104. I want you to be there every moment
It was a small, cozy two-story house with a gray roof. It was eerie, with weeds and unruly shrubs, but it was by no means a 'ghost house'.
The solid dark red bricks were sturdy and stylish, and the ivy covering the stone wall had the feel of late autumn in all its colorful glory.
Emilia picked a key out of the package, opened the front door, and went inside.
“Oh my gosh, this is really cool!”
Kalia shouted.
“I prepared myself very mentally... but there was no need... to. Isn’t that right, Mitch?”
"Uh..."
Mitch also looked around the house with admiring eyes.
The three of them walked diligently around the large fireplace, tapestries, and stairs leading to the second floor.
Each bedroom had a bed and a wardrobe, and the closets and furniture were quite usable. If only the dust and cobwebs that had settled like snow had been removed, it would have been possible to move in and live there right away.
“Yes, everyone, get out. I’ll clean up here.”
As he was talking, he put down the bucket of water, the mop, the floor brush, and so on. Emilia couldn't help but chuckle as she watched her younger brother cross his arms as if he was making a resolution.
“Are you sure you’re okay? Aren’t you scared?”
He answered with a mad snicker.
“Put that down and get out.”
"...Yes."
Emilia put down the large bag she was holding in both hands in front of Mitch.
Inside were clothes, towels, food, candles, and other items that Mitch and her stepmother needed to stay here for a few days and do some deep cleaning.
“Go quickly. You have to work again tomorrow. And Charlotte... you have to take care of her.”
There was a slight shadow at the corner of Mitch's eyes as he put Charlotte in his mouth. Emilia could immediately tell that Charlotte was the cause of the family feud.
At any other time, she would have grabbed the child and demanded what was happening. But Emilia had no desire or will to do that anymore.
The family would eventually reconcile on their own. Every time the three of them mentioned each other's names, there was a hint of apology on their faces.
'To be happy, you need trust, not order.'
Emilia swallowed the boiling things as she recalled those words.
“Yes. Then I’ll ask her.”
Emilia patted her brother on the shoulder and went back outside.
Kalia was cutting the overgrown weeds around the house with a scythe. Every time she bent down, she coughed, but at least it wasn't the lung-splitting, rasping sound it had been when she worked at the factory.
“What about Charlotte?”
“She went to see the orchard with Beppy.”
Emilia nodded and took another scythe out of her holster.
“Let it go. I’ll do it. You have to go to the restaurant and work again.”
“It’s okay. I’ll just do it until she gets back.”
The sound of cutting grass continued for a long time. While bending down to cut the grass, Emilia's nerves kept going to her lower abdomen as they had been for the past few days.
No, that won't happen.
Before she knew it, her eyes closed tightly.
...but what if it’s true?
The strength in her hand that had been gripping the grass slowly released and covered her lower abdomen. There was no change, but the feeling of it touching her palm kept rising up.
Her heart started pounding again, and she started to feel anxious, her blood pouring out.
Memories from the pig farm long ago invaded her mind. When did the sows give birth after successfully conceiving?... Three months.
But people are different.
When Aunt Rosie gave birth to her youngest child, it must have been about ten months. It was around the fifth or sixth month that her belly started to bulge out.
Emilia was struck with fear as she recalled the bulging curves clearly visible above her mother's wide dress.
No. No. You can't. Come to your senses.
Emilia immediately rebuked herself for that.
Don't give in to indiscriminate passion.
Don't kneel before exaggerated trials.
Behold, there is nothing so strong as a cool will.
Just before she cut her hair a long time ago, the passage from the book that had so spurred her on came back to her mind.
At that time, she believed that her judgment was correct. She was sure that it was a cool-headed will. But it wasn't like that at all.
That was a reckless passion born of ignorance, an exaggerated ordeal. She should not be carried away by emotions like that, make wild guesses, and draw wild conclusions.
Emilia began to organize her thoughts with a much calmer mind.
How long has it been since they last had sex? ...It’s been over a month, almost two months.
Moments of feeling dizzy, nauseous, and losing her appetite flashed before her eyes. Could these be symptoms of pregnancy?
Things that she had taken for granted kept coming to only one conclusion.
Baby.
New life, tiny and fluttery like a baby bird on the beach.
The moment Emilia thought of it, something indescribable and hot poured down from the top of her head. At the same time, her stomach churned again and she felt like vomiting.
What if there really was a child inside? What if a new life was conceived at some point during those reckless nights spent with him?
A strange trembling, different from the fear that made her eyes go dark, swept through her whole body. Even though she thought it was absolutely not true, a strange certainty surged in endlessly like a tidal wave.
My child.
That person's child.
Her stomach was twitching. Her breath was suffocating.
He is the sole heir of the Meyer family. Whether Emilia likes it or not, if they have a child, it will be the blood of the Meyer family. The weight of the name Meyer was squeezing Emilia's neck.
This is not the time to just tremble in fear.
Whatever she calls their relationship, she could have had a child at any time, and now that she is aware of it, she must tell Hardius.
Even if it all turns out to be a ridiculous illusion, it shouldn't be hidden. The mere fact that it could be is reason enough to let him know.
The reason she lost her judgment the day she got her hair cut was that she was ignorant and worried all by herself.
Emilia didn't want to repeat the same mistake.
This is not the time to be idly cutting grass. She needs to tell him.
Emilia put down the scythe she was holding.
What should I do? Should I go to Pip? Or to Tobias of Basilion? Or to Sir Grojean?
The problem is that he can't just go to a villa or a Basilion house like you used to and just go and do whatever you want.
The last time they met, he made it clear that he would return as Duke Meyer.
That statement sounded like it was something she couldn't meet him until he became Duke Meyer.
What should I do? Should I send a letter to Eringer? But what if Duchess Meyer finds out first?
Emilia staggered over and sat down on a chair.
A shiver of fear swept through her entire body, but at the same time, strange things were taking over her body.
Among the countless emotions that surged in like a tidal wave, there was only one thing that ultimately held her heart.
It didn't matter if it was because they were anxious, desperate, or just wanted to lean on someone.
I miss you.
The sharp blade stabbed deep into her chest.
I miss you so much I could die.
The heat that started in her forehead rose up her throat and to her eyelids, making her feel cold.
Emilia took a deep breath and swallowed the hot liquid that seemed ready to burst out at any moment, along with her saliva.
Eringer's second steel mill.
Men covered in sweat and grease sat in trenches, wielding hammers, clubs, and shotguns.
It's already been a week.
Erdua, the factory manager, was exhausted. So were the rioters.
The one standing alone opposite them was Hardius Meyer. Erdua could only watch Prince Meyer's back from a distance.
There were more than one or two moments when he felt cold sweat. It seemed as if the mob would break Prince Meyer’s neck at any moment, and Prince Meyer did not back down even an inch.
He calmly said, "All fired," even in the face of dozens of guns pointed at his head.
Every time that happened, Erdua would quietly back away and think about whether to run to the police station or go find Kaitlyn Meyer.
What on earth are you thinking? It doesn't seem like there's any good solution.
He could never understand Hardius Meyer, who was so confident that it was hard to call him a brat.
What if hr provokes them further and they lock the factory doors and break the machines?
No, if they pull the trigger in a fit of anger...!
He felt his heart sink again.
“Young Master.”
Erdua approached Hardius cautiously.
“This is enough. Mrs. Meyer and the investors will understand. The Prince did his best...”
That was when.
A man at the top of the mob suddenly raised his hand. It was Andrei, the leader and ringleader.
“Yes. Let’s try negotiating.”
As if he had been waiting, Hardius strode into the factory, and Erdua didn't know what to do.
Meanwhile, the factory doors were about to close again.
“You can't.”
A short man blocked Erdua's path.
“...!”
Erdua was terrified, but he couldn't leave Prince Meyer alone in the middle of enemy territory.
“Oh, Your Excellency!”
Hardius turned slightly and raised his arm to show that it was okay.
“Ha, but...”
A short man dragged Erdua out, and the large door slammed shut behind Hardius.
Andrei jumped down and stood in front of him. The nearly 200 workers all fell silent, and silence descended.
The two faced each other under the beam of light streaming in through the factory's high windows.
“Yes, is that okay? We lasted a week as promised.”
Andrey spread his arms open as if to show off.
“Now it is your turn, young master. Do not forget. To you it may be a mere transaction, but to us it is a matter of life and death.”
“Yeah. We made a deal.”
Hardius looked around at the workers coldly.
“Meyer Steel does not negotiate with the mob. That is the principle, and you are all fired from this moment on. Drop your weapons and disperse immediately.”
The previously gloomy faces of the audience became restless.
"Of course."
Hardius took off his gloves and continued speaking coldly.
“I regret that you lost your job overnight, and as the head of Meyer Steel, I would like to offer you one last chance. At the new factory in Kunt.”
There was a commotion among the workers. Even though everything had been planned in advance, they couldn't shake off their anxiety when it actually happened.
Andrei called them down and then stood in front of Hardius again.
“I swear, Your Excellency. If I do as you say... I will surely avenge the injustice done to my comrades who died because of your greed.”
Hardius nodded.
“From now on, Meyer Steel must take full responsibility to ensure that this kind of thing does not happen again among the powerless workers. If they do that, we will also keep our promise, even risking our lives.”
Instead of answering, Hardius extended his hand to Andrei. It was a gesture that showed that they were equals and that they were trading. Andrei reached out and squeezed his hand tightly. That alone was enough.
People who had stepped onto the trench began to come down one by one. The barrier that seemed like an iron fortress disappeared so quickly, in an instant, to the point of being meaningless.
Erdua's eyes widened as the locked factory doors opened and workers poured out.
“Your Excellency?”
“Depart for Nowak immediately. Tell Duchess Meyer that all the ringleaders have been dismissed and the situation has been brought under control.”
“Huh?!”
Hardius walked silently, leaving Erdua behind, who cried out in disbelief.
That night, Hardius was finally able to relax and soak in the hot water. Everything was going smoothly.
Erdua will leave for Nowak, while the laid-off workers will join Bermer in Kundt.
Of course, the not-so-easy Duchess Meyer might question this strange strike and its even stranger resolution.
But she will receive a letter in a few days, and she will have neither the time nor the energy to concern herself with this trivial matter.
She will be so scared that she will destroy herself.
After bathing, Hardius put on his robe and poured himself a drink.
He sat by the window and quietly looked up at the night sky.
The sky was filled with stars that seemed ready to pour down at any moment. That night suddenly came to mind.
The day she had her all night, the day she held her cold body and looked at the stars together.
Even though she was holding a body as stiff as a doll, she felt like she had the world in her hands.
Memories of that time poured down like starlight, clouding her vision. Everything disappeared, and only one desire grabbed her heart.
What are you doing now?
I wish you were by my side. Right now. No, every moment...
It was a small, cozy two-story house with a gray roof. It was eerie, with weeds and unruly shrubs, but it was by no means a 'ghost house'.
The solid dark red bricks were sturdy and stylish, and the ivy covering the stone wall had the feel of late autumn in all its colorful glory.
Emilia picked a key out of the package, opened the front door, and went inside.
“Oh my gosh, this is really cool!”
Kalia shouted.
“I prepared myself very mentally... but there was no need... to. Isn’t that right, Mitch?”
"Uh..."
Mitch also looked around the house with admiring eyes.
The three of them walked diligently around the large fireplace, tapestries, and stairs leading to the second floor.
Each bedroom had a bed and a wardrobe, and the closets and furniture were quite usable. If only the dust and cobwebs that had settled like snow had been removed, it would have been possible to move in and live there right away.
“Yes, everyone, get out. I’ll clean up here.”
As he was talking, he put down the bucket of water, the mop, the floor brush, and so on. Emilia couldn't help but chuckle as she watched her younger brother cross his arms as if he was making a resolution.
“Are you sure you’re okay? Aren’t you scared?”
He answered with a mad snicker.
“Put that down and get out.”
"...Yes."
Emilia put down the large bag she was holding in both hands in front of Mitch.
Inside were clothes, towels, food, candles, and other items that Mitch and her stepmother needed to stay here for a few days and do some deep cleaning.
“Go quickly. You have to work again tomorrow. And Charlotte... you have to take care of her.”
There was a slight shadow at the corner of Mitch's eyes as he put Charlotte in his mouth. Emilia could immediately tell that Charlotte was the cause of the family feud.
At any other time, she would have grabbed the child and demanded what was happening. But Emilia had no desire or will to do that anymore.
The family would eventually reconcile on their own. Every time the three of them mentioned each other's names, there was a hint of apology on their faces.
'To be happy, you need trust, not order.'
Emilia swallowed the boiling things as she recalled those words.
“Yes. Then I’ll ask her.”
Emilia patted her brother on the shoulder and went back outside.
Kalia was cutting the overgrown weeds around the house with a scythe. Every time she bent down, she coughed, but at least it wasn't the lung-splitting, rasping sound it had been when she worked at the factory.
“What about Charlotte?”
“She went to see the orchard with Beppy.”
Emilia nodded and took another scythe out of her holster.
“Let it go. I’ll do it. You have to go to the restaurant and work again.”
“It’s okay. I’ll just do it until she gets back.”
The sound of cutting grass continued for a long time. While bending down to cut the grass, Emilia's nerves kept going to her lower abdomen as they had been for the past few days.
No, that won't happen.
Before she knew it, her eyes closed tightly.
...but what if it’s true?
The strength in her hand that had been gripping the grass slowly released and covered her lower abdomen. There was no change, but the feeling of it touching her palm kept rising up.
Her heart started pounding again, and she started to feel anxious, her blood pouring out.
Memories from the pig farm long ago invaded her mind. When did the sows give birth after successfully conceiving?... Three months.
But people are different.
When Aunt Rosie gave birth to her youngest child, it must have been about ten months. It was around the fifth or sixth month that her belly started to bulge out.
Emilia was struck with fear as she recalled the bulging curves clearly visible above her mother's wide dress.
No. No. You can't. Come to your senses.
Emilia immediately rebuked herself for that.
Don't give in to indiscriminate passion.
Don't kneel before exaggerated trials.
Behold, there is nothing so strong as a cool will.
Just before she cut her hair a long time ago, the passage from the book that had so spurred her on came back to her mind.
At that time, she believed that her judgment was correct. She was sure that it was a cool-headed will. But it wasn't like that at all.
That was a reckless passion born of ignorance, an exaggerated ordeal. She should not be carried away by emotions like that, make wild guesses, and draw wild conclusions.
Emilia began to organize her thoughts with a much calmer mind.
How long has it been since they last had sex? ...It’s been over a month, almost two months.
Moments of feeling dizzy, nauseous, and losing her appetite flashed before her eyes. Could these be symptoms of pregnancy?
Things that she had taken for granted kept coming to only one conclusion.
Baby.
New life, tiny and fluttery like a baby bird on the beach.
The moment Emilia thought of it, something indescribable and hot poured down from the top of her head. At the same time, her stomach churned again and she felt like vomiting.
What if there really was a child inside? What if a new life was conceived at some point during those reckless nights spent with him?
A strange trembling, different from the fear that made her eyes go dark, swept through her whole body. Even though she thought it was absolutely not true, a strange certainty surged in endlessly like a tidal wave.
My child.
That person's child.
Her stomach was twitching. Her breath was suffocating.
He is the sole heir of the Meyer family. Whether Emilia likes it or not, if they have a child, it will be the blood of the Meyer family. The weight of the name Meyer was squeezing Emilia's neck.
This is not the time to just tremble in fear.
Whatever she calls their relationship, she could have had a child at any time, and now that she is aware of it, she must tell Hardius.
Even if it all turns out to be a ridiculous illusion, it shouldn't be hidden. The mere fact that it could be is reason enough to let him know.
The reason she lost her judgment the day she got her hair cut was that she was ignorant and worried all by herself.
Emilia didn't want to repeat the same mistake.
This is not the time to be idly cutting grass. She needs to tell him.
Emilia put down the scythe she was holding.
What should I do? Should I go to Pip? Or to Tobias of Basilion? Or to Sir Grojean?
The problem is that he can't just go to a villa or a Basilion house like you used to and just go and do whatever you want.
The last time they met, he made it clear that he would return as Duke Meyer.
That statement sounded like it was something she couldn't meet him until he became Duke Meyer.
What should I do? Should I send a letter to Eringer? But what if Duchess Meyer finds out first?
Emilia staggered over and sat down on a chair.
A shiver of fear swept through her entire body, but at the same time, strange things were taking over her body.
Among the countless emotions that surged in like a tidal wave, there was only one thing that ultimately held her heart.
It didn't matter if it was because they were anxious, desperate, or just wanted to lean on someone.
I miss you.
The sharp blade stabbed deep into her chest.
I miss you so much I could die.
The heat that started in her forehead rose up her throat and to her eyelids, making her feel cold.
Emilia took a deep breath and swallowed the hot liquid that seemed ready to burst out at any moment, along with her saliva.
***
Eringer's second steel mill.
Men covered in sweat and grease sat in trenches, wielding hammers, clubs, and shotguns.
It's already been a week.
Erdua, the factory manager, was exhausted. So were the rioters.
The one standing alone opposite them was Hardius Meyer. Erdua could only watch Prince Meyer's back from a distance.
There were more than one or two moments when he felt cold sweat. It seemed as if the mob would break Prince Meyer’s neck at any moment, and Prince Meyer did not back down even an inch.
He calmly said, "All fired," even in the face of dozens of guns pointed at his head.
Every time that happened, Erdua would quietly back away and think about whether to run to the police station or go find Kaitlyn Meyer.
What on earth are you thinking? It doesn't seem like there's any good solution.
He could never understand Hardius Meyer, who was so confident that it was hard to call him a brat.
What if hr provokes them further and they lock the factory doors and break the machines?
No, if they pull the trigger in a fit of anger...!
He felt his heart sink again.
“Young Master.”
Erdua approached Hardius cautiously.
“This is enough. Mrs. Meyer and the investors will understand. The Prince did his best...”
That was when.
A man at the top of the mob suddenly raised his hand. It was Andrei, the leader and ringleader.
“Yes. Let’s try negotiating.”
As if he had been waiting, Hardius strode into the factory, and Erdua didn't know what to do.
Meanwhile, the factory doors were about to close again.
“You can't.”
A short man blocked Erdua's path.
“...!”
Erdua was terrified, but he couldn't leave Prince Meyer alone in the middle of enemy territory.
“Oh, Your Excellency!”
Hardius turned slightly and raised his arm to show that it was okay.
“Ha, but...”
A short man dragged Erdua out, and the large door slammed shut behind Hardius.
Andrei jumped down and stood in front of him. The nearly 200 workers all fell silent, and silence descended.
The two faced each other under the beam of light streaming in through the factory's high windows.
“Yes, is that okay? We lasted a week as promised.”
Andrey spread his arms open as if to show off.
“Now it is your turn, young master. Do not forget. To you it may be a mere transaction, but to us it is a matter of life and death.”
“Yeah. We made a deal.”
Hardius looked around at the workers coldly.
“Meyer Steel does not negotiate with the mob. That is the principle, and you are all fired from this moment on. Drop your weapons and disperse immediately.”
The previously gloomy faces of the audience became restless.
"Of course."
Hardius took off his gloves and continued speaking coldly.
“I regret that you lost your job overnight, and as the head of Meyer Steel, I would like to offer you one last chance. At the new factory in Kunt.”
There was a commotion among the workers. Even though everything had been planned in advance, they couldn't shake off their anxiety when it actually happened.
Andrei called them down and then stood in front of Hardius again.
“I swear, Your Excellency. If I do as you say... I will surely avenge the injustice done to my comrades who died because of your greed.”
Hardius nodded.
“From now on, Meyer Steel must take full responsibility to ensure that this kind of thing does not happen again among the powerless workers. If they do that, we will also keep our promise, even risking our lives.”
Instead of answering, Hardius extended his hand to Andrei. It was a gesture that showed that they were equals and that they were trading. Andrei reached out and squeezed his hand tightly. That alone was enough.
People who had stepped onto the trench began to come down one by one. The barrier that seemed like an iron fortress disappeared so quickly, in an instant, to the point of being meaningless.
Erdua's eyes widened as the locked factory doors opened and workers poured out.
“Your Excellency?”
“Depart for Nowak immediately. Tell Duchess Meyer that all the ringleaders have been dismissed and the situation has been brought under control.”
“Huh?!”
Hardius walked silently, leaving Erdua behind, who cried out in disbelief.
That night, Hardius was finally able to relax and soak in the hot water. Everything was going smoothly.
Erdua will leave for Nowak, while the laid-off workers will join Bermer in Kundt.
Of course, the not-so-easy Duchess Meyer might question this strange strike and its even stranger resolution.
But she will receive a letter in a few days, and she will have neither the time nor the energy to concern herself with this trivial matter.
She will be so scared that she will destroy herself.
After bathing, Hardius put on his robe and poured himself a drink.
He sat by the window and quietly looked up at the night sky.
The sky was filled with stars that seemed ready to pour down at any moment. That night suddenly came to mind.
The day she had her all night, the day she held her cold body and looked at the stars together.
Even though she was holding a body as stiff as a doll, she felt like she had the world in her hands.
Memories of that time poured down like starlight, clouding her vision. Everything disappeared, and only one desire grabbed her heart.
What are you doing now?
I wish you were by my side. Right now. No, every moment...
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