089. Should have kept it hidden until the end
On days when she didn't have to go to work, Emilia slept like the dead until noon.
Mitch woke up at dawn and did housework while sneaking around for his crazy older sister.
He never thought of things like washing dishes, cleaning, and laundry as difficult. But after just a week, he was deeply reflecting on herself for being so crazy.
Even washing the dishes wasn't easy.
The pots and pans were always stuck, and the fire in the fireplace would go out whenever it had a chance. When he hastily rekindled the fire, the sky was overcast and looked like it was going to rain at any moment. After hastily hanging up the laundry, time flew by, and the sun was already high in the sky.
"Mitch?"
When he turned around, Charlotte was standing there, rubbing her eyes. Mitch, who was looking down, realized that the child was very dirty. Her hair was greasy, and there was a lot of gunk around her eyes.
Come to think of it, he hasn't bathed the child in two days. Of course, Charlotte knew how to wash her face and body by herself. The problem is that she can't heat the water needed for bathing.
Even when her sister was home from work, Charlotte was so clean that you wouldn't have noticed that she was blind.
The house was the same. It didn't smell as musty as it does now, and the floors were always shiny.
He older sister always says that her older sister wasted her time playing the useless noble game, but that is just excessive self-reproach that goes beyond a sense of responsibility.
In some ways, life is frighteningly fair.
Mitch was keenly aware of the fact that he had been able to attend school, discuss justice and distribution with his classmates, and live comfortably because of the absolute sacrifices of his mother and older sister.
“Mitch... are you crying?”
Mitch was so startled that he quickly wiped away the tears that had gathered in his eyes.
“Are you crazy? Why am I crying?”
Charlotte tilted her head, and Mitch quickly changed the subject.
“Oh, you... The ash-covered ghost is following me. Wait a minute. I’ll heat up some water for you.”
After a while, Charlotte, her face pale again, rolled up her sleeves and offered to help Mitch. The child sat down on the floor and began to neatly fold the pile of cloth.
As he watched that scene, he felt something bubbling up again from the bottom of his mind. His heart felt like it was going to burst with frustration.
His sister ultimately turned down Nathan Malvin's offer.
No matter how much he thinks about it, he can't understand. Why does she reject it so much?
There is no reason why the whole family can't leave for the New World together. Mom will have to quit her factory job soon anyway, and he has dropped out. Charlotte's life won't get any worse.
Above all, wouldn't it be great if a noble like Nathan Malvin could support her?
It's just a letter, but he can tell a lot from the writing. Nathan Malvin really, sincerely, unselfishly wants to help his sister.
Mitch would also tremble if he were a nobleman. But some noblemen fight and shed blood for freedom, equality, and fraternity.
He thought Nathan Malvin was one of those guys. He's sure his sister knew that, too.
But why don't you accept it? With your incomprehensible, useless, stubbornness.
Could there be another reason? Why can't you go even though you want to?
“Mitch, I’m hungry.”
“Huh? Uh... Yes, do you want to eat something?”
“There are dried plums and cheese in the cupboard. There’s also bread. There’s probably some bacon that my sister got from the restaurant yesterday.”
“Yes. I’ll look into it.”
A rustling sound came through the crack of the door, waking Emilia from her sleep. She lifted her heavy eyelids and blinked, trying to come to her senses.
It's strange. Why has sleep been following her so persistently lately?
Emilia barely managed to get up, shaking off the heavy, wet feeling that was weighing on her. For a moment, she felt nauseous again.
It seemed like going all the way to Rheinsbuch for work would be too much of a stretch.
Emilia had been feeling strangely heavy for the past few days. Taking a deep breath, Emilia slowly left the room.
“Sister!”
Mitch and Charlotte welcomed Emilia as their savior.
After a while, they were enjoying a well-deserved meal: bacon, pickled herring, freshly baked bread, and savory butter.
The table at the cabin had been quite abundant recently, thanks to the food Emilia had brought back from the restaurant.
Emilia, who was happily watching the two children eating their fill, picked up a piece of bread.
And at that moment, Brave, who was outside, started barking loudly.
Three pairs of eyes simultaneously looked out the window.
A cloud of dust rose along the path, and the rider on horseback was getting closer. Emilia went outside and calmed Brave down.
The horse arrived in front of the yard in an instant. The man got off the horse, adjusted his hat, and took something out of his bag. He was immediately recognizable by the flag pattern fluttering over his shoulder and the insignia engraved on his hat.
Two fire-breathing lions beneath jeweled crowns.
He was a messenger sent from the royal family.
Two days later, Emilia was walking diligently along the corridors of Palazzo Riccardi.
Chandeliers hung in a row from the long ceiling, and the gold-leafed ornaments lining both sides glowed golden in the sunlight.
When she first came here five years ago, she was dizzy with its luxurious grandeur.
The attendant walking ahead suddenly stopped. Emilia, who was following behind, also stopped.
“Wait here.”
Everything was just like the engagement party. At the end of the hallway, a magnificent door with gold trim was firmly shut, and Emilia stood nervously in front of it.
The only thing that had changed was that the girl reflected in the window had grown taller.
Emilia looked at her reflection in the large glass window, checking that her clothes were clean and her hair was neat.
To think that she has truly received a summons from His Majesty the King.
Emilia clasped her hands together and took a deep breath.
After a while, the door finally opened. A guard in a red jacket appeared on either side, and a servant in a uniform appeared.
“Is that Emilia Bern, Jim Bern’s eldest daughter?”
"Yes."
“Follow me.”
Emilia walked slowly.
The reception room was the same as that day. Soft carpets covered the polished marble floor, and portraits of the previous Kings and their families lined the walls.
A few steps from the large fireplace, the servant stopped walking.
“Emilia Bern, the eldest daughter of Bern, sends greetings to His Majesty the King.”
As the servant spoke, Emilia bowed her head and knees at the same time. Shiny shoes that must have belonged to the King came into her blurry vision.
A low, heavy voice continued.
“It’s been a while. Let me see your face.”
Emilia raised her head and met the King's eyes. Beneath his graying hair, the middle-aged man's wrinkled eyes looked down at her with amusement.
His Majesty the King was just as she remembered. His oily face and droopy eyes were far from the majesty of a 'King'. However, his pitch-black eyes and deep voice had the appearance of a King of a country.
Emilia quickly lowered her eyes as she realized she was staring intently at the King's face. Her trembling gaze hurriedly settled on the large jeweled buttons on the jacket he was wearing.
Joseph suddenly burst into laughter.
“Yes, you’ve grown up very well, just as I expected. Well, everyone expected it on your engagement day... You’re really beautiful. I’m so proud of you. Who would think you’re a commoner rather than a lady? Even with your hair like that.”
“...I’m so embarrassed I don’t know where to put myself.”
Emilia answered as she had learned. Joseph looked at Emilia quietly, then suddenly turned his head to the Queen, who was next to him. Emilia’s gaze also turned in that direction.
It was her first time meeting Her Majesty the Queen. She had not been able to attend the engagement ceremony because she was pregnant with her third child.
Queen Yvonne was as glamorous as rumored.
A jeweled tiara glittered above her blonde hair, which was braided into many strands, and around her neck hung a string of pearls.
“I’ve only heard about it through words, but now that I see you in person, I feel glad. Just as Your Majesty said, you’ve grown up very well. It seems like you’ve also received your training as a bride very faithfully.”
"...Thank you."
Emilia barely managed to answer and took a deep breath to suppress the tension that had risen to her chin.
In front of the two pairs of pouring eyes, Emilia was thinking of Hardius, who had tried to make her their ward.
It was such an unrealistic story that she couldn't relate to it at all, but standing there, her heart started pounding, and she felt strange.
“Yes, shall we begin?”
Joseph raised his hand toward the bailiff, who unfolded a small scroll.
“The engagement that I notarized, contrary to its sacred intentions, has caused social confusion and has caused numerous conflicts and controversies. The parties to the marriage also earnestly wish to dissolve the engagement and have repeatedly requested that the notarization be cancelled. I hereby inform Jim Bern’s eldest daughter that the engagement has been dissolved.”
She already knew. But for a moment, the strength in her legs gave out, and Emilia had difficulty standing.
“I would like to express my deepest regret and consolation to the eldest daughter of Bern, who faithfully carried out the royal command and fulfilled her responsibilities while suffering from an unwanted engagement, and I would like to praise her for her hard work.”
The bailiff who finished reading handed Emilia a letter sealed with wax. Emilia opened the envelope and read each word diligently. But strangely, not a single word caught her eye.
The bailiff continued reading.
“I, Joseph de Roy Tristan Bolden, hereby decree that the taxes levied on the House of Bern for the past five years be remitted, and that ten rolls of wool, two hundred pounds of wheat, and a small compensation in gold are paid.”
The scroll folded, and the gavel struck with a bang.
“I hope you remember. How much I care for and love weak and powerless people like you.”
Emilia bowed her knees once again.
It's over. The engagement was declared broken off, and the King gave her condolence money and gifts. It's really over.
Emilia wiped her sweaty hands on her skirt as she waited for the order to leave.
But something strange happened.
Wasn't it Queen Yvonne coming down from the podium and approaching, saying, "Wait a minute?"
Emilia tried not to stare at the Queen, hiding her embarrassed expression.
“I have one more gift for you.”
As the Queen spoke, she opened the lid of a small jewel box and showed it to her.
There was a ring.
Yvonne took Emilia's hand and put the ring on it herself.
Emilia felt the tremors that started at her fingertips spread throughout her body.
It is not unusual for jewels to be bestowed as gifts.
But a ring... On the day the engagement was broken off, and on the ring finger at that...
Queen Yvonne whispered softly, one corner of her mouth curling up.
“I never understood why the successor to the Meyer family would make such a condition, but now that I see this, I understand.”
The Queen looked down at the coldly shining ring and chuckled.
“I absolutely cannot believe it, nor can I tolerate it. But, how can human emotions be as one wishes?”
Emilia felt her heart pounding and blood rushing to her scalp.
“Can I give you some advice? I mean...”
Yvonne continued bitterly, her eyes scanning Emilia's translucently fine skin.
“I don’t know about anything else, but as a mother raising a son, and a successor at that, I understand Kaitlyn Meyer. If our Louis Boch were to fall for a commoner like you and do something so ridiculous...”
Yvonne shook her head as if it were horrible. Emilia had difficulty breathing.
“Anyway, I now realize for sure that you weren’t a trap set by the Meyer family. I wish I had called you earlier and met you in person. Why did Prince Meyer try so hard to hide you? Why didn’t he know that this was only creating more misunderstandings?”
Yvonne muttered to herself as she stared at Emilia. Her cold smile disappeared, and her eyes, which looked as if they were looking at her with pity, made Emilia dizzy again.
“I feel relieved as well. If you need my help, just let me know. As you know, we made a deal with Prince Meyer, and you and I are in the same boat.”
Yvonne looked at the ring and smiled faintly.
“It suits you well. You have someone to meet before you go home. If you follow the path leading to the main gate, you will see a fountain. Wait for me there.”
Emilia stumbled out of the palace.
As she walked along the straight road, as the Queen had said, she came across a large fountain with a lion statue. The water pouring down like a waterfall was creating a small rainbow.
A man in a suit stood with his back to Emilia, quietly watching.
As she got closer to him, step by step, the ring on her hand became heavier and tighter. Sensing the presence of someone, Hardius glanced and turned his head.
His gaze, enveloped in a colorless fog, stared at Emilia. Then, it settled on the ring.
“Are you thinking of throwing it away again?”
Her trembling hands pulled at the ring, then stopped as if hesitating.
“It doesn’t matter. Do whatever you want. But something really fun will happen. No matter who you ask or how you do it, you’ll get a new ring.”
“Your Excellency, please...”
“Are you sick of it?”
A soft, gentle voice strangled Emilia's throat.
“Then, Emilia, you should have kept it a secret until the end. You should never have made that confession.”
On days when she didn't have to go to work, Emilia slept like the dead until noon.
Mitch woke up at dawn and did housework while sneaking around for his crazy older sister.
He never thought of things like washing dishes, cleaning, and laundry as difficult. But after just a week, he was deeply reflecting on herself for being so crazy.
Even washing the dishes wasn't easy.
The pots and pans were always stuck, and the fire in the fireplace would go out whenever it had a chance. When he hastily rekindled the fire, the sky was overcast and looked like it was going to rain at any moment. After hastily hanging up the laundry, time flew by, and the sun was already high in the sky.
"Mitch?"
When he turned around, Charlotte was standing there, rubbing her eyes. Mitch, who was looking down, realized that the child was very dirty. Her hair was greasy, and there was a lot of gunk around her eyes.
Come to think of it, he hasn't bathed the child in two days. Of course, Charlotte knew how to wash her face and body by herself. The problem is that she can't heat the water needed for bathing.
Even when her sister was home from work, Charlotte was so clean that you wouldn't have noticed that she was blind.
The house was the same. It didn't smell as musty as it does now, and the floors were always shiny.
He older sister always says that her older sister wasted her time playing the useless noble game, but that is just excessive self-reproach that goes beyond a sense of responsibility.
In some ways, life is frighteningly fair.
Mitch was keenly aware of the fact that he had been able to attend school, discuss justice and distribution with his classmates, and live comfortably because of the absolute sacrifices of his mother and older sister.
“Mitch... are you crying?”
Mitch was so startled that he quickly wiped away the tears that had gathered in his eyes.
“Are you crazy? Why am I crying?”
Charlotte tilted her head, and Mitch quickly changed the subject.
“Oh, you... The ash-covered ghost is following me. Wait a minute. I’ll heat up some water for you.”
After a while, Charlotte, her face pale again, rolled up her sleeves and offered to help Mitch. The child sat down on the floor and began to neatly fold the pile of cloth.
As he watched that scene, he felt something bubbling up again from the bottom of his mind. His heart felt like it was going to burst with frustration.
His sister ultimately turned down Nathan Malvin's offer.
No matter how much he thinks about it, he can't understand. Why does she reject it so much?
There is no reason why the whole family can't leave for the New World together. Mom will have to quit her factory job soon anyway, and he has dropped out. Charlotte's life won't get any worse.
Above all, wouldn't it be great if a noble like Nathan Malvin could support her?
It's just a letter, but he can tell a lot from the writing. Nathan Malvin really, sincerely, unselfishly wants to help his sister.
Mitch would also tremble if he were a nobleman. But some noblemen fight and shed blood for freedom, equality, and fraternity.
He thought Nathan Malvin was one of those guys. He's sure his sister knew that, too.
But why don't you accept it? With your incomprehensible, useless, stubbornness.
Could there be another reason? Why can't you go even though you want to?
“Mitch, I’m hungry.”
“Huh? Uh... Yes, do you want to eat something?”
“There are dried plums and cheese in the cupboard. There’s also bread. There’s probably some bacon that my sister got from the restaurant yesterday.”
“Yes. I’ll look into it.”
A rustling sound came through the crack of the door, waking Emilia from her sleep. She lifted her heavy eyelids and blinked, trying to come to her senses.
It's strange. Why has sleep been following her so persistently lately?
Emilia barely managed to get up, shaking off the heavy, wet feeling that was weighing on her. For a moment, she felt nauseous again.
It seemed like going all the way to Rheinsbuch for work would be too much of a stretch.
Emilia had been feeling strangely heavy for the past few days. Taking a deep breath, Emilia slowly left the room.
“Sister!”
Mitch and Charlotte welcomed Emilia as their savior.
After a while, they were enjoying a well-deserved meal: bacon, pickled herring, freshly baked bread, and savory butter.
The table at the cabin had been quite abundant recently, thanks to the food Emilia had brought back from the restaurant.
Emilia, who was happily watching the two children eating their fill, picked up a piece of bread.
And at that moment, Brave, who was outside, started barking loudly.
Three pairs of eyes simultaneously looked out the window.
A cloud of dust rose along the path, and the rider on horseback was getting closer. Emilia went outside and calmed Brave down.
The horse arrived in front of the yard in an instant. The man got off the horse, adjusted his hat, and took something out of his bag. He was immediately recognizable by the flag pattern fluttering over his shoulder and the insignia engraved on his hat.
Two fire-breathing lions beneath jeweled crowns.
He was a messenger sent from the royal family.
***
Two days later, Emilia was walking diligently along the corridors of Palazzo Riccardi.
Chandeliers hung in a row from the long ceiling, and the gold-leafed ornaments lining both sides glowed golden in the sunlight.
When she first came here five years ago, she was dizzy with its luxurious grandeur.
The attendant walking ahead suddenly stopped. Emilia, who was following behind, also stopped.
“Wait here.”
Everything was just like the engagement party. At the end of the hallway, a magnificent door with gold trim was firmly shut, and Emilia stood nervously in front of it.
The only thing that had changed was that the girl reflected in the window had grown taller.
Emilia looked at her reflection in the large glass window, checking that her clothes were clean and her hair was neat.
To think that she has truly received a summons from His Majesty the King.
Emilia clasped her hands together and took a deep breath.
After a while, the door finally opened. A guard in a red jacket appeared on either side, and a servant in a uniform appeared.
“Is that Emilia Bern, Jim Bern’s eldest daughter?”
"Yes."
“Follow me.”
Emilia walked slowly.
The reception room was the same as that day. Soft carpets covered the polished marble floor, and portraits of the previous Kings and their families lined the walls.
A few steps from the large fireplace, the servant stopped walking.
“Emilia Bern, the eldest daughter of Bern, sends greetings to His Majesty the King.”
As the servant spoke, Emilia bowed her head and knees at the same time. Shiny shoes that must have belonged to the King came into her blurry vision.
A low, heavy voice continued.
“It’s been a while. Let me see your face.”
Emilia raised her head and met the King's eyes. Beneath his graying hair, the middle-aged man's wrinkled eyes looked down at her with amusement.
His Majesty the King was just as she remembered. His oily face and droopy eyes were far from the majesty of a 'King'. However, his pitch-black eyes and deep voice had the appearance of a King of a country.
Emilia quickly lowered her eyes as she realized she was staring intently at the King's face. Her trembling gaze hurriedly settled on the large jeweled buttons on the jacket he was wearing.
Joseph suddenly burst into laughter.
“Yes, you’ve grown up very well, just as I expected. Well, everyone expected it on your engagement day... You’re really beautiful. I’m so proud of you. Who would think you’re a commoner rather than a lady? Even with your hair like that.”
“...I’m so embarrassed I don’t know where to put myself.”
Emilia answered as she had learned. Joseph looked at Emilia quietly, then suddenly turned his head to the Queen, who was next to him. Emilia’s gaze also turned in that direction.
It was her first time meeting Her Majesty the Queen. She had not been able to attend the engagement ceremony because she was pregnant with her third child.
Queen Yvonne was as glamorous as rumored.
A jeweled tiara glittered above her blonde hair, which was braided into many strands, and around her neck hung a string of pearls.
“I’ve only heard about it through words, but now that I see you in person, I feel glad. Just as Your Majesty said, you’ve grown up very well. It seems like you’ve also received your training as a bride very faithfully.”
"...Thank you."
Emilia barely managed to answer and took a deep breath to suppress the tension that had risen to her chin.
In front of the two pairs of pouring eyes, Emilia was thinking of Hardius, who had tried to make her their ward.
It was such an unrealistic story that she couldn't relate to it at all, but standing there, her heart started pounding, and she felt strange.
“Yes, shall we begin?”
Joseph raised his hand toward the bailiff, who unfolded a small scroll.
“The engagement that I notarized, contrary to its sacred intentions, has caused social confusion and has caused numerous conflicts and controversies. The parties to the marriage also earnestly wish to dissolve the engagement and have repeatedly requested that the notarization be cancelled. I hereby inform Jim Bern’s eldest daughter that the engagement has been dissolved.”
She already knew. But for a moment, the strength in her legs gave out, and Emilia had difficulty standing.
“I would like to express my deepest regret and consolation to the eldest daughter of Bern, who faithfully carried out the royal command and fulfilled her responsibilities while suffering from an unwanted engagement, and I would like to praise her for her hard work.”
The bailiff who finished reading handed Emilia a letter sealed with wax. Emilia opened the envelope and read each word diligently. But strangely, not a single word caught her eye.
The bailiff continued reading.
“I, Joseph de Roy Tristan Bolden, hereby decree that the taxes levied on the House of Bern for the past five years be remitted, and that ten rolls of wool, two hundred pounds of wheat, and a small compensation in gold are paid.”
The scroll folded, and the gavel struck with a bang.
“I hope you remember. How much I care for and love weak and powerless people like you.”
Emilia bowed her knees once again.
It's over. The engagement was declared broken off, and the King gave her condolence money and gifts. It's really over.
Emilia wiped her sweaty hands on her skirt as she waited for the order to leave.
But something strange happened.
Wasn't it Queen Yvonne coming down from the podium and approaching, saying, "Wait a minute?"
Emilia tried not to stare at the Queen, hiding her embarrassed expression.
“I have one more gift for you.”
As the Queen spoke, she opened the lid of a small jewel box and showed it to her.
There was a ring.
Yvonne took Emilia's hand and put the ring on it herself.
Emilia felt the tremors that started at her fingertips spread throughout her body.
It is not unusual for jewels to be bestowed as gifts.
But a ring... On the day the engagement was broken off, and on the ring finger at that...
Queen Yvonne whispered softly, one corner of her mouth curling up.
“I never understood why the successor to the Meyer family would make such a condition, but now that I see this, I understand.”
The Queen looked down at the coldly shining ring and chuckled.
“I absolutely cannot believe it, nor can I tolerate it. But, how can human emotions be as one wishes?”
Emilia felt her heart pounding and blood rushing to her scalp.
“Can I give you some advice? I mean...”
Yvonne continued bitterly, her eyes scanning Emilia's translucently fine skin.
“I don’t know about anything else, but as a mother raising a son, and a successor at that, I understand Kaitlyn Meyer. If our Louis Boch were to fall for a commoner like you and do something so ridiculous...”
Yvonne shook her head as if it were horrible. Emilia had difficulty breathing.
“Anyway, I now realize for sure that you weren’t a trap set by the Meyer family. I wish I had called you earlier and met you in person. Why did Prince Meyer try so hard to hide you? Why didn’t he know that this was only creating more misunderstandings?”
Yvonne muttered to herself as she stared at Emilia. Her cold smile disappeared, and her eyes, which looked as if they were looking at her with pity, made Emilia dizzy again.
“I feel relieved as well. If you need my help, just let me know. As you know, we made a deal with Prince Meyer, and you and I are in the same boat.”
Yvonne looked at the ring and smiled faintly.
“It suits you well. You have someone to meet before you go home. If you follow the path leading to the main gate, you will see a fountain. Wait for me there.”
***
Emilia stumbled out of the palace.
As she walked along the straight road, as the Queen had said, she came across a large fountain with a lion statue. The water pouring down like a waterfall was creating a small rainbow.
A man in a suit stood with his back to Emilia, quietly watching.
As she got closer to him, step by step, the ring on her hand became heavier and tighter. Sensing the presence of someone, Hardius glanced and turned his head.
His gaze, enveloped in a colorless fog, stared at Emilia. Then, it settled on the ring.
“Are you thinking of throwing it away again?”
Her trembling hands pulled at the ring, then stopped as if hesitating.
“It doesn’t matter. Do whatever you want. But something really fun will happen. No matter who you ask or how you do it, you’ll get a new ring.”
“Your Excellency, please...”
“Are you sick of it?”
A soft, gentle voice strangled Emilia's throat.
“Then, Emilia, you should have kept it a secret until the end. You should never have made that confession.”
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