83. A man's face is his
“We had our first fight as a couple recently.”
The child, who was talking about the event to be held at Schwerin Palace, suddenly brought up an unexpected topic.
Duchess Arsene, who had been reading a book with a dull expression, finally turned her attention to Erna. Bjorn's wife, who had barged in as usual on Wednesdays, was still steadfastly chattering to herself. An hour had already passed, but she showed no sign of fatigue.
“It must have been a miserable defeat.”
“No, Grandma. I won.”
“To a certain extent.”
"It's true. The servants made a bet on who would win our fight, and my maid, who chose me, won all the money. Everyone, like Grandma, bet that Bjorn would win, so the odds were very high. As a token of her appreciation, she even gave me a chocolate as a gift."
Seeing her proud smile, it seemed like it wasn't a lie. This was even more astonishing, and Duchess Arsene let out a chuckle.
Even if she wasn't a total idiot, that's not true. Seeing her so readily praising such things outside, it was clear she wasn't destined for a dignified Princess. Well, compared to Bjorn's ex-wife, who was overflowing with dignity but lacked even a shred of cat-like charm, she wasn't exactly a bad person.
Erna now began to babble about the fight she'd won. Duchess Arsene closed her book, took off her glasses from the bridge of her nose, and placed them on the bookshelf. Charlotte, leaping down from the windowsill, approached and sat down on Duchess Arsene's lap.
She stroked the cat, which purred pleasantly, and listened to the Grand Duchess's somewhat undignified, but still entertaining, tale of her exploits. It seemed like the couple had won the fight, but the odds didn't seem particularly favorable for the cat.
“Hey, why do you like Bjorn so much?”
Erna flinched at the surprise question. Duchess Arsene, her eyes half-open like a sleepy cat, peered at Erna, who was flustered.
The stories, glances, and expressions of that girl who had been visiting her on her own for the past few months—all of it—came together, and the only conclusion she could draw was this: the young Princess was quite fond of her husband. In contrast, Bjorn's attitude was so indifferent that it seemed clear that her love was truly unrequited.
"Of course, a man's face is his best feature. I can't deny that your husband is exceptional in that regard."
“Uh... yes?”
Erna's eyes widened as she tried to ignore the criticism, embarrassed by the directness of the words. The words were so shocking that it seemed as if she had misheard them, yet the person who had actually said them remained impassive.
"Just because someone looks good doesn't mean they're good on the inside, but just because someone looks bad doesn't mean they're good on the inside. In that case, it's better to choose a man who has at least one solid exterior. It's better to have at least one of them. If he's also good on the inside, that's ideal, but even if he's not, he still has a good face."
Oh my god.
Even though Erna was flustered by the words that seemed unlikely to come from the lips of such a noble lady, Duchess Arsene did not even raise an eyebrow.
"A handsome face brings joy, and that joy can diminish anger and even foster a previously unseen patience, making it a crucial element for a happy marriage. As you, who chose Bjorn, know this well."
“It’s not me!”
"Don't even think about separating it. Otherwise, surely you didn't marry him because you were dissatisfied with your husband's character?"
Erna's eyes began to shake uneasily at her sharp words.
She thought she knew grandmothers well, but that seemed arrogant. Perhaps it was the difference between country grandmothers and big-city grandmothers? This old woman, before her eyes, was vastly different from the grandmothers Erna had known. There was something about her that reminded her of Bjorn. Perhaps it was this very quality that gave her the courage to visit the Duchess Arsene, who was no easy task.
Embarrassed, Erna gazed out the window. She tried to picture the vile words and actions she'd seen of Bjorn in the landscape. Then, she tried to sneak up on the face of another man, not Bjorn. Hmm... She was furious. Much more so than she'd remembered. To think he had such a materialistic side. Erna's country grandmother, the Baroness of Baden, in Burford, would be horrified if she found out.
“See? Am I right?”
“Actually, I think there is a bit of that side to it... But it’s not like that.”
Erna, her cheeks flushed, muttered softly in a resigned voice.
Duchess Arsene, who had been leisurely watching the child having fun, had a look of bewilderment in her eyes. However, the young Grand Duchess, who had been caught off guard by the unexpected and audacious answer, simply maintained a serious expression.
This is it.
Duchess Arsene, who had been staring intently at Erna, suddenly burst into laughter. The loud, cheerful laughter reverberated throughout the guest room, startling Charlotte, who jumped down from the sofa.
She thought Bjorn Deneister's life had hit rock bottom, but then she realized maybe it wasn't all that bad. At least he didn't marry just any random woman out of desperation.
Duchess Arsene, who had been laughing for a long time while looking at Erna, who was looking bewildered, stood up from her chair while touching her cold cheek.
“Why are you just staring blankly?”
Erna's eyes widened at her blunt words, which had been sullen.
Duchess Arsene clicked her tongue briefly and led the way out of the drawing room. Erna's hesitant footsteps followed quietly behind.
The room, decorated with bright lime green wallpaper, was filled with portraits and photographs. It was like an exhibition hall, showcasing the family's history.
Erna followed Duchess Arsene, her face unable to hide her excitement. She'd been visiting the mansion weekly for over two months, but this was the first time she'd had the opportunity to see any space beyond the guest parlor.
“Is this Duke Arsene?”
Erna asked cautiously, standing before a large portrait hanging in the center of the room. Duchess Arsene nodded and approached Erna.
"In my youth, I was a renowned beauty. Princes from the prestigious families of Letzen, as well as those from neighboring countries, lined up to propose to me."
“Of all the suitors, I think Duke Arsene was the best groom.”
“Yes, he was. He was the most handsome man.”
A smile appeared on the lips of Duchess Arsene, as if she were unwilling to hide her pride.
Grandma truly lived a life true to her beliefs.
Erna, who had been studying the young and beautiful Duke in the portrait intently, nodded in understanding.
“He looks very impressive. I imagine he had a great personality.”
“Well, I guess I was luckier than you.”
Duchess Arsene gave a playful reply and stepped forward towards the next painting.
Erna followed her, slowly walking through the room, observing the countless faces. She saw Queen Isabella in her youth, along with children.
“It’s Bjorn!”
A bright smile appeared on Erna's face as she saw the picture of the young twin Princes.
“Can you tell which one is your husband?”
Erna's eyes became serious as the Duchess asked her a provocative question.
As if suggesting a try, Duchess Arsene led Erna to a display case filled with paintings and photographs of her twin grandsons. The young Princes had a surprisingly high accuracy rate. While the two Princes had been confused in their childhood, once their personalities began to emerge, she accurately identified her husbands.
“No matter how much a man is at looks, and your husband is excellent at that, they shouldn’t be like you.”
She clicked her tongue as she watched Erna stare intently at the photo of Bjorn, who had won the equestrian competition.
"Even if you like someone, pretend you don't. You need to know how to hide it appropriately. Isn't that what your husband does when everything is so obvious?"
"Yes?"
Erna faced her, her face too clean to be dismissed as a cutesy feigned slyness.
“It means when it’s time to push, push, and when it’s time to pull, pull.”
“What?”
“Did you get married again without ever having dated?”
Erna just lowered her eyes in response to the pointed question thrown out of frustration.
“How foolish.”
Duchess Arsene clicked her tongue softly once more and turned away. After going to the reception room and having another cup of tea, it was already time for Erna to leave.
“See you at Schwerin Palace next Wednesday, Grandma.”
Before leaving, Erna secretly handed over an invitation to the twin Princes' birthday banquet.
“I’m not going.”
Duchess Arsene reluctantly accepted it and gave a curt reply.
“I’ll wait.”
The foolish child smiled brightly again today, leaving behind a foolish answer.
Erna, having finished preparing ahead of schedule, walked through the passage connecting the master bedroom to Bjorn's room. She hadn't slept well, worried about welcoming guests, but her mind was surprisingly clear.
“Bjorn.”
Erna cautiously peeked her face through the crack in the open door. The eyes of Bjorn, who was standing before the mirror, and the attendants who were tending his stool all turned to Erna.
“Can I come in?”
“It looks like you’re already in.”
Bjorn smiled, pointing to the shoe stuck between the cracks in the door. Feeling a little awkward, Erna nevertheless happily crossed the threshold.
The servants, who had been standing still, resumed their quiet movements. Erna watched her husband, who was a few steps away, as he assumed the demeanor of a gentleman. He was now wearing a tie and was adjusting the cufflinks the servant had given him.
“I think this one would be better.”
Erna thought she shouldn't interfere, but she ended up speaking impulsively. The onyx Bjorn had just chosen was beautiful, but she desperately wanted him to wear a gem like her own.
Fortunately, her feelings seemed to have been conveyed, and Bjorn turned his attention to the sapphire-encrusted cufflinks. Erna's eyes, now gleaming like those jewels, gazed at her husband.
Today, she had to welcome the royal family, two days later attend the opening ceremony of the World's Fair, and two days later, the twin Princes' birthdays. The thought that the Grand Duchess's reputation would be determined by how she spent this week made her vision dizzy.
As the servant, who had been straightening his jacket with a clothes brush, stepped aside, Bjorn's preparations were complete. Erna held her breath as she watched her husband approach her. Duke Arsene was quite handsome, but no matter how she looked at him, Bjorn was far more handsome than his grandfather. It was something she shouldn't have said to Duchess Arsene, though.
“I think what adults say is generally right.”
Erna took Bjorn's outstretched hand and whispered in a low voice, as if telling a secret.
"What?"
Erna, who was looking at Bjorn, who was asking with a frown, shook her head with a slight blush on her cheeks.
“No, go ahead.”
“We had our first fight as a couple recently.”
The child, who was talking about the event to be held at Schwerin Palace, suddenly brought up an unexpected topic.
Duchess Arsene, who had been reading a book with a dull expression, finally turned her attention to Erna. Bjorn's wife, who had barged in as usual on Wednesdays, was still steadfastly chattering to herself. An hour had already passed, but she showed no sign of fatigue.
“It must have been a miserable defeat.”
“No, Grandma. I won.”
“To a certain extent.”
"It's true. The servants made a bet on who would win our fight, and my maid, who chose me, won all the money. Everyone, like Grandma, bet that Bjorn would win, so the odds were very high. As a token of her appreciation, she even gave me a chocolate as a gift."
Seeing her proud smile, it seemed like it wasn't a lie. This was even more astonishing, and Duchess Arsene let out a chuckle.
Even if she wasn't a total idiot, that's not true. Seeing her so readily praising such things outside, it was clear she wasn't destined for a dignified Princess. Well, compared to Bjorn's ex-wife, who was overflowing with dignity but lacked even a shred of cat-like charm, she wasn't exactly a bad person.
Erna now began to babble about the fight she'd won. Duchess Arsene closed her book, took off her glasses from the bridge of her nose, and placed them on the bookshelf. Charlotte, leaping down from the windowsill, approached and sat down on Duchess Arsene's lap.
She stroked the cat, which purred pleasantly, and listened to the Grand Duchess's somewhat undignified, but still entertaining, tale of her exploits. It seemed like the couple had won the fight, but the odds didn't seem particularly favorable for the cat.
“Hey, why do you like Bjorn so much?”
Erna flinched at the surprise question. Duchess Arsene, her eyes half-open like a sleepy cat, peered at Erna, who was flustered.
The stories, glances, and expressions of that girl who had been visiting her on her own for the past few months—all of it—came together, and the only conclusion she could draw was this: the young Princess was quite fond of her husband. In contrast, Bjorn's attitude was so indifferent that it seemed clear that her love was truly unrequited.
"Of course, a man's face is his best feature. I can't deny that your husband is exceptional in that regard."
“Uh... yes?”
Erna's eyes widened as she tried to ignore the criticism, embarrassed by the directness of the words. The words were so shocking that it seemed as if she had misheard them, yet the person who had actually said them remained impassive.
"Just because someone looks good doesn't mean they're good on the inside, but just because someone looks bad doesn't mean they're good on the inside. In that case, it's better to choose a man who has at least one solid exterior. It's better to have at least one of them. If he's also good on the inside, that's ideal, but even if he's not, he still has a good face."
Oh my god.
Even though Erna was flustered by the words that seemed unlikely to come from the lips of such a noble lady, Duchess Arsene did not even raise an eyebrow.
"A handsome face brings joy, and that joy can diminish anger and even foster a previously unseen patience, making it a crucial element for a happy marriage. As you, who chose Bjorn, know this well."
“It’s not me!”
"Don't even think about separating it. Otherwise, surely you didn't marry him because you were dissatisfied with your husband's character?"
Erna's eyes began to shake uneasily at her sharp words.
She thought she knew grandmothers well, but that seemed arrogant. Perhaps it was the difference between country grandmothers and big-city grandmothers? This old woman, before her eyes, was vastly different from the grandmothers Erna had known. There was something about her that reminded her of Bjorn. Perhaps it was this very quality that gave her the courage to visit the Duchess Arsene, who was no easy task.
Embarrassed, Erna gazed out the window. She tried to picture the vile words and actions she'd seen of Bjorn in the landscape. Then, she tried to sneak up on the face of another man, not Bjorn. Hmm... She was furious. Much more so than she'd remembered. To think he had such a materialistic side. Erna's country grandmother, the Baroness of Baden, in Burford, would be horrified if she found out.
“See? Am I right?”
A mischievous smile appeared on the lips of Bjorn's grandmother, the Duchess of Arsene.
Erna, her cheeks flushed, muttered softly in a resigned voice.
Duchess Arsene, who had been leisurely watching the child having fun, had a look of bewilderment in her eyes. However, the young Grand Duchess, who had been caught off guard by the unexpected and audacious answer, simply maintained a serious expression.
This is it.
Duchess Arsene, who had been staring intently at Erna, suddenly burst into laughter. The loud, cheerful laughter reverberated throughout the guest room, startling Charlotte, who jumped down from the sofa.
She thought Bjorn Deneister's life had hit rock bottom, but then she realized maybe it wasn't all that bad. At least he didn't marry just any random woman out of desperation.
Duchess Arsene, who had been laughing for a long time while looking at Erna, who was looking bewildered, stood up from her chair while touching her cold cheek.
“Why are you just staring blankly?”
Erna's eyes widened at her blunt words, which had been sullen.
Duchess Arsene clicked her tongue briefly and led the way out of the drawing room. Erna's hesitant footsteps followed quietly behind.
***
The room, decorated with bright lime green wallpaper, was filled with portraits and photographs. It was like an exhibition hall, showcasing the family's history.
Erna followed Duchess Arsene, her face unable to hide her excitement. She'd been visiting the mansion weekly for over two months, but this was the first time she'd had the opportunity to see any space beyond the guest parlor.
“Is this Duke Arsene?”
Erna asked cautiously, standing before a large portrait hanging in the center of the room. Duchess Arsene nodded and approached Erna.
"In my youth, I was a renowned beauty. Princes from the prestigious families of Letzen, as well as those from neighboring countries, lined up to propose to me."
“Of all the suitors, I think Duke Arsene was the best groom.”
“Yes, he was. He was the most handsome man.”
A smile appeared on the lips of Duchess Arsene, as if she were unwilling to hide her pride.
Grandma truly lived a life true to her beliefs.
Erna, who had been studying the young and beautiful Duke in the portrait intently, nodded in understanding.
“He looks very impressive. I imagine he had a great personality.”
“Well, I guess I was luckier than you.”
Duchess Arsene gave a playful reply and stepped forward towards the next painting.
Erna followed her, slowly walking through the room, observing the countless faces. She saw Queen Isabella in her youth, along with children.
“It’s Bjorn!”
A bright smile appeared on Erna's face as she saw the picture of the young twin Princes.
“Can you tell which one is your husband?”
Erna's eyes became serious as the Duchess asked her a provocative question.
As if suggesting a try, Duchess Arsene led Erna to a display case filled with paintings and photographs of her twin grandsons. The young Princes had a surprisingly high accuracy rate. While the two Princes had been confused in their childhood, once their personalities began to emerge, she accurately identified her husbands.
“No matter how much a man is at looks, and your husband is excellent at that, they shouldn’t be like you.”
She clicked her tongue as she watched Erna stare intently at the photo of Bjorn, who had won the equestrian competition.
"Even if you like someone, pretend you don't. You need to know how to hide it appropriately. Isn't that what your husband does when everything is so obvious?"
"Yes?"
Erna faced her, her face too clean to be dismissed as a cutesy feigned slyness.
“It means when it’s time to push, push, and when it’s time to pull, pull.”
“What?”
“Did you get married again without ever having dated?”
Erna just lowered her eyes in response to the pointed question thrown out of frustration.
“How foolish.”
Duchess Arsene clicked her tongue softly once more and turned away. After going to the reception room and having another cup of tea, it was already time for Erna to leave.
“See you at Schwerin Palace next Wednesday, Grandma.”
Before leaving, Erna secretly handed over an invitation to the twin Princes' birthday banquet.
“I’m not going.”
Duchess Arsene reluctantly accepted it and gave a curt reply.
“I’ll wait.”
The foolish child smiled brightly again today, leaving behind a foolish answer.
***
Erna, having finished preparing ahead of schedule, walked through the passage connecting the master bedroom to Bjorn's room. She hadn't slept well, worried about welcoming guests, but her mind was surprisingly clear.
“Bjorn.”
Erna cautiously peeked her face through the crack in the open door. The eyes of Bjorn, who was standing before the mirror, and the attendants who were tending his stool all turned to Erna.
“Can I come in?”
“It looks like you’re already in.”
Bjorn smiled, pointing to the shoe stuck between the cracks in the door. Feeling a little awkward, Erna nevertheless happily crossed the threshold.
The servants, who had been standing still, resumed their quiet movements. Erna watched her husband, who was a few steps away, as he assumed the demeanor of a gentleman. He was now wearing a tie and was adjusting the cufflinks the servant had given him.
“I think this one would be better.”
Erna thought she shouldn't interfere, but she ended up speaking impulsively. The onyx Bjorn had just chosen was beautiful, but she desperately wanted him to wear a gem like her own.
Fortunately, her feelings seemed to have been conveyed, and Bjorn turned his attention to the sapphire-encrusted cufflinks. Erna's eyes, now gleaming like those jewels, gazed at her husband.
Today, she had to welcome the royal family, two days later attend the opening ceremony of the World's Fair, and two days later, the twin Princes' birthdays. The thought that the Grand Duchess's reputation would be determined by how she spent this week made her vision dizzy.
As the servant, who had been straightening his jacket with a clothes brush, stepped aside, Bjorn's preparations were complete. Erna held her breath as she watched her husband approach her. Duke Arsene was quite handsome, but no matter how she looked at him, Bjorn was far more handsome than his grandfather. It was something she shouldn't have said to Duchess Arsene, though.
“I think what adults say is generally right.”
Erna took Bjorn's outstretched hand and whispered in a low voice, as if telling a secret.
"What?"
Erna, who was looking at Bjorn, who was asking with a frown, shook her head with a slight blush on her cheeks.
“No, go ahead.”
Comments
Post a Comment