly and unfurled a large scroll on the desk.
“Is this the schematic for the entire route?”
“Yes, it was invented by an engineer named Vermer. If it could be manufactured, it would be the most innovative and practical way to mass-produce steel.”
Hadius stared at the jar-shaped drawing for a while, then nodded slowly.
“At least he doesn’t seem like a scammer.”
“It seems that it is being laughed at by colleagues and professors. It must be because of the huge production cost. They seem to think that it is a far-fetched story that is not worth investing in because there is not much demand for steel.”
“They think exactly like my mother. They are shallow businessmen whose only purpose is money. A true Meyer should not pursue money alone. The key is steel rails. If only mass production of steel could be possible, railroads would be a great innovation that would change the world.”
As expected, his choice was right. At least young Meyer won't ruin his family and business because of a womanizing problem.
Grojean felt relieved once again by his ambitious master's attitude.
“I need to meet this guy named Vermer. Bring him over as soon as possible.”
"All right."
Grojean laid the rest of his papers down on the desk. As he was organizing a few things scattered around for easier viewing, the music box caught his eye.
“Oh, by the way, I heard from Pip that a secret letter has arrived from His Majesty the King?”
"Yes."
“I guess that means he’ll accept the third proposal. The Bern problem is now a piece of cake. That’s really fortunate.”
Contrary to expectations, Hardius did not smile at all and just kept his eyes shut. Unlike when they were talking about work, he looked suddenly tired and anxious.
“It’s too early to relax. It’s not even certain yet.”
It was a stiff answer, but Grojean's lips curled up even wider.
As much as his master did not disappoint him, he was seized by a nagging urge to comfort him.
“If only the third condition is met, Emilia Bern and her family will be completely safe, protected, and supported by the royal family. Then, the mercenaries will be able to successfully complete their mission, and you, too, will be able to focus on your work with peace of mind.”
“...”
“Sooner or later, the social world will be turned upside down. After all, isn’t she a ward of the royal family? Her Majesty the Queen has no daughters, and Miss Bern is also very beautiful, so she will be treated almost like a Princess.”
Grojean continued speaking in an excited voice, hoping to restore psychological stability to his master.
“I’m sure Miss Bern will adapt well. She’s smart and has quite a strong personality, don’t you think? And she even has the support of the council. With Her Majesty the Queen supporting her, all that’s left is for her to spread her wings and fly.”
He said it to make it sound nice, but then he realized that the other person was completely unresponsive.
He turned his head and saw his master staring into space. His eyes had suddenly become cold, making him tilt his head.
That's weird. Did I say something wrong?
Grojean felt awkward for no reason, coughed a few times, and then took out his notebook.
“Is there anything else you would like to ask me?”
Hardius made no answer.
No, I couldn't. Contrary to Grojean's intention, instead of calming down, Hardius became extremely anxious.
Yes, I will pull you into my world.
I will raise you to the highest point of a tower built of gold, and make all those who mock you beneath your feet.
So many insignificant things will praise you for it.
There will probably be some pretty sane ones mixed in, like Nathan Malvin...
The silver-gray eyes staring into space burned coldly.
It can't be helped that it's ironic.
He's done such absurd things to give her wings, but now that the moment has come, why does he feel so anxious and uncomfortable?
He rather liked those days.
She was holding hands, feeling empty and lost, with nowhere to go, and being hit by people.
Looking at her like that, he wondered if she were waiting for him, if in fact she were the only one looking at him, that was when he was mistaken...
“Grosjean.”
Contrary to Grojean's admiration, Hardius pushed the 'Meyer Steel' out of his mind too easily.
“Go and get Miss Bern right now.”
“Huh? Oh... yes.”
Yes, I will be the man who leads you, who shines so brightly, into the darkness, strips you of your clothes, and licks your underbelly.
If necessary, I will trample on it. I will tear it, smash it, and defile it.
So that you can't even think about leaving. So that you can't even think about flying away...
You can't sleep again.
Pip looked at his master's empty bed and thought.
Since he's not even on the terrace, he must have been locked up in his study all day. He's been like that ever since that woman left.
“If only Miss Bern hadn’t been there...”
Mr. Grojean said that if that woman had not existed, the young master would have married Miss Bianca and lived happily ever after.
Pip also had heard a little about Miss Bianca.
They say that from a young age, she was a kind of slacker who liked guns more than dolls and rocks more than jewels. She had a pretty face, but she was a bit chubby, so she was often pointed at by bad people.
But since she has a refreshing personality and a good personality, it's impossible not to like her once you start talking to her, right?
Even just hearing snippets of her speech, he finds Miss Bianca very attractive.
“They say that being a ‘wispy’ is never something you’re born with. It’s foolish men who make women that way. Remember that, Pip. A man should be discerning, especially in front of women.”
Sir Grojean whispered as he watched the young master, who could not take his eyes off her for a long time, even though the carriage carrying the woman had long since disappeared.
“What is it that our master lacks?”
Pip grumbled and roughly shook off the blanket.
As he cleared the table, he saw an empty bottle of medicine sitting neatly in front of him.
Pip's lips hardened.
The doctor said it was 'obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorder.' he really doesn't know how such a physically fit and healthy-looking young master could suffer from such a terrible illness, but he has certainly been taking more medication since spending the night with that woman.
“What on earth is the problem...”
Pip muttered to the clear sky.
When he turned his head a little later, his eyebrows furrowed again.
Somewhere along the tree-lined street, something like a whitish cloth was hanging ominously.
What?
Pip, who had been squinting his eyes, soon raised his eyebrows and said, '... That's a lantern, isn't it?'
It must have flown in from the village a few days ago.
If you let go of a sky lantern, an emergency will be declared in the area. You never know when the sparks will come back to life and start a fire.
Luckily, what Pip was looking at was completely turned off.
“But we have to clean it up quickly.”
Pip, who was turning around, suddenly stopped.
Why does that shabby lantern, lying around, look so much like the young master?
It flies the highest and goes the farthest, but in the end, it burns up and falls powerlessly.
***
“You want to come help out on the farm sometimes? Where is Laura...?”
“Yes, at the vineyard.”
“It’s not difficult or dangerous, is it?”
“Not at all.”
“Yes, then that’s a good thing...”
Kalia answered weakly. Emilia was clearly looking straight at her, but her mind was completely elsewhere. She had been like that ever since she learned about the Punishment Squad.
It was a fortunate thing for Emilia, who was nervous that her stepmother would ask her questions about this and that.
She stayed out overnight without permission, and that too while her family was in turmoil due to these crazy issues.
But the stepmother doesn't seem to have the time or energy to care about that level of deviation.
“I don’t know what to do with Mitch. I think I should just make him quit school right away. What do you think?”
Emilia began to carefully bring out the words she had prepared.
“I’d like to ask Master Meyer a favor.”
“To the lord?”
“Yes, please help him so that even if problems arise later, he won’t be punished.”
Kalia's eyes sparkled with hope.
“Will His Excellency help me?”
“Yes, he will help us... definitely.”
“Ah, Emilia...”
Kalia sighed and sank into her chair.
“I really hope that happens...”
Emilia forced the corners of her lips to rise.
“But I think it would be better to quit school. I’m going to go to Liberty soon and submit a letter of resignation. While I’m at it, I’ll also look into other schools.”
“Thank you, Emilia... Thank you so much...”
Kalia, who had been holding her hands together as if praying earnestly, turns her head to look for her son.
“You heard everything, right?”
He was sweeping the floor with his head down like a crazy, guilty person.
Kalia's eyes were filled with pity for her son, but it was only for a moment. She had made up her mind to slap him, so she wasn't going to let it go this time.
“From now on, you will do whatever I say without fail. If you ever criticize Lord Meyer again or speak carelessly, I will really not stay still.”
She could sense a look of discontent in his hesitant hands, but Mitch soon nodded his head in resignation.
It was a bitter moment when all of Hardy Meyer's despicable deeds were covered up, and he was crowned the savior.
“For the time being, you are not allowed to go out. You cannot go to the barn, the beach, or the city. I will never trust you again.”
The child's head suddenly rose. A silent cry echoed, asking how that could be possible.
“You still haven’t come to your senses, have you?”
At the sharp voice, his skinny body flinched and shrank like a turtle.
Both the angry Kalia and the dispirited Michie were too unfamiliar sights. For some reason, it was hard to watch, so Emilia ran outside as if she were running away.
The air had become quite cold. The midsummer was at its peak, and they were quickly approaching the threshold of fall.
Alone in the quiet garden, dark memories threatened to invade her again. Emilia shook her head vigorously and took out some firewood from the pile under the porch.
She lit a fire in the stove and put a kettle of water on it. Only then did the cool house start to feel warm.
Emilia stared blankly at the red flames. Watching the firewood crackle and burn black, she felt as if her heart was burning along with it.
Emilia found herself smiling bitterly without realizing it.
Yeah, I'd rather it all burn down.
May it turn to ash and smoke and disappear without a trace...
***
“Where is His Excellency?”
“He is in the study. He is on vacation in name only, but he seems to be doing more work than when he was in the Basilion.”
Grojean chuckled and looked down at the stack of papers he was carrying at his side. They were drawings and papers he had secretly collected from all over the continent.
“You have become a trusted aide to the master, so keep this in mind. Our master is not a person who has the luxury of enjoying things like vacations in the first place.”
The purpose of the sudden vacation wasn't just for the woman. In fact, there was a bigger purpose.
Young Meyer had no intention of giving up on the railroad. He was secretly gathering information on railroad-related technology and patents in order to avoid opposition from the established powers, including Kaitlyn Meyer.
After making the enemy let their guard down, he secretly made a plan and gradually took control.
That's the young Meyer way. His fiancée has been doing it that way, too.
“Oh, someone came from the Ricardi Palace earlier.”
"Yes?"
“Yes, I have conveyed it well to your lord.”
“Well done.”
Grojean patted Pip on the shoulder and headed straight to the study. Hardius was looking at a large map hanging on the wall.
A long line is drawn up and down from the trading port of Siena, through the capital city of Nowak, to the northernmost point of Kunt.
They are planning a long railway connecting the north and south of the continent.
In front of the young Meyer's sharp gaze, Grojean felt more than relieved, his heart pounding with excitement.
He was worried that he might end up lying around with a blank expression on his face like his father, as he heard that he was looking for a tranquilizer more often.
But he doesn't seem to have any intention of following in his father's footsteps.
“Your Excellency, how have you been?”
Grojean greeted him briskly and unfurled a large scroll on the desk.
“Is this the schematic for the entire route?”
“Yes, it was invented by an engineer named Vermer. If it could be manufactured, it would be the most innovative and practical way to mass-produce steel.”
Hadius stared at the jar-shaped drawing for a while, then nodded slowly.
“At least he doesn’t seem like a scammer.”
“It seems that it is being laughed at by colleagues and professors. It must be because of the huge production cost. They seem to think that it is a far-fetched story that is not worth investing in because there is not much demand for steel.”
“They think exactly like my mother. They are shallow businessmen whose only purpose is money. A true Meyer should not pursue money alone. The key is steel rails. If only mass production of steel could be possible, railroads would be a great innovation that would change the world.”
As expected, his choice was right. At least young Meyer won't ruin his family and business because of a womanizing problem.
Grojean felt relieved once again by his ambitious master's attitude.
“I need to meet this guy named Vermer. Bring him over as soon as possible.”
"All right."
Grojean laid the rest of his papers down on the desk. As he was organizing a few things scattered around for easier viewing, the music box caught his eye.
“Oh, by the way, I heard from Pip that a secret letter has arrived from His Majesty the King?”
"Yes."
“I guess that means he’ll accept the third proposal. The Bern problem is now a piece of cake. That’s really fortunate.”
Contrary to expectations, Hardius did not smile at all and just kept his eyes shut. Unlike when they were talking about work, he looked suddenly tired and anxious.
“It’s too early to relax. It’s not even certain yet.”
It was a stiff answer, but Grojean's lips curled up even wider.
As much as his master did not disappoint him, he was seized by a nagging urge to comfort him.
“If only the third condition is met, Emilia Bern and her family will be completely safe, protected, and supported by the royal family. Then, the mercenaries will be able to successfully complete their mission, and you, too, will be able to focus on your work with peace of mind.”
“...”
“Sooner or later, the social world will be turned upside down. After all, isn’t she a ward of the royal family? Her Majesty the Queen has no daughters, and Miss Bern is also very beautiful, so she will be treated almost like a Princess.”
Grojean continued speaking in an excited voice, hoping to restore psychological stability to his master.
“I’m sure Miss Bern will adapt well. She’s smart and has quite a strong personality, don’t you think? And she even has the support of the council. With Her Majesty the Queen supporting her, all that’s left is for her to spread her wings and fly.”
He said it to make it sound nice, but then he realized that the other person was completely unresponsive.
He turned his head and saw his master staring into space. His eyes had suddenly become cold, making him tilt his head.
That's weird. Did I say something wrong?
Grojean felt awkward for no reason, coughed a few times, and then took out his notebook.
“Is there anything else you would like to ask me?”
Hardius made no answer.
No, I couldn't. Contrary to Grojean's intention, instead of calming down, Hardius became extremely anxious.
Yes, I will pull you into my world.
I will raise you to the highest point of a tower built of gold, and make all those who mock you beneath your feet.
So many insignificant things will praise you for it.
There will probably be some pretty sane ones mixed in, like Nathan Malvin...
The silver-gray eyes staring into space burned coldly.
It can't be helped that it's ironic.
He's done such absurd things to give her wings, but now that the moment has come, why does he feel so anxious and uncomfortable?
He rather liked those days.
She was holding hands, feeling empty and lost, with nowhere to go, and being hit by people.
Looking at her like that, he wondered if she were waiting for him, if in fact she were the only one looking at him, that was when he was mistaken...
“Grosjean.”
Contrary to Grojean's admiration, Hardius pushed the 'Meyer Steel' out of his mind too easily.
“Go and get Miss Bern right now.”
“Huh? Oh... yes.”
Yes, I will be the man who leads you, who shines so brightly, into the darkness, strips you of your clothes, and licks your underbelly.
If necessary, I will trample on it. I will tear it, smash it, and defile it.
So that you can't even think about leaving. So that you can't even think about flying away...
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