Episode 16. Noah's Peace
Even in Herod's palace, discrimination existed. The very existence of the palace was tantamount to discrimination.
The King had scheduled numerous events against her will, and in fact, even this dress had been given to Olivia against her will.
But, still.
Why, at this very moment, does she feel like she's stepped into a masterpiece called 'Comfort and Love'?
Yes. It must be because a noble Queen is speaking affectionately to her, who is wearing a dress that makes her look like a noble lady.
Olivia glanced at herself in the mirror.
Still, she thought, why not just let myself feel foolish for a day or so? No, actually, she thinks she felt that way for several days at Herod's Palace.
The King who never spared his praise as if she were anything, the Queen who was affectionate and meticulous in taking care of her, the Prince who always extended a hand, even though it was just a matter of courtesy, the cute Princess and Crown Prince who smiled sweetly.
The few days in Herod were truly happy.
It's such a shame that today is the last day.
Margot stood in a corner, quietly observing Olivia. Olivia blushed, but she gently stroked the hem of her beautiful skirt, examining herself in the mirror.
'Still, I don't think her time at Herod's palace was all that bad.'
Olivia, who always smiled and concealed her true feelings, finally looked her age. Seeing Olivia like that seemed like the first time she'd seen her. Margot watched her shy smile for a long time.
Beatrix asked Olivia to meet Lucy briefly, then headed to the maze garden, where preparations for the banquet were in full swing.
Herod's Palace had dozens of large and small gardens, and among them, the Labyrinth Garden was a garden that was like a symbol of Herod's Palace.
Dozens of small open spaces were hidden among the maze of neatly arranged autumn rose bushes.
It was a long-standing custom in Herodian society to hold a party in the Maze Garden within a week of the autumn banquet.
At the entrance to the garden, branches laden with ripe fruit were arranged in vases, creating a pleasant avenue, and in the main garden, soft and comfortable sofas were provided for the ladies to sit and chat.
Braziers were placed here and there to ward off the cold, and lanterns to light the darkness were waiting to burn on elegant rose-vine-shaped candlesticks.
And behind the main garden, the entrances to the labyrinths gaped open like a circle, each adorned with an arch crafted with orchard branches and lanterns. Unable to explore the entire expanse of the labyrinth garden, the Queen set foot only on the nearest maze.
The Queen, who was looking with satisfaction at the luscious roses that contained the gardener's soul, said to the chief maid who was following her.
“You must never take your eyes off Olivia Liberty today.”
The Queen stopped and looked back at the head maid, thinking of Olivia in a blue dress.
"You should have a list of those who pressured Miss Liberty at the last banquet. If they approach her or try to lead her into the maze, use my excuse to intervene and escort her out. And if she tries to enter the maze garden alone, make sure to have someone accompany her."
“I understand. But... if that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better to warn Miss Liberty and have her stay in the main garden?”
At the head maid's words, the Queen turned and gazed intently at the beautiful maze. The breeze that blew past her, nestled among the blooming autumn roses, was truly sweet. As night fell, the lights of the lanterns lining the grounds would add to the mystical and dreamlike atmosphere.
“Can we not let the prodigal son’s debauchery be blind to this beauty?”
The maid followed the Queen and looked at the maze where autumn had descended, then slowly nodded.
“I see. I’ll look into it carefully.”
“Please.”
Beatrix patted the head maid's shoulder affectionately and then walked away.
Whether others were preparing a maze garden party or not, whether the royal guests would return tomorrow or not, Noah spent today just like yesterday.
In the morning, he went to work at the Navy Residence and did his job as an officer, and around noon, he started working for the Norfolk Investment Company.
Meson handed over the documents to be signed with one hand, while flipping through reference materials with the other.
"Increasing your investment in Wilhelm seems like a truly excellent choice. No country in Norfolk hasn't signed a Magic Dome contract. Porcelain, which held out until the very end, has announced plans to install a Magic Dome this winter. The price per share has risen by 10% compared to last week."
Noah nodded, eyebrows raised. As he carefully read the documents he had to sign, Meson continued, handing him another document.
"The documents related to Wilhelm's Magic Dome just arrived from Pulder. Apparently, a joint patent application has been filed for the Magic Dome."
“Joint patent?”
As Noah, who had just finished signing, looked up, Meson carefully placed the signed document into the file.
"Ansen Wilhelm and a man named Oliver are joint patent holders. Since it's just Oliver, without a surname, I checked the list of Wilhelm's internal executives and researchers. But it's not there. Strange, isn't it?"
Noah, who had been quietly watching Meson tilt his head and pout, shrugged and turned his gaze back to the documents.
"What matters is that Ansen Wilhelm manages the business well so that my investment returns in larger amounts. There's no reason or need to find out who Oliver is."
“That’s true.”
Noah finished signing the last document and stood up. He picked up the jacket he'd left hanging carelessly on the chair with one hand and neatly buttoned the collar.
“Are you going to the palace now?”
As Noah nodded dryly, Meson sighed and muttered.
"Miss Liberty, today is her last day at Herod. It's a shame, it was nice seeing her face in the papers for a while."
“She probably doesn’t even know who you are, so what’s the big deal?”
“You are so cruel.”
Noah shrugged, as if incredulous, and left the company office with long strides. He walked briskly, wearing black gloves, and looked as if he'd spent hours meticulously grooming himself.
As the Prince boarded the carriage waiting in front of the company, the carriage moved smoothly and powerfully towards Herod's Palace.
As Noah watched the passing scenery indifferently, Meson's words suddenly came to mind.
“It’s a shame...”
People really have nothing better to do. Why are they all so excited? She hasn't contributed to the family's finances, nor is she a war hero.
Noah glanced at the newspaper that was always on the wagon and picked it up.
Today, too, the front page was occupied by Olivia. It seems she even attended a library event yesterday.
He looked at Olivia's face for a long time, her eyes wide and her smile bright.
It's a pity.
“If you feel sorry, I will feel sorry.”
Noah put the newspaper aside and turned his head out the window.
Because while Olivia was trying to please the King, Noah Astrid was quite comfortable.
"Liv, please write to me. Ues? I'll write to you too!"
When the maids told Olivia that she should return and dress up, Princess Lucy burst into tears and clung to Olivia's skirt. The sight of the girl sobbing, tears streaming down her large eyes, was so heartbreaking that Olivia carefully held Lucy in her arms.
"Don't cry, Princess. I'll come back again. I'll write you lots of letters, too."
“Ohhhhhhhh, it’s a must, it’s a must. Ohhhhhh.”
Madame Lehmann, who wondered how lonely the young Princess must have been in the palace, also shed tears.
Lucy hugged Olivia tightly around the neck, refusing to let go. Then, as if remembering something, she ran off somewhere. Then she opened a pretty jewelry box and retrieved the flower pin she'd worn in her hair a few days ago when they went on a picnic together.
“This is my gift. Heuk, take it, Liv.”
The pink flower pin resting on her small, plump hand was truly lovely. Olivia carefully took it and tilted her eyes.
“What should I give the Princess as a gift...?”
Even if she had something, she had nothing she could dare give to the Princess. When Olivia hesitated, Madame Lehmann, who was nearby, cautiously made a suggestion.
“It’s okay if you give Her Highness the headband you’re wearing.”
“This isn’t that precious...”
"How can I give you that old thing I've always worn?" Olivia hesitated, embarrassed, and Madame Lehmann winked.
“I like anything that Liv gives me!”
As even the Princess said that with shining eyes, Olivia finally took off the lime green hairband she was wearing and handed it to Lucy.
“I’m sorry, Princess. This is so insignificant compared to the gift you gave me.”
“Thank you, Liv! I’ll treasure it!”
"Yes, then, Miss Liberty. You may go now."
Olivia, who was trying to comfort Lucy, who burst into tears again, had to leave the Princess's room due to the maids' urging.
“We have to go quickly. Walk a little faster.”
"Sorry."
Meanwhile, Jane, who had been waiting for Olivia, checking her watch as much as she could, started getting dressed as soon as she arrived.
The makeup started with putting on a dress.
She applied a thin layer of fine powder onto her delicate skin, which she had never worn makeup before, and lovingly shaped the dark corners of her eyes.
Her thick black hair, which was always tied up lightly, was left loose with oil applied, and she wore neat and pure pearl earrings in her ears.
“I want to go with this flower pin, is that okay?”
When Olivia, who had been quietly surrendering herself, pointed to the Princess's gift that had been carefully placed on one side, Jane looked back and forth between the flower pin and the dress.
A flower blooming in a garden full of roses.
Jane nodded readily.
“It would suit you.”
Then, she carefully secured the right side of her hair behind her ear and attached a flower pin. One side of her hair fell like a waterfall, while the other side, pinned back, revealed her ear, a look that complemented the dress perfectly.
Jane studied Olivia from a distance, like an artist observing a work of art.
Even in Herod's palace, discrimination existed. The very existence of the palace was tantamount to discrimination.
The King had scheduled numerous events against her will, and in fact, even this dress had been given to Olivia against her will.
But, still.
Why, at this very moment, does she feel like she's stepped into a masterpiece called 'Comfort and Love'?
Yes. It must be because a noble Queen is speaking affectionately to her, who is wearing a dress that makes her look like a noble lady.
Olivia glanced at herself in the mirror.
Still, she thought, why not just let myself feel foolish for a day or so? No, actually, she thinks she felt that way for several days at Herod's Palace.
The King who never spared his praise as if she were anything, the Queen who was affectionate and meticulous in taking care of her, the Prince who always extended a hand, even though it was just a matter of courtesy, the cute Princess and Crown Prince who smiled sweetly.
The few days in Herod were truly happy.
It's such a shame that today is the last day.
To the point where she couldn't even think of Puldar, who had always worried about Grandma, and had to grit her teeth to endure alone.
'Still, I don't think her time at Herod's palace was all that bad.'
Olivia, who always smiled and concealed her true feelings, finally looked her age. Seeing Olivia like that seemed like the first time she'd seen her. Margot watched her shy smile for a long time.
Beatrix asked Olivia to meet Lucy briefly, then headed to the maze garden, where preparations for the banquet were in full swing.
Herod's Palace had dozens of large and small gardens, and among them, the Labyrinth Garden was a garden that was like a symbol of Herod's Palace.
Dozens of small open spaces were hidden among the maze of neatly arranged autumn rose bushes.
It was a long-standing custom in Herodian society to hold a party in the Maze Garden within a week of the autumn banquet.
At the entrance to the garden, branches laden with ripe fruit were arranged in vases, creating a pleasant avenue, and in the main garden, soft and comfortable sofas were provided for the ladies to sit and chat.
Braziers were placed here and there to ward off the cold, and lanterns to light the darkness were waiting to burn on elegant rose-vine-shaped candlesticks.
And behind the main garden, the entrances to the labyrinths gaped open like a circle, each adorned with an arch crafted with orchard branches and lanterns. Unable to explore the entire expanse of the labyrinth garden, the Queen set foot only on the nearest maze.
The Queen, who was looking with satisfaction at the luscious roses that contained the gardener's soul, said to the chief maid who was following her.
“You must never take your eyes off Olivia Liberty today.”
The Queen stopped and looked back at the head maid, thinking of Olivia in a blue dress.
"You should have a list of those who pressured Miss Liberty at the last banquet. If they approach her or try to lead her into the maze, use my excuse to intervene and escort her out. And if she tries to enter the maze garden alone, make sure to have someone accompany her."
“I understand. But... if that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better to warn Miss Liberty and have her stay in the main garden?”
At the head maid's words, the Queen turned and gazed intently at the beautiful maze. The breeze that blew past her, nestled among the blooming autumn roses, was truly sweet. As night fell, the lights of the lanterns lining the grounds would add to the mystical and dreamlike atmosphere.
“Can we not let the prodigal son’s debauchery be blind to this beauty?”
The maid followed the Queen and looked at the maze where autumn had descended, then slowly nodded.
“I see. I’ll look into it carefully.”
“Please.”
Beatrix patted the head maid's shoulder affectionately and then walked away.
***
Whether others were preparing a maze garden party or not, whether the royal guests would return tomorrow or not, Noah spent today just like yesterday.
In the morning, he went to work at the Navy Residence and did his job as an officer, and around noon, he started working for the Norfolk Investment Company.
Meson handed over the documents to be signed with one hand, while flipping through reference materials with the other.
"Increasing your investment in Wilhelm seems like a truly excellent choice. No country in Norfolk hasn't signed a Magic Dome contract. Porcelain, which held out until the very end, has announced plans to install a Magic Dome this winter. The price per share has risen by 10% compared to last week."
Noah nodded, eyebrows raised. As he carefully read the documents he had to sign, Meson continued, handing him another document.
"The documents related to Wilhelm's Magic Dome just arrived from Pulder. Apparently, a joint patent application has been filed for the Magic Dome."
“Joint patent?”
As Noah, who had just finished signing, looked up, Meson carefully placed the signed document into the file.
"Ansen Wilhelm and a man named Oliver are joint patent holders. Since it's just Oliver, without a surname, I checked the list of Wilhelm's internal executives and researchers. But it's not there. Strange, isn't it?"
Noah, who had been quietly watching Meson tilt his head and pout, shrugged and turned his gaze back to the documents.
"What matters is that Ansen Wilhelm manages the business well so that my investment returns in larger amounts. There's no reason or need to find out who Oliver is."
“That’s true.”
Noah finished signing the last document and stood up. He picked up the jacket he'd left hanging carelessly on the chair with one hand and neatly buttoned the collar.
“Are you going to the palace now?”
As Noah nodded dryly, Meson sighed and muttered.
"Miss Liberty, today is her last day at Herod. It's a shame, it was nice seeing her face in the papers for a while."
“She probably doesn’t even know who you are, so what’s the big deal?”
“You are so cruel.”
Noah shrugged, as if incredulous, and left the company office with long strides. He walked briskly, wearing black gloves, and looked as if he'd spent hours meticulously grooming himself.
As the Prince boarded the carriage waiting in front of the company, the carriage moved smoothly and powerfully towards Herod's Palace.
As Noah watched the passing scenery indifferently, Meson's words suddenly came to mind.
“It’s a shame...”
People really have nothing better to do. Why are they all so excited? She hasn't contributed to the family's finances, nor is she a war hero.
Noah glanced at the newspaper that was always on the wagon and picked it up.
Today, too, the front page was occupied by Olivia. It seems she even attended a library event yesterday.
He looked at Olivia's face for a long time, her eyes wide and her smile bright.
It's a pity.
“If you feel sorry, I will feel sorry.”
Noah put the newspaper aside and turned his head out the window.
Because while Olivia was trying to please the King, Noah Astrid was quite comfortable.
"Liv, please write to me. Ues? I'll write to you too!"
When the maids told Olivia that she should return and dress up, Princess Lucy burst into tears and clung to Olivia's skirt. The sight of the girl sobbing, tears streaming down her large eyes, was so heartbreaking that Olivia carefully held Lucy in her arms.
"Don't cry, Princess. I'll come back again. I'll write you lots of letters, too."
“Ohhhhhhhh, it’s a must, it’s a must. Ohhhhhh.”
Madame Lehmann, who wondered how lonely the young Princess must have been in the palace, also shed tears.
Lucy hugged Olivia tightly around the neck, refusing to let go. Then, as if remembering something, she ran off somewhere. Then she opened a pretty jewelry box and retrieved the flower pin she'd worn in her hair a few days ago when they went on a picnic together.
“This is my gift. Heuk, take it, Liv.”
The pink flower pin resting on her small, plump hand was truly lovely. Olivia carefully took it and tilted her eyes.
“What should I give the Princess as a gift...?”
Even if she had something, she had nothing she could dare give to the Princess. When Olivia hesitated, Madame Lehmann, who was nearby, cautiously made a suggestion.
“It’s okay if you give Her Highness the headband you’re wearing.”
“This isn’t that precious...”
"How can I give you that old thing I've always worn?" Olivia hesitated, embarrassed, and Madame Lehmann winked.
“I like anything that Liv gives me!”
As even the Princess said that with shining eyes, Olivia finally took off the lime green hairband she was wearing and handed it to Lucy.
“I’m sorry, Princess. This is so insignificant compared to the gift you gave me.”
“Thank you, Liv! I’ll treasure it!”
"Yes, then, Miss Liberty. You may go now."
Olivia, who was trying to comfort Lucy, who burst into tears again, had to leave the Princess's room due to the maids' urging.
“We have to go quickly. Walk a little faster.”
"Sorry."
Meanwhile, Jane, who had been waiting for Olivia, checking her watch as much as she could, started getting dressed as soon as she arrived.
The makeup started with putting on a dress.
She applied a thin layer of fine powder onto her delicate skin, which she had never worn makeup before, and lovingly shaped the dark corners of her eyes.
Her thick black hair, which was always tied up lightly, was left loose with oil applied, and she wore neat and pure pearl earrings in her ears.
“I want to go with this flower pin, is that okay?”
When Olivia, who had been quietly surrendering herself, pointed to the Princess's gift that had been carefully placed on one side, Jane looked back and forth between the flower pin and the dress.
A flower blooming in a garden full of roses.
Jane nodded readily.
“It would suit you.”
Then, she carefully secured the right side of her hair behind her ear and attached a flower pin. One side of her hair fell like a waterfall, while the other side, pinned back, revealed her ear, a look that complemented the dress perfectly.
Jane studied Olivia from a distance, like an artist observing a work of art.
Comments
Post a Comment