52. The competitor is a cane
The port of Schwerin was crowded with people and goods.
Long-distance cruise ship departure days are always busier than usual, but today, the port was packed with twice as many people as usual. This was thanks to the crowds of onlookers who had flocked to see the newlyweds departing for their honeymoon.
It was shocking enough that he dared to go on a second honeymoon to his ex-wife's country, and then his ex-wife even boarded the same boat. It was a sensational piece of news that even those who weren't particularly interested in gossip were dazzled.
“The more I think about it, the more I realize how much that Princess is too much. Wow. It’s too much, it’s too much.”
Lisa boarded the ship, whining loudly enough to be heard by the other maids. Most of them glared at her disapprovingly, but she paid no attention.
If you're going to attack, then attack me once. I'll pull out every single hair on your head.
Perhaps sensing her fighting spirit, the maids mostly just whispered behind her back, refusing to confront Lisa. This was especially true after witnessing one maid, who had been belittling and disparaging the Grand Duchess, comparing her to Princess Gladys, in front of Lisa, suffer a particularly harsh treatment.
"Even so, that's true. Why do we have to be on the same boat? Oh my. This is so bad."
She didn't forget to raise her voice a little more when passing by the maid who was especially wrapped around Princess Gladys.
After spending a fortnight at the Grand Duke's residence, Lisa learned that, like most of the people of Letzen, the servants of Schwerin Palace were on Princess Gladys's side. Many of them felt ashamed of their mistress's downfall, from the Princess of Lars, once hailed as the flower of the continent, to the daughter of a ruined nobleman, riddled with scandal.
Every time those damned mouths badmouthed Erna, Lisa decided to swear at Princess Gladys. She was once a Princess she too loved and admired, but she had no choice but to repay them.
Lisa, who had followed Erna, glared at the Prince, who could be considered the mastermind behind all this. He was noticeably taller and more slender than most, making him instantly recognizable wherever he went. And yet, his beauty was so striking, he was a dazzling, poisonous mushroom.
This is why our Highness can endure without being possessed.
Lisa suddenly felt uneasy and looked at the lady who had swallowed the poisonous mushroom. Her Highness the Grand Duchess, with the air of a dignified lady, glanced shyly at her husband every few steps, her eyes sparkling with shyness. She seemed to be trying hard not to show it, but anyone could tell she was a girl experiencing her first love.
Should I tell you what my grandmother taught me, that you shouldn't live off of a man's face?
After a moment's hesitation, Lisa decided to give up. At that level, she felt like she could live a thousand years, eating faces off. Had she seen the Prince with her own eyes, even her grandmother would have undoubtedly changed her mind. After all, they were already married. So what's wrong with a wife loving her husband, whether she's eating his face or not?
Lisa's gaze, having passed the innocent Grand Duchess, returned to the man in question, the Prince. He was escorting his wife with impeccable politeness. At first glance, he seemed like the perfect husband, but his excessive perfection was disturbing Lisa.
He couldn't possibly be unaware of his wife's feelings, which were plainly visible to others. Yet, his attitude, completely oblivious to her, devoted solely to his assigned role as a husband, was somewhat cold. How could it be otherwise? The Prince treated his wife as if he were handling a gentleman's cane in one hand. With elegant formality, yet with infinite ruthlessness.
Our visionary competitor is that cane-wielding bastard.
Lisa, overcome with emotion, glared at the sinful Prince, his staff in one hand and his wife in the other. Perhaps sensing his fierce gaze, Bjorn, passing by the first-class deck, suddenly turned around. Though his gaze was as indifferent as a mere insignificant creature, Lisa felt a sinking feeling in her heart. It was a moment when she deeply understood the maids, who were constantly cutting out magazine photos, and the pitiful Erna, who had fallen so helplessly for her husband.
Fortunately, Lisa, quickly regaining her sense of reason stemming from loyalty, gazed at the Prince with even more fervent adoration. "Look at Her Highness. Isn't she so beautiful? She'd almost be smitten with you. Her eyes filled with the emotion that words couldn't convey."
In fact, Erna wasn't the kind of lady who would only eat up the man's face, but since the Prince was the opponent, she decided that external factors would have the greatest effect.
Then I will make you the most beautiful lady in the world.
Lisa was determined, worked hard, and achieved such great results. She was so proud and satisfied, but why didn't the Prince recognize it?
Bjorn, who had been looking at Lisa with earnest eyes as if she were crazy, turned his head coldly and hurried on his way.
That Prince is too much.
Lisa gritted her teeth in humiliation. How could he not be satisfied with dressing up and embracing a beautiful lady who was said to be a Grand Duchess just for her beauty? Were his eyes just too big for his head?
Look around the world. There should be no one to stand against the Grand Duchess...right?
“Oh, shit.”
Lisa, who had been absentmindedly looking at the deck opposite, muttered a soft curse without realizing it.
It was Princess Gladys, the enemy she had briefly forgotten about.
Amazing.
That was the impression that his encounter with Gladys gave to Bjorn.
It was remarkable that she had managed to hold out in Letzen for so long, and it was remarkable that she had finally boarded this ship. At first glance, it was almost awe-inspiring. The fact that the enemy who had once rocked his life was such a formidable figure offered some comfort.
“It’s been a while, Bjorn.”
Despite the awkward situation, Gladys calmly greeted him. Bjorn responded with a calm nod.
“It’s a bit late, but congratulations on your wedding.”
As expected, it's amazing.
Bjorn was once again struck by Gladys's congratulatory remark, her face visibly wounded. Any other woman would have scoffed at her, calling it a worn-out ploy. But Gladys possessed a devastating power in that she could, with sincerity and her own good intentions, ruin someone like this.
Gladys, once again like the protagonist of a tragic tale, greeted him with a solemn yet ingrained politeness, leading her group back to the cabin. Only then did the frozen people breathe a sigh of relief and glance at each other.
“Erna.”
Bjorn quietly called his wife's name, still in a state of confusion. Erna's eyes, watching him, trembled like the flowers and feathers decorating her hat.
As his wife calmed down, Bjorn nodded toward the end of the deck. It was their stage, the scene of a loving newlywed couple on their honeymoon. Fortunately, Erna, seemingly mindful of her role, obediently followed his lead.
There, Erna kept her bright smile as she waved to the onlookers. It was a marked improvement from her wedding day, when she'd been at a loss as to where to look in front of the crowd.
Bjorn was quite fond of the clever bride, who learned faster than expected. He also admired her unwavering demeanor, never mentioning Gladys's name. Rumors spread that the magnificent Princess would board this ship, causing an uproar throughout the city, but Erna never once mentioned it to her husband.
A gentle, quiet, and non-annoying woman.
Based on the past two weeks, that was Bjorn's conclusion. While he occasionally behaved like a rubber ball bouncing off in the wrong direction, it wasn't a particularly annoying trait.
Quietly. Beautifully and harmlessly.
She was a woman who perfectly lived up to his expectations, and Bjorn was satisfied. Of course, it was too short a time to be so sure.
After greeting each other, they were guided into their cabin by the crew. Erna, who had been quiet as a doll, began to stir as soon as the door to their cabin opened.
“How can a ship be like this?”
Erna stared at the cabin with wide eyes. It was a luxurious room, one that hardly seemed to belong on a ship. Centered around a spacious reception room, it contained two bedrooms, a bathroom, and even a small sunroom filled with palm trees and plants. It looked more like a mansion than a cabin.
“There’s also a fireplace.”
Erna was quite shocked when she said those words, but Bjorn just smiled lightly.
“When will lunch be?”
“I’m fine, so I’ll follow my wife.”
Before the maid could even finish her question, Bjorn gave a curt answer. Erna looked up at her husband in surprise.
“Aren’t you going to eat?”
Instead of answering, Bjorn nodded and went into his room, leaving Erna behind.
Erna, who had been standing blankly among the busy servants of the Grand Duke's residence, unpacked and organized, cautiously followed Bjorn. Bjorn took off his coat and jacket and collapsed onto the sofa. The servants paused for a moment, then retreated, leaving the two of them alone in the bedroom.
“I’m going to rest for a bit, Erna.”
The moment Erna, who had gathered her courage, opened her mouth, Bjorn spoke first.
“For a while, I don’t feel like doing anything.”
When his eyes met Erna's, he gave her a tired, weary smile.
"... Yes."
Although a little embarrassed, Erna agreed.
Even the night before his departure, Bjorn continued to meet with palace guests and engage in heated discussions. Dealing with ministers who were far more stern and unyielding than Madame Fitz, day after day, must have been quite exhausting.
She knows it well.
Erna consoled herself with those words. It was childish of her to insist on doing things she wanted to do together, even though she knew everything.
“Then shall we have tea? Here, together.”
Although she was genuinely curious about the restaurant on board, Erna decided to compromise. Unfortunately, her husband seemed unwilling to sit down at the negotiating table.
“Let’s eat dinner together.”
Bjorn checked the time and answered calmly.
Erna glanced at the desk clock he'd just seen, feeling a bit dazed. It was just past ten o'clock. That meant they'd be spending the first half of their honeymoon alone.
“Go and do what you want, Erna.”
Bjorn smiled, tossing the loose tie onto the table.
“Anything.”
After whispering those tender words, Bjorn closed his eyes.
Erna, now sullen, left her husband's bedroom with a slightly weakened gait. Before closing the door, she turned around, hoping to see Bjorn, but he was still lying on the sofa, eyes closed.
"Where did you decide to start? I heard there's a really nice restaurant here. How about having tea there first?"
Lisa, who approached with a face brimming with anticipation, only gave Erna an awkward smile in response to the question. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she remembered last night, when they had discussed the many things she could do on a ship as large as a village.
“Let’s have tea, Lisa. At that fancy restaurant.”
Erna quickly changed the subject with a bright smile.
“Us? Why are you on your honeymoon with me...?”
What the hell.
Lisa muttered another curse, thankfully this time only deep in her chest.
Not only was the Grand Duchess put on the same boat as his ex-wife and taken to her country, but she was also treated with such contempt!
“...Yes, Your Highness!”
Lisa nodded, trying to swallow the harsh words that were rising to the tip of her tongue.
“Just say the word! I’ll do anything!”
Unlike anyone else.
Instead of saying those words, which she couldn't bring herself to say, she just clenched her fists.
Erna, who had been staring blankly at Lisa, beamed with delight. The Grand Duchess's smile, now swayed by the cane, was so beautiful that Lisa felt even more depressed.
The port of Schwerin was crowded with people and goods.
Long-distance cruise ship departure days are always busier than usual, but today, the port was packed with twice as many people as usual. This was thanks to the crowds of onlookers who had flocked to see the newlyweds departing for their honeymoon.
It was shocking enough that he dared to go on a second honeymoon to his ex-wife's country, and then his ex-wife even boarded the same boat. It was a sensational piece of news that even those who weren't particularly interested in gossip were dazzled.
“The more I think about it, the more I realize how much that Princess is too much. Wow. It’s too much, it’s too much.”
Lisa boarded the ship, whining loudly enough to be heard by the other maids. Most of them glared at her disapprovingly, but she paid no attention.
If you're going to attack, then attack me once. I'll pull out every single hair on your head.
Perhaps sensing her fighting spirit, the maids mostly just whispered behind her back, refusing to confront Lisa. This was especially true after witnessing one maid, who had been belittling and disparaging the Grand Duchess, comparing her to Princess Gladys, in front of Lisa, suffer a particularly harsh treatment.
"Even so, that's true. Why do we have to be on the same boat? Oh my. This is so bad."
She didn't forget to raise her voice a little more when passing by the maid who was especially wrapped around Princess Gladys.
After spending a fortnight at the Grand Duke's residence, Lisa learned that, like most of the people of Letzen, the servants of Schwerin Palace were on Princess Gladys's side. Many of them felt ashamed of their mistress's downfall, from the Princess of Lars, once hailed as the flower of the continent, to the daughter of a ruined nobleman, riddled with scandal.
Every time those damned mouths badmouthed Erna, Lisa decided to swear at Princess Gladys. She was once a Princess she too loved and admired, but she had no choice but to repay them.
Lisa, who had followed Erna, glared at the Prince, who could be considered the mastermind behind all this. He was noticeably taller and more slender than most, making him instantly recognizable wherever he went. And yet, his beauty was so striking, he was a dazzling, poisonous mushroom.
This is why our Highness can endure without being possessed.
Lisa suddenly felt uneasy and looked at the lady who had swallowed the poisonous mushroom. Her Highness the Grand Duchess, with the air of a dignified lady, glanced shyly at her husband every few steps, her eyes sparkling with shyness. She seemed to be trying hard not to show it, but anyone could tell she was a girl experiencing her first love.
Should I tell you what my grandmother taught me, that you shouldn't live off of a man's face?
After a moment's hesitation, Lisa decided to give up. At that level, she felt like she could live a thousand years, eating faces off. Had she seen the Prince with her own eyes, even her grandmother would have undoubtedly changed her mind. After all, they were already married. So what's wrong with a wife loving her husband, whether she's eating his face or not?
Lisa's gaze, having passed the innocent Grand Duchess, returned to the man in question, the Prince. He was escorting his wife with impeccable politeness. At first glance, he seemed like the perfect husband, but his excessive perfection was disturbing Lisa.
He couldn't possibly be unaware of his wife's feelings, which were plainly visible to others. Yet, his attitude, completely oblivious to her, devoted solely to his assigned role as a husband, was somewhat cold. How could it be otherwise? The Prince treated his wife as if he were handling a gentleman's cane in one hand. With elegant formality, yet with infinite ruthlessness.
Our visionary competitor is that cane-wielding bastard.
Lisa, overcome with emotion, glared at the sinful Prince, his staff in one hand and his wife in the other. Perhaps sensing his fierce gaze, Bjorn, passing by the first-class deck, suddenly turned around. Though his gaze was as indifferent as a mere insignificant creature, Lisa felt a sinking feeling in her heart. It was a moment when she deeply understood the maids, who were constantly cutting out magazine photos, and the pitiful Erna, who had fallen so helplessly for her husband.
Fortunately, Lisa, quickly regaining her sense of reason stemming from loyalty, gazed at the Prince with even more fervent adoration. "Look at Her Highness. Isn't she so beautiful? She'd almost be smitten with you. Her eyes filled with the emotion that words couldn't convey."
In fact, Erna wasn't the kind of lady who would only eat up the man's face, but since the Prince was the opponent, she decided that external factors would have the greatest effect.
Then I will make you the most beautiful lady in the world.
Lisa was determined, worked hard, and achieved such great results. She was so proud and satisfied, but why didn't the Prince recognize it?
Bjorn, who had been looking at Lisa with earnest eyes as if she were crazy, turned his head coldly and hurried on his way.
That Prince is too much.
Lisa gritted her teeth in humiliation. How could he not be satisfied with dressing up and embracing a beautiful lady who was said to be a Grand Duchess just for her beauty? Were his eyes just too big for his head?
Look around the world. There should be no one to stand against the Grand Duchess...right?
“Oh, shit.”
Lisa, who had been absentmindedly looking at the deck opposite, muttered a soft curse without realizing it.
It was Princess Gladys, the enemy she had briefly forgotten about.
***
Amazing.
That was the impression that his encounter with Gladys gave to Bjorn.
It was remarkable that she had managed to hold out in Letzen for so long, and it was remarkable that she had finally boarded this ship. At first glance, it was almost awe-inspiring. The fact that the enemy who had once rocked his life was such a formidable figure offered some comfort.
“It’s been a while, Bjorn.”
Despite the awkward situation, Gladys calmly greeted him. Bjorn responded with a calm nod.
“It’s a bit late, but congratulations on your wedding.”
As expected, it's amazing.
Bjorn was once again struck by Gladys's congratulatory remark, her face visibly wounded. Any other woman would have scoffed at her, calling it a worn-out ploy. But Gladys possessed a devastating power in that she could, with sincerity and her own good intentions, ruin someone like this.
Gladys, once again like the protagonist of a tragic tale, greeted him with a solemn yet ingrained politeness, leading her group back to the cabin. Only then did the frozen people breathe a sigh of relief and glance at each other.
“Erna.”
Bjorn quietly called his wife's name, still in a state of confusion. Erna's eyes, watching him, trembled like the flowers and feathers decorating her hat.
As his wife calmed down, Bjorn nodded toward the end of the deck. It was their stage, the scene of a loving newlywed couple on their honeymoon. Fortunately, Erna, seemingly mindful of her role, obediently followed his lead.
There, Erna kept her bright smile as she waved to the onlookers. It was a marked improvement from her wedding day, when she'd been at a loss as to where to look in front of the crowd.
Bjorn was quite fond of the clever bride, who learned faster than expected. He also admired her unwavering demeanor, never mentioning Gladys's name. Rumors spread that the magnificent Princess would board this ship, causing an uproar throughout the city, but Erna never once mentioned it to her husband.
A gentle, quiet, and non-annoying woman.
Based on the past two weeks, that was Bjorn's conclusion. While he occasionally behaved like a rubber ball bouncing off in the wrong direction, it wasn't a particularly annoying trait.
Quietly. Beautifully and harmlessly.
She was a woman who perfectly lived up to his expectations, and Bjorn was satisfied. Of course, it was too short a time to be so sure.
After greeting each other, they were guided into their cabin by the crew. Erna, who had been quiet as a doll, began to stir as soon as the door to their cabin opened.
“How can a ship be like this?”
Erna stared at the cabin with wide eyes. It was a luxurious room, one that hardly seemed to belong on a ship. Centered around a spacious reception room, it contained two bedrooms, a bathroom, and even a small sunroom filled with palm trees and plants. It looked more like a mansion than a cabin.
“There’s also a fireplace.”
Erna was quite shocked when she said those words, but Bjorn just smiled lightly.
“When will lunch be?”
“I’m fine, so I’ll follow my wife.”
Before the maid could even finish her question, Bjorn gave a curt answer. Erna looked up at her husband in surprise.
“Aren’t you going to eat?”
Instead of answering, Bjorn nodded and went into his room, leaving Erna behind.
Erna, who had been standing blankly among the busy servants of the Grand Duke's residence, unpacked and organized, cautiously followed Bjorn. Bjorn took off his coat and jacket and collapsed onto the sofa. The servants paused for a moment, then retreated, leaving the two of them alone in the bedroom.
“I’m going to rest for a bit, Erna.”
The moment Erna, who had gathered her courage, opened her mouth, Bjorn spoke first.
“For a while, I don’t feel like doing anything.”
When his eyes met Erna's, he gave her a tired, weary smile.
"... Yes."
Although a little embarrassed, Erna agreed.
Even the night before his departure, Bjorn continued to meet with palace guests and engage in heated discussions. Dealing with ministers who were far more stern and unyielding than Madame Fitz, day after day, must have been quite exhausting.
She knows it well.
Erna consoled herself with those words. It was childish of her to insist on doing things she wanted to do together, even though she knew everything.
“Then shall we have tea? Here, together.”
Although she was genuinely curious about the restaurant on board, Erna decided to compromise. Unfortunately, her husband seemed unwilling to sit down at the negotiating table.
“Let’s eat dinner together.”
Bjorn checked the time and answered calmly.
Erna glanced at the desk clock he'd just seen, feeling a bit dazed. It was just past ten o'clock. That meant they'd be spending the first half of their honeymoon alone.
“Go and do what you want, Erna.”
Bjorn smiled, tossing the loose tie onto the table.
“Anything.”
After whispering those tender words, Bjorn closed his eyes.
Erna, now sullen, left her husband's bedroom with a slightly weakened gait. Before closing the door, she turned around, hoping to see Bjorn, but he was still lying on the sofa, eyes closed.
"Where did you decide to start? I heard there's a really nice restaurant here. How about having tea there first?"
Lisa, who approached with a face brimming with anticipation, only gave Erna an awkward smile in response to the question. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she remembered last night, when they had discussed the many things she could do on a ship as large as a village.
“Let’s have tea, Lisa. At that fancy restaurant.”
Erna quickly changed the subject with a bright smile.
“Us? Why are you on your honeymoon with me...?”
What the hell.
Lisa muttered another curse, thankfully this time only deep in her chest.
Not only was the Grand Duchess put on the same boat as his ex-wife and taken to her country, but she was also treated with such contempt!
“...Yes, Your Highness!”
Lisa nodded, trying to swallow the harsh words that were rising to the tip of her tongue.
“Just say the word! I’ll do anything!”
Unlike anyone else.
Instead of saying those words, which she couldn't bring herself to say, she just clenched her fists.
Erna, who had been staring blankly at Lisa, beamed with delight. The Grand Duchess's smile, now swayed by the cane, was so beautiful that Lisa felt even more depressed.
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