Problematic Prince - Chapter 153



153. For a pretty new cookie tin

“Look, Your Highness! This article is full of praise!”

Lisa approached with a hearty smile and handed her today's tabloid. It was a stark contrast to her past, when she'd pretended not to notice articles with the Grand Duchess' name on them and had tried her best to avoid Erna's notice.

Erna, who was sitting by the window in the hospital room, basking in the sunlight, suddenly woke up with a start.

“Lisa! You shouldn’t move so violently.”

“I’m fine now. I might be able to run on one foot now.”

Lisa skillfully maneuvered her crutches and approached Erna. Thanks to her recognition for saving the Grand Duchess, she was granted the luxury of a private, palatial hospital room, but she spent most of her days here with Erna.

As the brisk rhythm of the crutches ceased, the sun-filled hospital room fell silent once again. Erna looked down at the front page of the newspaper Lisa had handed her, her eyes a mixture of fear and curiosity.

The Saint of Letzen lifts the curse of the poisonous mushroom.

Beneath the somewhat embarrassing and sensational headline was a wedding photo of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Schwerin.

Erna cautiously accepted the newspaper. The article blatantly praised the love between the Grand Duke and his wife, born from a train wreck.

The tabloid article detailing the tearful reunion between a Prince who risked his life to save his wife and a Princess who, despite her injuries, devotedly cared for others could easily rival a well-written romance novel. The only problem, however, is that, as always, it's peppered with sensational lies designed to boost sales.

It's no exaggeration to say that the Prince, who was cursed by the witch of Lars and turned into a poisonous mushroom, was freed from his curse thanks to the love of his wife, who was as saintly as a saint. The love that the Prince, saved by this love, now offers to his wife has become a poem that warms the hearts of all the Letzenians.

According to the testimony of an informant who was present at the barracks, the Grand Duke and his wife, who had a dramatic reunion that morning, demonstrated their love with a passionate kiss. That passionate moment, like a scene from the most dramatic and beautiful opera, resonated deeply with the hearts of those who witnessed it.

"Oh my god!"

Erna, reading the last paragraph, put the paper down with a serious expression. The article was closing with a detailed description of the kiss shared between the Grand Duke and his wife in the barracks. It was a description so obscene and outrageous that it was almost impossible to bear to open her eyes.

“Maybe this is...”

Erna's face flushed bright red, and she shuddered, unable to continue speaking. It was true that she had been embarrassed in front of so many eyes, but it felt unfair that the hug had been blown out of proportion and turned into a kiss.

"These newspapers are inherently liars. Still, I'm glad that everyone here knows how good Your Highness is."

Lisa smiled happily and folded the newspaper. The hospital staff who saw the article praised the Grand Duchess so much that Lisa's shoulders puffed out. Of course, everyone was particularly enthusiastic about the last paragraph.

“Tomorrow is the day I return to Schwerin, and I’m glad I got off to a good start this time.”

Lisa faced Erna with a much more serious expression.

The Grand Duchess's return was a natural decision, as if it were a flowing river. From that day on, they were openly sleeping and waking in the same bed, so it was only natural.

“I told you not to even make eye contact.”

A mischievous smile appeared on Lisa's lips as she observed Erna, who was at a loss for what to do with her embarrassment. Erna's cheeks, awkwardly trying to avoid the question, had already taken on a refreshing rosy hue.

The Poisonous Mushroom Prince is bad.

Lisa's views hadn't changed, but if Erna was happy, then that was fine. Besides, the evil Prince seemed to have changed a little. At least, Lisa was certain she wouldn't be reduced to the pitiful position of having to compete for the Prince's staff. That morning, Prince Bjorn, who had come to see his wife in a state of disarray, had given her this confidence.

"But, well, it's come to this, so there's nothing I can do. I trust Your Highness. You're a strong woman."

As Lisa beamed, a shy smile spread across Erna's lips. Just then, Prince Bjorn, who had been out inspecting the accident scene, returned, and their conversation was interrupted.

Lisa quickly got up on her crutches and greeted the Prince. Bjorn gave her a brief nod, as if to say, "Enough is enough," and leisurely crossed the hospital room to sit next to his wife.

"Lisa."

Just as she was about to retreat, the Prince's voice suddenly called her name. Lisa flinched and lowered her head.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“You too, prepare to go to Schwerin.”

He said something obvious as if he was doing a favor.

Lisa, bewildered, watched the Prince. As the one who had tried to cut him and the one who had never dreamed of being cut stared at each other, the afternoon sunlight grew even more vibrant, a golden hue.

Despite her bewildered expression, Lisa left with a polite greeting and reply before stepping away. As the clatter of her crutches on the floor faded away beyond the closed door, peace returned to the hospital room.

“Can you catch the train?”

Bjorn, who was sitting with his chin resting on the table and observing Erna's complexion, calmly asked a question with a hint of concern.

Although her face seemed much more vibrant than yesterday, he still felt uneasy. The doctor's words, that the journey to Schwerin would be no problem, were equally unsettling. If Erna was struggling, there was no reason not to postpone her departure for a few days.

"It's okay."

Erna nodded with a bright smile.

“There will be a lot of onlookers.”

Bjorn calmly pointed to the tabloid paper sitting at the end of the table. It had been distributed yesterday afternoon, so by now, everyone in Letzen would be buzzing with the Grand Duke and his wife's love story. It also meant that the platform at Schwerin Central Station would be teeming with people eager to see them.

“I’m mentally prepared.”

Erna looked him in the eye and gave a bold answer. A smile spread across Björn's lips as he gazed at Erna with eyes like the languid afternoon sunlight.

“You seem quite confident.”

"Yes."

Erna answered without hesitation, straightening her neck.

“I am the Grand Duchess of Schwerin.”

Erna's voice, filled with firm resolve, rang out clearly. Bjorn, who had been quietly watching his wife, let out a low laugh, which gently permeated the reverberation.

“Oh, that’s right.”

Bjorn nodded with a rather serious attitude.

“You are also the saint of Letzen.”

There was a distinct playfulness in the words he added while glancing at the newspaper.

Despite her blushing cheeks, Erna refused to reject the embarrassing compliment. It was a ridiculous compliment, but she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

Erna, after much deliberation, pulled the newspaper toward her. She felt it best to keep it. Despite its lies and exaggerations, it was a monumental article, her first proper recognition and praise since ascending to the position of Grand Duchess.

“I have a gift I would like to receive.”

Erna looked at Bjorn with a look of slight nervousness and excitement. He nodded, as if to say something.

“I want a cookie jar.”

“...The bank?”

Bjorn's eyebrows furrowed slightly as he stared blankly at Erna.

“No! It’s a real cookie jar. The one with the cookies in it.”

Erna, who realized the meaning of the question too late, quickly turned around and laughed.

“Please buy me a really pretty new cookie jar. I’ll treasure it.”

So that I can fill the space left by the past with happiness.

Erna conveyed her feelings, which were somehow embarrassing to say out loud, through her gaze as she looked at him.

"Yes."

Bjorn nodded willingly.

“I will, Erna.”

Bjorn smiled affectionately, then slowly lowered his head and kissed Erna's forehead. His lips, slowly tracing her round nose and flushed cheeks, soon gently touched Erna's.

After a brief moment of hesitation, Erna accepted the kiss he had offered. For the sake of the beautiful new cookie jar she would soon be meeting.

***

The train to Schwerin left Kassen station early in the morning.

Leonid decided to stay in Kassen for a few more days to sort out the situation, so he decided to let only the Grand Duke and his wife board the train for now.

The journey back to the place they left at the end of summer, the journey back to the end of winter. The two shared affectionate conversations and promises along the way.

They decided to take a trip when spring came. A second honeymoon where they'd see beautiful things together, go for walks, and have tea in wonderful places.

She decided to learn horseback riding in the summer. Erna was afraid of horses, but she thought she'd be fine with her husband, a master rider with countless trophies.

They decided to visit Burford in the fall, when the leaves were beautifully ablaze. The Burford man, who heard about the harvest festival held around that time, showed a genuine interest that made Erna smile. He seemed particularly impressed by the fact that the product was Burford wine.

And when winter comes again, what will we be like then?

Just as she began to think about that season, the train entered Schwerin. Countless pedestrians and carriages weaved their way through the densely packed buildings and the spiderweb-like streets between them. It was the same bustling metropolis as always, but Erna was no longer afraid.

As the station neared, Erna put on the gloves she'd taken off. She put on her hat and carefully adjusted the nice dress she hadn't worn in a while. Meanwhile, the train stopped. The platform was filled with far more onlookers than she'd expected.

“Are you ready, my wife?”

Bjorn rose from his seat and politely asked for an escort. Erna readily accepted his hand in return.

***

As the crowd waited for the main characters to appear, the platform grew even more chaotic. Fights even broke out over who could get a closer look.

“Step back! Everyone, step back!”

The guards' shouts reverberated through the crowded platform. Unable to resist the momentum, the onlookers gradually retreated, finally clearing a path for the Grand Duke and his wife's procession.

After sending them a brief greeting, the Prince escorted his wife down the street. The nods and smiles he exchanged with those he caught fleeting glances of were as skillful and fluid as ever.

“You must really love Her Highness.”

The amazement of those who saw the Prince embracing the Grand Duchess, who was stiff and tense, spread through the tumultuous cheers.

“Get back! Hurry up!”

As more people gathered upon hearing the rumor that the Grand Duke and his wife had appeared, the voices of the guards grew louder.

Bjorn, who had been staring at the crowd like a cloud, stopped walking with a sigh of resignation.

“Bjorn?”

Erna, who had been leaning against him, tilted her head slightly. Bjorn's gaze, glancing back and forth between his wife's face and the crowded platform, gradually narrowed.

After a brief moment of reflection, Bjorn responded by embracing his wife. The gasps of the astonished onlookers soon turned into enthusiastic cheers.

Crazy kid.

With a self-deprecating chuckle, Bjorn strode briskly through the crowd, carrying his wife in his arms. He knew he was doing something that seemed completely out of his mind, but he didn't feel too bad about it. After all, the audience's expectation in the second act of this show was a madly in love Prince, so there was no reason not to fulfill that wish. And if Erna Dneister proved herself a beloved wife, it would be perfect.

The Prince loves his wife. No, he is crazy about her.

By the time the Prince, holding his wife like a treasure, stepped off the platform, the fact was a done deal.

A Prince freed from a curse thanks to a beautiful saint, falls in love with a fateful woman.

It was a moment when the fairy tale that their loved ones became even more beautiful.

***

The carriage, running at high speed, crossed the bridge of lights.

Erna turned her gaze from the rose-tinted Abbey River to look at Bjorn.

“I will decline such consideration in front of the people of the Grand Duke’s residence.”

As the dizzying memory of the train station flashed back, her cheeks flushed again. She was so flustered by this unexpected turn of events. She almost screamed and embarrassed herself. She can't deny that it made it easier to get off the platform.

“I want to go back to being a lady.”

Erna expressed her intentions in a slightly more resolute tone. Even if she now possessed dignity, it wouldn't erase her past mistakes, but today, more than ever, she wanted to be a perfect lady.

“Ah. Is that so?”

Bjorn, who had been looking at Erna with calm eyes, smiled faintly.

“Well, then, as my wife wills.”

Bjorn's nod was elegant, a stark contrast to his teasing, sly tone. It was a rather sly gesture, but Erna decided not to object.

Calm and elegant. Like a lady, anytime, anywhere.

While she was repeating that incantation, the carriage entered the driveway of Schwerin Palace.

***

“Welcome, Your Highness. And Your Royal Highness.”

As the door of the stopped carriage opened, Mrs. Fitz greeted us politely.

“On behalf of all the staff of Schwerin Palace, I extend a heartfelt welcome.”

In contrast to her reddened eyes, her attitude towards welcoming the returning hostess was flawless and elegant.

After exchanging a brief glance with Madame Fitz, Bjorn escorted Erna into the Grand Duke's residence. The Schwerin Palace servants, lined up on either side of the entrance hall, bowed their heads in unison toward the two.

Erna held her breath, feeling a little nervous.

As if sensing it, Bjorn firmly grabbed her hand. Erna's gaze deepened as she gazed up at him.

And so they lived happily ever after.

She now knows that such a perfect ending cannot exist. It will be painful and difficult at times. There will undoubtedly be moments when she sheds tears.

Still, she felt like she could be happy.

Erna conveyed her confidence with a bright smile. Then she turned her head again and looked ahead.

Into the world, dazzling with the lights of the gorgeous chandeliers, Erna began to walk with light, gentle steps.

A beautiful fate to love again, with her Prince.

- End -


Previous                    Next



Comments