114. The End and the Beginning
The Prince loves his wife.
Those who recovered from the shock of Prince Bjorn suddenly barging into the department store largely came to similar conclusions.
Today, Prince Bjorn appears to be just another ordinary man of his age. A young father, simply filled with the joy of having his first child, oblivious to the truth about his past marriage and divorce, which had rocked the nation.
After all, Princess Gladys was not in love.
What was once a source of slander against the royal family's poisonous mushrooms now serves as a great comfort. While the loveless political marriage doesn't erase the fact that the witch of Lars had deceived the royal family of Letzen, it does at least provide a justification for preserving a modicum of self-respect.
The former Crown Prince of Letzen entered into a political marriage for the sake of the national interest, and then, solely for the sake of the nation, he abdicated the crown and divorced. What a noble sacrifice.
Despite the pain he endured, Letzen profited immensely from the brilliant conduct he exchanged for the crown. This was sufficient revenge on Lars, the bastard who had married an immoral Princess pregnant with another man's child, to the crown. Furthermore, the Prince had found true love, as if to show his appreciation. Therefore, this was undoubtedly Letzen's victory.
“I will not accept money, Your Highness.”
The owner of the confectionery shop, who had been constantly shedding tears, firmly shook his head, demonstrating his loyalty to the royal family. A husband who even buys candy for his pregnant wife. This is love. No other words seemed capable of explaining the situation.
“Please consider this as an apology for the misunderstandings I have had about Her Highness the Grand Duchess.”
The gift box she held out, sobbing, was lavishly decorated with colorful wrapping paper and ribbons. It looked like it would perfectly suit Erna's tastes.
“I will gratefully accept that thought.”
When Bjorn gave him a wink, the servant quickly paid for the candy.
“The gift will come later.”
Bjorn, facing the sad owner of the candy store, cocked his eyebrows and smiled.
“Please do it to my wife directly.”
“Will the day ever come when I can see Her Highness?”
“That will happen.”
After thinking for a moment, Bjorn nodded coolly.
“My wife really likes this department store.”
Bjorn smiled, a bit blandly, as he recalled Erna's words about how, when she lived in the countryside, she'd imagined department stores to be far more magnificent and beautiful than the royal palace. Come to think of it, the hat shop in this department store had also been the one that made and supplied the artificial flowers.
Bjorn left the confectionery shop, leaving behind the middle-aged woman who had started crying again.
There were plenty of candy-like things in the mansion, but he still wanted to buy them himself at least once. Only after that impulse struck did Bjorn realize he'd been watching Erna closely since she'd started munching on candy. Now that he thought about it, it was a sign of her pregnancy. Thinking about it made the memory even sweeter, like the taste of candy he'd felt when he kissed his wife.
Bjorn, who had been planning to turn back, changed his mind and climbed one more floor. The crowd of onlookers following him had now multiplied several times, but he didn't mind much. If today's events were to play a significant role in Erna becoming a beloved Grand Duchess, there was no reason he wouldn't be happy to be a part of the spectacle.
Passing the hat shop where Erna likely supplied the flowers, his steps slowed. The artificial flowers adorning the hats were beautiful, but they were nothing compared to what Erna had made. Apparently, her boast about her craftsmanship and the fact that she commanded higher prices than others was not an exaggeration.
Passing by, Bjorn paused before a window displaying jewelry. How could they do this to the royal jeweler, who could bring the continent's finest jewels with just a single call? It was absurd, but Bjorn stepped forward without hesitation.
He wanted to give Erna something.
It was a strange longing that began one day. He wanted to fill her world with good things. Great things. Dazzlingly beautiful things.
He could have given her as much as he wanted, but no matter what he gave her, Erna couldn't fully enjoy it. That was infuriating and irritating. Yet, the incomprehensible yearning only grew stronger with each passing day.
Those were the days of constant confusion, unable even to understand why he was acting this way. It was hard to accept that while he could control and subordinate any important matter to himself, he couldn't control his feelings for Erna, that one little woman. The more he tried to deny it, the more anxious and impatient he became.
Erna, who should have been a source of joy and peace, had become a variable that arbitrarily swayed his life. But even when she was no longer fulfilling her purpose, this terribly lovable woman drove Bjorn even more mad. It was unbelievable.
“I think this would suit Her Highness well.”
When Bjorn couldn't make up his mind, the jeweler suggested something. It was a platinum bracelet with a small, bell-like decoration.
Bjorn took it with his gloved hand. It wasn't flashy, but its craftsmanship was delicate and elegant, and it seemed like a perfect match for Erna.
He felt quite satisfied imagining this sparkling on the wrist of a woman who always moves her hands diligently. It would be easy to keep it with her at all times.
“Let’s do this.”
Bjorn readily bought the bracelet.
As he put his gloves back on and buttoned his wrists, he suddenly wished Erna were awake. So he could see her face, smiling as beautifully as a blooming flower.
After leisurely strolling through the department store and selecting a few more gifts, Bjorn finally bought flowers. A large bouquet of colorful blooms, just the kind Erna would love.
The Prince loves his wife.
The faces of the crowd, witnessing the fact that seemed close to the established truth, began to swell with anticipation for the new romance novel that Letzen would love.
A country girl who melted the frozen heart of a wounded Prince. Or a Prince on a white horse who rescued a poor girl trapped in a tower of debt created by her evil father. Either way, it was clearly a far more captivating story than the pretty fairy tale of a noble Prince and Princess living a smooth life.
The romance novel that Letzen loved has ended, and the first chapter of a new bestseller has begun.
The main character is Erna Dniester.
She was a beautiful lady who was the villain in the previous work.
The pain, with increasingly shorter cycles, consumed Erna.
At some point, consciousness began to fade. The heavy, stagnant air in the bedroom was filled with the thick smell of blood, groans of pain, and the sounds of sobbing and pleading.
“Professor, baby...”
Erna, who had been hiding her face between the pillows, grabbed the attending doctor's wrist.
She needed to plead for the baby to be protected, but her lips wouldn't move as she wanted. But she couldn't plead for an end to this suffering, either.
“Just bear with it a little longer.”
The attending doctor, with an embarrassed expression, asked.
Does this mean the baby will be okay soon?
Even though she knew it was impossible, Erna clung to an impossible hope.
Imagine the bleeding stopping, the pain fading away, and the baby growing again, just like a miracle. And so, fall passes and winter arrives. By the end of that winter, a beautiful baby will be born. If Erna's prayers were granted, the child would be just like his father.
But. That's what it should be.
When her voice could no longer be heard, Erna called Bjorn, that name, with only her swollen lips.
Would you rather have a son or a daughter? Who would you like to resemble?
She couldn't even ask that question once. She was afraid she'd see a troubled smile on his face. She thought it would be really hard to endure.
From the moment Erna learned of her pregnancy until today, she hasn't had a single day of peace. She's spent most of her days hiding her morning sickness, feeling guilty for what her father did.
In fact, there were so many things she wanted to eat, say, and do together.
Thinking like that, Erna found herself hating herself, feeling unbearable. Why couldn't she be strong? Had she dreamed of love alone, broken-hearted alone, and caused her child to suffer? Had she been consumed by clinging to a role no one ever desired—a good wife, a good Grand Duchess? Had she been content with just a flower, the artificial flower Bjorn desired—everyone would have been happy.
Without even knowing the topic. Shamelessly. Like an idiot.
Just as she was beginning to understand why her mother hated her, a terrible labor pain struck. She felt something different from the blood she'd been shedding, but Erna, now without the strength to move even a finger, could only helplessly experience the despairing sensation.
“It’s done now!”
The nurse's cry of relief echoed in her ears, which were numb as if submerged in deep water. The sound of busy footsteps and rapid exchanges of words followed, but all of it was now nothing more than meaningless noise.
A long sob burst from Erna's lips, even forgetting the name she had been calling so earnestly. It was a peaceful evening, a clear day with a rosy sunset.
The Prince loves his wife.
Those who recovered from the shock of Prince Bjorn suddenly barging into the department store largely came to similar conclusions.
Today, Prince Bjorn appears to be just another ordinary man of his age. A young father, simply filled with the joy of having his first child, oblivious to the truth about his past marriage and divorce, which had rocked the nation.
After all, Princess Gladys was not in love.
What was once a source of slander against the royal family's poisonous mushrooms now serves as a great comfort. While the loveless political marriage doesn't erase the fact that the witch of Lars had deceived the royal family of Letzen, it does at least provide a justification for preserving a modicum of self-respect.
The former Crown Prince of Letzen entered into a political marriage for the sake of the national interest, and then, solely for the sake of the nation, he abdicated the crown and divorced. What a noble sacrifice.
Despite the pain he endured, Letzen profited immensely from the brilliant conduct he exchanged for the crown. This was sufficient revenge on Lars, the bastard who had married an immoral Princess pregnant with another man's child, to the crown. Furthermore, the Prince had found true love, as if to show his appreciation. Therefore, this was undoubtedly Letzen's victory.
“I will not accept money, Your Highness.”
The owner of the confectionery shop, who had been constantly shedding tears, firmly shook his head, demonstrating his loyalty to the royal family. A husband who even buys candy for his pregnant wife. This is love. No other words seemed capable of explaining the situation.
“Please consider this as an apology for the misunderstandings I have had about Her Highness the Grand Duchess.”
The gift box she held out, sobbing, was lavishly decorated with colorful wrapping paper and ribbons. It looked like it would perfectly suit Erna's tastes.
“I will gratefully accept that thought.”
When Bjorn gave him a wink, the servant quickly paid for the candy.
“The gift will come later.”
Bjorn, facing the sad owner of the candy store, cocked his eyebrows and smiled.
“Please do it to my wife directly.”
“Will the day ever come when I can see Her Highness?”
“That will happen.”
After thinking for a moment, Bjorn nodded coolly.
“My wife really likes this department store.”
Bjorn smiled, a bit blandly, as he recalled Erna's words about how, when she lived in the countryside, she'd imagined department stores to be far more magnificent and beautiful than the royal palace. Come to think of it, the hat shop in this department store had also been the one that made and supplied the artificial flowers.
Bjorn left the confectionery shop, leaving behind the middle-aged woman who had started crying again.
There were plenty of candy-like things in the mansion, but he still wanted to buy them himself at least once. Only after that impulse struck did Bjorn realize he'd been watching Erna closely since she'd started munching on candy. Now that he thought about it, it was a sign of her pregnancy. Thinking about it made the memory even sweeter, like the taste of candy he'd felt when he kissed his wife.
Bjorn, who had been planning to turn back, changed his mind and climbed one more floor. The crowd of onlookers following him had now multiplied several times, but he didn't mind much. If today's events were to play a significant role in Erna becoming a beloved Grand Duchess, there was no reason he wouldn't be happy to be a part of the spectacle.
Passing the hat shop where Erna likely supplied the flowers, his steps slowed. The artificial flowers adorning the hats were beautiful, but they were nothing compared to what Erna had made. Apparently, her boast about her craftsmanship and the fact that she commanded higher prices than others was not an exaggeration.
Passing by, Bjorn paused before a window displaying jewelry. How could they do this to the royal jeweler, who could bring the continent's finest jewels with just a single call? It was absurd, but Bjorn stepped forward without hesitation.
He wanted to give Erna something.
It was a strange longing that began one day. He wanted to fill her world with good things. Great things. Dazzlingly beautiful things.
He could have given her as much as he wanted, but no matter what he gave her, Erna couldn't fully enjoy it. That was infuriating and irritating. Yet, the incomprehensible yearning only grew stronger with each passing day.
Those were the days of constant confusion, unable even to understand why he was acting this way. It was hard to accept that while he could control and subordinate any important matter to himself, he couldn't control his feelings for Erna, that one little woman. The more he tried to deny it, the more anxious and impatient he became.
Erna, who should have been a source of joy and peace, had become a variable that arbitrarily swayed his life. But even when she was no longer fulfilling her purpose, this terribly lovable woman drove Bjorn even more mad. It was unbelievable.
“I think this would suit Her Highness well.”
When Bjorn couldn't make up his mind, the jeweler suggested something. It was a platinum bracelet with a small, bell-like decoration.
Bjorn took it with his gloved hand. It wasn't flashy, but its craftsmanship was delicate and elegant, and it seemed like a perfect match for Erna.
He felt quite satisfied imagining this sparkling on the wrist of a woman who always moves her hands diligently. It would be easy to keep it with her at all times.
“Let’s do this.”
Bjorn readily bought the bracelet.
As he put his gloves back on and buttoned his wrists, he suddenly wished Erna were awake. So he could see her face, smiling as beautifully as a blooming flower.
After leisurely strolling through the department store and selecting a few more gifts, Bjorn finally bought flowers. A large bouquet of colorful blooms, just the kind Erna would love.
The Prince loves his wife.
The faces of the crowd, witnessing the fact that seemed close to the established truth, began to swell with anticipation for the new romance novel that Letzen would love.
A country girl who melted the frozen heart of a wounded Prince. Or a Prince on a white horse who rescued a poor girl trapped in a tower of debt created by her evil father. Either way, it was clearly a far more captivating story than the pretty fairy tale of a noble Prince and Princess living a smooth life.
The romance novel that Letzen loved has ended, and the first chapter of a new bestseller has begun.
The main character is Erna Dniester.
She was a beautiful lady who was the villain in the previous work.
***
The pain, with increasingly shorter cycles, consumed Erna.
At some point, consciousness began to fade. The heavy, stagnant air in the bedroom was filled with the thick smell of blood, groans of pain, and the sounds of sobbing and pleading.
“Professor, baby...”
Erna, who had been hiding her face between the pillows, grabbed the attending doctor's wrist.
She needed to plead for the baby to be protected, but her lips wouldn't move as she wanted. But she couldn't plead for an end to this suffering, either.
“Just bear with it a little longer.”
The attending doctor, with an embarrassed expression, asked.
Does this mean the baby will be okay soon?
Even though she knew it was impossible, Erna clung to an impossible hope.
Imagine the bleeding stopping, the pain fading away, and the baby growing again, just like a miracle. And so, fall passes and winter arrives. By the end of that winter, a beautiful baby will be born. If Erna's prayers were granted, the child would be just like his father.
But. That's what it should be.
When her voice could no longer be heard, Erna called Bjorn, that name, with only her swollen lips.
Would you rather have a son or a daughter? Who would you like to resemble?
She couldn't even ask that question once. She was afraid she'd see a troubled smile on his face. She thought it would be really hard to endure.
From the moment Erna learned of her pregnancy until today, she hasn't had a single day of peace. She's spent most of her days hiding her morning sickness, feeling guilty for what her father did.
In fact, there were so many things she wanted to eat, say, and do together.
Thinking like that, Erna found herself hating herself, feeling unbearable. Why couldn't she be strong? Had she dreamed of love alone, broken-hearted alone, and caused her child to suffer? Had she been consumed by clinging to a role no one ever desired—a good wife, a good Grand Duchess? Had she been content with just a flower, the artificial flower Bjorn desired—everyone would have been happy.
Without even knowing the topic. Shamelessly. Like an idiot.
Just as she was beginning to understand why her mother hated her, a terrible labor pain struck. She felt something different from the blood she'd been shedding, but Erna, now without the strength to move even a finger, could only helplessly experience the despairing sensation.
“It’s done now!”
The nurse's cry of relief echoed in her ears, which were numb as if submerged in deep water. The sound of busy footsteps and rapid exchanges of words followed, but all of it was now nothing more than meaningless noise.
A long sob burst from Erna's lips, even forgetting the name she had been calling so earnestly. It was a peaceful evening, a clear day with a rosy sunset.
***
The carriage passed the Grand Duke's Bridge in the early evening dusk.
Bjorn turned his gaze, which had been fixed on the window, to the boxes stacked beside him. The fresh scent of a large bouquet of flowers tickled his nostrils pleasantly.
All problems are gone.
Walter Hardy, freed in exchange for breaking up with his daughter, was secluded in the countryside in the far north, and the myth of the ill-fated Crown Princess Gladys Hartford was shattered.
He would clean up even that remnant, so Erna could simply be happy. He would fill the world of his wife and child with dazzling beauty. Bjorn could do it, and he would gladly do it.
The carriage passed the Grand Duke's residence's entrance while he let out a soft sigh. Bjorn opened his pocket watch to check the time, then slowly straightened his already neatly dressed clothes. Just as he was thinking it would be a good idea to set the dinner table on the balcony overlooking Erna's beloved fountain, the carriage stopped.
Bjorn got out of the carriage holding the flowers.
“Prince!”
Mrs. Fitz, who had rushed over, suddenly grabbed his wrist. He had no time to be surprised by the sight of his nanny, whom he had never seen before, before hearing something unbelievable.
“Her Highness has miscarried.”
When he frowned, having difficulty understanding, Mrs. Fitz began to pull him with even more force.
“She's been looking for the Prince all along. You must go. Hurry!”
Mrs. Fitz's face was wet with tears as she nagged him fiercely.
Bjorn, who had been quietly gazing at the distant sky bathed in the unrealistic sunset light created by the boundary between day and night, climbed the front steps with wide strides.
At some point, the sound of shoes running frantically echoed through the silent marble hall. Mrs. Fitz's deep sigh, as she picked up a discarded flower, quietly permeated the reverberation.
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