080. Back to reality
It was the third day since Charlotte and Emilia's visit to Sitmerl cottage.
“Benjamin Luxel?”
Emilia blinked at the unfamiliar name written in the letter.
The sender was unfamiliar, but as soon as she opened the envelope, the faint scent of perfume wafted out, somehow familiar.
Could it be Master Malvin?
She was standing blankly in the middle of the living room, a little surprised at herself for remembering the smell of his perfume, when Mitch asked her, seeming to find it strange.
“What are you doing? Why aren’t you reading?”
“Yes? Yes....”
When Emilia opened the letter, the contents poured out exactly as she had expected.
To the most cautious and timid woman I know.
The cheerful opening phrase made Emilia forget her worries and smile without realizing it.
For your sake, I was writing this letter under the name of 'Benjamin Luxel', who will become my business partner, hiding the name 'Melvin'. I am sorry.
It feels like the affectionate yet teasing tone of voice is coming from right next to her.
Right now you're probably thinking, 'We shouldn't meet for a while.', 'I don't want to get caught up in strange rumors.'
Emilia picked again and laughed. Mitch, who was watching, tilted his head.
“What’s so funny? Who sent the letter?”
“Yes, my name is Nathan Malvin...”
Emilia, who answered without thinking, was startled for no reason.
It must have been because of Hardius Meyer. Emilia was gripped by an irrational fear, afraid even to mention Malvin's name.
“But why ‘Benjamin Luxel’? Why did he send the letter under someone else’s name?”
“...I think it’s because he's afraid of being misunderstood. I’m the Meyer family’s fiancée.”
Emilia focused on the letter again.
What followed was so surprising that it made Emilia forget the existence of her younger brother next to her.
I have found a secret sponsor for you. It is Benjamin Luxel, the man who sent you this letter. Benjamin has all the qualities you want. He is neither noble nor famous. You will be his scholarship student. You will not be entangled in some strange relationship with a nobleman.
Emilia's heart started pounding. A series of images came to mind when she heard the word scholarship student.
Emilia, walking through the beautiful schoolyard with her teachers, friends, the library, and books under her arm.
But along with the anticipation came a huge sense of anxiety.
Surely Hardius Meyer doesn't know everything about this letter?
Emilia immediately shook her head. If he had known, he would not have been reading like this.
She calmed her trembling heart and read the letter again.
Let's go to the New World, Emilia. Come with me.
New World?
The heightened anticipation reached its peak and then calmed down again. His writing style also became very serious, as if he had already anticipated such a reaction.
For two years, you can study as much as you want, and I can experience a new world. I think the Trans Federation is a place where you can live the free life you want.
The story about the Trans Federal Autonomy was quite long and well-written. It was mostly in line with what Raina had said. No, according to Nathan, it was even better.
Compared to the mainland, the caste system is looser, there are more opportunities for women to receive education, and it is a much safer place than rumors suggest.
Benjamin Luxel is the administrator who is promoting immigration to the Trans-Confederation. If you have any questions, please write to the address below or come to visit him in person. This is Benjamin Luxel's office.
Suddenly, Raina came to mind. She also said that she was leaving for the New World with her family...
I know it's not an easy decision. I'll give you some time to think about it. I have about a month to spare.
Two years in a new world. Freedom, studying what I want...
If she thinks about it, it's a dreamlike opportunity, and if she thinks about it, it's a reckless adventure.
As if to see through Emilia's feelings, a famous quote was left at the end of the letter.
Take on the challenge. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
“What the heck is this?”
The gaze that had been wandering through the air turned towards Michi.
“Why are you laughing all by yourself and then getting serious?”
“Yes? Uh... No, it’s nothing.”
The evasive attitude made Mitch's eyes narrow even more.
Emilia didn't notice and put the letter back in the envelope. The faint scent of bergamot lingered in her nostrils.
Her two eyes, which had been swaying back and forth following the flickering candlelight, blinked as if she had suddenly come to her senses.
“I should... go to sleep now.”
"...already?"
“I start working at Scully tomorrow. I don’t want to be late on my first day.”
Mitch didn't answer at all. He just stared at his sister's letter with curious eyes.
Even in the pitch-black darkness, dawn breaks. Pip, who had been dozing off against the fireplace, opened his eyes wide as a ray of light stabbed his eyelids.
“Master?”
His startled head hurriedly turned to the terrace, imagining the owner who must be sobbing and drunk.
But what is this?
The master was nowhere to be found on the terrace. Pio jumped up in surprise and looked around, wondering what was going on.
The master was changing his clothes as if nothing had happened.
His upright posture was long and upright, and his fingers tying his tie did not waver an inch.
Pip was momentarily lost in the graceful sight, not even realizing that his servant had dared to nod off and leave his master's work behind.
“Get up, Pip. Bring my jacket.”
“Ah... ah, yep!”
Only then did Pip walk away, glancing back at the terrace.
A bottle of strong liquor that would make you dizzy just by smelling it was completely emptied. But how could he look so fine?
The young master, wearing a jacket, stood before Pip, looking perfect as always.
“Prepare the carriage.”
“Yes, I understand.”
After the young master's secret vacation, it was time to return to reality.
“I knew it.”
It was something Emilia had been hearing all week during her first week working at Restaurant Scholarly. The chef was looking down at the new dishwasher with his arms crossed, as if he were pathetic.
“You stupid bitch, you want me to serve this to you?!”
What fell before her eyes was a raw chicken that she had just prepared. Upon closer inspection, she could see that the flesh was torn here and there.
“I told you not to soak it in hot water for too long. The longer you do that, the harder it is to pluck out the hair. And when it becomes harder to pluck out the hair, the flesh falls off like this. Do you have a rock in your head?!”
“I’m sorry. I really...”
Emilia answered sincerely.
From what she's seen of the chef, he's always swearing and has a bad temper, but he's not the type to find fault with ridiculous things.
She thought she could do it well since she's prepared chicken at home many times.
The problem is that homes and restaurants are completely different.
At home, it didn't really matter if less hair was pulled out or, on the contrary, if the flesh was torn by pulling too roughly. After all, it was something that the family would eat together.
But restaurants were not like that. Even a small scratch would greatly reduce the value of the product.
She thought the job was too easy, just washing dishes...
If she did something wrong, she should admit it quickly and fix it. Nothing will change if shr stay depressed. But why do tears keep welling up in her eyes?
“Ugh, you fucking bitch... Why on earth would the boss bring in such a useless thing... Next time you try that, I’ll just throw you out as I please... Just take care of it properly!”
Another piece of raw chicken fell onto the chopping board. Emilia bit her lip and held back the lump that was rising.
This was not the time to be whining like a child. She had to somehow make up for her mistake.
Emilia quickly raised her knife and began cutting the joints and ligaments, pulling out the intestines. The smell of blood and intestines vibrated. She held back the rising nausea and finished the work silently.
A moment later, the chef returned, his eyes full of annoyance, glaring at the chicken Emilia was preparing.
She was anxious that a torrent of swear words might pour out, but thankfully, that wasn't the case.
The chef stuck his spatula out and seemed to be thinking about something, then suddenly kicked a large wooden bucket with his foot.
“Finish this within an hour.”
Emilia sighed in relief at the fact that at least she hadn't been scolded. Then she reached for the pile of dishes. She soaked the bowls in hot water, scrubbed them with a scouring pad, and soaked them in lye water. Then she rinsed them again with clean water.
The kitchen staff said there was no need to go that far, but Emilia couldn't stand the uneasy feeling.
You’re telling me to just use the bowl that was soaked in lye without even rinsing it?
She was worried that she would get scolded for not doing what she was told, but she couldn't do anything wrong.
As time went by, her hands started to feel hot, and her back started to hurt more and more.
Emilia found herself completely lost in thought for a moment, and she squatted down.
In the kitchen beyond the threshold, large women worked tirelessly like machines.
Both eyes automatically turned to her thin, pale wrist. She could now see why every store owner had rejected her.
'Don't you get it? Emilia is no longer one of us. She's a total noblewoman now.'
Aunt Rosie's words sounded like an auditory hallucination.
'You know what Hayley said? She said Emilia didn't feel like a friend anymore. She said she had become a complete lady, from head to toe, from the way she spoke to her appearance to every little movement.'
Suddenly, Emilia felt a strong urge to come.
Emilia sat up stiffly like a log and dipped her hands into the dishwashing tub again. She scrubbed the dishes again with a rough sponge, taking off any traces of 'nobility' that might have remained in her body and mind.
As she repeated the simple movement of bending and straightening her elbows, tears began to well up in her eyes.
What am I doing here now?
'Let's go to the New World, Emilia. Come with me.'
It felt like Nathan Malvin was whispering right next to her.
'Just for two years. You can study as much as you want, and I can experience a new world. I think it's a place where you can live the free life you want.'
Why am I here, after receiving such an exciting offer?
Why are you hesitating and not picking up the pumpkin that rolled in?
Aunt Rosie was also answering that question for me.
'Will Emilia be able to live a life where she can study what she wants while leaving her younger brother in the care of her stepmother?'
Yes, her sister, Charlotte Bern. Who will take care of that blind child when she leaves?
Emilia didn't want to pursue her dreams that far.
No matter how great your success, you can never be happy if the people next to you are unhappy.
The success achieved by neglecting Charlotte meant nothing to Emilia.
It was the third day since Charlotte and Emilia's visit to Sitmerl cottage.
“Benjamin Luxel?”
Emilia blinked at the unfamiliar name written in the letter.
The sender was unfamiliar, but as soon as she opened the envelope, the faint scent of perfume wafted out, somehow familiar.
Could it be Master Malvin?
She was standing blankly in the middle of the living room, a little surprised at herself for remembering the smell of his perfume, when Mitch asked her, seeming to find it strange.
“What are you doing? Why aren’t you reading?”
“Yes? Yes....”
When Emilia opened the letter, the contents poured out exactly as she had expected.
To the most cautious and timid woman I know.
The cheerful opening phrase made Emilia forget her worries and smile without realizing it.
For your sake, I was writing this letter under the name of 'Benjamin Luxel', who will become my business partner, hiding the name 'Melvin'. I am sorry.
It feels like the affectionate yet teasing tone of voice is coming from right next to her.
Right now you're probably thinking, 'We shouldn't meet for a while.', 'I don't want to get caught up in strange rumors.'
Emilia picked again and laughed. Mitch, who was watching, tilted his head.
“What’s so funny? Who sent the letter?”
“Yes, my name is Nathan Malvin...”
Emilia, who answered without thinking, was startled for no reason.
It must have been because of Hardius Meyer. Emilia was gripped by an irrational fear, afraid even to mention Malvin's name.
“But why ‘Benjamin Luxel’? Why did he send the letter under someone else’s name?”
“...I think it’s because he's afraid of being misunderstood. I’m the Meyer family’s fiancée.”
Emilia focused on the letter again.
What followed was so surprising that it made Emilia forget the existence of her younger brother next to her.
I have found a secret sponsor for you. It is Benjamin Luxel, the man who sent you this letter. Benjamin has all the qualities you want. He is neither noble nor famous. You will be his scholarship student. You will not be entangled in some strange relationship with a nobleman.
Emilia's heart started pounding. A series of images came to mind when she heard the word scholarship student.
Emilia, walking through the beautiful schoolyard with her teachers, friends, the library, and books under her arm.
But along with the anticipation came a huge sense of anxiety.
Surely Hardius Meyer doesn't know everything about this letter?
Emilia immediately shook her head. If he had known, he would not have been reading like this.
She calmed her trembling heart and read the letter again.
Let's go to the New World, Emilia. Come with me.
New World?
The heightened anticipation reached its peak and then calmed down again. His writing style also became very serious, as if he had already anticipated such a reaction.
For two years, you can study as much as you want, and I can experience a new world. I think the Trans Federation is a place where you can live the free life you want.
The story about the Trans Federal Autonomy was quite long and well-written. It was mostly in line with what Raina had said. No, according to Nathan, it was even better.
Compared to the mainland, the caste system is looser, there are more opportunities for women to receive education, and it is a much safer place than rumors suggest.
Benjamin Luxel is the administrator who is promoting immigration to the Trans-Confederation. If you have any questions, please write to the address below or come to visit him in person. This is Benjamin Luxel's office.
Suddenly, Raina came to mind. She also said that she was leaving for the New World with her family...
I know it's not an easy decision. I'll give you some time to think about it. I have about a month to spare.
Two years in a new world. Freedom, studying what I want...
If she thinks about it, it's a dreamlike opportunity, and if she thinks about it, it's a reckless adventure.
As if to see through Emilia's feelings, a famous quote was left at the end of the letter.
Take on the challenge. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
“What the heck is this?”
The gaze that had been wandering through the air turned towards Michi.
“Why are you laughing all by yourself and then getting serious?”
“Yes? Uh... No, it’s nothing.”
The evasive attitude made Mitch's eyes narrow even more.
Emilia didn't notice and put the letter back in the envelope. The faint scent of bergamot lingered in her nostrils.
Her two eyes, which had been swaying back and forth following the flickering candlelight, blinked as if she had suddenly come to her senses.
“I should... go to sleep now.”
"...already?"
“I start working at Scully tomorrow. I don’t want to be late on my first day.”
Mitch didn't answer at all. He just stared at his sister's letter with curious eyes.
***
Even in the pitch-black darkness, dawn breaks. Pip, who had been dozing off against the fireplace, opened his eyes wide as a ray of light stabbed his eyelids.
“Master?”
His startled head hurriedly turned to the terrace, imagining the owner who must be sobbing and drunk.
But what is this?
The master was nowhere to be found on the terrace. Pio jumped up in surprise and looked around, wondering what was going on.
The master was changing his clothes as if nothing had happened.
His upright posture was long and upright, and his fingers tying his tie did not waver an inch.
Pip was momentarily lost in the graceful sight, not even realizing that his servant had dared to nod off and leave his master's work behind.
“Get up, Pip. Bring my jacket.”
“Ah... ah, yep!”
Only then did Pip walk away, glancing back at the terrace.
A bottle of strong liquor that would make you dizzy just by smelling it was completely emptied. But how could he look so fine?
The young master, wearing a jacket, stood before Pip, looking perfect as always.
“Prepare the carriage.”
“Yes, I understand.”
After the young master's secret vacation, it was time to return to reality.
***
“I knew it.”
It was something Emilia had been hearing all week during her first week working at Restaurant Scholarly. The chef was looking down at the new dishwasher with his arms crossed, as if he were pathetic.
“You stupid bitch, you want me to serve this to you?!”
What fell before her eyes was a raw chicken that she had just prepared. Upon closer inspection, she could see that the flesh was torn here and there.
“I told you not to soak it in hot water for too long. The longer you do that, the harder it is to pluck out the hair. And when it becomes harder to pluck out the hair, the flesh falls off like this. Do you have a rock in your head?!”
“I’m sorry. I really...”
Emilia answered sincerely.
From what she's seen of the chef, he's always swearing and has a bad temper, but he's not the type to find fault with ridiculous things.
She thought she could do it well since she's prepared chicken at home many times.
The problem is that homes and restaurants are completely different.
At home, it didn't really matter if less hair was pulled out or, on the contrary, if the flesh was torn by pulling too roughly. After all, it was something that the family would eat together.
But restaurants were not like that. Even a small scratch would greatly reduce the value of the product.
She thought the job was too easy, just washing dishes...
If she did something wrong, she should admit it quickly and fix it. Nothing will change if shr stay depressed. But why do tears keep welling up in her eyes?
“Ugh, you fucking bitch... Why on earth would the boss bring in such a useless thing... Next time you try that, I’ll just throw you out as I please... Just take care of it properly!”
Another piece of raw chicken fell onto the chopping board. Emilia bit her lip and held back the lump that was rising.
This was not the time to be whining like a child. She had to somehow make up for her mistake.
Emilia quickly raised her knife and began cutting the joints and ligaments, pulling out the intestines. The smell of blood and intestines vibrated. She held back the rising nausea and finished the work silently.
A moment later, the chef returned, his eyes full of annoyance, glaring at the chicken Emilia was preparing.
She was anxious that a torrent of swear words might pour out, but thankfully, that wasn't the case.
The chef stuck his spatula out and seemed to be thinking about something, then suddenly kicked a large wooden bucket with his foot.
“Finish this within an hour.”
Emilia sighed in relief at the fact that at least she hadn't been scolded. Then she reached for the pile of dishes. She soaked the bowls in hot water, scrubbed them with a scouring pad, and soaked them in lye water. Then she rinsed them again with clean water.
The kitchen staff said there was no need to go that far, but Emilia couldn't stand the uneasy feeling.
You’re telling me to just use the bowl that was soaked in lye without even rinsing it?
She was worried that she would get scolded for not doing what she was told, but she couldn't do anything wrong.
As time went by, her hands started to feel hot, and her back started to hurt more and more.
Emilia found herself completely lost in thought for a moment, and she squatted down.
In the kitchen beyond the threshold, large women worked tirelessly like machines.
Both eyes automatically turned to her thin, pale wrist. She could now see why every store owner had rejected her.
'Don't you get it? Emilia is no longer one of us. She's a total noblewoman now.'
Aunt Rosie's words sounded like an auditory hallucination.
'You know what Hayley said? She said Emilia didn't feel like a friend anymore. She said she had become a complete lady, from head to toe, from the way she spoke to her appearance to every little movement.'
Suddenly, Emilia felt a strong urge to come.
Emilia sat up stiffly like a log and dipped her hands into the dishwashing tub again. She scrubbed the dishes again with a rough sponge, taking off any traces of 'nobility' that might have remained in her body and mind.
As she repeated the simple movement of bending and straightening her elbows, tears began to well up in her eyes.
What am I doing here now?
'Let's go to the New World, Emilia. Come with me.'
It felt like Nathan Malvin was whispering right next to her.
'Just for two years. You can study as much as you want, and I can experience a new world. I think it's a place where you can live the free life you want.'
Why am I here, after receiving such an exciting offer?
Why are you hesitating and not picking up the pumpkin that rolled in?
Aunt Rosie was also answering that question for me.
'Will Emilia be able to live a life where she can study what she wants while leaving her younger brother in the care of her stepmother?'
Yes, her sister, Charlotte Bern. Who will take care of that blind child when she leaves?
Emilia didn't want to pursue her dreams that far.
No matter how great your success, you can never be happy if the people next to you are unhappy.
The success achieved by neglecting Charlotte meant nothing to Emilia.
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