The carriage stopped precisely where we'd agreed with Shuan. Another carriage was waiting for us there. I took Marian's hand, got out, and approached the carriage. Someone else emerged from it as well. The knight, who seemed reserved, greeted me politely and opened his mouth.
“The master has asked me to assist Your Highness the Grand Duchess.”
“Who is your master?”
When asked to confirm, the knight answered obediently without any sign of resistance.
“This is Lady Lete.”
If he'd answered "Shuan," I'd have been suspicious, but since he'd given us both our passwords, I'd trust him. Furthermore, the knight opened the carriage door and revealed the man inside. As soon as Marian saw her, she covered her mouth with both hands and rejoiced.
"Mother!"
That person was none other than Marian's mother. Shuan had arranged for Marian to go far away with her mother, as I had requested.
Certainly, Shuan was a man of infinite trust when we were together, even though we were now in a position where we might split.
By now, Shuan must have met Ari. What conversation is he having with her? What has he discovered? After he finds out, will he try to tell me? Or will he try to shun me?
Marian grabbed my hand as I was lost in thought. Her face was filled with a deep emotion that anyone could see.
Marian's sparkling eyes, her flushed cheeks, her lips gently curved. She looked genuinely happy. Her sparkling eyes began to twinkle, and soon tears welled up in her eyes.
As the beauty wept, I was at a loss, and then I hurriedly pulled out a handkerchief. I placed it against Marian's cheek, and she smiled faintly.
“Madam, you are a very kind person.”
My face flushed at those words. I'd never imagined I'd hear something like that, considering all this was done for my own good. I didn't deserve to hear it. I waved my hand frantically in denial.
"What about affection? I was just using Marian."
"It's okay if you use it. I'll take it any time if it's this kind of use."
“Don’t you know how scary the world is!”
I tried to scold her sternly, but Marian wasn't an easy girl. Her family was ruined, and she had to make a living at a job she didn't like or respect, and Marian must have had her own story. And perhaps, after this incident, she'd become quite a strong person.
"Madam."
Marian looked straight at me and spoke. Despite her still wet eyes, her gaze was clear and sharp.
"Please make me as Madam's servant. I don't have to be a maid. I'd even be your stable keeper. I want to work by your side. Will you allow me?"
It was a small favor, meant to ease my mind. But it was returned with such a big heart. I shook my head slowly, unable to let go of Marian's hand.
“You have to go far.”
Marian's expression became infinitely sad.
"Please, Madam. I will remain loyal. Yes?"
It was a childish tone, but it was as if he was saying she would give me her whole life.
But I don't deserve someone else's life. More importantly, I don't have much time left to take responsibility for anyone. Seeing that I didn't seem willing to give it, Marian knelt before me, oblivious to the dirt staining her clothes.
"I'm sorry to see you go, too. Kaiser and Prince Cain will never let you go. It's better for you to hide out of sight."
“Madam, but...”
“You have to think about your mother.”
Marian, who seemed absolutely impossible to persuade, seemed to shrink back when the name 'mother' was mentioned.
I patted Marian's shoulder and led her to the carriage. Inside, Marian's mother sat. Her expression was solemn, as if she would accept whatever choice Marian made. Even in her downfall, she had once been the matriarch of a family, and that dignity had never completely faded.
Marian stared at her mother for a long moment, then burst into tears again. This time, they weren't tears of emotion. They were tears of regret, self-reproach, and regret... tears of separation. I wiped away Marian's tears again.
"Madam, I will never forget this favor. I will be yours until the day I die."
“Yes, let’s definitely meet again.”
I told a lie. If I were to render Kaiser and Prince Cain incapable of recovery, I wouldn't have much time left either.
But I didn't want to worry her with such talk, so I acted calmly. Marian, who was usually quick-witted, thankfully fell for it this time.
Marian said she couldn't possibly leave first, so she let me go first. I saw Marian greeting me through the carriage window.
I watched Marian waving and moving further away. Anna, who was watching me from the side, seemed to be quite disappointed, so she spoke cautiously.
"You should have just taken it away. Unlike me, she's of noble birth, so it would have definitely helped."
Perhaps. After all, Marian was born a noblewoman and raised that way. But I wanted Marian to be happy. Marian was special to me. She was the first person I'd ever come back to and completely change my life.
The woman who always worried, stamping her feet, that she would grow old and unattractive is no longer there. Marian will start a new life with her mother. That filled me with hope.
Hope that I can give new life to my family too.
So there was no reason for Marian to be by my side.
“You alone are enough. What good is having multiple maids?”
When I spoke sharply, Anna smiled bashfully and happily.
“I will work hard, Ma’am.”
I smiled and pulled Anna's cheek because I thought her determined look was cute.
***
This time, the first thing to greet me upon arriving at the mansion was my adorable Duke. As always, he ran towards me, his fur flying.
As I bent down and spread my arms, the affectionate Duke abruptly slowed down and placed his chin on my shoulders.
I rubbed my cheek against Duke's and whispered in his ear.
“Duke, where is Julian?”
I knew Julian couldn't always meet me. He had the responsibility of caring for Duchzan. Still, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of anticipation.
I pretended to be fond of Duke and waited for him. Surprisingly, my efforts were not in vain.
I saw Julian walk out of the building entrance toward the garden. His pace was slow, almost arrogant, but it suited him perfectly. I stroked Duke's chin and quickly walked over to Julian.
“Julian! Aren’t you bored without me?”
When I asked him while looking up closely, Julian lowered his eyes and said.
"Not at all."
I glanced at Julian, who spoke without a moment's hesitation.
“Is it really that hard to say something nice to your wife?”
As he spoke, the corners of Julian's mouth, visible beneath his mask, tilted upward. I could tell immediately that he was joking, but it was too late to stop him.
"My wife hired quite a few people, and she left them all to me. I had no time to be bored."
Having more people in the house had its advantages, but it also had its disadvantages. The scale of the household chores increased significantly. I put on a very sarcastic expression and playfully followed him.
"Yes. This lady loves luxury. So she even ordered an expensive dress for our child."
“Our child?”
“I mean, Duke.”
As if he knew I was calling his name, Duke came up next to my dress and rubbed himself against it. When I reached out my hand, he covered my palm in spit.
“Did you say hello to Duke?”
"Hmm."
I burst out laughing because Julian's answer was neither here nor there.
“What does that mean?”
“I’m afraid my wife will nag me if I tell the truth.”
That was truly hilarious. As I continued to laugh and talk to Julian, one of the servants standing next to him widened his eyes and then quickly lowered his head. He must have been surprised by my unabashed demeanor.
When Julian reached out his arm to me, I linked arms with his and whispered to him.
“I think I should act a little more like a lady.”
It was meant as a reflection, but Julian shook his head.
“My wife doesn’t have to worry about the servant’s feelings.”
“Oh my, Julian.”
I called him with a mischievous smile.
“You feel like a player who has secretly met about a hundred ladies.”
"Ma'am."
“Yes, I’ll stop.”
Clearing my throat, I was escorted into the building by Julian. The now familiar sight of the Grand Duke's residence greeted me.
“Welcome, Madam.”
The maids greeted me and said,
“Please give me some bath water.”
“And prepare a chessboard on the third floor.”
Julian spoke following my command. I blinked at him. The new maid bowed deeply and disappeared from sight. She must be in a hurry, as it would take quite some time to prepare the bath and refreshments to go with the chessboard on the third floor.
It seemed like there was still some time left before the maid called again, so I asked Julian how he was doing.
“Aren’t you busy today?”
“I wonder why Madam looks so happy.”
Those words made me realize anew that I'd been acting excited ever since I entered the Grand Duke's residence.
That's understandable. The scale of the task was smaller than I'd anticipated, but I still managed to deal a blow to Prince Cain and Kaiser. It was impossible not to feel good.
“What about Marian?”
Of course, there were sad partings too.
I tried to hide my regret by playing around calmly.
"Why are you looking for Marian? Are you also captivated by her beauty?"
But Julian was not easily fooled.
“I think my wife is more in love with her than I am.”
I pouted and made an excuse.
"I was born and raised in a remote area, so I didn't have many friends my age. That's why I just have a little regret."
I walked aimlessly down the hallway, bantering with Julian. Everywhere I went, I encountered maids, but they politely greeted me and immediately left. It seemed as if they didn't want to disturb us.
It seemed too familiar to be a political marriage. With that thought in mind, I tilted my head and looked at Julian. Julian's handsome, half-face also looked back at me.
"How about you?"
It was written on Julian's face: 'What?' So I answered the question.
“Weren’t you really bored while I was away?”
Julian answered obediently.
“I was lonely.”
It was an honest answer that I could never have imagined.
“The master has asked me to assist Your Highness the Grand Duchess.”
“Who is your master?”
When asked to confirm, the knight answered obediently without any sign of resistance.
“This is Lady Lete.”
If he'd answered "Shuan," I'd have been suspicious, but since he'd given us both our passwords, I'd trust him. Furthermore, the knight opened the carriage door and revealed the man inside. As soon as Marian saw her, she covered her mouth with both hands and rejoiced.
"Mother!"
That person was none other than Marian's mother. Shuan had arranged for Marian to go far away with her mother, as I had requested.
Certainly, Shuan was a man of infinite trust when we were together, even though we were now in a position where we might split.
By now, Shuan must have met Ari. What conversation is he having with her? What has he discovered? After he finds out, will he try to tell me? Or will he try to shun me?
Marian grabbed my hand as I was lost in thought. Her face was filled with a deep emotion that anyone could see.
Marian's sparkling eyes, her flushed cheeks, her lips gently curved. She looked genuinely happy. Her sparkling eyes began to twinkle, and soon tears welled up in her eyes.
As the beauty wept, I was at a loss, and then I hurriedly pulled out a handkerchief. I placed it against Marian's cheek, and she smiled faintly.
“Madam, you are a very kind person.”
My face flushed at those words. I'd never imagined I'd hear something like that, considering all this was done for my own good. I didn't deserve to hear it. I waved my hand frantically in denial.
"What about affection? I was just using Marian."
"It's okay if you use it. I'll take it any time if it's this kind of use."
“Don’t you know how scary the world is!”
I tried to scold her sternly, but Marian wasn't an easy girl. Her family was ruined, and she had to make a living at a job she didn't like or respect, and Marian must have had her own story. And perhaps, after this incident, she'd become quite a strong person.
"Madam."
Marian looked straight at me and spoke. Despite her still wet eyes, her gaze was clear and sharp.
"Please make me as Madam's servant. I don't have to be a maid. I'd even be your stable keeper. I want to work by your side. Will you allow me?"
It was a small favor, meant to ease my mind. But it was returned with such a big heart. I shook my head slowly, unable to let go of Marian's hand.
“You have to go far.”
Marian's expression became infinitely sad.
"Please, Madam. I will remain loyal. Yes?"
It was a childish tone, but it was as if he was saying she would give me her whole life.
But I don't deserve someone else's life. More importantly, I don't have much time left to take responsibility for anyone. Seeing that I didn't seem willing to give it, Marian knelt before me, oblivious to the dirt staining her clothes.
"I'm sorry to see you go, too. Kaiser and Prince Cain will never let you go. It's better for you to hide out of sight."
“Madam, but...”
“You have to think about your mother.”
Marian, who seemed absolutely impossible to persuade, seemed to shrink back when the name 'mother' was mentioned.
I patted Marian's shoulder and led her to the carriage. Inside, Marian's mother sat. Her expression was solemn, as if she would accept whatever choice Marian made. Even in her downfall, she had once been the matriarch of a family, and that dignity had never completely faded.
Marian stared at her mother for a long moment, then burst into tears again. This time, they weren't tears of emotion. They were tears of regret, self-reproach, and regret... tears of separation. I wiped away Marian's tears again.
"Madam, I will never forget this favor. I will be yours until the day I die."
“Yes, let’s definitely meet again.”
I told a lie. If I were to render Kaiser and Prince Cain incapable of recovery, I wouldn't have much time left either.
But I didn't want to worry her with such talk, so I acted calmly. Marian, who was usually quick-witted, thankfully fell for it this time.
Marian said she couldn't possibly leave first, so she let me go first. I saw Marian greeting me through the carriage window.
I watched Marian waving and moving further away. Anna, who was watching me from the side, seemed to be quite disappointed, so she spoke cautiously.
"You should have just taken it away. Unlike me, she's of noble birth, so it would have definitely helped."
Perhaps. After all, Marian was born a noblewoman and raised that way. But I wanted Marian to be happy. Marian was special to me. She was the first person I'd ever come back to and completely change my life.
The woman who always worried, stamping her feet, that she would grow old and unattractive is no longer there. Marian will start a new life with her mother. That filled me with hope.
Hope that I can give new life to my family too.
So there was no reason for Marian to be by my side.
“You alone are enough. What good is having multiple maids?”
When I spoke sharply, Anna smiled bashfully and happily.
“I will work hard, Ma’am.”
I smiled and pulled Anna's cheek because I thought her determined look was cute.
***
This time, the first thing to greet me upon arriving at the mansion was my adorable Duke. As always, he ran towards me, his fur flying.
As I bent down and spread my arms, the affectionate Duke abruptly slowed down and placed his chin on my shoulders.
I rubbed my cheek against Duke's and whispered in his ear.
“Duke, where is Julian?”
I knew Julian couldn't always meet me. He had the responsibility of caring for Duchzan. Still, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of anticipation.
I pretended to be fond of Duke and waited for him. Surprisingly, my efforts were not in vain.
I saw Julian walk out of the building entrance toward the garden. His pace was slow, almost arrogant, but it suited him perfectly. I stroked Duke's chin and quickly walked over to Julian.
“Julian! Aren’t you bored without me?”
When I asked him while looking up closely, Julian lowered his eyes and said.
"Not at all."
I glanced at Julian, who spoke without a moment's hesitation.
“Is it really that hard to say something nice to your wife?”
As he spoke, the corners of Julian's mouth, visible beneath his mask, tilted upward. I could tell immediately that he was joking, but it was too late to stop him.
"My wife hired quite a few people, and she left them all to me. I had no time to be bored."
Having more people in the house had its advantages, but it also had its disadvantages. The scale of the household chores increased significantly. I put on a very sarcastic expression and playfully followed him.
"Yes. This lady loves luxury. So she even ordered an expensive dress for our child."
“Our child?”
“I mean, Duke.”
As if he knew I was calling his name, Duke came up next to my dress and rubbed himself against it. When I reached out my hand, he covered my palm in spit.
“Did you say hello to Duke?”
"Hmm."
I burst out laughing because Julian's answer was neither here nor there.
“What does that mean?”
“I’m afraid my wife will nag me if I tell the truth.”
That was truly hilarious. As I continued to laugh and talk to Julian, one of the servants standing next to him widened his eyes and then quickly lowered his head. He must have been surprised by my unabashed demeanor.
When Julian reached out his arm to me, I linked arms with his and whispered to him.
“I think I should act a little more like a lady.”
It was meant as a reflection, but Julian shook his head.
“My wife doesn’t have to worry about the servant’s feelings.”
“Oh my, Julian.”
I called him with a mischievous smile.
“You feel like a player who has secretly met about a hundred ladies.”
"Ma'am."
“Yes, I’ll stop.”
Clearing my throat, I was escorted into the building by Julian. The now familiar sight of the Grand Duke's residence greeted me.
“Welcome, Madam.”
The maids greeted me and said,
“Please give me some bath water.”
“And prepare a chessboard on the third floor.”
Julian spoke following my command. I blinked at him. The new maid bowed deeply and disappeared from sight. She must be in a hurry, as it would take quite some time to prepare the bath and refreshments to go with the chessboard on the third floor.
It seemed like there was still some time left before the maid called again, so I asked Julian how he was doing.
“Aren’t you busy today?”
“I wonder why Madam looks so happy.”
Those words made me realize anew that I'd been acting excited ever since I entered the Grand Duke's residence.
That's understandable. The scale of the task was smaller than I'd anticipated, but I still managed to deal a blow to Prince Cain and Kaiser. It was impossible not to feel good.
“What about Marian?”
Of course, there were sad partings too.
I tried to hide my regret by playing around calmly.
"Why are you looking for Marian? Are you also captivated by her beauty?"
But Julian was not easily fooled.
“I think my wife is more in love with her than I am.”
I pouted and made an excuse.
"I was born and raised in a remote area, so I didn't have many friends my age. That's why I just have a little regret."
I walked aimlessly down the hallway, bantering with Julian. Everywhere I went, I encountered maids, but they politely greeted me and immediately left. It seemed as if they didn't want to disturb us.
It seemed too familiar to be a political marriage. With that thought in mind, I tilted my head and looked at Julian. Julian's handsome, half-face also looked back at me.
"How about you?"
It was written on Julian's face: 'What?' So I answered the question.
“Weren’t you really bored while I was away?”
Julian answered obediently.
“I was lonely.”
It was an honest answer that I could never have imagined.
Comments
Post a Comment