094. Mask Festival
Bianca, leaning lazily against the bathtub, was lost in thought, watching the steam rising. Her nanny, Ruth, was combing her hair.
The bathroom was filled with the faint scent of lavender as the large comb ran through the red strands.
“Miss, what are you thinking about?”
“Huh? ...No, I don’t think about anything.”
Ruth mixed the essential oil into the bath and began to gently massage her master's shoulders. Bianca's plump lips drew a curve, and elasticity burst out through her teeth.
Looking at her master like that, Ruth realized that it was time to deliver the news she had been wanting to put off.
“I just got a reply from Basilion House.”
The drooping eyelids slowly opened, and the red-gold eyes sparkled with a complex light.
“...What did it say?”
Ruth opened her mouth slowly, avoiding the eyes of the girl reflected in the mirror.
“Master Meyer has other plans this weekend. He said he would come to see you in person another day and asked when would be best for you.”
Silence flowed. Ruth glanced at the mirror, checking her master's expression.
There was no sign of regret or disappointment from the girl staring into space.
And yet Ruth seemed to be able to see deep into the girl's heart, beneath the bulkhead of pride and dignity.
A few days ago, the young lady even asked her a shocking question, asking if she could follow Master Meyer. Within seconds, she told him to forget it, saying it was a joke, but it was shocking that Young Lady Leichnen, who values honor as much as her life, would entertain such a thought.
Ruth had loved and cared for her as if she were her own daughter ever since the time when her master called her 'a fat and ugly child'. It was her purpose and duty in life to comfort and care for her master.
Ruth opened her mouth, overcome by a sense of duty to please the young lady.
“I think the young master is going to Sitmer’s villa that day.”
“Sitmer?”
“Yes, while he's there, he doesn’t let anyone near him, and he spends his time alone.”
“...”
“This is a story I heard directly from Kramwitz’s maid...”
Ruth stopped combing and suddenly lowered her voice.
“I think the young master is planning to marry the young lady there. Monsieur Grojean himself said so. It seems you will have your bridal chambers at Sitmer’s villa.”
Bianca's expression in the mirror didn't change much. However, what passed by like the wind for a short moment was clearly joy and anticipation.
“The Sitmer is definitely for the young lady. When the young master broke off the engagement and was first given the villa, there were rumors in high society. It was almost like His Majesty the King had given you two a wedding present in advance.”
"...Well."
Bianca scooped up some water with her hand and rubbed it absentmindedly on one arm. Of course, Ruth wasn't intimidated at all.
“Master Meyer is a man of few words and does not express himself well, but he is also a man of deep thoughts, to the point of preparing a surprise gift. As the Grand Duke said, he is secretly romantic.”
Ruth giggled to herself.
Bianca's face remained completely calm until the very end. But she couldn't stop her heart from rising strangely from deep within her.
On the day of St. Michael's Day, the zelkova forest was bustling from early morning. Kalia and Emilia, in their own way, were busy preparing to go out.
Kalia, who had finally quit her job at the factory two days ago, was planning to take Mitch to church.
“Have fun. You’ve been working too hard.”
“Yes, you guys have fun too. Be careful not to catch a cold.”
“Yes, I was planning on taking a shawl anyway. Be careful on your way back, Mom. And give my regards to Auntie Rosie and the villagers.”
“Yes, I get it. I hope you get to meet Hailey too.”
Emilia's eyes suddenly took on a dark color.
“Oh, Mother, there’s something you really need to know. If the townspeople come looking for Charlotte and me...”
“Yeah, it’s an absolute secret that you're going to Sitmer.”
Kalia interrupted. Mitch chimed in.
“My sister is sick, and Charlotte didn’t come to church because she wanted to be with her sister. Don’t worry and have fun, I’ll put a lock on your mouth.”
Even as she tried hard to reassure her daughter by patting her shoulder, Kalia couldn't help but feel doubt and anxiety rising in her heart.
Why does the master keep coming here?
According to Mr. Grojean, the young master wanted to take care of her family even after the engagement was broken off. Thanks to him, the problem with Mitch's disciplinary group was resolved without a hitch, and according to Emilia, it was also thanks to Young Master Meyer that she received an extravagant amount of money from His Majesty the King. It was truly a blessing.
But that's enough.
The two broke off their engagement. The chaos caused by a single letter was calmed down, and order was restored.
The noble and prestigious families and the poor peasant families should never be entangled again.
Does Duchess Meyer know that the heir to the family line is still calling and looking for his former fiancée even after their engagement is broken off?
Emilia seems to have sorted out all her confusing feelings towards the master...
"Ha..."
Kalia sighed and looked up at the sky.
God, look upon us.
Contrary to his anxious and ominous feelings, the sky was cloudless and so blue it was blinding to the eyes.
After seeing off her stepmother, Mitch, Emilia, and Charlotte got into the carriage together. Soon they would be surrounded by strangers in a bustling square, but Charlotte's face still showed no sign of worry.
“How about we have a sandwich-eating contest or something? I really want to see you win first place.”
The moment Charlotte giggled, Emilia felt a disgusting sensation, as if someone was poking her stomach.
She quickly took out the water, drank it, and waited for her churning stomach to calm down.
“Unfortunately, Charlotte, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to compete again. Just thinking about it makes me feel like throwing up.”
Charlotte giggled again.
“Well, six was too much.”
The nausea soon subsided, and Emilia laughed heartily along with her sister.
“Pip says that the most fun event at the festival is the ‘grape stomping.’”
“Grape stomping?”
“Yeah, most of the town of Sitmer is vineyards and wineries, right? So you put grapes in these huge oak barrels, and people go in there and stomp on them with their feet. That would be fun.”
Emilia suddenly felt hungry again. Unlike when she had thought of a sandwich, her mouth started watering at the thought of munching on the plump flesh.
“I think I can do it if the subject is grapes.”
"What?"
“I’m talking about an eating contest.”
Charlotte, who had been thinking quietly, burst into laughter.
To get to the villa, you had to pass through the town square where the festival was taking place.
Even though the event hadn't started yet, Emilia felt her heart flutter just by looking at the large garland hanging at the entrance.
Why did I forget?
Reality is sometimes harsh and cruel like a pouring rain, but it always has something sparkling hidden on the other side.
The joys of everyday life, the confidence that you can overcome, the hope...
Over the past few days, as she sorted through Latang's ledger, Emilia realized that she had found herself in a dark and dreary cave.
With a faint sense of excitement, the carriage ran diligently along the hill road. When they finally reached the driveway of the villa, two guards and Pip greeted them.
“His Excellency has not arrived yet. It seems that things at Nowak are delayed. He will probably come straight to the square where the festival is being held. Since there is still time, shall we go and see Moriah?”
As Pip said this, he led Emilia and Charlotte into the garden. The moment they reached the entrance, Emilia doubted her eyes.
In the middle of the fence built along the thicket of bushes, there was a large two-story wooden house. It must have been for Moriah.
How can such an indifferent and cold man have such childish thoughts?
Emilia's lips drew a line, and her eyes were sad.
Whenever Emilia thought of him recently, she felt her heart break with conflicting emotions.
Could there be another man so elusive?
Being next to him alternated between cold and hot, as if ice and fire coexisted. And now, Emilia felt like she could find a middle ground between those extremes.
“It’s strange. He always catches bugs and plays here at this time...”
Pip muttered quietly, looking at Charlotte and Emilia. He didn't want to disappoint his master's secret and precious guest, but how could he control a loose stray cat?
“Shall we go to the flower bed?”
Pip diligently explained Moriah's routine as he walked, making excuses. Beppy held Charlotte's hand the whole time to prevent her from tripping on the stairs, railings, or rocks.
Emilia's steps, which had been following her, gradually slowed down and then suddenly stopped.
Although Emilia had been trying so hard not to look at it since earlier, her eyes were forced to the pavilion by some irresistible force.
Her heart sank.
Beyond the pillars, the quiet pond began to release the lock of memories that had been tightly locked, releasing breathtaking scenes.
The roaring thunder and pouring rain.
The wet, clean scent of a man that enveloped all her senses, and his broad shoulders that covered the sky...
That day, this place was as beautiful as paradise, and he was like a devil corrupted by lust. Emilia couldn't raise her face because of the suffocating memory of hanging one leg on the man's strong arm and willingly spreading her body.
Yes, even at the moment when she despised him the most, her body blossomed like a flower welcoming the bees. Every time she was spread out and violated, her senses screamed with pleasure and continued to shed evidence of pleasure.
Right here, leaning against this spot...
Emilia gasped for breath and placed her hand on the pavilion railing. Then she saw Charlotte in the pond across from her.
“Sister!”
Emilia took a deep breath to calm her quivering stomach. Pip approached.
“Shall we go now?”
"Yes."
Although she swallowed the many things boiling over with her brisk answer, Emilia's subconscious was slowly being consumed by the liberated memories.
The four of them left the garden and headed back to the carriage. The carriage retraced its steps and arrived at the square where the festival was taking place.
The moment the words stopped, Emilia's eyes widened in shock at the sight that made her doubt her eyes.
Ah, so...
She now understands why Charlotte was able to muster up courage so easily.
In the middle of a bustling square where clowns were performing tricks and music was blaring, everyone was wearing masks.
“They say that in Sitmer, they hold a festival like this every Saint Michael’s Day.”
Emilia turned to Charlotte, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
“I thought you’d gain a little courage if you wore a mask.”
Her heart fluttered in front of Charlotte, who was smiling brightly.
“Yes, that’s why I prepared it like this.”
As Pip spoke, he unfolded the bag he was carrying on his shoulder. As expected, there was a mask there.
“Now, this one is modeled after Moriah...”
Pip held the cat-eared mask towards Charlotte's face, and Emilia quickly caught it from behind and tied it around her head.
When Emilia turned around to check on the child, she could see that the lump that had taken up half of her face had completely disappeared. No one would think Charlotte was a monster.
“Charlotte, you’ve become a real cat.”
"Really?"
The child's face lit up with anticipation.
Next was Emilia's turn. The mask Pip took out was not an animal mask, but a regular one. The red leather had a border embroidered with gold thread, and at one end was a large bird feather.
“It’s really pretty.”
Looking at Emilia's admiration, Pip felt strangely uncomfortable.
He always thought she was a witch who had been possessed by the young master, but why does she keep looking like an innocent little girl?
Emilia, who knew nothing, tied her mask and smiled contentedly as she looked in the mirror.
The mask has a magical effect. It makes you feel like you've entered another world, like you're a completely different person.
“Beppy Dilson, this is yours.”
Emilia couldn't help but laugh when Beppy put on the mask Pip had given him.
The old man was a tree. Dozens of real leaves attached to the brown leather swayed back and forth as he walked. When Emilia described the shape to Charlotte, Charlotte also held her stomach and laughed.
“This is mine!”
He dared to dress up as an Emperor with a crown on his head. And come to think of it, the clothes he wore were also full of ruffles, just like a real King.
“Yes, shall we go now?”
They walked into the crowd of people, each with their own unique makeup.
Masks came in all shapes and sizes: plain masks, those shaped like animals, trees, or insects, ornate ones with ornaments and flowers, and those imitating comical clowns or mythological figures.
Emilia couldn't come to her senses because she was so absorbed in watching the people while holding Charlotte's hand tightly.
At that moment, a dog came rushing at them from somewhere. Emilia was surprised and hugged Charlotte tightly, and Beppy blocked its path as if protecting it. The dog ran wildly between them and then ran off somewhere again. Then,
“Come back! Coco!”
A few runny-nosed girls chased after the dog, patting them on the shoulder as they passed by.
As soon as the children disappeared, Emilia blinked and looked from Charlotte to Beppy to Pip. Then, all of a sudden, laughter burst out of her throat. It was the first real laughter she had had in months.
It was when Emilia tilted her head back and looked straight ahead again.
He appeared in the bustling crowd. Emilia felt as if she had been struck by lightning as she stood before his flawless silver-gray eyes.
Senses that she thought she had forgotten came back to life and began to heat up her entire body.
Hardius stopped a few steps ahead and stared intently at the blue eyes that had become even clearer under the red mask. The man, who was calm and composed as always, slowly opened his mouth. A low, deep, pleasant sound tickled her ears.
“...It suits you well.”
It was a good thing she was wearing a mask.
If she hadn't done that, she would have felt the heat rising from the tip of her chin...
Bianca, leaning lazily against the bathtub, was lost in thought, watching the steam rising. Her nanny, Ruth, was combing her hair.
The bathroom was filled with the faint scent of lavender as the large comb ran through the red strands.
“Miss, what are you thinking about?”
“Huh? ...No, I don’t think about anything.”
Ruth mixed the essential oil into the bath and began to gently massage her master's shoulders. Bianca's plump lips drew a curve, and elasticity burst out through her teeth.
Looking at her master like that, Ruth realized that it was time to deliver the news she had been wanting to put off.
“I just got a reply from Basilion House.”
The drooping eyelids slowly opened, and the red-gold eyes sparkled with a complex light.
“...What did it say?”
Ruth opened her mouth slowly, avoiding the eyes of the girl reflected in the mirror.
“Master Meyer has other plans this weekend. He said he would come to see you in person another day and asked when would be best for you.”
Silence flowed. Ruth glanced at the mirror, checking her master's expression.
There was no sign of regret or disappointment from the girl staring into space.
And yet Ruth seemed to be able to see deep into the girl's heart, beneath the bulkhead of pride and dignity.
A few days ago, the young lady even asked her a shocking question, asking if she could follow Master Meyer. Within seconds, she told him to forget it, saying it was a joke, but it was shocking that Young Lady Leichnen, who values honor as much as her life, would entertain such a thought.
Ruth had loved and cared for her as if she were her own daughter ever since the time when her master called her 'a fat and ugly child'. It was her purpose and duty in life to comfort and care for her master.
Ruth opened her mouth, overcome by a sense of duty to please the young lady.
“I think the young master is going to Sitmer’s villa that day.”
“Sitmer?”
“Yes, while he's there, he doesn’t let anyone near him, and he spends his time alone.”
“...”
“This is a story I heard directly from Kramwitz’s maid...”
Ruth stopped combing and suddenly lowered her voice.
“I think the young master is planning to marry the young lady there. Monsieur Grojean himself said so. It seems you will have your bridal chambers at Sitmer’s villa.”
Bianca's expression in the mirror didn't change much. However, what passed by like the wind for a short moment was clearly joy and anticipation.
“The Sitmer is definitely for the young lady. When the young master broke off the engagement and was first given the villa, there were rumors in high society. It was almost like His Majesty the King had given you two a wedding present in advance.”
"...Well."
Bianca scooped up some water with her hand and rubbed it absentmindedly on one arm. Of course, Ruth wasn't intimidated at all.
“Master Meyer is a man of few words and does not express himself well, but he is also a man of deep thoughts, to the point of preparing a surprise gift. As the Grand Duke said, he is secretly romantic.”
Ruth giggled to herself.
Bianca's face remained completely calm until the very end. But she couldn't stop her heart from rising strangely from deep within her.
***
On the day of St. Michael's Day, the zelkova forest was bustling from early morning. Kalia and Emilia, in their own way, were busy preparing to go out.
Kalia, who had finally quit her job at the factory two days ago, was planning to take Mitch to church.
“Have fun. You’ve been working too hard.”
“Yes, you guys have fun too. Be careful not to catch a cold.”
“Yes, I was planning on taking a shawl anyway. Be careful on your way back, Mom. And give my regards to Auntie Rosie and the villagers.”
“Yes, I get it. I hope you get to meet Hailey too.”
Emilia's eyes suddenly took on a dark color.
“Oh, Mother, there’s something you really need to know. If the townspeople come looking for Charlotte and me...”
“Yeah, it’s an absolute secret that you're going to Sitmer.”
Kalia interrupted. Mitch chimed in.
“My sister is sick, and Charlotte didn’t come to church because she wanted to be with her sister. Don’t worry and have fun, I’ll put a lock on your mouth.”
Even as she tried hard to reassure her daughter by patting her shoulder, Kalia couldn't help but feel doubt and anxiety rising in her heart.
Why does the master keep coming here?
According to Mr. Grojean, the young master wanted to take care of her family even after the engagement was broken off. Thanks to him, the problem with Mitch's disciplinary group was resolved without a hitch, and according to Emilia, it was also thanks to Young Master Meyer that she received an extravagant amount of money from His Majesty the King. It was truly a blessing.
But that's enough.
The two broke off their engagement. The chaos caused by a single letter was calmed down, and order was restored.
The noble and prestigious families and the poor peasant families should never be entangled again.
Does Duchess Meyer know that the heir to the family line is still calling and looking for his former fiancée even after their engagement is broken off?
Emilia seems to have sorted out all her confusing feelings towards the master...
"Ha..."
Kalia sighed and looked up at the sky.
God, look upon us.
Contrary to his anxious and ominous feelings, the sky was cloudless and so blue it was blinding to the eyes.
After seeing off her stepmother, Mitch, Emilia, and Charlotte got into the carriage together. Soon they would be surrounded by strangers in a bustling square, but Charlotte's face still showed no sign of worry.
“How about we have a sandwich-eating contest or something? I really want to see you win first place.”
The moment Charlotte giggled, Emilia felt a disgusting sensation, as if someone was poking her stomach.
She quickly took out the water, drank it, and waited for her churning stomach to calm down.
“Unfortunately, Charlotte, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to compete again. Just thinking about it makes me feel like throwing up.”
Charlotte giggled again.
“Well, six was too much.”
The nausea soon subsided, and Emilia laughed heartily along with her sister.
“Pip says that the most fun event at the festival is the ‘grape stomping.’”
“Grape stomping?”
“Yeah, most of the town of Sitmer is vineyards and wineries, right? So you put grapes in these huge oak barrels, and people go in there and stomp on them with their feet. That would be fun.”
Emilia suddenly felt hungry again. Unlike when she had thought of a sandwich, her mouth started watering at the thought of munching on the plump flesh.
“I think I can do it if the subject is grapes.”
"What?"
“I’m talking about an eating contest.”
Charlotte, who had been thinking quietly, burst into laughter.
To get to the villa, you had to pass through the town square where the festival was taking place.
Even though the event hadn't started yet, Emilia felt her heart flutter just by looking at the large garland hanging at the entrance.
Why did I forget?
Reality is sometimes harsh and cruel like a pouring rain, but it always has something sparkling hidden on the other side.
The joys of everyday life, the confidence that you can overcome, the hope...
Over the past few days, as she sorted through Latang's ledger, Emilia realized that she had found herself in a dark and dreary cave.
With a faint sense of excitement, the carriage ran diligently along the hill road. When they finally reached the driveway of the villa, two guards and Pip greeted them.
“His Excellency has not arrived yet. It seems that things at Nowak are delayed. He will probably come straight to the square where the festival is being held. Since there is still time, shall we go and see Moriah?”
As Pip said this, he led Emilia and Charlotte into the garden. The moment they reached the entrance, Emilia doubted her eyes.
In the middle of the fence built along the thicket of bushes, there was a large two-story wooden house. It must have been for Moriah.
How can such an indifferent and cold man have such childish thoughts?
Emilia's lips drew a line, and her eyes were sad.
Whenever Emilia thought of him recently, she felt her heart break with conflicting emotions.
Could there be another man so elusive?
Being next to him alternated between cold and hot, as if ice and fire coexisted. And now, Emilia felt like she could find a middle ground between those extremes.
“It’s strange. He always catches bugs and plays here at this time...”
Pip muttered quietly, looking at Charlotte and Emilia. He didn't want to disappoint his master's secret and precious guest, but how could he control a loose stray cat?
“Shall we go to the flower bed?”
Pip diligently explained Moriah's routine as he walked, making excuses. Beppy held Charlotte's hand the whole time to prevent her from tripping on the stairs, railings, or rocks.
Emilia's steps, which had been following her, gradually slowed down and then suddenly stopped.
Although Emilia had been trying so hard not to look at it since earlier, her eyes were forced to the pavilion by some irresistible force.
Her heart sank.
Beyond the pillars, the quiet pond began to release the lock of memories that had been tightly locked, releasing breathtaking scenes.
The roaring thunder and pouring rain.
The wet, clean scent of a man that enveloped all her senses, and his broad shoulders that covered the sky...
That day, this place was as beautiful as paradise, and he was like a devil corrupted by lust. Emilia couldn't raise her face because of the suffocating memory of hanging one leg on the man's strong arm and willingly spreading her body.
Yes, even at the moment when she despised him the most, her body blossomed like a flower welcoming the bees. Every time she was spread out and violated, her senses screamed with pleasure and continued to shed evidence of pleasure.
Right here, leaning against this spot...
Emilia gasped for breath and placed her hand on the pavilion railing. Then she saw Charlotte in the pond across from her.
“Sister!”
Emilia took a deep breath to calm her quivering stomach. Pip approached.
“Shall we go now?”
"Yes."
Although she swallowed the many things boiling over with her brisk answer, Emilia's subconscious was slowly being consumed by the liberated memories.
The four of them left the garden and headed back to the carriage. The carriage retraced its steps and arrived at the square where the festival was taking place.
The moment the words stopped, Emilia's eyes widened in shock at the sight that made her doubt her eyes.
Ah, so...
She now understands why Charlotte was able to muster up courage so easily.
In the middle of a bustling square where clowns were performing tricks and music was blaring, everyone was wearing masks.
“They say that in Sitmer, they hold a festival like this every Saint Michael’s Day.”
Emilia turned to Charlotte, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
“I thought you’d gain a little courage if you wore a mask.”
Her heart fluttered in front of Charlotte, who was smiling brightly.
“Yes, that’s why I prepared it like this.”
As Pip spoke, he unfolded the bag he was carrying on his shoulder. As expected, there was a mask there.
“Now, this one is modeled after Moriah...”
Pip held the cat-eared mask towards Charlotte's face, and Emilia quickly caught it from behind and tied it around her head.
When Emilia turned around to check on the child, she could see that the lump that had taken up half of her face had completely disappeared. No one would think Charlotte was a monster.
“Charlotte, you’ve become a real cat.”
"Really?"
The child's face lit up with anticipation.
Next was Emilia's turn. The mask Pip took out was not an animal mask, but a regular one. The red leather had a border embroidered with gold thread, and at one end was a large bird feather.
“It’s really pretty.”
Looking at Emilia's admiration, Pip felt strangely uncomfortable.
He always thought she was a witch who had been possessed by the young master, but why does she keep looking like an innocent little girl?
Emilia, who knew nothing, tied her mask and smiled contentedly as she looked in the mirror.
The mask has a magical effect. It makes you feel like you've entered another world, like you're a completely different person.
“Beppy Dilson, this is yours.”
Emilia couldn't help but laugh when Beppy put on the mask Pip had given him.
The old man was a tree. Dozens of real leaves attached to the brown leather swayed back and forth as he walked. When Emilia described the shape to Charlotte, Charlotte also held her stomach and laughed.
“This is mine!”
He dared to dress up as an Emperor with a crown on his head. And come to think of it, the clothes he wore were also full of ruffles, just like a real King.
“Yes, shall we go now?”
They walked into the crowd of people, each with their own unique makeup.
Masks came in all shapes and sizes: plain masks, those shaped like animals, trees, or insects, ornate ones with ornaments and flowers, and those imitating comical clowns or mythological figures.
Emilia couldn't come to her senses because she was so absorbed in watching the people while holding Charlotte's hand tightly.
At that moment, a dog came rushing at them from somewhere. Emilia was surprised and hugged Charlotte tightly, and Beppy blocked its path as if protecting it. The dog ran wildly between them and then ran off somewhere again. Then,
“Come back! Coco!”
A few runny-nosed girls chased after the dog, patting them on the shoulder as they passed by.
As soon as the children disappeared, Emilia blinked and looked from Charlotte to Beppy to Pip. Then, all of a sudden, laughter burst out of her throat. It was the first real laughter she had had in months.
It was when Emilia tilted her head back and looked straight ahead again.
He appeared in the bustling crowd. Emilia felt as if she had been struck by lightning as she stood before his flawless silver-gray eyes.
Senses that she thought she had forgotten came back to life and began to heat up her entire body.
Hardius stopped a few steps ahead and stared intently at the blue eyes that had become even clearer under the red mask. The man, who was calm and composed as always, slowly opened his mouth. A low, deep, pleasant sound tickled her ears.
“...It suits you well.”
It was a good thing she was wearing a mask.
If she hadn't done that, she would have felt the heat rising from the tip of her chin...
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