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A sharp headache immediately struck her. She curled up tightly, pressing her temples together. Her head felt like it was going to split open.
Annette habitually reached for her headache pills, only to realize too late that they were out. She swallowed a sigh and got up.
A bluish dawn hung in the air. She burrowed deep into her bed, waiting for the sun to rise.
Annette often woke up early because of a headache, but she always spent her time quietly like this, waiting for the world to wake up and get busy.
She quite liked this time of year. It was nice that no one, including herself, seemed alive.
It's quiet and peaceful.
Enough to make you wish the sun would never rise.
Annette turned her head and looked at the bedside table. It was where Heiner had sat the night before.
She always woke up alone. In Padania, couples, both noble and commoner, shared a bedroom, but this didn't apply to them.
In the past, Annette occasionally visited Heiner's bedroom. She wanted to maintain their relationship, even if it meant doing so.
Annette had also longed to have a child. Doctors told her she had a difficult time conceiving, but she refused to give up.
She thought having a child would improve their relationship. And Heiner didn't reject her when she came to his bedroom.
Why was it? Why didn't you refuse?
Did you intend to keep me living with vain hope?
But Heiner wasn't even affectionate in bed. They didn't even fully undress, having sex in the dark with the lights off. Annette never once saw him naked.
After a relationship that was so bleak it was over—he always left the bedroom before the light even came on, even though it was his bedroom.
As if waking up together was a sin.
Annette closed her eyes and tilted her head back. She felt the urge to cut off her throbbing hair and separate it.
As soon as daylight came, Annette called the doctor. Arnold examined her briefly, then pulled out some medicine from his bag. It was the same medicine as before.
Annette frowned slightly.
“I told you this medicine doesn’t work well.”
"Madam, this is a good enough remedy. You seem to want the perfect one. And migraines are a common ailment. Don't be overly sensitive."
“Do you often live with headaches like this?”
“Yes.”
Annette clenched her jaw. It was hard to believe, but if the doctor said so, there was nothing more to say. Arguing about it wouldn't help.
“...Yes, I understand. And, it’s not just the headache... I feel unwell overall these days. I feel really nauseous. I wonder if it’s gastritis.”
"It could be stress. Or lack of exercise. Avoid spicy foods, and don't just lie around. Try walking around."
Arnold's tone seemed to mock Annette's laziness, always staying in her room. And sure enough, the sarcasm disguised as advice continued.
"Madam is so precious and grown, you're so sensitive to even the slightest discomfort. I can't act as your personal doctor."
“...Is that so?”
Annette answered in a croaking voice. She could almost hear the laughter of the servants standing a few steps away.
“Yes. Thanks for looking, Dr. Arnold.”
Annette forced a kind smile. But the corners of her mouth kept trembling, leaving her with a slightly awkward expression.
“What would you like, ma’am?”
The attendant showed her several dresses. They were all drab, dark blue, or gray. Annette chose a relatively light blue dress. Still, it was a party, so it shouldn't be too dark.
After the fall of the monarchy, Annette lived frugally. It wasn't Heiner who told her to, but she did it of her own accord. She knew that wearing even the slightest bit of extravagance would immediately spark gossip.
A dreary air hung in the air as she dressed up for the party. The days of chatting happily, exchanging compliments, and gossip seemed a distant memory.
Servants generally operate according to the power structure within the household. While some occasionally act with a humane spirit, this wasn't the case for Annette.
They were all ordinary citizens, with no ties to the powerful figures of the monarchy. Rather, many had lost their possessions to the royal family and the military, or had joined the revolutionary forces.
It meant that there was absolutely no reason to show favor or sympathy to Annette.
“Shall I lift your head?”
“...Please do so.”
“How would you like to decorate it?”
“My bangs are covering my eyes, so it would be nice if you could just put a pin in them.”
But their ill feelings toward Annette never went beyond a certain level. They were confined to gossip, ridicule, and irresponsibility.
These people were not fundamentally evil.
That tormented Annette even more.
“It’s all done. His Excellency is waiting outside.”
The sternly spoken servant bowed and stepped aside. Annette, as was her custom, packed a handkerchief and headache pills into her handbag and left the residence. Her steps felt like they were glued to the floor.
A car was parked at the entrance. Heiner was visible through the backseat window. The driver opened the door, and Annette carefully sat down next to him.
While Annette was adjusting the hem of her dress, Heiner rested his chin on one hand and gazed absently out the window. His profile was sleek and strong, like a well-trained hunting dog.
She used to think he was a really difficult man to get to know.
Annette was terrible at parties. But parties required a partner, and Heiner insisted on taking her. He insisted on doing the bare minimum as the Commander-in-Chief's wife.
"Heiner, do I really have to go? You can just find another partner..."
“I have a wife, why should I do that?”
Why did he insist on accompanying her to a place where no one welcomed her? He was truly a difficult man to understand—that's what she thought.
Now that she thinks about it, the answer was really easy.
He must have wanted to open a chapter of misfortune for Annette, who rarely ventured outside the official residence. Few places in her sphere of activity were as blatant and explicit in her malice as parties.
The car started smoothly. There was no conversation between them. Annette turned her head away from him.
Outside the window, a cloudless autumn sky stretched out. The trees lined the street, passing by continuously. No one was looking at Annette, but she carefully composed her expression.
“Your Excellency! It’s been a long time.”
“Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Schmidt.”
Heiner and Arno smiled and shook hands. Arno Schmidt was a merchant capitalist and a major supporter of the revolution. He was also one of the wealthiest men in Launceston.
"Of course, we should invite you. You're a major investor in our hotel."
“I heard you are planning to open a branch in Menhafen as well.”
"First, I'll observe the situation and decide the timing. Why, isn't there talk these days of France and the pro-French faction in Ratland joining hands... Because of the defense treaty, I can't act rashly, right?"
"I'm currently prioritizing getting waitresses to join the small business negotiations. While my chances of success will likely depend on it, I'll do my best."
“Is that so?” said Arno with a relieved smile.
Hotel business, gold mining, civil wars in foreign lands, republicans and royalists, gossip from the capital... Various stories were told. People gradually gathered around Heiner, forming a crowd.
Annette remained silent the entire time, for no one greeted her or spoke to her.
In the past, they'd at least greeted her, keeping an eye on Heiner, but now even that wasn't the case. Heiner didn't care about her treatment anyway.
“Oh, Your Excellency. I heard that Representative Gunther has proposed marriage!”
“I’m sorry, but I declined that offer.”
“Oh, that... I see. I bet the congressman was very disappointed.”
"Why did you refuse? So many people said you were a good match!"
Annette's grip tightened. They were acting as if she wasn't even there.
It was nothing new, but discussing a husband's marriage in front of his wife was clearly disrespectful to her.
“Rejection is natural.”
Heiner responded with a polite but cold smile.
"I don't understand why you proposed marriage to me in the first place. I already have a wife."
At those words, everyone's gaze briefly focused on Annette, then dispersed. Heiner added.
“...Miss Annelie Engels is a wonderful woman, and she will marry a better man than me.”
“Oh my, where in Launceston can you find a better groom than Your Excellency?”
There was a chorus of applause and laughter. Annette, unable to bear the feeling of alienation and awkwardness, picked up a cocktail glass.
Perhaps because it was a high-alcohol cocktail, the heat immediately slid down her throat after the first sip. It wasn't bad. It was better to focus on this sensation.
“They say a gold mine has been discovered in Lanstein...”
“What about the mining rights...”
All the conversation felt like distant noise. Annette just sat there, absentmindedly sipping her cocktail. She desperately wanted to go home.
As she was nearing the end of her third glass, someone snatched it from her hand. Annette looked up in confusion. It was Heiner.
He continued the conversation as if nothing had happened. She wanted to say something, but it seemed difficult to even intervene.
Finally, just as she was about to reach for another cocktail, a large hand gently grabbed her shoulder, stopping her. When she turned back to him, Heiner's face was faintly drawn.
Annette habitually reached for her headache pills, only to realize too late that they were out. She swallowed a sigh and got up.
A bluish dawn hung in the air. She burrowed deep into her bed, waiting for the sun to rise.
Annette often woke up early because of a headache, but she always spent her time quietly like this, waiting for the world to wake up and get busy.
She quite liked this time of year. It was nice that no one, including herself, seemed alive.
It's quiet and peaceful.
Enough to make you wish the sun would never rise.
Annette turned her head and looked at the bedside table. It was where Heiner had sat the night before.
She always woke up alone. In Padania, couples, both noble and commoner, shared a bedroom, but this didn't apply to them.
In the past, Annette occasionally visited Heiner's bedroom. She wanted to maintain their relationship, even if it meant doing so.
Annette had also longed to have a child. Doctors told her she had a difficult time conceiving, but she refused to give up.
She thought having a child would improve their relationship. And Heiner didn't reject her when she came to his bedroom.
Why was it? Why didn't you refuse?
Did you intend to keep me living with vain hope?
But Heiner wasn't even affectionate in bed. They didn't even fully undress, having sex in the dark with the lights off. Annette never once saw him naked.
After a relationship that was so bleak it was over—he always left the bedroom before the light even came on, even though it was his bedroom.
As if waking up together was a sin.
Annette closed her eyes and tilted her head back. She felt the urge to cut off her throbbing hair and separate it.
As soon as daylight came, Annette called the doctor. Arnold examined her briefly, then pulled out some medicine from his bag. It was the same medicine as before.
Annette frowned slightly.
“I told you this medicine doesn’t work well.”
"Madam, this is a good enough remedy. You seem to want the perfect one. And migraines are a common ailment. Don't be overly sensitive."
“Do you often live with headaches like this?”
“Yes.”
Annette clenched her jaw. It was hard to believe, but if the doctor said so, there was nothing more to say. Arguing about it wouldn't help.
“...Yes, I understand. And, it’s not just the headache... I feel unwell overall these days. I feel really nauseous. I wonder if it’s gastritis.”
"It could be stress. Or lack of exercise. Avoid spicy foods, and don't just lie around. Try walking around."
Arnold's tone seemed to mock Annette's laziness, always staying in her room. And sure enough, the sarcasm disguised as advice continued.
"Madam is so precious and grown, you're so sensitive to even the slightest discomfort. I can't act as your personal doctor."
“...Is that so?”
Annette answered in a croaking voice. She could almost hear the laughter of the servants standing a few steps away.
“Yes. Thanks for looking, Dr. Arnold.”
Annette forced a kind smile. But the corners of her mouth kept trembling, leaving her with a slightly awkward expression.
***
“What would you like, ma’am?”
The attendant showed her several dresses. They were all drab, dark blue, or gray. Annette chose a relatively light blue dress. Still, it was a party, so it shouldn't be too dark.
After the fall of the monarchy, Annette lived frugally. It wasn't Heiner who told her to, but she did it of her own accord. She knew that wearing even the slightest bit of extravagance would immediately spark gossip.
A dreary air hung in the air as she dressed up for the party. The days of chatting happily, exchanging compliments, and gossip seemed a distant memory.
Servants generally operate according to the power structure within the household. While some occasionally act with a humane spirit, this wasn't the case for Annette.
They were all ordinary citizens, with no ties to the powerful figures of the monarchy. Rather, many had lost their possessions to the royal family and the military, or had joined the revolutionary forces.
It meant that there was absolutely no reason to show favor or sympathy to Annette.
“Shall I lift your head?”
“...Please do so.”
“How would you like to decorate it?”
“My bangs are covering my eyes, so it would be nice if you could just put a pin in them.”
But their ill feelings toward Annette never went beyond a certain level. They were confined to gossip, ridicule, and irresponsibility.
These people were not fundamentally evil.
That tormented Annette even more.
“It’s all done. His Excellency is waiting outside.”
The sternly spoken servant bowed and stepped aside. Annette, as was her custom, packed a handkerchief and headache pills into her handbag and left the residence. Her steps felt like they were glued to the floor.
A car was parked at the entrance. Heiner was visible through the backseat window. The driver opened the door, and Annette carefully sat down next to him.
While Annette was adjusting the hem of her dress, Heiner rested his chin on one hand and gazed absently out the window. His profile was sleek and strong, like a well-trained hunting dog.
She used to think he was a really difficult man to get to know.
Annette was terrible at parties. But parties required a partner, and Heiner insisted on taking her. He insisted on doing the bare minimum as the Commander-in-Chief's wife.
"Heiner, do I really have to go? You can just find another partner..."
“I have a wife, why should I do that?”
Why did he insist on accompanying her to a place where no one welcomed her? He was truly a difficult man to understand—that's what she thought.
Now that she thinks about it, the answer was really easy.
He must have wanted to open a chapter of misfortune for Annette, who rarely ventured outside the official residence. Few places in her sphere of activity were as blatant and explicit in her malice as parties.
The car started smoothly. There was no conversation between them. Annette turned her head away from him.
Outside the window, a cloudless autumn sky stretched out. The trees lined the street, passing by continuously. No one was looking at Annette, but she carefully composed her expression.
***
“Your Excellency! It’s been a long time.”
“Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Schmidt.”
Heiner and Arno smiled and shook hands. Arno Schmidt was a merchant capitalist and a major supporter of the revolution. He was also one of the wealthiest men in Launceston.
"Of course, we should invite you. You're a major investor in our hotel."
“I heard you are planning to open a branch in Menhafen as well.”
"First, I'll observe the situation and decide the timing. Why, isn't there talk these days of France and the pro-French faction in Ratland joining hands... Because of the defense treaty, I can't act rashly, right?"
"I'm currently prioritizing getting waitresses to join the small business negotiations. While my chances of success will likely depend on it, I'll do my best."
“Is that so?” said Arno with a relieved smile.
Hotel business, gold mining, civil wars in foreign lands, republicans and royalists, gossip from the capital... Various stories were told. People gradually gathered around Heiner, forming a crowd.
Annette remained silent the entire time, for no one greeted her or spoke to her.
In the past, they'd at least greeted her, keeping an eye on Heiner, but now even that wasn't the case. Heiner didn't care about her treatment anyway.
“Oh, Your Excellency. I heard that Representative Gunther has proposed marriage!”
“I’m sorry, but I declined that offer.”
“Oh, that... I see. I bet the congressman was very disappointed.”
"Why did you refuse? So many people said you were a good match!"
Annette's grip tightened. They were acting as if she wasn't even there.
It was nothing new, but discussing a husband's marriage in front of his wife was clearly disrespectful to her.
“Rejection is natural.”
Heiner responded with a polite but cold smile.
"I don't understand why you proposed marriage to me in the first place. I already have a wife."
At those words, everyone's gaze briefly focused on Annette, then dispersed. Heiner added.
“...Miss Annelie Engels is a wonderful woman, and she will marry a better man than me.”
“Oh my, where in Launceston can you find a better groom than Your Excellency?”
There was a chorus of applause and laughter. Annette, unable to bear the feeling of alienation and awkwardness, picked up a cocktail glass.
Perhaps because it was a high-alcohol cocktail, the heat immediately slid down her throat after the first sip. It wasn't bad. It was better to focus on this sensation.
“They say a gold mine has been discovered in Lanstein...”
“What about the mining rights...”
All the conversation felt like distant noise. Annette just sat there, absentmindedly sipping her cocktail. She desperately wanted to go home.
As she was nearing the end of her third glass, someone snatched it from her hand. Annette looked up in confusion. It was Heiner.
He continued the conversation as if nothing had happened. She wanted to say something, but it seemed difficult to even intervene.
Finally, just as she was about to reach for another cocktail, a large hand gently grabbed her shoulder, stopping her. When she turned back to him, Heiner's face was faintly drawn.
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