It didn't take long to understand the meaning of those absurd words. Pushed into the reception room by Lisa's urging, Erna found faces she'd never dreamed she'd encounter there waiting for her.
Erna, who had stopped in her tracks, turned her gaze to Louise. Their eyes met, and an awkward smile appeared on Louise's trembling lips. It was the expression Erna usually wore.
Erna, offering a polite bow, turned her gaze to the man standing beside her. His platinum hair was neatly combed back, and his eyes were cool gray. Erna's eyes, taking in that beautiful, dignified face, wavered slightly.
"Ah..."
As the silence grew longer, he sighed softly.
“Hello, Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”
Before Leonid could explain, Erna greeted him first. He wasn't wearing his glasses today, but that didn't mean she couldn't tell him and Bjorn apart.
“It’s been a while, Princess.”
Erna, facing Louise again, offered a quiet smile. It wasn't difficult at all.
***
“I am truly sorry, Your Grace.”
Leonid concluded his lengthy explanation with a calm apology. Erna's face, listening intently, remained as calm as it had been when the conversation began.
It wasn't difficult to understand the secret agreement between Leonid and Lars, as explained in detail. Erna could fully grasp what Bjorn was seeking in exchange for protecting the royal family of an ally, amidst the Continent's sharply contested monarchy and republican government. But that was all. The overly complex and vast calculations of that world no longer resonated with Erna's life.
“No, Your Highness. You don’t need to apologize to me.”
Erna looked down at her hands neatly folded on her knees, then turned to Leonid with a smile on her face.
"It was a secret agreement between nations, and the safety of the monarchy and immense national interests were at stake. I fully understand that. I also understand why Bjorn made that choice and kept it so utterly secret."
"It was Bjorn who first proposed the secret agreement to Lars in exchange for covering up Princess Gladys's infidelity, and it was also Bjorn who spearheaded the agreement. Therefore, Bjorn likely felt an excessive sense of responsibility for the matter."
“Yes, I understand that too.”
Erna nodded again, this time indifferently.
Leonid, taking a moment to catch his breath, looked at his sister sitting beside him with blank eyes. Louise, equally helpless, could only sigh quietly.
It was so different from what she expected.
Everything about Erna before her eyes was like that. Even though she clearly looked the same as before, it felt like she was facing a completely different person.
“Louise.”
Leonid, who was in deep thought, called out to his sister as if to urge her on.
Hurry.
The command, which was added only through the shape of the mouth, was quite stern.
Louise put down the teacup she was holding with both hands and raised her head with a complicated sigh.
"I know I deeply hurt the Grand Duchess. Of course I did. My words and actions were intentional. I'd like to say it was because I didn't know the truth about Gladys, but that doesn't seem like a perfect excuse. Even if it weren't for Gladys, I wouldn't have welcomed the Grand Duchess so well."
Louise's voice was calm and composed, without any highs or lows. The same was true of the gaze she gave Erna.
"I once thought she was a lady who was woefully inadequate to be the wife of the Grand Duke, the Crown Prince of Letzen. Even if my brother had fallen into a pitiful prodigal state. That's what happened to the Hardy family, whose reputations were based solely on maliciously distorted rumors. I was the kind of person who didn't have the heart to seek out the truth behind it all. Just like everyone else."
Who wouldn't be Bjorn Dneister's younger sister?
Leonid looked at Louise with a frown. She clearly said she would apologize, but this was bordering on a quarrel. While he was debating whether he should just send her away, Louise opened her mouth again.
"I was completely unaware of Gladys's actions, and I desperately wanted her to become Princess Letzen again. Gladys and I were close friends, almost sisters, at least that's what I believed. That's why I hated the Grand Duchess, but now that I know the truth, it seems it was just an excuse. A plausible excuse to hate my brother's wife, who I didn't like."
As each word continued, Louise's gaze grew deeper.
"I resent my brother for not telling me the truth, creating this situation, and I feel wronged by the past deception. But I don't think this incident can be used to justify the wrong I committed against the Grand Duchess. That's a matter for me and my brother to resolve, a matter of our own feelings and our own. So I won't drag it into this situation, make lame excuses, and force forgiveness."
The pale winter afternoon sunlight fell upon Louise, who held her neck straight.
“I used Gladys as an excuse to harass the Grand Duchess, leaving you with an indelible scar.”
"Princess..."
A small crack appeared in Erna's smile, which had been as solid as a mask.
"I apologize, Grand Duchess. I was arrogant and reckless. If you find it difficult to forgive me, I will respect your wishes. While I cannot avoid my duties as a member of the royal family, beyond that, I will no longer interfere in the Grand Duchess's affairs in any way. So, Grand Duchess, please return now."
Looking into Erna's eyes, which were still clear and free of any resentment, Louise spoke the words she had practiced countless times.
“My brother is waiting for the Grand Duchess and missing you very much.”
The Prince loves his wife.
That conjecture has now become established as an established theory. The fight that broke out at the party at Harbour Mansion provided plausible evidence to solidify that fact.
“He was wrong.”
Those who heard the rumors that spread throughout the city generally reacted similarly. The servants of the Grand Duke's residence were no different.
“The Prince has properly taught the prodigal son of the Heinz family a lesson.”
News of the battle graced the front pages of today's tabloids. The articles, devoid of any derogatory nicknames like "royal toadstool," were solely focused on praising Prince Bjorn's heroism.
“That’s right. That bastard did something terrible to the Her Highness in the past.”
"As expected of our prince. He's a good fighter, too. He's cool."
Throughout the article, praise for Prince Bjorn continued. No one paid attention to the tragic fate of Robin Heinz. The Heinz family, too, remained silent, seemingly unwilling to address the issue. They seemed to have concluded that confronting the royal family over a single child was foolish.
The article concluded with the testimony of an anonymous informant who said that Prince Bjorn's desperate call to his wife's name that day at the Harbour Mansion sounded like a heartbreaking love poem.
“Is it my turn today?”
The young maid, who had been watching closely, quickly snatched up the newspaper that had already been read.
“I thought you were going to get neurotic because of the Prince?”
Karen burst out laughing as she saw the maid cutting up the large picture of the Prince.
“But still, the photos don’t bother me.”
The moment the maid, who had responded seriously, put the photo into the pocket of her apron, the bell announcing the Prince's return rang.
The servants hurriedly stood up and raced out to the entrance. As they lined up, adjusting their attire, the carriage stopped.
Please, please.
The Prince stepped out of the carriage with a gentle smile on his face, as if everyone had been unanimously convinced that his wish had been granted. He had been noticeably happier this week, and the most likely explanation was that he had avenged his wife.
The servants, who had been glancing at the Prince's back as he walked across the hall with an elegant gait, breathed a sigh of relief without anyone saying anything first.
The Prince loves his wife.
The romance novels that Letzen loved were established as an obvious truth even within the walls of Schwerin Palace.
Erna.
Bjorn swallowed the words he almost blurted out out of habit and sat down at his desk in the study.
Mrs. Fitz, who followed, delivered a few reports in her usual manner. As the end of the year approached, invitations were pouring in.
“Please decline all invitations that you can refuse.”
Mrs. Fitz's eyes widened at Bjorn's answer. Given his recent habit of accepting every invitation he could get, it was a rather surprising order.
“Yes, Your Highness. I will do so.”
Mrs. Fitz, though suspicious of the sudden change in her mood, didn't question it. There was no need to disturb the peace that had come with the Prince's temper, which had been so irritable, softening.
“Oh. And I’m thinking of going on a trip next month.”
Mrs. Fitz, who had finished all her work, was about to turn around when Bjorn made an unexpected remark.
“A trip, Your Highness?”
“Well, it’s literally a trip.”
Bjorn answered calmly, his gaze fixed on the portrait hanging above the fireplace.
“The exact schedule will be announced next week...”
After Erna returned.
Bjorn smiled slowly, swallowing the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
It seemed like a good idea to spend Erna's birthday in a warm country. To erase the memories of that chaotic first birthday last year. A paradise-like tropical destination, ideally one where flowers bloom year-round, a place Erna would enjoy.
A very long trip would be arduous, but with careful scheduling, he could afford to take that much time. Of course, it would require a hectic end-of-year and beginning-of-year schedule, but that wouldn't be a big deal. As long as that impertinent defaulter returned to his original position.
“I’ll tell you after I think about it some more.”
Bjorn sighed quietly as he unconsciously closed the lid of the cigar box he had opened.
For the past few days, he hadn't even smoked half as many cigars as usual. Perhaps it was the sense of stability that brought his daily life back to normal, and his physical condition had also become noticeably lighter. With this feeling, he felt he could even be more forgiving of his wife, who had run off on her own. The news of a guest's arrival arrived just as Bjorn's gaze rested on Erna's face in the portrait.
“Duchess Heine has come to visit.”
The attendant approached the desk, bowed his head, and reported. It was the news Bjorn had been waiting for.
The command, which was added only through the shape of the mouth, was quite stern.
Louise put down the teacup she was holding with both hands and raised her head with a complicated sigh.
"I know I deeply hurt the Grand Duchess. Of course I did. My words and actions were intentional. I'd like to say it was because I didn't know the truth about Gladys, but that doesn't seem like a perfect excuse. Even if it weren't for Gladys, I wouldn't have welcomed the Grand Duchess so well."
Louise's voice was calm and composed, without any highs or lows. The same was true of the gaze she gave Erna.
"I once thought she was a lady who was woefully inadequate to be the wife of the Grand Duke, the Crown Prince of Letzen. Even if my brother had fallen into a pitiful prodigal state. That's what happened to the Hardy family, whose reputations were based solely on maliciously distorted rumors. I was the kind of person who didn't have the heart to seek out the truth behind it all. Just like everyone else."
Who wouldn't be Bjorn Dneister's younger sister?
Leonid looked at Louise with a frown. She clearly said she would apologize, but this was bordering on a quarrel. While he was debating whether he should just send her away, Louise opened her mouth again.
"I was completely unaware of Gladys's actions, and I desperately wanted her to become Princess Letzen again. Gladys and I were close friends, almost sisters, at least that's what I believed. That's why I hated the Grand Duchess, but now that I know the truth, it seems it was just an excuse. A plausible excuse to hate my brother's wife, who I didn't like."
As each word continued, Louise's gaze grew deeper.
"I resent my brother for not telling me the truth, creating this situation, and I feel wronged by the past deception. But I don't think this incident can be used to justify the wrong I committed against the Grand Duchess. That's a matter for me and my brother to resolve, a matter of our own feelings and our own. So I won't drag it into this situation, make lame excuses, and force forgiveness."
The pale winter afternoon sunlight fell upon Louise, who held her neck straight.
“I used Gladys as an excuse to harass the Grand Duchess, leaving you with an indelible scar.”
"Princess..."
A small crack appeared in Erna's smile, which had been as solid as a mask.
"I apologize, Grand Duchess. I was arrogant and reckless. If you find it difficult to forgive me, I will respect your wishes. While I cannot avoid my duties as a member of the royal family, beyond that, I will no longer interfere in the Grand Duchess's affairs in any way. So, Grand Duchess, please return now."
Looking into Erna's eyes, which were still clear and free of any resentment, Louise spoke the words she had practiced countless times.
“My brother is waiting for the Grand Duchess and missing you very much.”
***
The Prince loves his wife.
That conjecture has now become established as an established theory. The fight that broke out at the party at Harbour Mansion provided plausible evidence to solidify that fact.
“He was wrong.”
Those who heard the rumors that spread throughout the city generally reacted similarly. The servants of the Grand Duke's residence were no different.
“The Prince has properly taught the prodigal son of the Heinz family a lesson.”
News of the battle graced the front pages of today's tabloids. The articles, devoid of any derogatory nicknames like "royal toadstool," were solely focused on praising Prince Bjorn's heroism.
“That’s right. That bastard did something terrible to the Her Highness in the past.”
"As expected of our prince. He's a good fighter, too. He's cool."
Throughout the article, praise for Prince Bjorn continued. No one paid attention to the tragic fate of Robin Heinz. The Heinz family, too, remained silent, seemingly unwilling to address the issue. They seemed to have concluded that confronting the royal family over a single child was foolish.
The article concluded with the testimony of an anonymous informant who said that Prince Bjorn's desperate call to his wife's name that day at the Harbour Mansion sounded like a heartbreaking love poem.
“Is it my turn today?”
The young maid, who had been watching closely, quickly snatched up the newspaper that had already been read.
“I thought you were going to get neurotic because of the Prince?”
Karen burst out laughing as she saw the maid cutting up the large picture of the Prince.
“But still, the photos don’t bother me.”
The moment the maid, who had responded seriously, put the photo into the pocket of her apron, the bell announcing the Prince's return rang.
The servants hurriedly stood up and raced out to the entrance. As they lined up, adjusting their attire, the carriage stopped.
Please, please.
The Prince stepped out of the carriage with a gentle smile on his face, as if everyone had been unanimously convinced that his wish had been granted. He had been noticeably happier this week, and the most likely explanation was that he had avenged his wife.
The servants, who had been glancing at the Prince's back as he walked across the hall with an elegant gait, breathed a sigh of relief without anyone saying anything first.
The Prince loves his wife.
The romance novels that Letzen loved were established as an obvious truth even within the walls of Schwerin Palace.
***
Erna.
Bjorn swallowed the words he almost blurted out out of habit and sat down at his desk in the study.
Mrs. Fitz, who followed, delivered a few reports in her usual manner. As the end of the year approached, invitations were pouring in.
“Please decline all invitations that you can refuse.”
Mrs. Fitz's eyes widened at Bjorn's answer. Given his recent habit of accepting every invitation he could get, it was a rather surprising order.
“Yes, Your Highness. I will do so.”
Mrs. Fitz, though suspicious of the sudden change in her mood, didn't question it. There was no need to disturb the peace that had come with the Prince's temper, which had been so irritable, softening.
“Oh. And I’m thinking of going on a trip next month.”
Mrs. Fitz, who had finished all her work, was about to turn around when Bjorn made an unexpected remark.
“A trip, Your Highness?”
“Well, it’s literally a trip.”
Bjorn answered calmly, his gaze fixed on the portrait hanging above the fireplace.
“The exact schedule will be announced next week...”
After Erna returned.
Bjorn smiled slowly, swallowing the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
It seemed like a good idea to spend Erna's birthday in a warm country. To erase the memories of that chaotic first birthday last year. A paradise-like tropical destination, ideally one where flowers bloom year-round, a place Erna would enjoy.
A very long trip would be arduous, but with careful scheduling, he could afford to take that much time. Of course, it would require a hectic end-of-year and beginning-of-year schedule, but that wouldn't be a big deal. As long as that impertinent defaulter returned to his original position.
“I’ll tell you after I think about it some more.”
Bjorn sighed quietly as he unconsciously closed the lid of the cigar box he had opened.
For the past few days, he hadn't even smoked half as many cigars as usual. Perhaps it was the sense of stability that brought his daily life back to normal, and his physical condition had also become noticeably lighter. With this feeling, he felt he could even be more forgiving of his wife, who had run off on her own. The news of a guest's arrival arrived just as Bjorn's gaze rested on Erna's face in the portrait.
“Duchess Heine has come to visit.”
The attendant approached the desk, bowed his head, and reported. It was the news Bjorn had been waiting for.
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