4. Wealth that rolled in
"Good. Bankruptcy is imminent, one way or another. There's no reason I can't give your ex-wife's daughter a share. After all, she's your daughter."
Brenda Hardy shouted fiercely at her husband, who remained silent. The mind, so dazed by the shock of the previous night, was beginning to fill with belated rage. Whatever. Walter Hardy remained silent, simply pouring his drink.
“Are you listening to me? Honey! Hey, Viscount Hardy!”
Brenda Hardy snatched the bottle away, shouting angrily. She'd been drinking day and night ever since she'd been swindled, but today, the sight of her drinking was particularly irritating.
'I... a daughter of the Hardy family came to see Master.'
Last night, when the maid, who had come in a hurry, mumbled those words, she thought some crazy person had appeared. Erna Hardy. If the maid hadn't added the visitor's name, she might have ordered them to be thrown in a bucket of dirty water and kicked out.
Annette's daughter showed up. Why all of a sudden?
Brenda Hardy ran to the place she couldn't believe, only to be met with a jaw-dropping sight. She looked so much like her mother. It was as if the dead Annette Barden had returned to life, sending shivers down her spine. Of course, the ridiculous attire was equally astonishing.
“Honey! What are you going to do with that kid? Huh?”
“I have to send her back.”
Walter Hardy, who had been acting as if he was watching a fire across the river, finally opened his mouth.
"Just convince her to listen and send her back. That's all there is to it, Brenda."
"You speak so easily. Yes. I can understand you so well. That's why you came all the way here to make such absurd demands. Of course."
Brenda Hardy snorted openly and mockingly.
Guarding the Baden family's country house? Her request was truly absurd and brazen. Even with her tense face, she spoke clearly and eloquently, just like Annette Baden. Brenda Hardy had to muster all her patience to keep from immediately kicking her out.
"Master, Madam. Breakfast is ready. Miss Erna, please come down as well."
The maid's message, accompanied by a cautious knock, cut off Brenda Hardy's words as she was about to burst out in laughter.
"Speak clearly so she can understand and send her back. You have to do that. Got it?"
Walter Hardy got up from his seat, leaving his wife behind to make her earnest request.
He'd given her a night's lodging and food, so he'd done the bare minimum. Walter Hardy was determined to kick her out immediately. He had no intention of adding his daughter, acting like a debt collector, to his already troublesome situation. That was certainly the case. Until he encountered Erna, waiting patiently in the breakfast room.
When their eyes met, Erna quickly rose from her seat. The morning sunlight streaming in through the large window facing the garden poured down on her. Perhaps it was because he had been so drunk the night before, but it felt as if he was seeing her for the first time.
“Hello, Father.”
Erna, who had been holding her breath and blinking her large eyes, offered a timid greeting. Her voice was remarkably clear and soft.
“I... father?”
Erna tilted her head slightly and clasped her hands together, which had been twitching nervously. With her small, slender frame and delicate features, she resembled her mother perfectly. The only trace of her life seemed to be a strand of brown hair.
Walter Hardy swallowed dryly and studied his daughter with a gaze that grew even more persistent. Even with her outrageous attire, she was so beautiful. If she were properly groomed, she would undoubtedly be quite a beauty. She might even rival Princess Gladys, the woman the entire nation admired.
As his thoughts reached that point, Walter Hardy let out a brief exclamation. He felt as if a fortune he had completely forgotten had rolled in.
“You should eat first.”
He said something completely different from what he had promised and looked at his wife standing next to him with a very serious look.
What do you want to do now?
Brenda Hardy, her eyes wide, pursed her lips in rebuke, but he didn't budge.
“Let’s talk some more, honey. I think it’s going to be very important.”
The Grand Duke's carriage returned only after the morning was bright and clear. At least in Schwerin Palace, it was an unremarkable, everyday scene.
“Good morning, Mrs. Fitz.”
Bjorn greeted Mrs. Fitz, who had a stern expression on her face, with his usual carefree demeanor. The faint scent of alcohol wafting through the crisp morning air deepened the wrinkles between Mrs. Fitz's brows.
“You are coming home early, Your Highness.”
Despite her barbed reply, Bjorn only smiled faintly.
Bjorn nodded to the lined-up servants and strode briskly across the hall. His upright, elegant posture belied the unhealthy state of the previous night. Madame Fitz followed Bjorn with a silent sigh.
“An invitation even came from the palace.”
Mrs. Fitz, who had been reporting on the endless stream of invitations to various social gatherings, added in a forceful voice. Just as he reached the bedroom door, Bjorn glanced over his shoulder at her.
“At the palace? Why?”
"His Majesty the King commanded that you, no matter what, attend the ball celebrating the founding of the city this year and fulfill your duties as the Grand Duke of Schwerin. He said that if you were to fail to attend, all the servants of the Grand Duke's residence would be held accountable."
“That sounds more like a threat than an invitation.”
Bjorn opened the door with a dry laugh. His gesture of rubbing his red eyes and his slow gait conveyed a weariness that didn't quite fit the brisk morning atmosphere.
Every May, the founding anniversary of Letzen was celebrated. The grand palace ball that marked its inauguration was a grand event, drawing the attention of the entire social world. Many nobles, somewhat foolishly, prepared for the occasion for a full year.
Since resigning as Crown Prince, Bjorn has stopped attending. Seeing that they're once again raising the issue of his previously tolerated absence, it seems the royal elders have changed their minds. The reason is likely Gladys, whose name has been quite irritating lately.
While the maids who followed drew thick curtains to block out the sunlight, Bjorn slowly took off his jacket and loosened his tie. Mrs. Fitz, who had been standing there with a face full of words, reluctantly turned away as he began to unbutton his shirt.
'Do you have a lady in mind?'
As the charity party at the Royal Hospital was drawing to a close, his mother asked him a question.
'Surely you don't think one divorce is enough, do you?'
Bjorn returned the compliment with a lighthearted, witty joke. His mother's eyes, staring intently at him, were darkened with an unmistakable concern. That was probably why the invitation had suddenly arrived.
Bjorn carelessly threw off his shirt and threw himself onto the bed. The maids, having closed the last curtain, retreated with minimal noise.
Bjorn, who had been staring at the ceiling, soon closed his eyes. His rhythmic breathing began to permeate the dark, quiet bedroom.
The atmosphere inside the house was strange.
Based on the three days she'd spent at the Hardy home, Erna had come to this conclusion. A vague, gloomy atmosphere hung over the house. She wished they'd just delivered a quick refusal so she could return to Burford, but Viscount Hardy was reluctant to give her a definitive answer.
Let me think about it some more.
For several days, that was the only answer she got to the question she asked, mustering up her courage.
If that was the only answer she got today, Erna was ready to give up. She couldn't just sit there like an uninvited guest forever. She was worried about her grandmother, who must be furious over her granddaughter's sudden departure, leaving behind nothing but a letter.
Would it make you feel better if you went for a walk?
Erna, who had been pondering the situation, soon changed her mind. Her hands still trembled as she recalled yesterday afternoon, when she'd gone for a walk, unable to bear the frustration, and had met with disaster. A man she'd encountered in the square kept chasing her, constantly speaking to her, and she was left to fend for herself.
“Miss! It’s Miss Erna!”
Knock, knock. A cheerful knock was heard, accompanied by a cheerful voice. Erna, who had been looking out the window, flinched and closed the curtains. As she was adjusting her clothes, another knock rang out.
“Yes! Come in.”
Erna, who had been flustered, hurriedly sat down at the table by the window. A moment later, the door opened and a maid came in carrying a tray filled with afternoon tea.
"Thank you."
“There you go again, Miss! I told you to speak comfortably.”
“Huh? Ah... yeah.”
A shy smile appeared on Erna's face as she quietly watched the maid.
The young maid, who introduced herself as Lisa, was in charge of Erna's daily duties. She was a kind girl with a bright smile. While she was grateful for the thoughtful consideration, Erna felt a bit unfamiliar with meeting someone her age after so long. This was the first time since Pavel left home to attend university.
By the way, she remembers that the city where the Royal Academy of Arts is located is Schwerin.
A sudden memory flashed before her, followed by a belated regret. She wished she had brought Pavel's address with her. She hadn't had the luxury of time to ponder such things, having fled in the dead of night.
Even in the rural village of Baden, it was nestled in the most remote part of the country. It was a secluded island, a full hour's walk to even the nearest neighbor. The Baron and Baroness of Baden, who had turned their backs on the world, lived there in seclusion, and so did Erna, who was raised by them. It's no exaggeration to say that their life was more familiar with plants and livestock than with people. Without Pavel, it would have been the same.
“Hey, Lisa.”
When Erna carefully called her name, the maid's eyes sparkled as she poured the tea.
“Yes, Miss! Go ahead!”
“Is the Royal Academy of Arts close to here?”
“It’s about five stops away by stagecoach. Are you going there?”
“No, that’s not it. I was just a little curious.”
Erna hastily shook her head. It seemed rude to suddenly visit Pavel. She could have stayed quietly and left, but she also didn't want to cause any trouble.
"By the way, Lisa, is something going on at the Hardys? The atmosphere seems a bit chaotic."
Erna, sitting up straight, carefully asked what she had been curious about all along.
“Huh? Um... Well, I guess?”
The maid's expression changed in an instant, and she avoided eye contact.
"I don't know much about that, Miss. Seriously. I haven't been in this mansion long. So... uh... well, I don't know."
"I see."
“Yes, that’s right. That’s right.”
The maid hurriedly poured a cup of tea and held it out to Erna. She didn't seem to notice that the tea had splashed onto the saucer.
Erna took advantage of the maid's brief distraction to quickly wipe the note. She didn't forget to hide the tea-stained handkerchief out of sight. It was then that a knock came, followed by the unfamiliar maid's voice.
“Miss, the master is looking for you.”
It was the message that Erna had been anxiously waiting for.
"Good. Bankruptcy is imminent, one way or another. There's no reason I can't give your ex-wife's daughter a share. After all, she's your daughter."
Brenda Hardy shouted fiercely at her husband, who remained silent. The mind, so dazed by the shock of the previous night, was beginning to fill with belated rage. Whatever. Walter Hardy remained silent, simply pouring his drink.
“Are you listening to me? Honey! Hey, Viscount Hardy!”
Brenda Hardy snatched the bottle away, shouting angrily. She'd been drinking day and night ever since she'd been swindled, but today, the sight of her drinking was particularly irritating.
'I... a daughter of the Hardy family came to see Master.'
Last night, when the maid, who had come in a hurry, mumbled those words, she thought some crazy person had appeared. Erna Hardy. If the maid hadn't added the visitor's name, she might have ordered them to be thrown in a bucket of dirty water and kicked out.
Annette's daughter showed up. Why all of a sudden?
Brenda Hardy ran to the place she couldn't believe, only to be met with a jaw-dropping sight. She looked so much like her mother. It was as if the dead Annette Barden had returned to life, sending shivers down her spine. Of course, the ridiculous attire was equally astonishing.
“Honey! What are you going to do with that kid? Huh?”
“I have to send her back.”
Walter Hardy, who had been acting as if he was watching a fire across the river, finally opened his mouth.
"Just convince her to listen and send her back. That's all there is to it, Brenda."
"You speak so easily. Yes. I can understand you so well. That's why you came all the way here to make such absurd demands. Of course."
Brenda Hardy snorted openly and mockingly.
Guarding the Baden family's country house? Her request was truly absurd and brazen. Even with her tense face, she spoke clearly and eloquently, just like Annette Baden. Brenda Hardy had to muster all her patience to keep from immediately kicking her out.
"Master, Madam. Breakfast is ready. Miss Erna, please come down as well."
The maid's message, accompanied by a cautious knock, cut off Brenda Hardy's words as she was about to burst out in laughter.
"Speak clearly so she can understand and send her back. You have to do that. Got it?"
Walter Hardy got up from his seat, leaving his wife behind to make her earnest request.
He'd given her a night's lodging and food, so he'd done the bare minimum. Walter Hardy was determined to kick her out immediately. He had no intention of adding his daughter, acting like a debt collector, to his already troublesome situation. That was certainly the case. Until he encountered Erna, waiting patiently in the breakfast room.
When their eyes met, Erna quickly rose from her seat. The morning sunlight streaming in through the large window facing the garden poured down on her. Perhaps it was because he had been so drunk the night before, but it felt as if he was seeing her for the first time.
“Hello, Father.”
Erna, who had been holding her breath and blinking her large eyes, offered a timid greeting. Her voice was remarkably clear and soft.
“I... father?”
Erna tilted her head slightly and clasped her hands together, which had been twitching nervously. With her small, slender frame and delicate features, she resembled her mother perfectly. The only trace of her life seemed to be a strand of brown hair.
Walter Hardy swallowed dryly and studied his daughter with a gaze that grew even more persistent. Even with her outrageous attire, she was so beautiful. If she were properly groomed, she would undoubtedly be quite a beauty. She might even rival Princess Gladys, the woman the entire nation admired.
As his thoughts reached that point, Walter Hardy let out a brief exclamation. He felt as if a fortune he had completely forgotten had rolled in.
“You should eat first.”
He said something completely different from what he had promised and looked at his wife standing next to him with a very serious look.
What do you want to do now?
Brenda Hardy, her eyes wide, pursed her lips in rebuke, but he didn't budge.
“Let’s talk some more, honey. I think it’s going to be very important.”
***
The Grand Duke's carriage returned only after the morning was bright and clear. At least in Schwerin Palace, it was an unremarkable, everyday scene.
“Good morning, Mrs. Fitz.”
Bjorn greeted Mrs. Fitz, who had a stern expression on her face, with his usual carefree demeanor. The faint scent of alcohol wafting through the crisp morning air deepened the wrinkles between Mrs. Fitz's brows.
“You are coming home early, Your Highness.”
Despite her barbed reply, Bjorn only smiled faintly.
Bjorn nodded to the lined-up servants and strode briskly across the hall. His upright, elegant posture belied the unhealthy state of the previous night. Madame Fitz followed Bjorn with a silent sigh.
“An invitation even came from the palace.”
Mrs. Fitz, who had been reporting on the endless stream of invitations to various social gatherings, added in a forceful voice. Just as he reached the bedroom door, Bjorn glanced over his shoulder at her.
“At the palace? Why?”
"His Majesty the King commanded that you, no matter what, attend the ball celebrating the founding of the city this year and fulfill your duties as the Grand Duke of Schwerin. He said that if you were to fail to attend, all the servants of the Grand Duke's residence would be held accountable."
“That sounds more like a threat than an invitation.”
Bjorn opened the door with a dry laugh. His gesture of rubbing his red eyes and his slow gait conveyed a weariness that didn't quite fit the brisk morning atmosphere.
Every May, the founding anniversary of Letzen was celebrated. The grand palace ball that marked its inauguration was a grand event, drawing the attention of the entire social world. Many nobles, somewhat foolishly, prepared for the occasion for a full year.
Since resigning as Crown Prince, Bjorn has stopped attending. Seeing that they're once again raising the issue of his previously tolerated absence, it seems the royal elders have changed their minds. The reason is likely Gladys, whose name has been quite irritating lately.
While the maids who followed drew thick curtains to block out the sunlight, Bjorn slowly took off his jacket and loosened his tie. Mrs. Fitz, who had been standing there with a face full of words, reluctantly turned away as he began to unbutton his shirt.
'Do you have a lady in mind?'
As the charity party at the Royal Hospital was drawing to a close, his mother asked him a question.
'Surely you don't think one divorce is enough, do you?'
Bjorn returned the compliment with a lighthearted, witty joke. His mother's eyes, staring intently at him, were darkened with an unmistakable concern. That was probably why the invitation had suddenly arrived.
Bjorn carelessly threw off his shirt and threw himself onto the bed. The maids, having closed the last curtain, retreated with minimal noise.
Bjorn, who had been staring at the ceiling, soon closed his eyes. His rhythmic breathing began to permeate the dark, quiet bedroom.
***
The atmosphere inside the house was strange.
Based on the three days she'd spent at the Hardy home, Erna had come to this conclusion. A vague, gloomy atmosphere hung over the house. She wished they'd just delivered a quick refusal so she could return to Burford, but Viscount Hardy was reluctant to give her a definitive answer.
Let me think about it some more.
For several days, that was the only answer she got to the question she asked, mustering up her courage.
If that was the only answer she got today, Erna was ready to give up. She couldn't just sit there like an uninvited guest forever. She was worried about her grandmother, who must be furious over her granddaughter's sudden departure, leaving behind nothing but a letter.
Would it make you feel better if you went for a walk?
Erna, who had been pondering the situation, soon changed her mind. Her hands still trembled as she recalled yesterday afternoon, when she'd gone for a walk, unable to bear the frustration, and had met with disaster. A man she'd encountered in the square kept chasing her, constantly speaking to her, and she was left to fend for herself.
“Miss! It’s Miss Erna!”
Knock, knock. A cheerful knock was heard, accompanied by a cheerful voice. Erna, who had been looking out the window, flinched and closed the curtains. As she was adjusting her clothes, another knock rang out.
“Yes! Come in.”
Erna, who had been flustered, hurriedly sat down at the table by the window. A moment later, the door opened and a maid came in carrying a tray filled with afternoon tea.
"Thank you."
“There you go again, Miss! I told you to speak comfortably.”
“Huh? Ah... yeah.”
A shy smile appeared on Erna's face as she quietly watched the maid.
The young maid, who introduced herself as Lisa, was in charge of Erna's daily duties. She was a kind girl with a bright smile. While she was grateful for the thoughtful consideration, Erna felt a bit unfamiliar with meeting someone her age after so long. This was the first time since Pavel left home to attend university.
By the way, she remembers that the city where the Royal Academy of Arts is located is Schwerin.
A sudden memory flashed before her, followed by a belated regret. She wished she had brought Pavel's address with her. She hadn't had the luxury of time to ponder such things, having fled in the dead of night.
Even in the rural village of Baden, it was nestled in the most remote part of the country. It was a secluded island, a full hour's walk to even the nearest neighbor. The Baron and Baroness of Baden, who had turned their backs on the world, lived there in seclusion, and so did Erna, who was raised by them. It's no exaggeration to say that their life was more familiar with plants and livestock than with people. Without Pavel, it would have been the same.
“Hey, Lisa.”
When Erna carefully called her name, the maid's eyes sparkled as she poured the tea.
“Yes, Miss! Go ahead!”
“Is the Royal Academy of Arts close to here?”
“It’s about five stops away by stagecoach. Are you going there?”
“No, that’s not it. I was just a little curious.”
Erna hastily shook her head. It seemed rude to suddenly visit Pavel. She could have stayed quietly and left, but she also didn't want to cause any trouble.
"By the way, Lisa, is something going on at the Hardys? The atmosphere seems a bit chaotic."
Erna, sitting up straight, carefully asked what she had been curious about all along.
“Huh? Um... Well, I guess?”
The maid's expression changed in an instant, and she avoided eye contact.
"I don't know much about that, Miss. Seriously. I haven't been in this mansion long. So... uh... well, I don't know."
"I see."
“Yes, that’s right. That’s right.”
The maid hurriedly poured a cup of tea and held it out to Erna. She didn't seem to notice that the tea had splashed onto the saucer.
Erna took advantage of the maid's brief distraction to quickly wipe the note. She didn't forget to hide the tea-stained handkerchief out of sight. It was then that a knock came, followed by the unfamiliar maid's voice.
“Miss, the master is looking for you.”
It was the message that Erna had been anxiously waiting for.
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