KTMD - Chapter 221

The more peaceful and happy your daily life is, the shorter the day feels and the faster time passes.

Winter had arrived in Munster, blanketing the city in white with snow. The surrounding snowy landscape was also magnificent. A large tree stood in the center of the square, and the trees along the streets were draped in tiny lights. Shops were decked out with Santa dolls, gift boxes, and other decorations, making the streets themselves sparkle with light. There was still no news of the baby. Diana decided not to fret. She didn't even bother to consult a doctor. She simply thought, as was typical of her, that if she waited patiently, it would come eventually.

Around the beginning of autumn last year, Noah had provided Diana with a beautiful villa with an artificial lake, where she could quietly paint. Diana decorated the interior like a gallery, enclosing portraits of her loved ones in gold frames. While it was a place for solitude and reflection, she had resolved to spend more time socializing.

Diana began inviting people to her villa to teach them how to draw. After each drawing lesson, they would enjoy tea and dessert, a social time. It was both a learning experience under Princess Medea and an elegant social activity, so even those with no interest in drawing were eager to be invited for networking. Unlike the high society of the Guiana continent, Munster's society had no debutantes, and men and women mingled freely, without restrictions on location or subject. Occasionally, Noah would bring officers and non-commissioned officers with talent for drawing to the lessons.

“Lieutenant, did you draw a turtle?”

“No. It’s a K-350 tank.”

At Noah's question, one of the officers who was busy coloring with a crayon made an embarrassed face.

“You came all the way here to draw something like that?”

“I will correct it.”

He quickly took out a blank sheet of paper and spread it out on the desk.

Diana, who had discovered the poor soldier who was oppressed by authority and unable to draw what he wanted, quickly intervened and waved his hand.

“It’s a free topic, so whatever you draw doesn’t matter. You draw quickly, too.”

“I’m done, pretty teacher. I drew you.”

He lifted the paper with a proud expression. Diana looked at the drawing with bleary eyes.

There were things even that great husband couldn't do.

“Is this a democracy?!”

“It’s the same.”

It was roughly similar to the drawing the boy in front of her had drawn. The women who saw the drawing laughed like chirping birds. The soldiers gritted their teeth, unable to laugh at the sight of their commander's drawing.

“I drew a Princess too.”

A little lady in a red coat flashed a painting, showing it off. She was a beautiful girl with blonde hair tied into pigtails. Diana's expression softened as she saw herself in the painting, wearing a crown and a pink dress.

"Me? You drew me really well, Ellis. And the dress is pretty too."

"The Princess was the prettiest in the ballroom, so the fairies cast a blessing spell on her. Do you see the fairies here?"

“Wow, what a blessing!”

“It’s the magic of eternal happiness.”

A child named Ellis spread her arms and smiled brightly. Diana, though outwardly calm, couldn't help but find it adorable. Her flushed cheeks were proof. Noah, who was resting his chin on his hand and spinning his pencil, spoke.

“Draw me next to you. And give me a blessing.”

Ellis tilted her head as she observed Noah's military uniform.

“The clothes look so complicated. There’s so much on them.”

“Then put on the dress you drew well.”

“No. How about a suit?”

"Good."

The child grabbed a crayon and began drawing Noah on the table next to her. She carefully considered which colors to use and gazed intently at his hair color.

“Do you remember what your father wore to the Thanksgiving party?”

“Yes, Mother. I can do it.”

Ellis nodded as her mother, Councillor Cheshire, offered her advice. Noah rested his chin on Ellis's hand, holding a blue crayon. The girl stared intently at his face, then suddenly offered him a compliment.

“Your eyes are pretty.”

"Thank you."

“Your face is pretty, too.”

"I know."

“I’ve never seen such a pretty soldier before. I’ve seen pretty soldier sisters, though.”

Noah nodded to the noncommissioned officer sitting on his left.

"This man is handsome, too. Look, his beard is so beautiful. It's the kind of beard that men envy."

"Uh..."

Ellis rolled her eyes and avoided answering. The sergeant, a large man with auburn hair and a bushy beard of the same color, had a grim expression on his face.

Diana, who was sketching in her croquis book, glanced at him and wondered if he might be a descendant of a Viking.

Ellis, her face flushed red as if she had finished drawing, pulled on Noah's sleeve.

“I finished drawing it.”

“Am I the one with dragonfly wings?”

"It's a fairy. It was just born from a flower to bestow its magic upon you, Commander."

Noah rubbed his chin with interest.

“You assign one to each person.”

As Ellis explained his work, Councillor Cheshire smiled kindly at Diana.

"Thank you for inviting me to your Christmas and birthday party. It's an honor. This is the first party you've hosted since coming to Munster, so everyone is very excited."

“Just think of it as a dinner party and come without any pressure, Councillor Cheshire.”

A young nobleman sitting nearby suddenly intervened.

“I thought you were going to Medea to see Her Majesty the Queen on Christmas Day.”

The young man's words, interrupted out of context, brought everyone to a standstill, and the air around them became chilling. A look of bewilderment was etched on Councillor Cheshire's face. The fact that Medea's only heir had married a man of a foreign race and fallen out with the Queen, and thus ended up here, was a well-known fact in Munster society. Mentioning Queen Grace II in front of Diana was an unspoken taboo. The man who had broken the taboo lifted his chin with a natural expression, his face trembling with embarrassment. He was a businessman from a prominent noble family in a foreign land who had come to Munster for business.

“Why is everyone like that? Of course, since the Queen is your mother...”

“Ah! Mr. Verus. The tart is baked very well!”

A nearby official hurriedly tried to cover his lips in fear.

But the man called Mr. Verus didn't care and spoke without hesitation.

"I, too, often argued with my mother. Why don't you take this opportunity to reconcile? Your parents, children, and family. If it's difficult, I'll help you. In fact, if I were the Princess's husband, I wouldn't have allowed the relationship between mother and daughter to be severed."

Noah's eyes shot up fiercely, his patience reaching its limit. Diana patted the back of Noah's hand as if to dissuade him, but didn't respond. She sat up straight, drawing, not even glancing at him. Ellis, too, stopped chattering, watching the adults' reactions. The only sound was the suffocating silence, the sound of pencils scraping. Everyone was agonizing over how to dissuade this absurd and arrogant nobleman. The official who introduced him, in particular, had a pale complexion.

“I drew my husband.”

Diana held up the drawing with an utterly expressionless face and showed it to the crowd. Everyone who saw Noah in his uniform in the croquis book looked around and let out exclamations of admiration.

"It's truly wonderful. The Commander's dazzling beauty is captured perfectly."

“You capture the unique atmosphere so well. As expected, you are our teacher.”

The man, feeling like he'd been ignored, made a face of discomfort. His tone was gruff, perhaps a little angry.

"Did I say something I shouldn't have? I heard this country doesn't suppress freedom of opinion or speech. There's no caste system, and everyone is equal. I just wanted to help."

"Mr. Isaac Verus, what kind of attitude is this? I don't know what the social scene in your country is like, but in Munster, social circles value respect for one another's opinions while maintaining a refined etiquette. Offensive language is not freedom; it's rudeness. The same goes for unsolicited help."

Finally, Councillor Cheshire stepped forward and reprimanded him. Noah was staring intently at Diana's painting.

“It seems like there’s nothing my teacher can’t do.”

“The only thing I can do better than you, disciple.”

The two of them seemed completely unconcerned.

Isaac Verus, a man boasting of high-ranking aristocracy, likely entered Munster society for business. He clearly wanted to attract attention by displaying the confidence and courage to speak the truth to the Princess. Human nature is diverse, and some are childishly jealous of attention and those who try to exploit the reaction by provoking others. But none of them was Diana's match. They completely ignored him, refusing to pay attention. It was the best response to those who sought attention. It was only after some time that Diana finally looked at the man who kept spouting out nonsense.

"Let's wrap this up. Thank you all for your hard work. And Isaac Verus, you don't have to attend next time."

"I see you were offended by what I said. You even told me to ignore you and not come. You don't have an outdated sense of authority, do you?"

"No. I simply decided it would be better for us not see each other because we didn't seem to be compatible. You should ignore me and stop inviting me to social events. As long as you don't spread useless rumors or articles, there won't be any disadvantages. Isn't that fair?"

Isaac's shoulders hunched under Diana's cold gaze. She added dryly.

"I'm telling you to be careful what you say. I heard you sold my name to attract investors. This time, were you planning to offend me, distort and exaggerate my words, and then report them to the newspapers? To gain public sympathy. I'm not tolerant enough to tolerate someone who spouts off other people's stories for attention."

“I think you misunderstood. Absolutely not.”

He scrambled to his feet, a look of shock on his face. Noah rested his chin on his hand, the corners of his mouth twitching upward. A chilling, suddenly lowered voice followed.

"This is a challenge to my wife, who, as a businesswoman, caused the collapse of every Frogen military company. You must be confident in your ability to influence public opinion."

“Huh? What do you mean?”

"You're running a business, and you don't even know that kind of information? You might as well just quit early."

Isaac looked flustered, as if he hadn't noticed anything. Noah's brow furrowed darkly.

"If you want to challenge my wife, you'll have to surpass me first. I don't care about men."

“I apologize for any inconvenience. I will be going now.”

His face paled, and he hurriedly packed his things and left. A cold silence spread from where he had left. Despite her usually cold demeanor, Diana was always friendly to everyone. Those who witnessed her other side struggled to find the words to say. Diana smiled kindly at them.

"The theme for this assignment is 'The One You Love.' Feel free to draw any postcard, any size, any medium. The deadline is the Christmas party. I plan to decorate the tree with your drawings. After the party, I'll return them to you in a pretty frame."

Only then did people who had been holding their breath begin to applaud and laugh. They added comments like, "It's romantic," or "It's a good idea."

“I already finished my homework. I drew a picture of someone I love.”

Noah proudly waved a picture he had drawn with one hand, which he was very bad at.

***

The day of Diana's birthday party, which was also a Christmas party, approached. Molly, the housekeeper, was busy running around, checking the gardens and interior of the mansion, repeatedly checking the invitation list. A long table was set up in the spacious living room that would serve as the banquet hall, and a large tree was erected beside it, ready to hold the Epiphany decorations. A large Santa doll, sent by the Chelsea family's doll company, was placed by the fireplace, and a charming garland was hung on the wall. Ayla and Renier, who ran a shop selling baby clothes and knitwear, also sent Cynthia a snowflake-shaped tatting lace.

“Molly, thank you for your hard work.”

Molly chuckled, straightening her sleeves as Diana encouraged her by hanging fairy lights on the tree.

“Master Rotsilt even gave me a ride, so of course I should.”

The title changed from Mr. Rotsilt to Master. Molly, who recently received a fancy off-road vehicle, is always smiling brightly as she completes her assigned tasks.

"Is that what financial therapy is?" Diana hesitated, then handed Molly a small box.

“Well, it’s a small gift compared to a car.”

“Thank you. I’m curious, so can I open it?”

“Yes, open it.”

Molly's gray eyes widened as she opened the box.

It was a cross-shaped medal of honor that only those who had received the Order of Merit could wear. The Queen and the heir to the throne can bestow knighthoods and hereditary honorary titles on loyal subjects.

“You’re giving me a title?”

"Yes. From now on, you will be Baroness Molly Delphine. I brought your appointment letter, trophy, and medal today."

“A title... a trophy for meritorious service? This is an excessive gift.”

"I know you've worked hard behind the scenes. Vincent also received a title."

Diana, worried that she and her future children would face discrimination as a Frogen, gave Molly a badge of loyalty to the Medea royal family. She absentmindedly fiddled with the medal, perhaps touched by the profound consideration.

“Thank you so much, so much... I don’t know how to express my gratitude.”

She stuttered, her face looking ready to burst into tears, and turned around. Noah, who had just returned from his outing, was staring at Molly, her shoulders shaking. He quickly grasped the situation, took off his classic coat, and chuckled.

“At this rate, everyone in the world might become nobles.”

“But it doesn’t matter, right? They’re all precious people.”

Diana patted Molly's back soothingly. Molly, who had turned away and covered her face, exclaimed, "Thank you! I have to check on the turkey!" and left in a hurry.

As evening fell, party preparations were finally complete, and guests bearing gifts began to arrive one by one. Diana greeted Johanna, who arrived with her husband, Logan, with a warm smile.

"It's been a while since we last saw each other, Johanna. Are you enjoying your married life?"

“Of course. I started studying. I’m planning to go to college.”

“That’s great. I hate studying.”

“I heard you have a welcome guest, Princess.”

Johanna smiled and pointed toward the front door. Diana was startled to see the people walking in that direction. They were unexpected guests. Daniel and Mabel, standing next to the Duke of Hessen, laughed heartily, holding gift boxes.

“Princess, this is a surprise gift, isn’t it? Happy birthday.”

“I’m really surprised. You didn’t attend the royal party?”

The Duke of Hessen answered Diana's question with joy and surprise.

"Yes. Commander Rotsilt sent an invitation, and the Queen urged us to attend the Princess's party. Of course, we wanted to come too."

"So Mabel came too! Grandma and Grandpa sent a present too!"

Mabel, her black hair styled into a bun and wearing a red ribbon, shouted cheerfully.

Ellis, the daughter of the Cheshire council member who arrived soon after, looked at the children sitting on either side of Diana with a sad expression.

“I should have come sooner... I wanted to sit next to the Princess.”

“Instead, ask the Princess to dance first. Is that okay?”

Councillor Cheshire's husband gently comforted Ellis.

Noah also looked on sadly at the sight of Daniel, Mabel, and Diana being taken over by the left and right.

“I am a husband.”

Vincent, who was staying in another state on business and attending the party, nodded to the person sitting next to him.

“Jace and I will sit on either side of you.”

“I don’t like it. It’s dull.”

"Why does it feel so dreary to sit with such stylish men on either side of you? It must look cool. Let's talk about something profitable together."

Jace, wearing a monocle, raised his wine glass and smiled wryly. Noah made a reluctant face.

“I guess your brother isn’t here.”

"Jeffrey? He's in the tropics right now. He asked me to deliver a gift."

“You take it. I don’t need it.”

“What am I going to do with the dress?”

“You wear it. And I don’t want to sit with you.”

Ellis walked towards Noah, who had a really disgusted expression on his face.

“Commander, how about sitting across from the Princess and me?”

As Noah nodded to Ellis's suggestion, who had shaken off her frustration in a short time, Jace made a regretful face.

“Oh, dear. How dare you lose me, Lady Rotsilt, the most refined gentleman in Munster?”

“I can’t sit with you because I don’t like your tie.”

A cautious voice was heard next to Noah, who had turned around without hesitation and sat down in another seat.

“I’m sorry I’m late, Princess, Commander.”

Ayla and Renier were holding Michael, who had grown so much in the blink of an eye. Diana, with a cheerful expression, jumped up to greet them.

"It's okay. It must have been hard to come because of the heavy snow. Michael, you've grown so much. Oh my, you're heavy."

Michael, who was hugging Diana, laughed loudly as he pulled on the brooch on her chest.

Gift boxes piled up in front of the tree, and those who had been given homework hung postcards with pictures of their loved ones on the tree, which reached the ceiling. Noah's drawing of Diana hung highest. Snowflakes fell outside the dark window, and a soft blanket of snow covered the windowsill. The orchestra's music added to the warm Christmas atmosphere. Diana, who hadn't been drinking alcohol due to plans for a baby, thought a glass of wine would be nice after a long time, so she raised her wine glass. As she held the glass, Boaz barked. She thought it strange, since he rarely barked in a place like this, until Boaz rested his muzzle on Diana's lap, sniffed, and looked up at her pleadingly. A whimper erupted from the back of his fluffy neck.

"What's the matter?"

When she picked up her wine glass again, it barked loudly, as if to warn her not to drink. Diana put the glass down and licked her lips.

“Yes. I won’t drink it.”

They were enjoying a delightful dinner filled with wine, music, and a feast. Diana's expression softened as she savored the cinnamon apple pie, made by a renowned pastry chef. Noah, facing her, noticed the change in her expression and was about to say something.

“Ugh. Why is it so disgusting?”

Could this be an assassination attempt? Diana, feeling her stomach turn, covered her mouth and frowned. The pastry chef attending the party, flustered, cut into the pie he'd made and took a bite. He tasted perfectly fine. The surroundings stirred. There were also suspicions that it might be poisoned. Noah, having tasted the pie, covered his mouth and raised his eyebrows seriously.

"Is this the skill of a master? It's not sweet, but delicious."

“I thought it was delicious too... No way.”

It was Ayla's surprised voice. Everyone's eyes were fixed on Diana. Diana, her face pale, stared down at the pie plate with bewildered eyes. Why did everyone say it was delicious except me? The mere smell of cinnamon made her feel unbearably nauseous, so she pushed the plate away and rinsed her mouth with orange juice.

“No... Is it just me who has a weird sense of taste?”

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