Episode 156. Side Story. Your Love Makes Me Happy (1)
“Young Lady, you are truly beautiful!”
“Even a man would fall for you.”
Tanya blushed at the maids’ compliments.
Too embarrassed to even look properly in the full-length mirror.
Even a quick glance out of the corner of her eye revealed the woman in the mirror, clad in a dazzling red dress, who seemed like a different person.
Tanya had always thought it was natural to live her entire life as a maid in someone else’s house and then die. But now, she was being treated as such a precious young lady, and it was hard to believe.
Tanya, the head maid of Empress Adele, had recently become the adopted daughter of the Marquis Mervin. The Marquis, who had no daughters, adored her, and all the maids followed her.
Every day felt like a dream, and Tanya prayed every night that she wouldn’t wake from this dream.
“Young Lady, Count Kaiel has arrived!”
One of the maids came running excitedly. Then, the maids who had been dressing Tanya became busier.
More than a few noblemen were courting Tanya, who was already in her prime. Count Kaiel was the most aggressive of them all.
The Marquis Mervin and his wife admired him the most, and Tanya didn't dislike him either.
He was a well-mannered man with a good reputation, and above all, he was affectionate.
It seemed the two families were already talking about holding a wedding before the end of the year.
Therefore, today's Marquis Mervin's birthday banquet doubled as their engagement ceremony.
"But... don't you think the makeup is too heavy?"
Tanya cautiously offered her opinion, watching the maids apply a layer of makeup instead of powder.
In fact, Tanya had her own expertise when it came to makeup. She had been in charge of Adele's makeup for over a decade.
"Otherwise, the freckles wouldn't be hidden."
The word "freckles" stung Tanya slightly.
Adele, after all, didn't have any. Adele, as well as most noble women who lived indoors, had fair, beautiful skin.
However, freckles were inevitable for Tanya, who had always been busy with the dirty work.
“I see. Freckles are unsightly.”
The maids waved their hands in confusion.
“No, not unsightly, but they’d make you look like a commoner.”
“That’s right. Noble ladies don’t have things like that.”
Tanya smiled bitterly as she watched the maids continue to apply makeup.
Standing before the mirror, she wore a red silk dress and her hair pulled up high. With a large jeweled necklace and earrings, she looked just like any other noblewoman.
If only she hadn’t had freckles.
“Fine. If Count Kaiel hates my freckles, then we can just not marry.”
Tanya replied cheerfully, just as she was stepping away from the mirror.
Knock.
A knock was heard, and a man carrying a large bouquet of flowers entered the room.
The tall, blond, handsome man smiled brightly at her. He was a truly beautiful man, with a smile that revealed his even, white teeth.
“Miss Mervin, I missed you so much that I took the trouble to come all the way to your room.”
“That’s good. I was just about to leave.”
As the maids all stepped aside, he held out a bouquet of flowers.
“Take them. Even these flowers look so shabby in front of you.”
“I know it’s just a formality, but it still makes me feel good.”
Tanya accepted the bouquet with the same grace Adele had, sniffing its scent.
“A formality? You look truly beautiful today.”
Tanya was startled when Kaiel kissed her forehead.
“Oh, you’re so beautiful, I lost my mind.”
Tanya burst out laughing at his teasing.
“Well, shall we go, Miss Mervin?”
“Shall we?”
Kaiel held out his hand, and Tanya placed it in hers, like a proud and demure noblewoman.
She felt him hesitate for a moment. Or was it her own inferiority complex? Kaiel looked at Tanya again as if nothing had happened and smiled deeply.
But Tanya was very concerned about her own hand in his. Unlike the gentle hands of the noble lady, hers were calloused, rough, and stiff.
Like freckles, they clearly revealed her humble origins.
It was Marquis Mervin, who had long served as a central government official. His three sons also assisted the Emperor in the imperial court.
Naturally, many people gathered for the banquet of such a prominent family. And they also congratulated Tanya and Kaiel on their engagement.
“Congratulations, Miss Mervin. I envy you for being the most popular man in the Bahamart Empire.”
Kaiel responded cheerfully to the people’s congratulations.
"I was lucky. The moment I discovered a gem like Miss Mervin, I knew it would be a disaster if I missed her. So I courted her like crazy."
People laughed, and Kaiel affectionately pulled Tanya's waist. The physical contact felt a little awkward and uncomfortable, but Tanya laughed along. She didn't want to disappoint him, who looked at her with such adoration.
It was a first in her life. To be looked at like this, treated like this by a nobleman.
Moreover, Marquis Mervin was looking at the two of them with satisfaction.
'Yes, if I could become the Count's wife and live as a beloved wife, I'd be happy.'
But what was the problem?
Tanya felt an inexplicable discomfort in this perfect situation.
Was it because the situation had flowed so quickly?
But no matter how much she thought about it, it was a situation so perfect that she couldn't help but feel anxious.
Yes, Tanya. You're the one who sells worries.
At that moment, she heard women chatting from one side.
"I heard the Duke of Crichton is coming today?"
“Really? That Duke Crichton, Captain of the Guard?”
“Margrave Mervin seems to have quite a wide circle of friends. Someone who never used to come to social gatherings is attending.”
At that moment, Tanya realized the source of her discomfort.
Zimmer Crichton.
She had unconsciously been thinking of Zimmer while with Kaiel.
Whenever Kaiel smiled warmly, Zimmer’s shy smile came to mind, and the gorgeous bouquet Kaiel brought reminded her of Zimmer’s love of wildflowers.
“Get on track, Tanya!”
Tanya scolded herself.
Zimmer was currently the Emperor’s right-hand man, and it was no exaggeration to say he was second in command in the Bahamart Empire. The imperial nobility all strove to please him, and the Royal Guard and Knights idolized him. Perhaps because of this, Tanya felt increasingly difficult and distant.
She had seen his face since they were together in the palace, but now she was cautious about speaking to him. And he was always surrounded by so many people that it was difficult to approach him.
“Your Excellency, Duke Crichton!”
“Young Lady, you are truly beautiful!”
“Even a man would fall for you.”
Tanya blushed at the maids’ compliments.
Too embarrassed to even look properly in the full-length mirror.
Even a quick glance out of the corner of her eye revealed the woman in the mirror, clad in a dazzling red dress, who seemed like a different person.
Tanya had always thought it was natural to live her entire life as a maid in someone else’s house and then die. But now, she was being treated as such a precious young lady, and it was hard to believe.
Tanya, the head maid of Empress Adele, had recently become the adopted daughter of the Marquis Mervin. The Marquis, who had no daughters, adored her, and all the maids followed her.
Every day felt like a dream, and Tanya prayed every night that she wouldn’t wake from this dream.
“Young Lady, Count Kaiel has arrived!”
One of the maids came running excitedly. Then, the maids who had been dressing Tanya became busier.
More than a few noblemen were courting Tanya, who was already in her prime. Count Kaiel was the most aggressive of them all.
The Marquis Mervin and his wife admired him the most, and Tanya didn't dislike him either.
He was a well-mannered man with a good reputation, and above all, he was affectionate.
It seemed the two families were already talking about holding a wedding before the end of the year.
Therefore, today's Marquis Mervin's birthday banquet doubled as their engagement ceremony.
"But... don't you think the makeup is too heavy?"
Tanya cautiously offered her opinion, watching the maids apply a layer of makeup instead of powder.
In fact, Tanya had her own expertise when it came to makeup. She had been in charge of Adele's makeup for over a decade.
"Otherwise, the freckles wouldn't be hidden."
The word "freckles" stung Tanya slightly.
Adele, after all, didn't have any. Adele, as well as most noble women who lived indoors, had fair, beautiful skin.
However, freckles were inevitable for Tanya, who had always been busy with the dirty work.
“I see. Freckles are unsightly.”
The maids waved their hands in confusion.
“No, not unsightly, but they’d make you look like a commoner.”
“That’s right. Noble ladies don’t have things like that.”
Tanya smiled bitterly as she watched the maids continue to apply makeup.
Standing before the mirror, she wore a red silk dress and her hair pulled up high. With a large jeweled necklace and earrings, she looked just like any other noblewoman.
If only she hadn’t had freckles.
“Fine. If Count Kaiel hates my freckles, then we can just not marry.”
Tanya replied cheerfully, just as she was stepping away from the mirror.
Knock.
A knock was heard, and a man carrying a large bouquet of flowers entered the room.
The tall, blond, handsome man smiled brightly at her. He was a truly beautiful man, with a smile that revealed his even, white teeth.
“Miss Mervin, I missed you so much that I took the trouble to come all the way to your room.”
“That’s good. I was just about to leave.”
As the maids all stepped aside, he held out a bouquet of flowers.
“Take them. Even these flowers look so shabby in front of you.”
“I know it’s just a formality, but it still makes me feel good.”
Tanya accepted the bouquet with the same grace Adele had, sniffing its scent.
“A formality? You look truly beautiful today.”
Tanya was startled when Kaiel kissed her forehead.
“Oh, you’re so beautiful, I lost my mind.”
Tanya burst out laughing at his teasing.
“Well, shall we go, Miss Mervin?”
“Shall we?”
Kaiel held out his hand, and Tanya placed it in hers, like a proud and demure noblewoman.
She felt him hesitate for a moment. Or was it her own inferiority complex? Kaiel looked at Tanya again as if nothing had happened and smiled deeply.
But Tanya was very concerned about her own hand in his. Unlike the gentle hands of the noble lady, hers were calloused, rough, and stiff.
Like freckles, they clearly revealed her humble origins.
***
It was Marquis Mervin, who had long served as a central government official. His three sons also assisted the Emperor in the imperial court.
Naturally, many people gathered for the banquet of such a prominent family. And they also congratulated Tanya and Kaiel on their engagement.
“Congratulations, Miss Mervin. I envy you for being the most popular man in the Bahamart Empire.”
Kaiel responded cheerfully to the people’s congratulations.
"I was lucky. The moment I discovered a gem like Miss Mervin, I knew it would be a disaster if I missed her. So I courted her like crazy."
People laughed, and Kaiel affectionately pulled Tanya's waist. The physical contact felt a little awkward and uncomfortable, but Tanya laughed along. She didn't want to disappoint him, who looked at her with such adoration.
It was a first in her life. To be looked at like this, treated like this by a nobleman.
Moreover, Marquis Mervin was looking at the two of them with satisfaction.
'Yes, if I could become the Count's wife and live as a beloved wife, I'd be happy.'
But what was the problem?
Tanya felt an inexplicable discomfort in this perfect situation.
Was it because the situation had flowed so quickly?
But no matter how much she thought about it, it was a situation so perfect that she couldn't help but feel anxious.
Yes, Tanya. You're the one who sells worries.
At that moment, she heard women chatting from one side.
"I heard the Duke of Crichton is coming today?"
“Really? That Duke Crichton, Captain of the Guard?”
“Margrave Mervin seems to have quite a wide circle of friends. Someone who never used to come to social gatherings is attending.”
At that moment, Tanya realized the source of her discomfort.
Zimmer Crichton.
She had unconsciously been thinking of Zimmer while with Kaiel.
Whenever Kaiel smiled warmly, Zimmer’s shy smile came to mind, and the gorgeous bouquet Kaiel brought reminded her of Zimmer’s love of wildflowers.
“Get on track, Tanya!”
Tanya scolded herself.
Zimmer was currently the Emperor’s right-hand man, and it was no exaggeration to say he was second in command in the Bahamart Empire. The imperial nobility all strove to please him, and the Royal Guard and Knights idolized him. Perhaps because of this, Tanya felt increasingly difficult and distant.
She had seen his face since they were together in the palace, but now she was cautious about speaking to him. And he was always surrounded by so many people that it was difficult to approach him.
“Your Excellency, Duke Crichton!”
A loud shout from the attendant sent everyone rushing to the entrance of the banquet hall to greet Zimmer.
Zimmer, entering with his attendants, gave a brief nod in return. As they say, the place makes the man, and his mouth remained firmly shut, his gaze merely offering a glance, exuding an air of authority.
Perhaps it was his long association with Christine? At such moments, he also exuded a chilling air, much like Christine.
“Thank you for the invitation, Marquis Mervin.”
Zimmer, entering with his attendants, gave a brief nod in return. As they say, the place makes the man, and his mouth remained firmly shut, his gaze merely offering a glance, exuding an air of authority.
Perhaps it was his long association with Christine? At such moments, he also exuded a chilling air, much like Christine.
“Thank you for the invitation, Marquis Mervin.”
“No. It is a great honor to grace this occasion, Duke Crichton.”
Zimmer exchanged brief greetings with Tanya’s adoptive father, the host of today’s banquet. Then, his eyes met Tanya’s, but she abruptly looked away. Her heart pounded. Her face flushed. Just eye contact, as if her true feelings had been revealed. Then Kaiel whispered softly.
Zimmer exchanged brief greetings with Tanya’s adoptive father, the host of today’s banquet. Then, his eyes met Tanya’s, but she abruptly looked away. Her heart pounded. Her face flushed. Just eye contact, as if her true feelings had been revealed. Then Kaiel whispered softly.
“As expected of His Majesty’s right-hand man. Just standing next to him is incredibly intimidating.”
As his breath touched her ear, Tanya unconsciously shrugged and covered her ears. Kaiel smiled, finding Tanya cute.
“You’re blushing, Miss Mervin.”
“I-I was startled when you suddenly whispered.”
“When you’re startled like that, it makes me want to tease you more.”
“You’re more mischievous than you look.”
“It’s only for ladies in love. Should we dance instead?”
After Zimmer arrived and the atmosphere had somewhat settled, a dance song began to flow. Men and women, holding hands, entered the center of the banquet hall and began to dance. Tanya felt intimidated by the elegance and grace of everyone. Although she had learned to dance from Adele, she had no idea how she could do it. She didn’t think she could naturally fit in and dance among those arrogant nobles.
“I’m sorry, Count Kaiel. I forgot to submit some paperwork to Her Majesty the Empress. I’ll give it to the servant and be right back.”
“I’ll wait, so take your time and come back, my love.”
Tanya gently grabbed the hem of her skirt, bowed, and turned around. Out in the empty hallway, she finally felt comfortable breathing.
“Huh, life as a noble lady isn’t always easy.”
Growling.
She’d skipped lunch to look stylish in her dress, and now she was hungry. Then she saw a wagon carrying food heading to the banquet hall. She quickly picked up a plate, and the maid looked at her in surprise.
“Miss?”
“Shhh!”
Holding the plate, Tanya carefully stepped out into the garden.
***
As summer was fading away, a cool breeze blew outside the garden.
"Is the secret food the highlight of any party?"
Tanya smiled bitterly.
Long ago, when the Oswalds held parties, the leftovers from the banquet hall were given to the maids. Tanya was a child whose starving parents had sold her to the Oswalds and forced her to become a maid. So, any food that could fill her stomach made her happy.
The chocolate cake she had tasted for the first time in her life was so delicious.
Reminiscing, Tanya took a bite of the chocolate cake on her plate. The sweet taste brought a brief moment of happiness.
"Kaiel. Are you crazy? Are you serious?"
At that moment, a man's voice came from beyond the tall garden fence. Tanya perked up at the sound of Kaiel's name.
"No, I'm perfectly sane. Why are you all jealous of my bride?"
It was Kaiel's voice.
They were talking about marrying her.
“Of course, Sam. If the Empress’s chief maid is his wife, then securing a position in the palace would be a breeze. But isn’t that woman rumored to be of humble origins?”
“Wouldn’t a child born to such a woman be a bit unsettling? If my child had slave blood in it... the very thought is terrifying.”
“Keke. Did you see that woman earlier? She put on so much makeup to hide her freckles.”
A moment later, Kaiel’s angry voice was heard.
“Damn it, everyone shut up!”
“Kaiel, we’re thinking of you...”
“I’m already going crazy thinking about it! She was startled when I held that woman’s hand earlier. Her hand was so rough, like a tree trunk, that I thought someone might have come from humble origins. For a moment, I thought it was my great-grandmother’s hand. You can tell how much hardship she’s endured.”
Soon, the women behind the gardener snickered.
Tanya stared at her hand, which was holding a plate. Even with all the rings and elaborate lace sleeves, her hands inevitably grew rough and knotted.
It felt like a mark of her humble origins.
But instead of running away, Tanya approached them.
“You must be having a pleasant conversation.”
“Miss Mervin!”
Needless to say, the men’s expressions hardened as stone upon seeing Tanya.
“Your hearty laughter brought me here.”
“W-Did you send the documents to Her Majesty the Empress? I was talking to my friends about taking things slow.”
A flustered Kaiel reached out to grab Tanya’s hand, but she shook it off.
“Then continue talking to your friends. I think I’d enjoy my walk alone. I doubt Count Kaiel would want to walk with your great-grandmother either.”
Tanya felt Kaiel’s face turn pale even in the darkness and turned around. She tried to act as casually as possible, with a haughty, arrogant look on her face.
"Is the secret food the highlight of any party?"
Tanya smiled bitterly.
Long ago, when the Oswalds held parties, the leftovers from the banquet hall were given to the maids. Tanya was a child whose starving parents had sold her to the Oswalds and forced her to become a maid. So, any food that could fill her stomach made her happy.
The chocolate cake she had tasted for the first time in her life was so delicious.
Reminiscing, Tanya took a bite of the chocolate cake on her plate. The sweet taste brought a brief moment of happiness.
"Kaiel. Are you crazy? Are you serious?"
At that moment, a man's voice came from beyond the tall garden fence. Tanya perked up at the sound of Kaiel's name.
"No, I'm perfectly sane. Why are you all jealous of my bride?"
It was Kaiel's voice.
They were talking about marrying her.
“Of course, Sam. If the Empress’s chief maid is his wife, then securing a position in the palace would be a breeze. But isn’t that woman rumored to be of humble origins?”
“Wouldn’t a child born to such a woman be a bit unsettling? If my child had slave blood in it... the very thought is terrifying.”
“Keke. Did you see that woman earlier? She put on so much makeup to hide her freckles.”
A moment later, Kaiel’s angry voice was heard.
“Damn it, everyone shut up!”
“Kaiel, we’re thinking of you...”
“I’m already going crazy thinking about it! She was startled when I held that woman’s hand earlier. Her hand was so rough, like a tree trunk, that I thought someone might have come from humble origins. For a moment, I thought it was my great-grandmother’s hand. You can tell how much hardship she’s endured.”
Soon, the women behind the gardener snickered.
Tanya stared at her hand, which was holding a plate. Even with all the rings and elaborate lace sleeves, her hands inevitably grew rough and knotted.
It felt like a mark of her humble origins.
But instead of running away, Tanya approached them.
“You must be having a pleasant conversation.”
“Miss Mervin!”
Needless to say, the men’s expressions hardened as stone upon seeing Tanya.
“Your hearty laughter brought me here.”
“W-Did you send the documents to Her Majesty the Empress? I was talking to my friends about taking things slow.”
A flustered Kaiel reached out to grab Tanya’s hand, but she shook it off.
“Then continue talking to your friends. I think I’d enjoy my walk alone. I doubt Count Kaiel would want to walk with your great-grandmother either.”
Tanya felt Kaiel’s face turn pale even in the darkness and turned around. She tried to act as casually as possible, with a haughty, arrogant look on her face.
She felt that she finally understood how Adele, who always tried to appear confident despite the countless rumors, felt.
When she reached a deserted area, Tanya, overcome with emotion, sank to the fountain railing.
"You bastard...!"
"You're not talking to me, are you?"
Startled by the familiar voice, she raised her head. And then, without realizing it, she screamed,
"The Duke of Crichton!"
When she reached a deserted area, Tanya, overcome with emotion, sank to the fountain railing.
"You bastard...!"
"You're not talking to me, are you?"
Startled by the familiar voice, she raised her head. And then, without realizing it, she screamed,
"The Duke of Crichton!"
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