140. To my wife
The shadows of the quietly falling snow flickered over the flowers and letters.
Erna, having dismissed Lisa, sat alone at the table, her posture straight, staring at the unfamiliar gift. She was certain it was indeed Bjorn, but it still felt unreal. Remembering the silver bells and writing the letter felt so uncharacteristic of him; it was almost embarrassing.
After pondering it for a while, Erna let out a long, resigned sigh and picked up the letter. The sound of the scissors cutting the envelope and unfolding the letter permeated the suffocating silence.
To my wife.
Bjorn's letter began with such unpleasant opening words.
First of all, I'd like to express my regret for unintentionally ruining your birthday. I simply wanted to show you the depth of my love for you, but I feel like my intention wasn't conveyed properly, and I've caused you great harm. That, too, is regrettable.
But is it truly right for me, the Prince of Letzen and the bank president, to give my wife a simple gift on her birthday? I hope my wife will consider this at least once. Of course, I'm not denying my mistakes of focusing solely on showing my feelings and failing to show deep consideration, so please don't misunderstand.
I wish I could offer you a congratulatory gift, even if it's just now, but unfortunately, I don't know how to express my feelings in any other way than with a gift. So, perhaps this is the wrong way to do it, but still, I'm giving you my final gift for your birthday, which is just around the corner.
I won't be attending, so please join the Baroness for your birthday dinner. May this day be a joyful one for you and the Baroness, who loves you so much.
P.S.
I sincerely wish you a happy birthday.
Your husband, Bjorn Dneister.
Erna, who had been reading the letter carefully, let out an involuntary sigh of amazement. This was the first time she'd ever received a letter like this, and she was at a loss as to how to interpret it. The exquisitely elegant and refined handwriting further bewildered her.
Erna gazed out the window, catching her breath. Her eyes grew even more intent as she read the bizarre letter once more. The more she read, the more absurd it became, but one thing seemed certain: Princess Gladys's claim that Bjorn Dneister was a man who wrote beautiful letters was a lie. Or perhaps the Princess's tastes were quite peculiar.
Erna set down the letter, which seemed like a notice or a challenge, on the table. With a hollow smile, she checked the desk clock, which showed it was already time for dinner to begin.
“Yes, now it’s done.”
Lisa took a step back with a proud smile.
Erna checked her reflection in the vanity mirror, then stood up from her chair and adjusted her clothes. All she did was put her hair up and put on a more formal dress than usual, but perhaps because it was her first time dressing up since returning to Burford, she felt a little awkward.
"You're truly beautiful, Your Highness. You look like the star of the day."
As if reading Erna's mind, Lisa offered her a kind word of praise. Meanwhile, the clock struck seven o'clock. It was time for the Baden family's banquet to begin.
Erna, adjusting the flower and ribbon adorning her braided hair, hurried out of the room. It was only when she reached the stairs leading to the first floor that she remembered the uninvited guest who had sent her that absurd letter. She paused for a moment, staring intently at the hallway where the guest bedroom where he was staying was located.
Bjorn will keep his promise.
Knowing that, she decided to have dinner with her grandmother. So, she should have just followed through with her decision, but for some reason, she couldn't move easily.
“Your Highness?”
Lisa's voice, filled with doubt, woke Erna from her deep thoughts.
“Just wait a minute, Lisa.”
After apologizing, Erna turned toward the hallway. Her calm gait, her expression, and even her polite knocking gesture betrayed no hint of hesitation.
“Prince, it’s me.”
Knocking again, Erna added a brief message. Soon, the door slowly opened, and Bjorn appeared. His promise not to attend the dinner was not empty; he was wearing a shirt without a tie.
“What’s the matter?”
Bjorn tilted his head and met Erna's gaze.
“Let’s go down and eat together.”
Erna calmly relayed her business. Bjorn's eyes, staring blankly at her, gradually narrowed.
"I told you I'd celebrate your birthday by skipping dinner. Didn't you get the letter?"
“I got it.”
"However?"
"But, like it or not, you're a guest staying in this house. It's not ladylike to treat a guest like this."
Erna stared straight into the ash-gray eyes that met hers, speaking without wavering. Bjorn, who had been staring at Erna for a long time, finally nodded.
“Just wait. I’ll get ready.”
The small dinner began a little later than scheduled.
Although the only attendees were the day's main characters, Erna, the Baroness, and the Prince, an uninvited guest from the House of Baden, the food served was incredibly plentiful and elaborate. It was the result of a combination of the desire to celebrate Erna's birthday and the burden of serving the Prince.
Bjorn's seat was set beside Erna's. Across a small table, the Baroness of Baden and the Grand Duke sat facing each other. Though her expression was sullen, Erna didn't express any further discontent. It was as if she had decided to become the lady she had spoken of.
Bjorn watched Erna with calm eyes.
While the Baroness and Erna were chatting lightly, a birthday cake, baked by the old nanny herself, was placed on the table. It was a somewhat rustic, yet heartfelt cake, one could almost sense where Erna's taste for old-world delights stemmed.
“Yes. Get ready to make your wish, young lady.”
Madame Greve, who had lit the candles on her birthday cake, urged Erna on as if she were a little girl. Her expression strangely resembled Madame Fitz's, and Bjorn smiled slightly.
“Are you ready, baby?”
As Erna's worries dragged on, Baroness Baden added a word. At this rate, the candles would drip onto the cake.
“Yes, I’m ready now.”
Erna rose from her seat with a determined expression. She glanced briefly at Bjorn. It was a moment of profound reflection, a moment that made it clear that it wasn't a fleeting glance.
What is your wish?
While Bjorn was lost in thought, Erna blew out the candles on the birthday cake. The small dining room was filled with applause from Baroness Baden, her nanny, and the servants surrounding the banquet table.
Bjorn belatedly joined in the applause. Even as she beamed, Erna's gaze seemed a little subdued. That made him even more curious about her wish, but Bjorn didn't ask. He couldn't pinpoint the exact reason, but he felt compelled to do so.
“Happy birthday, baby. I'm so glad you came into this world.”
When it was time to offer a toast, Baroness Baden was the first to offer her congratulatory remarks. Since the dinner was for just three people, it was naturally Bjorn's turn next. The eyes of Erna, the Baroness, and even the attendants turned to Bjorn.
“Happy birthday, Erna.”
Bjorn raised his wine glass with a simple greeting. Erna hesitated for a moment, then lightly tapped the tip of her glass against his. The reverberation of that clear sound lingered in Bjorn's ears for quite some time.
The lively birthday atmosphere reached its peak when it was time to hand out gifts. A hairpin prepared by Baroness Baden. A scarf knitted by her nanny. Lisa's lace gloves. Bjorn watched Erna open each gift and express her gratitude. He handed over the last gift. It was a box smaller than his palm, decorated with ribbon.
"I know you don't like my gifts, but I was invited to dinner. I should at least maintain a modicum of formality."
Erna, who was staring at him quietly, met Bjorn's eyes and explained.
Fortunately, Erna accepted the gift. So, his peace of mind was short-lived. As soon as Erna untied the ribbon and opened the box, the atmosphere at the table instantly froze. Bjorn realized the reason, and his brow furrowed.
I carefully selected the smallest box and brought it over, only to find it was a jewel. A beautiful brooch, adorned with large diamonds and rubies, is clearly expensive at first glance.
Damn it. Why is that thing coming out of there?
Bjorn, trying to suppress his irritated curse, observed Erna's expression. He'd barely managed to redeem himself by resorting to such pathetic measures, but now he was back to square one.
“Thank you. It’s really pretty.”
Erna, who had been carefully observing his expression, offered an unexpected greeting. It was a cool attitude that surprised not only Bjorn but also the other onlookers who had been anxiously observing her.
As soon as the gifts were put away, the meal continued in a comfortable atmosphere.
Bjorn held Erna in his silent gaze. Smiling Erna. Chattering Erna. Eating deliciously. The beautiful twenty-one-year-old Erna.
“Your Highness! Look over there!”
Lisa, who was standing by the window and stretching, shouted in surprise.
Erna, who had just finished preparing to go for a walk, hurried over to Lisa. A carriage stopped in front of the entrance, covered in yesterday's snow. It was a different carriage from the Baden family's, larger and more elegant.
“Is the Prince finally returning to Schwerin?”
Lisa, spotting Bjorn standing in front of the carriage, tilted her head in question. He was dressed formally, carrying a travel trunk, and even had a servant accompanying him. As Lisa had said, it wouldn't be strange if he left immediately.
"How strange. Until last night, he seemed completely unwilling to leave. Did he have any words for Your Highness?"
“No. Not at all.”
Erna answered, feeling a little dazed. After the birthday dinner, they each returned to their rooms. That was all there was to the night. The only difference, perhaps, was Bjorn's seriousness.
Erna, clearing her mind of the useless thoughts that were lingering, set out for her morning walk as planned. It wasn't surprising that the man had barged in without warning, so she left in this manner. No matter what he did, Erna just had to live her life.
So, just as she was concluding that it wasn't a concern, Erna arrived at the entrance where Bjorn's carriage stood. Bjorn, who had been conversing with his attendant, slowly turned his head to follow the footsteps.
Their eyes met in the clear light of dawn, just beginning to break.
The shadows of the quietly falling snow flickered over the flowers and letters.
Erna, having dismissed Lisa, sat alone at the table, her posture straight, staring at the unfamiliar gift. She was certain it was indeed Bjorn, but it still felt unreal. Remembering the silver bells and writing the letter felt so uncharacteristic of him; it was almost embarrassing.
After pondering it for a while, Erna let out a long, resigned sigh and picked up the letter. The sound of the scissors cutting the envelope and unfolding the letter permeated the suffocating silence.
To my wife.
Bjorn's letter began with such unpleasant opening words.
First of all, I'd like to express my regret for unintentionally ruining your birthday. I simply wanted to show you the depth of my love for you, but I feel like my intention wasn't conveyed properly, and I've caused you great harm. That, too, is regrettable.
But is it truly right for me, the Prince of Letzen and the bank president, to give my wife a simple gift on her birthday? I hope my wife will consider this at least once. Of course, I'm not denying my mistakes of focusing solely on showing my feelings and failing to show deep consideration, so please don't misunderstand.
I wish I could offer you a congratulatory gift, even if it's just now, but unfortunately, I don't know how to express my feelings in any other way than with a gift. So, perhaps this is the wrong way to do it, but still, I'm giving you my final gift for your birthday, which is just around the corner.
I won't be attending, so please join the Baroness for your birthday dinner. May this day be a joyful one for you and the Baroness, who loves you so much.
P.S.
I sincerely wish you a happy birthday.
Your husband, Bjorn Dneister.
Erna, who had been reading the letter carefully, let out an involuntary sigh of amazement. This was the first time she'd ever received a letter like this, and she was at a loss as to how to interpret it. The exquisitely elegant and refined handwriting further bewildered her.
Erna gazed out the window, catching her breath. Her eyes grew even more intent as she read the bizarre letter once more. The more she read, the more absurd it became, but one thing seemed certain: Princess Gladys's claim that Bjorn Dneister was a man who wrote beautiful letters was a lie. Or perhaps the Princess's tastes were quite peculiar.
Erna set down the letter, which seemed like a notice or a challenge, on the table. With a hollow smile, she checked the desk clock, which showed it was already time for dinner to begin.
***
“Yes, now it’s done.”
Lisa took a step back with a proud smile.
Erna checked her reflection in the vanity mirror, then stood up from her chair and adjusted her clothes. All she did was put her hair up and put on a more formal dress than usual, but perhaps because it was her first time dressing up since returning to Burford, she felt a little awkward.
"You're truly beautiful, Your Highness. You look like the star of the day."
As if reading Erna's mind, Lisa offered her a kind word of praise. Meanwhile, the clock struck seven o'clock. It was time for the Baden family's banquet to begin.
Erna, adjusting the flower and ribbon adorning her braided hair, hurried out of the room. It was only when she reached the stairs leading to the first floor that she remembered the uninvited guest who had sent her that absurd letter. She paused for a moment, staring intently at the hallway where the guest bedroom where he was staying was located.
Bjorn will keep his promise.
Knowing that, she decided to have dinner with her grandmother. So, she should have just followed through with her decision, but for some reason, she couldn't move easily.
“Your Highness?”
Lisa's voice, filled with doubt, woke Erna from her deep thoughts.
“Just wait a minute, Lisa.”
After apologizing, Erna turned toward the hallway. Her calm gait, her expression, and even her polite knocking gesture betrayed no hint of hesitation.
“Prince, it’s me.”
Knocking again, Erna added a brief message. Soon, the door slowly opened, and Bjorn appeared. His promise not to attend the dinner was not empty; he was wearing a shirt without a tie.
“What’s the matter?”
Bjorn tilted his head and met Erna's gaze.
“Let’s go down and eat together.”
Erna calmly relayed her business. Bjorn's eyes, staring blankly at her, gradually narrowed.
"I told you I'd celebrate your birthday by skipping dinner. Didn't you get the letter?"
“I got it.”
"However?"
"But, like it or not, you're a guest staying in this house. It's not ladylike to treat a guest like this."
Erna stared straight into the ash-gray eyes that met hers, speaking without wavering. Bjorn, who had been staring at Erna for a long time, finally nodded.
“Just wait. I’ll get ready.”
***
The small dinner began a little later than scheduled.
Although the only attendees were the day's main characters, Erna, the Baroness, and the Prince, an uninvited guest from the House of Baden, the food served was incredibly plentiful and elaborate. It was the result of a combination of the desire to celebrate Erna's birthday and the burden of serving the Prince.
Bjorn's seat was set beside Erna's. Across a small table, the Baroness of Baden and the Grand Duke sat facing each other. Though her expression was sullen, Erna didn't express any further discontent. It was as if she had decided to become the lady she had spoken of.
Bjorn watched Erna with calm eyes.
While the Baroness and Erna were chatting lightly, a birthday cake, baked by the old nanny herself, was placed on the table. It was a somewhat rustic, yet heartfelt cake, one could almost sense where Erna's taste for old-world delights stemmed.
“Yes. Get ready to make your wish, young lady.”
Madame Greve, who had lit the candles on her birthday cake, urged Erna on as if she were a little girl. Her expression strangely resembled Madame Fitz's, and Bjorn smiled slightly.
“Are you ready, baby?”
As Erna's worries dragged on, Baroness Baden added a word. At this rate, the candles would drip onto the cake.
“Yes, I’m ready now.”
Erna rose from her seat with a determined expression. She glanced briefly at Bjorn. It was a moment of profound reflection, a moment that made it clear that it wasn't a fleeting glance.
What is your wish?
While Bjorn was lost in thought, Erna blew out the candles on the birthday cake. The small dining room was filled with applause from Baroness Baden, her nanny, and the servants surrounding the banquet table.
Bjorn belatedly joined in the applause. Even as she beamed, Erna's gaze seemed a little subdued. That made him even more curious about her wish, but Bjorn didn't ask. He couldn't pinpoint the exact reason, but he felt compelled to do so.
“Happy birthday, baby. I'm so glad you came into this world.”
When it was time to offer a toast, Baroness Baden was the first to offer her congratulatory remarks. Since the dinner was for just three people, it was naturally Bjorn's turn next. The eyes of Erna, the Baroness, and even the attendants turned to Bjorn.
“Happy birthday, Erna.”
Bjorn raised his wine glass with a simple greeting. Erna hesitated for a moment, then lightly tapped the tip of her glass against his. The reverberation of that clear sound lingered in Bjorn's ears for quite some time.
The lively birthday atmosphere reached its peak when it was time to hand out gifts. A hairpin prepared by Baroness Baden. A scarf knitted by her nanny. Lisa's lace gloves. Bjorn watched Erna open each gift and express her gratitude. He handed over the last gift. It was a box smaller than his palm, decorated with ribbon.
"I know you don't like my gifts, but I was invited to dinner. I should at least maintain a modicum of formality."
Erna, who was staring at him quietly, met Bjorn's eyes and explained.
Fortunately, Erna accepted the gift. So, his peace of mind was short-lived. As soon as Erna untied the ribbon and opened the box, the atmosphere at the table instantly froze. Bjorn realized the reason, and his brow furrowed.
I carefully selected the smallest box and brought it over, only to find it was a jewel. A beautiful brooch, adorned with large diamonds and rubies, is clearly expensive at first glance.
Damn it. Why is that thing coming out of there?
Bjorn, trying to suppress his irritated curse, observed Erna's expression. He'd barely managed to redeem himself by resorting to such pathetic measures, but now he was back to square one.
“Thank you. It’s really pretty.”
Erna, who had been carefully observing his expression, offered an unexpected greeting. It was a cool attitude that surprised not only Bjorn but also the other onlookers who had been anxiously observing her.
As soon as the gifts were put away, the meal continued in a comfortable atmosphere.
Bjorn held Erna in his silent gaze. Smiling Erna. Chattering Erna. Eating deliciously. The beautiful twenty-one-year-old Erna.
***
“Your Highness! Look over there!”
Lisa, who was standing by the window and stretching, shouted in surprise.
Erna, who had just finished preparing to go for a walk, hurried over to Lisa. A carriage stopped in front of the entrance, covered in yesterday's snow. It was a different carriage from the Baden family's, larger and more elegant.
“Is the Prince finally returning to Schwerin?”
Lisa, spotting Bjorn standing in front of the carriage, tilted her head in question. He was dressed formally, carrying a travel trunk, and even had a servant accompanying him. As Lisa had said, it wouldn't be strange if he left immediately.
"How strange. Until last night, he seemed completely unwilling to leave. Did he have any words for Your Highness?"
“No. Not at all.”
Erna answered, feeling a little dazed. After the birthday dinner, they each returned to their rooms. That was all there was to the night. The only difference, perhaps, was Bjorn's seriousness.
Erna, clearing her mind of the useless thoughts that were lingering, set out for her morning walk as planned. It wasn't surprising that the man had barged in without warning, so she left in this manner. No matter what he did, Erna just had to live her life.
So, just as she was concluding that it wasn't a concern, Erna arrived at the entrance where Bjorn's carriage stood. Bjorn, who had been conversing with his attendant, slowly turned his head to follow the footsteps.
Their eyes met in the clear light of dawn, just beginning to break.
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