“Give it all up. It seems Princess Marguerite is determined to get rid of Herod’s prodigal sons today.”
"It's all your fault, EL Poem. You cornered Miss Liberty that day, and Princess Marguerite's security has become tighter."
“You didn’t go?”
“...”
Noah, who was smoking a cigarette while leaning lazily on the sofa and looking up at the sky, heard the grumbling of the prodigal sons and laughed at them.
"You crazy kids. Stop talking nonsense and get out of here."
The Prince's nagging had been going on for more than a day or two, but the prodigal sons didn't seem to mind and instead came closer to him.
“Your Highness.”
Instead of answering, Noah let out a long breath. A wisp of cigarette smoke drifted into the cold autumn air.
“My aunt will be leaving for a distant land tomorrow. Wouldn’t it be my duty as a nephew to take her for a walk in the garden?”
“That's right. Take a cozy stroll through the autumn garden with your aunt.”
Noah, who was half-lying on the sofa, burst out laughing at those words. Then he answered with a laugh in his voice.
“My aunt sees no difference between you and me, so if I suggest a cozy walk, she’ll be the first to get swept away.”
Then, those surrounding him burst into raucous laughter. Noah watched their debaucherous laughter with a cold gaze, then stubbed out his half-smoked cigarette.
“And, Olivia Liberty is Astrid’s guest at least until this evening, so please behave yourself.”
Then the laughter of the prodigal sons suddenly died down.
Everyone knew that Noah didn't consider them friends. He simply tolerated them hanging around because he needed people who could laugh and have fun.
EL Poem straightened his posture politely and answered in a voice without a smile.
“Yes, I understand.”
Noah tilted his head back again, looked up at the sky, and gave a languid command.
“Everyone, go ahead. I want to be alone.”
It wasn't just the servants who avoided emotional interaction with Noah.
How could a Crown Prince and a Prince born in the same royal family be so different? The young men quickly turned and left the small garden between the mazes.
As the noisy crowd faded away, Noah smiled softly in satisfaction and relaxed a little more.
Beyond the crackling crackle of the firewood in the brazier, the sounds of the main garden could be heard. The dry, sweet scent of autumn roses lingered in his nostrils.
As Noah closed his eyes and enjoyed the seemingly isolated moment, a fleeting image of a flower bud flashed through his mind. And a dress soaked in sky blue.
Noah opened his eyes wide and shook his head, unconsciously recalling the white, straight collarbone and the plump line that flowed gracefully beneath it.
What on earth was my mother thinking when she put that dress on her?
Well, these days, what woman wouldn't wear something like that? There's no need to wear a white blouse buttoned all the way to the neck, even at this banquet.
“What does it matter?”
Tomorrow she'd be back. That meant tomorrow his hell would start all over again.
Noah took a deep breath and closed his eyes again.
To enjoy the last peace.
Margot watched Olivia through her adolescence. The sight of a fifteen-year-old girl from Herod, walking through the schoolyard clutching a leather bag half the size of her own body, was a rare sight, something you couldn't help but see.
Five years have passed since they've been living like that. She doesn't have any children, so she can't say she feels for Olivia like a child. But she thinks it's at least as strong as the feelings she has for her nieces and nephews.
So Margot turned on her eyes and looked around Olivia.
However, Margot's position prevented her from remaining by her side without rest until the end.
"Professor, just leave, do what you need to do. I'll let you know right away if anything comes up."
When the King summoned Margot, Olivia quickly added, "It seemed like they were meeting with the council members."
"Why are you calling me when I'm leaving tomorrow? Yes, stay a while. Go over there and get something to eat."
Margot shook her head slightly, as if displeased, then turned and walked away. Of course, she didn't forget to wink at the Queen's chief maid, who was nearby.
The Queen had already informed Olivia that she had placed a maid of honor on her person today.
As Margot moved away, Olivia turned around with a smile. It felt a bit excessive, but her concern and kindness were overwhelmingly welcome.
Where is she alone?
Olivia had already noticed the Queen's gaze directed at her from time to time.
And, there's no Noah Astrid. He entered the maze as soon as the banquet began and hasn't come out yet.
It was funny how she cared about him.
But, aside from that, Olivia was curious about the maze beyond the main garden. The maze garden at Herod's Palace was so famous that it even appeared in children's storybooks.
If not now, when?
Olivia gazed for a long time at the arches where the luscious grapes hung like wisteria blossoms.
What could be in that mysterious labyrinth, filled with the scent of fragrant roses?
But the reason she couldn't readily take action was that she knew what Margot was worried about.
“That woman, it looks like she wants to go in there and take a look.”
As Helena of the Lier family, who debuted this year, whispered softly, the young ladies gathered around her snorted and nodded.
Their gaze was not friendly at best.
It was truly unsightly to see a woman of the same status as the maids who served them, wearing a dress and raising her head as if she were some kind of person.
And that's not all?
Yes, they can understand why Princess Margot and the Queen are so concerned, as they are Astrid's guests.
However, they couldn't stand the fact that she was stealing the attention of all the socialites.
Why is a debut necessary?
Isn't it to find a good spouse?
In the Herod social climate, where a debutante must find a spouse within two years to secure a decent marriage, how crucial is this year? Won't another batch of debutantes steal the show next year?
It felt like a year had been wasted on a mere woman like that, so the young ladies' gazes couldn't have been kind.
At that moment, when Princess Marguerite, who had been by her side, disappeared, Isabelle Seymour, who had been watching the young masters, saw them slowly approaching her and spoke to her.
"She seems curious. How about taking her in? I think she'll like it. Just go in and bring her out when you feel like it."
At those words, Helena turned her head sharply and looked at Isabelle. Isabelle shrugged and nodded, and Helena and the young ladies looked at each other and nodded.
“Well, it would be a shame not to see Herod’s Labyrinth Garden.”
Helena smiled faintly and walked towards Olivia.
As Olivia, who had been looking at the arch of the maze with a regretful heart, turned her head at the sound of approaching people, Helena smiled even brighter.
“Hello, Miss Liberty?”
She was a small, cute, rabbit-like woman. Her gently slanted eyes always seemed to hold a smile, and her voice was light and refreshing, like a spring breeze.
They say there's nothing more foolish than judging someone by their appearance, but Olivia smiled in response to the calmness that emanated from her first impression.
"Hello."
Helena glanced at Archie and asked softly.
“Are you curious?”
Olivia didn't answer readily, but smiled vaguely. Helena gently grabbed Olivia's arm.
As Helena led Olivia forward, who was looking at her with wide eyes, the young ladies who had come closer also surrounded Olivia and pushed her forward little by little.
"We're going in now. Do you see how colorfully decorated the small open spaces scattered throughout the maze are? Come and join us."
But Olivia stood firm and didn't move easily.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'll go with Princess Marguerite. You may go in first."
At the unexpected rejection, the young lady who was on the right pressed Olivia with a slightly louder voice.
"It's the royal maze you're being asked to enter. Are you worried there might be something dangerous there? In Astrid's royal garden?"
“Oh, you think so? This is the royal garden.”
Olivia, embarrassed, quickly shook her head and denied it.
“No. That’s impossible.”
"Then why can't you come in with us? What are you so worried about?"
Even if only two people get together, it is easy to drive one person away.
Moreover, the moment the royal family is mentioned, not only Olivia but also other noble ladies would not be able to escape easily.
As Olivia was left speechless, the young ladies smiled sociably and linked arms with her as they headed into the maze together.
“Come on, Miss Liberty.”
“If anything happens, we will protect you.”
“Astrid’s garden is safe.”
Meanwhile, the maid who had been watching the scene quickly ran to the head maid. The head maid was lost in thought for a moment, looking at Olivia standing with the young ladies of prominent families. If it were the young masters, she would have rushed to fetch her immediately, but since they were young ladies...
“Oh, it looks like the young masters are trying to enter the maze too?”
At that moment, the head maid saw the young masters entering the maze right next to the entrance where Olivia had entered. "That's a different story!" She quickly pushed the maid's back.
“Come on, follow me. Don’t lose sight of Miss Liberty!”
"It's all your fault, EL Poem. You cornered Miss Liberty that day, and Princess Marguerite's security has become tighter."
“You didn’t go?”
“...”
Noah, who was smoking a cigarette while leaning lazily on the sofa and looking up at the sky, heard the grumbling of the prodigal sons and laughed at them.
"You crazy kids. Stop talking nonsense and get out of here."
The Prince's nagging had been going on for more than a day or two, but the prodigal sons didn't seem to mind and instead came closer to him.
“Your Highness.”
Instead of answering, Noah let out a long breath. A wisp of cigarette smoke drifted into the cold autumn air.
“My aunt will be leaving for a distant land tomorrow. Wouldn’t it be my duty as a nephew to take her for a walk in the garden?”
“That's right. Take a cozy stroll through the autumn garden with your aunt.”
Noah, who was half-lying on the sofa, burst out laughing at those words. Then he answered with a laugh in his voice.
“My aunt sees no difference between you and me, so if I suggest a cozy walk, she’ll be the first to get swept away.”
Then, those surrounding him burst into raucous laughter. Noah watched their debaucherous laughter with a cold gaze, then stubbed out his half-smoked cigarette.
“And, Olivia Liberty is Astrid’s guest at least until this evening, so please behave yourself.”
Then the laughter of the prodigal sons suddenly died down.
Everyone knew that Noah didn't consider them friends. He simply tolerated them hanging around because he needed people who could laugh and have fun.
EL Poem straightened his posture politely and answered in a voice without a smile.
“Yes, I understand.”
Noah tilted his head back again, looked up at the sky, and gave a languid command.
“Everyone, go ahead. I want to be alone.”
It wasn't just the servants who avoided emotional interaction with Noah.
How could a Crown Prince and a Prince born in the same royal family be so different? The young men quickly turned and left the small garden between the mazes.
As the noisy crowd faded away, Noah smiled softly in satisfaction and relaxed a little more.
Beyond the crackling crackle of the firewood in the brazier, the sounds of the main garden could be heard. The dry, sweet scent of autumn roses lingered in his nostrils.
As Noah closed his eyes and enjoyed the seemingly isolated moment, a fleeting image of a flower bud flashed through his mind. And a dress soaked in sky blue.
Noah opened his eyes wide and shook his head, unconsciously recalling the white, straight collarbone and the plump line that flowed gracefully beneath it.
What on earth was my mother thinking when she put that dress on her?
Well, these days, what woman wouldn't wear something like that? There's no need to wear a white blouse buttoned all the way to the neck, even at this banquet.
“What does it matter?”
Tomorrow she'd be back. That meant tomorrow his hell would start all over again.
Noah took a deep breath and closed his eyes again.
To enjoy the last peace.
***
Margot watched Olivia through her adolescence. The sight of a fifteen-year-old girl from Herod, walking through the schoolyard clutching a leather bag half the size of her own body, was a rare sight, something you couldn't help but see.
Five years have passed since they've been living like that. She doesn't have any children, so she can't say she feels for Olivia like a child. But she thinks it's at least as strong as the feelings she has for her nieces and nephews.
So Margot turned on her eyes and looked around Olivia.
However, Margot's position prevented her from remaining by her side without rest until the end.
"Professor, just leave, do what you need to do. I'll let you know right away if anything comes up."
When the King summoned Margot, Olivia quickly added, "It seemed like they were meeting with the council members."
"Why are you calling me when I'm leaving tomorrow? Yes, stay a while. Go over there and get something to eat."
Margot shook her head slightly, as if displeased, then turned and walked away. Of course, she didn't forget to wink at the Queen's chief maid, who was nearby.
The Queen had already informed Olivia that she had placed a maid of honor on her person today.
As Margot moved away, Olivia turned around with a smile. It felt a bit excessive, but her concern and kindness were overwhelmingly welcome.
Where is she alone?
Olivia had already noticed the Queen's gaze directed at her from time to time.
And, there's no Noah Astrid. He entered the maze as soon as the banquet began and hasn't come out yet.
It was funny how she cared about him.
But, aside from that, Olivia was curious about the maze beyond the main garden. The maze garden at Herod's Palace was so famous that it even appeared in children's storybooks.
If not now, when?
Olivia gazed for a long time at the arches where the luscious grapes hung like wisteria blossoms.
What could be in that mysterious labyrinth, filled with the scent of fragrant roses?
But the reason she couldn't readily take action was that she knew what Margot was worried about.
“That woman, it looks like she wants to go in there and take a look.”
As Helena of the Lier family, who debuted this year, whispered softly, the young ladies gathered around her snorted and nodded.
Their gaze was not friendly at best.
It was truly unsightly to see a woman of the same status as the maids who served them, wearing a dress and raising her head as if she were some kind of person.
And that's not all?
Yes, they can understand why Princess Margot and the Queen are so concerned, as they are Astrid's guests.
However, they couldn't stand the fact that she was stealing the attention of all the socialites.
Why is a debut necessary?
Isn't it to find a good spouse?
In the Herod social climate, where a debutante must find a spouse within two years to secure a decent marriage, how crucial is this year? Won't another batch of debutantes steal the show next year?
It felt like a year had been wasted on a mere woman like that, so the young ladies' gazes couldn't have been kind.
At that moment, when Princess Marguerite, who had been by her side, disappeared, Isabelle Seymour, who had been watching the young masters, saw them slowly approaching her and spoke to her.
"She seems curious. How about taking her in? I think she'll like it. Just go in and bring her out when you feel like it."
At those words, Helena turned her head sharply and looked at Isabelle. Isabelle shrugged and nodded, and Helena and the young ladies looked at each other and nodded.
“Well, it would be a shame not to see Herod’s Labyrinth Garden.”
Helena smiled faintly and walked towards Olivia.
As Olivia, who had been looking at the arch of the maze with a regretful heart, turned her head at the sound of approaching people, Helena smiled even brighter.
“Hello, Miss Liberty?”
She was a small, cute, rabbit-like woman. Her gently slanted eyes always seemed to hold a smile, and her voice was light and refreshing, like a spring breeze.
They say there's nothing more foolish than judging someone by their appearance, but Olivia smiled in response to the calmness that emanated from her first impression.
"Hello."
Helena glanced at Archie and asked softly.
“Are you curious?”
Olivia didn't answer readily, but smiled vaguely. Helena gently grabbed Olivia's arm.
As Helena led Olivia forward, who was looking at her with wide eyes, the young ladies who had come closer also surrounded Olivia and pushed her forward little by little.
"We're going in now. Do you see how colorfully decorated the small open spaces scattered throughout the maze are? Come and join us."
But Olivia stood firm and didn't move easily.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'll go with Princess Marguerite. You may go in first."
At the unexpected rejection, the young lady who was on the right pressed Olivia with a slightly louder voice.
"It's the royal maze you're being asked to enter. Are you worried there might be something dangerous there? In Astrid's royal garden?"
“Oh, you think so? This is the royal garden.”
Olivia, embarrassed, quickly shook her head and denied it.
“No. That’s impossible.”
"Then why can't you come in with us? What are you so worried about?"
Even if only two people get together, it is easy to drive one person away.
Moreover, the moment the royal family is mentioned, not only Olivia but also other noble ladies would not be able to escape easily.
As Olivia was left speechless, the young ladies smiled sociably and linked arms with her as they headed into the maze together.
“Come on, Miss Liberty.”
“If anything happens, we will protect you.”
“Astrid’s garden is safe.”
Meanwhile, the maid who had been watching the scene quickly ran to the head maid. The head maid was lost in thought for a moment, looking at Olivia standing with the young ladies of prominent families. If it were the young masters, she would have rushed to fetch her immediately, but since they were young ladies...
“Oh, it looks like the young masters are trying to enter the maze too?”
At that moment, the head maid saw the young masters entering the maze right next to the entrance where Olivia had entered. "That's a different story!" She quickly pushed the maid's back.
“Come on, follow me. Don’t lose sight of Miss Liberty!”
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