29. Midsummer's Day
The team led by Crown Prince Leonid won the rowing competition again this year.
Although it was expected, the outpouring of cheers was nonetheless enthusiastic. Citizens lined up densely along both banks of the river, throwing celebratory flowers, dazzling the sparkling water with a multitude of vibrant colors.
Despite his exhausted appearance and panting heavily, the Crown Prince never forgot to offer a greeting to the audience. The ladies in the VIP section, who had been whispering with sullen expressions, were now celebrating the Crown Prince's victory with cheers that were almost shrill.
Erna was completely absorbed in the spectacle. Seeing a rowing competition for the first time in her life was exciting. For Erna, who had expected to see nothing more than the rafts used by country boys on the village pond, the sight was quite a shock. The energy and bustle of the countless people and the festive atmosphere were equally impressive.
Erna, having forgotten her plan to escape when the time was right, crossed the lawn, blending in with the crowd heading to the awards ceremony. It turned out to be a poor choice.
Erna, who was watching Crown Prince Leonid's rowing team lift the trophy, felt embarrassed by the athletes' overly formal attire and averted her gaze.
Who knew there could be men's trousers shorter than knee length in this world!
To avoid the exposed flesh of their limbs, she had no choice but to focus on their center of gravity. This was absurd in its own right, so Erna ended up turning her head away. It wasn't until she locked eyes with him again that she realized Prince Bjorn was standing there.
As Erna, startled, unconsciously stepped back, Bjorn cocked his eyebrows and let out a brief laugh. His face, bathed in sunlight, glowed with freshness. It felt as if she could understand the duplicity of the maids, who, while cursing the Poisonous Mushroom Prince, still cut out his photographs from newspapers and magazines.
“Erna? Erna!”
The Countess's voice, interrupted abruptly, jolted Erna from her daze. She opened her eyes in surprise, seeing spectators moving through the palace gardens. It seemed the celebratory party was about to begin.
"You're so stupid. When will you ever become a proper lady?"
Even as she hurled her complaints, a gentle smile lingered on the Countess's face. From a distance, it looked like they were having a tender conversation.
Although the manners the locals spoke of still didn't quite make sense, Erna didn't argue. She could bear it, knowing it would all be over in just one more week. The glares from people who weren't family, the malicious reputations, and even this strange feeling.
Erna, holding her parasol, followed the Hardy family, who were leading the way. The sound of their diligent footsteps echoed across the sun-baked pavement.
As dusk fell, the colored glass lanterns decorating the riverbank began to light up, one by one. Their lights extended all the way to the other side of the river, where the commoners were holding a summer festival.
The lively melody of a violin dance and the sounds of boisterous laughter wafted through the cool river breeze. The palace garden, where the guests were having a party, was also filled with laughter and music.
Gladys, setting down her champagne glass without even a sip, gazed with regret at the midsummer garden bathed in sunset light. She had spent her brief honeymoon with Bjorn at the royal palace in the capital, but it was Schwerin Palace that felt more familiar. It was here, steeped in childhood memories of summers spent there.
How nice it would be if only we could turn back time.
Gladys's eyes grew even redder as she caught sight of Bjorn with his friends.
The group was busy laughing and chatting, glancing in the direction of the Hardy family's daughter. Bjorn occasionally joined in the conversation, adding a laugh or glancing at the woman.
Gladys gazed intently at the woman who caught his eye. Countess Meyer, like a traveling saleswoman, was showing off the Hardy family's daughter to various men. She was indeed as beautiful as the rumors had it.
As soon as she objectively concluded that Bjorn was interested, a stabbing pain began to form in her chest. She knew she was in no position to feel jealous, but her heart wouldn't stop.
It was common knowledge across the continent that the Princess of Lars would become the Crown Princess of Letzen. As predicted, Gladys became engaged to the Crown Prince of Letzen, and two years later, they held a grand wedding. It was a relationship where love was out of the question. That was all she knew. Foolishly.
If she thinks about it, it was love from the beginning.
Gladys was delighted and proud that she would become Prince Bjorn's bride. There could not have been a more beautiful or noble man in the world. However, Gladys was young at the time, and to the young Princess who had grown up in absolute love, he was an unfamiliar and difficult presence.
Being around Bjorn made her feel incredibly insignificant. Despite his ever-present smile and gentle demeanor, for some reason, it always felt that way. It wasn't until after their engagement had been announced to both kingdoms that Gladys finally understood why.
He was a man who didn't care who the Crown Princess was.
Had any other woman been his fiancée, Bjorn would have offered the same kindness and smile. For Gladys, who had always been admired as the most special person, it was an unbearable humiliation.
He was a man like the sun.
The midsummer sun, so radiant and violent, blotted out all other light in the world. And in that light, Gladys found herself lost.
She wonders if that poor girl knows that.
Gladys looked at Erna with pity. Having just left Count Lehmann, she was catching her breath under a beautiful tree, its branches illuminated by colorful glass lanterns. A smile spread across her once-hardened face, and her expression became much younger and gentler.
“Gladys.”
Louise's voice, mixed with a sigh, seeped into her consciousness.
Gladys turned her head in surprise. The eyes of the noble ladies chatting around the table were suddenly fixed on her. Gladys's cheeks flushed faintly as she met their pitying gazes.
"Don't pay attention to that kind of woman. I'm sure she's not sincere either."
Louise's brow furrowed as she confirmed where Gladys's gaze had been moments ago. Erna was looking around like an excited child. Her innocent face was a stark contrast to Gladys's pensive expression.
“How can someone be so shameless? After causing such a scandal, how can she look like that... Gladys!”
Louise's eyes widened as she noticed Gladys quietly getting up from her seat.
“It’s okay, Louise. I’ll just say hello.”
“That’s ridiculous. Why are you meeting that woman?”
"Because that's more natural. I can't just ignore Miss Hardy like this."
Shaking off Louise's dissuading hand, Gladys slowly approached the curious Lady of the Hardy family. The ladies at the table, who had been fidgeting and scrutinizing each other, hurriedly followed the Princess.
Surprised by the unexpected turn of events, the onlookers began to stir, their eyes focused on the beautiful tree. Erna, completely oblivious to the Princess's approach, remained absorbed in observing the garden, still in the midst of a party.
As the rumor spread like wildfire and reached Biern, Gladys stopped walking.
The eyes of two women met under a tree with beautiful lights.
Oh my. A sigh suddenly permeated the silence that had fallen.
"Hello, Miss Hardy. This is our first time greeting each other like this. Nice to meet you."
It was Gladys who broke the silence first. Gladys, who had been staring down at the frozen Erna, smiled and offered a gentle greeting. The eyes of the ladies and onlookers who followed were now fixed on Erna.
“Miss Hardy?”
Gladys called Erna's name again, as if to urge her to answer.
Erna, who had finally regained consciousness, hurriedly began to pay her respects to the Princess. Her voice was trembling and her movements stiff, but it was the best she could do for now.
It's because of the Prince.
The moment Erna's eyes met Gladys's as she approached, she realized something. The scandal, so familiar to everyone in high society with eyes and ears, was so prevalent that the Princess, once his wife, couldn't possibly have been unaware of it.
From the Queen to the Princess.
The thought of how far the scandal's repercussions would spread left her breathless. If only she could, she could make time pass quickly. So that a week would pass quickly, so she could escape this intricate, spiderweb-like world.
Even after exchanging greetings, Gladys didn't leave.
As if meeting an old friend, they exchanged friendly stories and led a natural conversation. It was a remarkably elegant and dignified demeanor that made her understand why Princess Gladys was the envy of the ladies of Letzen's high society.
"I heard you don't belong to any clubs yet. You must be very lonely, Miss Hardy."
Gladys glanced at Bjorn, offering a sympathetic word to the ostracized country girl. He simply watched from afar, as if enjoying a fascinating spectacle, and showed no sign of paying any particular attention.
Gladys concluded with clarity that it was nothing more than a reckless rumor. Suddenly, she felt genuine pity for the young lady before her. A hint of guilt accompanied the thought that she was being used by Bjorn. That's why she decided to offer her an unexpected kindness.
“Oh, Miss Hardy. Are you interested in theater?”
“Huh? A play?”
Erna asked in surprise. She was a rough girl who rarely concealed her emotions.
"There's a charity play in ten days to raise funds for a city orphanage. My group is organizing it, and if it's right, I thought it would be great if you, Miss Hardy, could attend."
Gladys could now smile sincerely.
It was ridiculous to point fingers at someone as harmless as a child. She wanted to give this country girl, who was hated by the ladies of high society because of Bjorn, a chance to make friends. Of course, Louise and the other members wouldn't be so eager, but it wouldn't be impossible to ask for their understanding.
“I... that...”
Erna, who had been silent as if taken aback by the unbelievable proposal, cautiously opened her mouth.
“I’m sorry, Princess.”
Despite her hesitant demeanor, Erna's voice was clear and calm. Gladys's eyes wavered at the completely unexpected answer. It was the first time since the conversation began that she had lost her composure.
"First of all, I sincerely appreciate your consideration. However, I'm afraid I won't be able to attend the play. I'm truly sorry."
Erna clasped her hands together, bowing politely in greeting. Her lips moved as if she still had something to say, but she held them back. Instead, she bowed once more, even more deeply than before, expressing her apology.
After the silence that felt like pouring cold water on someone passed, the onlookers began to whisper excitedly.
The young lady of the Hardy family has brought great shame upon Princess Gladys!
The rapidity with which the rumor spread was evident from the glances they received from afar. Bjorn was one of them.
Gladys tried not to show her agitation as she looked in the direction Bjorn was standing. He looked at her with a slight frown, as if he'd just heard the news Peter had relayed. He then chuckled. It was hard to believe, but it was true.
What on earth does that smile mean?
Just as she was about to shed tears, feeling miserable, clinging to a thin thread of hope amidst the utter humiliation, Bjorn turned around. The eyes of those gathered to watch the love play were now focused on the Prince, who was approaching the two women.
The team led by Crown Prince Leonid won the rowing competition again this year.
Although it was expected, the outpouring of cheers was nonetheless enthusiastic. Citizens lined up densely along both banks of the river, throwing celebratory flowers, dazzling the sparkling water with a multitude of vibrant colors.
Despite his exhausted appearance and panting heavily, the Crown Prince never forgot to offer a greeting to the audience. The ladies in the VIP section, who had been whispering with sullen expressions, were now celebrating the Crown Prince's victory with cheers that were almost shrill.
Erna was completely absorbed in the spectacle. Seeing a rowing competition for the first time in her life was exciting. For Erna, who had expected to see nothing more than the rafts used by country boys on the village pond, the sight was quite a shock. The energy and bustle of the countless people and the festive atmosphere were equally impressive.
Erna, having forgotten her plan to escape when the time was right, crossed the lawn, blending in with the crowd heading to the awards ceremony. It turned out to be a poor choice.
Erna, who was watching Crown Prince Leonid's rowing team lift the trophy, felt embarrassed by the athletes' overly formal attire and averted her gaze.
Who knew there could be men's trousers shorter than knee length in this world!
To avoid the exposed flesh of their limbs, she had no choice but to focus on their center of gravity. This was absurd in its own right, so Erna ended up turning her head away. It wasn't until she locked eyes with him again that she realized Prince Bjorn was standing there.
As Erna, startled, unconsciously stepped back, Bjorn cocked his eyebrows and let out a brief laugh. His face, bathed in sunlight, glowed with freshness. It felt as if she could understand the duplicity of the maids, who, while cursing the Poisonous Mushroom Prince, still cut out his photographs from newspapers and magazines.
“Erna? Erna!”
The Countess's voice, interrupted abruptly, jolted Erna from her daze. She opened her eyes in surprise, seeing spectators moving through the palace gardens. It seemed the celebratory party was about to begin.
"You're so stupid. When will you ever become a proper lady?"
Even as she hurled her complaints, a gentle smile lingered on the Countess's face. From a distance, it looked like they were having a tender conversation.
Although the manners the locals spoke of still didn't quite make sense, Erna didn't argue. She could bear it, knowing it would all be over in just one more week. The glares from people who weren't family, the malicious reputations, and even this strange feeling.
Erna, holding her parasol, followed the Hardy family, who were leading the way. The sound of their diligent footsteps echoed across the sun-baked pavement.
***
As dusk fell, the colored glass lanterns decorating the riverbank began to light up, one by one. Their lights extended all the way to the other side of the river, where the commoners were holding a summer festival.
The lively melody of a violin dance and the sounds of boisterous laughter wafted through the cool river breeze. The palace garden, where the guests were having a party, was also filled with laughter and music.
Gladys, setting down her champagne glass without even a sip, gazed with regret at the midsummer garden bathed in sunset light. She had spent her brief honeymoon with Bjorn at the royal palace in the capital, but it was Schwerin Palace that felt more familiar. It was here, steeped in childhood memories of summers spent there.
How nice it would be if only we could turn back time.
Gladys's eyes grew even redder as she caught sight of Bjorn with his friends.
The group was busy laughing and chatting, glancing in the direction of the Hardy family's daughter. Bjorn occasionally joined in the conversation, adding a laugh or glancing at the woman.
Gladys gazed intently at the woman who caught his eye. Countess Meyer, like a traveling saleswoman, was showing off the Hardy family's daughter to various men. She was indeed as beautiful as the rumors had it.
As soon as she objectively concluded that Bjorn was interested, a stabbing pain began to form in her chest. She knew she was in no position to feel jealous, but her heart wouldn't stop.
It was common knowledge across the continent that the Princess of Lars would become the Crown Princess of Letzen. As predicted, Gladys became engaged to the Crown Prince of Letzen, and two years later, they held a grand wedding. It was a relationship where love was out of the question. That was all she knew. Foolishly.
If she thinks about it, it was love from the beginning.
Gladys was delighted and proud that she would become Prince Bjorn's bride. There could not have been a more beautiful or noble man in the world. However, Gladys was young at the time, and to the young Princess who had grown up in absolute love, he was an unfamiliar and difficult presence.
Being around Bjorn made her feel incredibly insignificant. Despite his ever-present smile and gentle demeanor, for some reason, it always felt that way. It wasn't until after their engagement had been announced to both kingdoms that Gladys finally understood why.
He was a man who didn't care who the Crown Princess was.
Had any other woman been his fiancée, Bjorn would have offered the same kindness and smile. For Gladys, who had always been admired as the most special person, it was an unbearable humiliation.
He was a man like the sun.
The midsummer sun, so radiant and violent, blotted out all other light in the world. And in that light, Gladys found herself lost.
She wonders if that poor girl knows that.
Gladys looked at Erna with pity. Having just left Count Lehmann, she was catching her breath under a beautiful tree, its branches illuminated by colorful glass lanterns. A smile spread across her once-hardened face, and her expression became much younger and gentler.
“Gladys.”
Louise's voice, mixed with a sigh, seeped into her consciousness.
Gladys turned her head in surprise. The eyes of the noble ladies chatting around the table were suddenly fixed on her. Gladys's cheeks flushed faintly as she met their pitying gazes.
"Don't pay attention to that kind of woman. I'm sure she's not sincere either."
Louise's brow furrowed as she confirmed where Gladys's gaze had been moments ago. Erna was looking around like an excited child. Her innocent face was a stark contrast to Gladys's pensive expression.
“How can someone be so shameless? After causing such a scandal, how can she look like that... Gladys!”
Louise's eyes widened as she noticed Gladys quietly getting up from her seat.
“It’s okay, Louise. I’ll just say hello.”
“That’s ridiculous. Why are you meeting that woman?”
"Because that's more natural. I can't just ignore Miss Hardy like this."
Shaking off Louise's dissuading hand, Gladys slowly approached the curious Lady of the Hardy family. The ladies at the table, who had been fidgeting and scrutinizing each other, hurriedly followed the Princess.
Surprised by the unexpected turn of events, the onlookers began to stir, their eyes focused on the beautiful tree. Erna, completely oblivious to the Princess's approach, remained absorbed in observing the garden, still in the midst of a party.
As the rumor spread like wildfire and reached Biern, Gladys stopped walking.
The eyes of two women met under a tree with beautiful lights.
Oh my. A sigh suddenly permeated the silence that had fallen.
"Hello, Miss Hardy. This is our first time greeting each other like this. Nice to meet you."
It was Gladys who broke the silence first. Gladys, who had been staring down at the frozen Erna, smiled and offered a gentle greeting. The eyes of the ladies and onlookers who followed were now fixed on Erna.
“Miss Hardy?”
Gladys called Erna's name again, as if to urge her to answer.
Erna, who had finally regained consciousness, hurriedly began to pay her respects to the Princess. Her voice was trembling and her movements stiff, but it was the best she could do for now.
It's because of the Prince.
The moment Erna's eyes met Gladys's as she approached, she realized something. The scandal, so familiar to everyone in high society with eyes and ears, was so prevalent that the Princess, once his wife, couldn't possibly have been unaware of it.
From the Queen to the Princess.
The thought of how far the scandal's repercussions would spread left her breathless. If only she could, she could make time pass quickly. So that a week would pass quickly, so she could escape this intricate, spiderweb-like world.
Even after exchanging greetings, Gladys didn't leave.
As if meeting an old friend, they exchanged friendly stories and led a natural conversation. It was a remarkably elegant and dignified demeanor that made her understand why Princess Gladys was the envy of the ladies of Letzen's high society.
"I heard you don't belong to any clubs yet. You must be very lonely, Miss Hardy."
Gladys glanced at Bjorn, offering a sympathetic word to the ostracized country girl. He simply watched from afar, as if enjoying a fascinating spectacle, and showed no sign of paying any particular attention.
Gladys concluded with clarity that it was nothing more than a reckless rumor. Suddenly, she felt genuine pity for the young lady before her. A hint of guilt accompanied the thought that she was being used by Bjorn. That's why she decided to offer her an unexpected kindness.
“Oh, Miss Hardy. Are you interested in theater?”
“Huh? A play?”
Erna asked in surprise. She was a rough girl who rarely concealed her emotions.
"There's a charity play in ten days to raise funds for a city orphanage. My group is organizing it, and if it's right, I thought it would be great if you, Miss Hardy, could attend."
Gladys could now smile sincerely.
It was ridiculous to point fingers at someone as harmless as a child. She wanted to give this country girl, who was hated by the ladies of high society because of Bjorn, a chance to make friends. Of course, Louise and the other members wouldn't be so eager, but it wouldn't be impossible to ask for their understanding.
“I... that...”
Erna, who had been silent as if taken aback by the unbelievable proposal, cautiously opened her mouth.
“I’m sorry, Princess.”
Despite her hesitant demeanor, Erna's voice was clear and calm. Gladys's eyes wavered at the completely unexpected answer. It was the first time since the conversation began that she had lost her composure.
"First of all, I sincerely appreciate your consideration. However, I'm afraid I won't be able to attend the play. I'm truly sorry."
Erna clasped her hands together, bowing politely in greeting. Her lips moved as if she still had something to say, but she held them back. Instead, she bowed once more, even more deeply than before, expressing her apology.
After the silence that felt like pouring cold water on someone passed, the onlookers began to whisper excitedly.
The young lady of the Hardy family has brought great shame upon Princess Gladys!
The rapidity with which the rumor spread was evident from the glances they received from afar. Bjorn was one of them.
Gladys tried not to show her agitation as she looked in the direction Bjorn was standing. He looked at her with a slight frown, as if he'd just heard the news Peter had relayed. He then chuckled. It was hard to believe, but it was true.
What on earth does that smile mean?
Just as she was about to shed tears, feeling miserable, clinging to a thin thread of hope amidst the utter humiliation, Bjorn turned around. The eyes of those gathered to watch the love play were now focused on the Prince, who was approaching the two women.
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