34. Storm
“You’re not making a single flower today?”
Lisa, who was carefully combing Erna's hair, asked a question indirectly.
Erna, who had been cultivating flower arrangements, even saving sleep for the past few weeks, finally took a break from work yesterday afternoon after returning from a department store delivery. Even amidst the world's uproar of criticism, the young lady, who had quietly devoted herself to her work, had suddenly changed, and now she was starting to worry. Erna's face, reflected in the vanity mirror, seemed somehow paler than usual.
“Are you feeling unwell?”
“No. That’s not it.”
Erna, who had been smiling without answering, turned around.
“Just. I just wanted to rest a bit. That’s all.”
“If that’s the case, then that’s good.”
Although it wasn't entirely flattering, Lisa initially agreed. Even with her detached nature, how could something like this be so insignificant? How maliciously they were biting at her. Lisa, who wasn't even a party to the matter, felt a pang of pain.
“Miss, no matter what anyone says, I like you. I really do.”
Lisa put down the comb and grabbed Erna's hand.
"So, don't pay any attention to the chatter of those who don't even know you. It'll soon die down. It's always been that way with scandals that people here get excited about. You believe me, right?"
“Yeah. I believe you.”
Erna smiled and nodded. She seemed to understand Lisa's desire to offer comfort.
“Thank you, Lisa. I won’t forget.”
"Why do you speak as if we'll never see each other again? I'll follow you even if you get married. Don't even think about leaving me behind!"
Lisa, who had been tilting her head, burst into laughter. Fortunately, she didn't seem to realize the mistake she'd made unconsciously.
Erna answered with a quiet smile.
The day she promised Pavel was fast approaching. She's be on the train to Burford by this time tomorrow, so tonight would be her last night, conversing with Lisa, who was combing her hair.
Lisa gave her usual friendly greeting and then withdrew. Erna stared blankly at the closed door until the sound of footsteps faded away.
It was a time filled with memories of being deceived, exploited, and hated, but she felt she could still cherish this city's fond memories. Perhaps even Prince Bjorn, who, no matter his reputation in this world, was at least a benefactor to Erna Hardy.
Erna, as if cutting off her lingering thoughts, sat up, pulling out the trunk hidden under the bed and checking what she would take. She hadn't taken a single item that her father had left her. So, just as she had come, she could simply leave lightly. Leaving behind meaningless thoughts and hurts alongside the unnecessary items.
That's all.
Erna took a deep breath, as if steeling herself, and hid her trunk again. Meanwhile, the faint sound of rough footsteps drew nearer. Lisa's voice, almost a shrill scream, accompanied her.
Erna, frozen in the terror her body remembered, barely managed to keep her trembling legs steady as she staggered toward the bedroom door. The door burst open just as Erna's hand touched the latch. A menacing shadow descended upon Erna, who lost her balance and fell. It was Viscount Hardy, reeking of alcohol as thick as his role.
Viscount Hardy, shoving Lisa aside as if trying to stop him, strode over the threshold. With his hand, which had been locked and slammed shut, he violently grabbed Erna's hair.
A dull thud, screams, and a torrent of swear words all mixed together. Meanwhile, the sound of the wind and rain rattling the windows grew louder. The storm was brewing.
As the day dawned, the wind grew even fiercer.
Pavel looked through the rattling windowpane with a worried expression. What a terrible day for such bad weather. He considered sending a telegram to delay her departure by a day, but no matter how much he thought about it, it didn't seem like a good idea. If the telegram fell into the hands of any member of the Hardy family other than Erna, things would be ruined. The risk was too great.
Pavel, steeling himself, drew the curtains and turned away. The guest bedroom of the old stone mansion was filled with a gloomy air created by moisture and the sound of rain.
She had come to this small town, about half a day's train ride from Schwerin, for a portrait commission. The director of the art academy had introduced him to the position, and the pay was so good that he readily accepted. The amount was enough to cover Erna and the Baden family's living expenses for the time being, and it didn't take up too much time.
However, there was a variable Pavel hadn't anticipated: the health of the model, an elderly woman. Originally, they should have returned to Schwerin at least two days earlier, but the poor health of the elderly woman meant she had difficulty sitting for long periods, which delayed the return trip. Fortunately, any work other than sketching could be completed after returning to Schwerin, so it looks like it will be completed by this morning.
“Mr. Lower, the madam says she’s ready.”
The mansion's butler came to the room and brought good news.
Pavel, who had already finished getting ready, left the bedroom with a more hurried gait than usual. The hallway and stairs leading to the reception room, where Madame was waiting, felt unusually long today.
7 o'clock. In front of the clock tower in the central station square.
After renewing his promise to Erna, Pavel stood before his easel. Thunderstorms flashed through the window.
It didn't look like this rain would stop any time soon.
One by one, carriages carrying card players with a passion that even a storm couldn't stop gathered in Tara Square. Unlike the streets, which were nearly empty due to the harsh weather, the inside of the social club was bustling as usual on any other evening.
Bjorn lightly stepped out of the carriage that had stopped under the roof of the porch.
Even as the rekindled scandal raged like a volcano, his daily life remained peaceful. He had long since stopped caring about such things anyway. Furthermore, the focus of this scandal was not on him, but on that woman, Erna.
After exchanging a few halfhearted greetings with familiar faces, Bjorn headed straight for the card room. As he entered the space, filled with cigarette smoke, idle chatter, and a strange sense of excitement and tension, the thoughts of the weather that had been weighing on his mood all day vanished.
"It's awful, it's awful. You took that big stake and now you're here to rob us again, Your Highness?"
Leonard playfully giggled and took his place next to Bjorn.
"Miss Hardy, you know. You haven't seen each other since that day, right?"
He asked in a low voice, as if sharing some great secret. Bjorn didn't answer, but lit a cigar and asked. Leonard, who knew this gesture was generally meant as a yes, looked embarrassed.
Although he had initiated the foolish bet, he couldn't shake a strange sense of guilt as things unfolded this way. It was just a prank, meant to be fun, but somehow it ended up ruining a woman's future. His failure to recognize the repercussions of Bjorn's involvement was the root of the problem.
“Ah... well. I see. Well, the bet is over, so there’s no reason to meet again.”
Leonard muttered something other than what he had intended to say.
How heartless this Prince had been to a woman he'd lost interest in. It was clear that even if he brought up Erna again now, he wouldn't even bat an eyelid. What could this Prince, who had so trivially discarded Princess Gladys, possibly care about a daughter from a failing noble family? Now, there was virtually no way for them to help Erna Hardy. The main reason for their attack was that she dared to interfere with the Grand Duke and Princess's reunion, a problem that was difficult to resolve unless the two truly reunited.
Bjorn and Gladys.
The public's affection for the former frown Prince and Princess was extraordinary. It wasn't a fairytale-like love story between a Prince and Princess, one of a kind. From the moment engagement talks began between the two countries, they were already the stars of the story. No singer or actor achieved greater popularity than Crown Prince Bjorn and Princess Gladys.
People watched their every move, and they loved the stories that sprang from them. The romance novel, completed with a smooth engagement and wedding, became a bestseller, beloved by the Letzen people. It was a truly tumultuous wedding of the century. The throngs of people who flocked to celebrate, the commemorative coins that sold out as soon as they went on sale, and the printed portraits of the Crown Prince and his wife—it's no exaggeration to say every household possessed one—still speak of them as legends.
Bjorn and Gladys were symbols of the royal families of both countries, and their popularity soon translated into love and support for the royal family. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they were the greatest enemies of those supporting the republic. That's why their divorce caused such a stir that it led to the replacement of the Crown Prince of Letzen.
As soon as all the members of the card board gathered, the game began without delay.
Leonard and Peter, who had been diligently exchanging glances, soon gave up and focused solely on the cards in front of them.
Despite swearing at Bjorn as if he were going to kill him, his mother and sister still kept the portrait of the Crown Prince and his wife in a drawer. Other avid readers of the romance novel were no different. Their fury was fervent because they still loved the protagonists who were so beautiful and perfect. Many even secretly hoped that if the two could reunite, Bjorn would be able to return to his position as Crown Prince.
The sharp criticism currently being poured on Erna Hardy stems from that very source. She's the villain who's dividing the protagonists, who have overcome their crisis and are finally reaching a truly happy ending. That's why she's the one.
“They are pouring out like crazy.”
Peter looked out the window and muttered with a troubled expression.
Bjorn glanced there. The scenery captured through the window, drenched in ceaseless rain, was blurred and distorted. Despite the filthy weather, it seemed like a suitable backdrop for a dramatic escape.
Will that woman be able to achieve her goal?
Bjorn sat with his chin tilted back, staring out the rain-drenched window. Tomorrow, when the rain cleared, he'd know the outcome, one way or another.
So, if you were to bet on either success or failure, which would have a slightly higher chance of winning?
Bjorn, who had been thinking about it quite seriously, let out a short sigh as if mocking himself.
“Bjorn.”
Following the urging voice, Bjorn averted his gaze from the window. His still eyes once again reflected the complexities of the card game, his world.
The clock he glanced at briefly showed that it was a little past 5 o'clock.
“You’re not making a single flower today?”
Lisa, who was carefully combing Erna's hair, asked a question indirectly.
Erna, who had been cultivating flower arrangements, even saving sleep for the past few weeks, finally took a break from work yesterday afternoon after returning from a department store delivery. Even amidst the world's uproar of criticism, the young lady, who had quietly devoted herself to her work, had suddenly changed, and now she was starting to worry. Erna's face, reflected in the vanity mirror, seemed somehow paler than usual.
“Are you feeling unwell?”
“No. That’s not it.”
Erna, who had been smiling without answering, turned around.
“Just. I just wanted to rest a bit. That’s all.”
“If that’s the case, then that’s good.”
Although it wasn't entirely flattering, Lisa initially agreed. Even with her detached nature, how could something like this be so insignificant? How maliciously they were biting at her. Lisa, who wasn't even a party to the matter, felt a pang of pain.
“Miss, no matter what anyone says, I like you. I really do.”
Lisa put down the comb and grabbed Erna's hand.
"So, don't pay any attention to the chatter of those who don't even know you. It'll soon die down. It's always been that way with scandals that people here get excited about. You believe me, right?"
“Yeah. I believe you.”
Erna smiled and nodded. She seemed to understand Lisa's desire to offer comfort.
“Thank you, Lisa. I won’t forget.”
"Why do you speak as if we'll never see each other again? I'll follow you even if you get married. Don't even think about leaving me behind!"
Lisa, who had been tilting her head, burst into laughter. Fortunately, she didn't seem to realize the mistake she'd made unconsciously.
Erna answered with a quiet smile.
The day she promised Pavel was fast approaching. She's be on the train to Burford by this time tomorrow, so tonight would be her last night, conversing with Lisa, who was combing her hair.
Lisa gave her usual friendly greeting and then withdrew. Erna stared blankly at the closed door until the sound of footsteps faded away.
It was a time filled with memories of being deceived, exploited, and hated, but she felt she could still cherish this city's fond memories. Perhaps even Prince Bjorn, who, no matter his reputation in this world, was at least a benefactor to Erna Hardy.
Erna, as if cutting off her lingering thoughts, sat up, pulling out the trunk hidden under the bed and checking what she would take. She hadn't taken a single item that her father had left her. So, just as she had come, she could simply leave lightly. Leaving behind meaningless thoughts and hurts alongside the unnecessary items.
That's all.
Erna took a deep breath, as if steeling herself, and hid her trunk again. Meanwhile, the faint sound of rough footsteps drew nearer. Lisa's voice, almost a shrill scream, accompanied her.
Erna, frozen in the terror her body remembered, barely managed to keep her trembling legs steady as she staggered toward the bedroom door. The door burst open just as Erna's hand touched the latch. A menacing shadow descended upon Erna, who lost her balance and fell. It was Viscount Hardy, reeking of alcohol as thick as his role.
Viscount Hardy, shoving Lisa aside as if trying to stop him, strode over the threshold. With his hand, which had been locked and slammed shut, he violently grabbed Erna's hair.
A dull thud, screams, and a torrent of swear words all mixed together. Meanwhile, the sound of the wind and rain rattling the windows grew louder. The storm was brewing.
***
As the day dawned, the wind grew even fiercer.
Pavel looked through the rattling windowpane with a worried expression. What a terrible day for such bad weather. He considered sending a telegram to delay her departure by a day, but no matter how much he thought about it, it didn't seem like a good idea. If the telegram fell into the hands of any member of the Hardy family other than Erna, things would be ruined. The risk was too great.
Pavel, steeling himself, drew the curtains and turned away. The guest bedroom of the old stone mansion was filled with a gloomy air created by moisture and the sound of rain.
She had come to this small town, about half a day's train ride from Schwerin, for a portrait commission. The director of the art academy had introduced him to the position, and the pay was so good that he readily accepted. The amount was enough to cover Erna and the Baden family's living expenses for the time being, and it didn't take up too much time.
However, there was a variable Pavel hadn't anticipated: the health of the model, an elderly woman. Originally, they should have returned to Schwerin at least two days earlier, but the poor health of the elderly woman meant she had difficulty sitting for long periods, which delayed the return trip. Fortunately, any work other than sketching could be completed after returning to Schwerin, so it looks like it will be completed by this morning.
“Mr. Lower, the madam says she’s ready.”
The mansion's butler came to the room and brought good news.
Pavel, who had already finished getting ready, left the bedroom with a more hurried gait than usual. The hallway and stairs leading to the reception room, where Madame was waiting, felt unusually long today.
7 o'clock. In front of the clock tower in the central station square.
After renewing his promise to Erna, Pavel stood before his easel. Thunderstorms flashed through the window.
It didn't look like this rain would stop any time soon.
***
One by one, carriages carrying card players with a passion that even a storm couldn't stop gathered in Tara Square. Unlike the streets, which were nearly empty due to the harsh weather, the inside of the social club was bustling as usual on any other evening.
Bjorn lightly stepped out of the carriage that had stopped under the roof of the porch.
Even as the rekindled scandal raged like a volcano, his daily life remained peaceful. He had long since stopped caring about such things anyway. Furthermore, the focus of this scandal was not on him, but on that woman, Erna.
After exchanging a few halfhearted greetings with familiar faces, Bjorn headed straight for the card room. As he entered the space, filled with cigarette smoke, idle chatter, and a strange sense of excitement and tension, the thoughts of the weather that had been weighing on his mood all day vanished.
"It's awful, it's awful. You took that big stake and now you're here to rob us again, Your Highness?"
Leonard playfully giggled and took his place next to Bjorn.
"Miss Hardy, you know. You haven't seen each other since that day, right?"
He asked in a low voice, as if sharing some great secret. Bjorn didn't answer, but lit a cigar and asked. Leonard, who knew this gesture was generally meant as a yes, looked embarrassed.
Although he had initiated the foolish bet, he couldn't shake a strange sense of guilt as things unfolded this way. It was just a prank, meant to be fun, but somehow it ended up ruining a woman's future. His failure to recognize the repercussions of Bjorn's involvement was the root of the problem.
“Ah... well. I see. Well, the bet is over, so there’s no reason to meet again.”
Leonard muttered something other than what he had intended to say.
How heartless this Prince had been to a woman he'd lost interest in. It was clear that even if he brought up Erna again now, he wouldn't even bat an eyelid. What could this Prince, who had so trivially discarded Princess Gladys, possibly care about a daughter from a failing noble family? Now, there was virtually no way for them to help Erna Hardy. The main reason for their attack was that she dared to interfere with the Grand Duke and Princess's reunion, a problem that was difficult to resolve unless the two truly reunited.
Bjorn and Gladys.
The public's affection for the former frown Prince and Princess was extraordinary. It wasn't a fairytale-like love story between a Prince and Princess, one of a kind. From the moment engagement talks began between the two countries, they were already the stars of the story. No singer or actor achieved greater popularity than Crown Prince Bjorn and Princess Gladys.
People watched their every move, and they loved the stories that sprang from them. The romance novel, completed with a smooth engagement and wedding, became a bestseller, beloved by the Letzen people. It was a truly tumultuous wedding of the century. The throngs of people who flocked to celebrate, the commemorative coins that sold out as soon as they went on sale, and the printed portraits of the Crown Prince and his wife—it's no exaggeration to say every household possessed one—still speak of them as legends.
Bjorn and Gladys were symbols of the royal families of both countries, and their popularity soon translated into love and support for the royal family. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they were the greatest enemies of those supporting the republic. That's why their divorce caused such a stir that it led to the replacement of the Crown Prince of Letzen.
As soon as all the members of the card board gathered, the game began without delay.
Leonard and Peter, who had been diligently exchanging glances, soon gave up and focused solely on the cards in front of them.
Despite swearing at Bjorn as if he were going to kill him, his mother and sister still kept the portrait of the Crown Prince and his wife in a drawer. Other avid readers of the romance novel were no different. Their fury was fervent because they still loved the protagonists who were so beautiful and perfect. Many even secretly hoped that if the two could reunite, Bjorn would be able to return to his position as Crown Prince.
The sharp criticism currently being poured on Erna Hardy stems from that very source. She's the villain who's dividing the protagonists, who have overcome their crisis and are finally reaching a truly happy ending. That's why she's the one.
“They are pouring out like crazy.”
Peter looked out the window and muttered with a troubled expression.
Bjorn glanced there. The scenery captured through the window, drenched in ceaseless rain, was blurred and distorted. Despite the filthy weather, it seemed like a suitable backdrop for a dramatic escape.
Will that woman be able to achieve her goal?
Bjorn sat with his chin tilted back, staring out the rain-drenched window. Tomorrow, when the rain cleared, he'd know the outcome, one way or another.
So, if you were to bet on either success or failure, which would have a slightly higher chance of winning?
Bjorn, who had been thinking about it quite seriously, let out a short sigh as if mocking himself.
“Bjorn.”
Following the urging voice, Bjorn averted his gaze from the window. His still eyes once again reflected the complexities of the card game, his world.
The clock he glanced at briefly showed that it was a little past 5 o'clock.
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