Episode 68. The Prince Faithful to His Duty
While Olivia was busy with her education, Noah was busy with issues related to the title and property he would inherit upon marriage.
The document signed with the royal family was merely the prelude to a grand process. It was so intense that he even agreed with Walter's words, "I was so sick of signing those damned documents that I wanted to give up on the marriage."
Anyway, after that long and tedious process, Noah inherited the fertile plains of West Rosemond as well as the Hamuel Mansion near the capital.
In the meantime, there was a lot to do, such as fitting wedding dresses.
While putting on the finished garment and checking for any discomfort, Noah asked Meson, who was waiting.
“So, no contact from Wilhelm?”
“Yes, not yet.”
Noah remained silent at Meson's answer, then unbuttoned his jacket.
“There’s nothing uncomfortable. Let’s proceed as is.”
As the designer in charge quickly accepted the jacket and bowed politely, Noah went beyond the partition, changed his clothes, and came out.
He sat down on the sofa and laughed, having bitten all the people who were serving him.
“So, you’re saying you can’t admit your flaws?”
Despite his busy schedule, Noah drafted and sent a document to Wilhelm regarding the defects in the ship-type Magic Dome. It was only natural that he had to explain why he had to disassemble the Magic Dome itself.
"It won't be easy to admit. The moment he does, he'll be inundated with maintenance requests."
At Meson's words, Noah sighed in annoyance.
"Yes, I understand. Let me know as soon as you get any news."
“Yes, Your Highness.”
At that time, the Queen came to see Noah.
After exchanging a friendly greeting with Maison, whom she hadn't seen in a long time, Beatrix turned to her son and asked him.
“Noah, do you have a minute?”
Noah tilted his head politely at his mother's affectionate voice.
“Of course, Mother.”
Beatrix walked through the autumn maze garden with her son.
This year, the autumn banquet was held in Noah's absence, and a few roses that had not yet fully bloomed were now peeking out.
“You weren’t able to attend the banquet this year.”
“There are times like that.”
“Are you ready?”
"Yes."
Beatrix looked up at her son at his concise and clear answer. Then Noah looked back at her.
Beatrix, who had been looking at her son for a long time, opened her mouth softly.
“You’re getting married tomorrow.”
At her words, Noah chuckled.
In fact, even that didn't feel real. He been so busy the past week that he hasn't had time to think about it.
But what was remarkable was that there hadn't been a single interview in the past week.
That's why he didn't feel suffocated even though he was busy.
Beatrix slowly looked around the maze garden and said.
“You ran through this maze garden with Usher every day.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“You used to be so kind, running around until your face turned red like a sweet potato, but one day, your face was filled with a cynical smile, and my heart became heavy.”
Noah looked at his mother's profile without saying a word.
Beatrix remained silent for a long moment, then turned her head to look at her son. Even at this moment, his reddish, green eyes were utterly indifferent.
He was a son who felt sorry for not being able to do anything for his mother, and so he was a difficult son.
Perhaps because she didn't raise him properly, it was difficult to know what he was thinking.
So, even when she came to visit her son, who was about to get married, she hesitated, not knowing what to say. Then, with great difficulty, Beatrix finally opened her mouth.
“I hope your daily life will no longer be boring, and that you will have days where you can laugh even at the smallest things.”
“...”
“I always felt sorry for leaving you alone.”
Despite his mother's apology, Noah just stared at her and didn't respond.
How long has it been like that?
Noah opened his mouth calmly.
"Despite my reluctance to do it, it was my duty. It's not something my mother should feel guilty about."
Beatrix gasped at her son's answer, but Noah was sincere.
That wasn't his mother's business. So she had no reason to apologize or feel guilty. Even his father didn't owe him an apology.
In many ways, Noah resembled his father more than his mother. He thought and judged everything clearly, and when he felt he had to do something, he would do it, even if it meant his life.
"I heard that Mrs. Lehmann is in charge of Olivia's education. Will she continue to do so after marriage?"
He could not have been unaware of the meaning, and Beatrix quickly added.
"After the wedding, no matter what happens, I'll find someone suitable. I'm currently looking."
"Please."
If it had been something Noah could have gotten involved in, he would have done it, but social matters were not his business.
Beatrix nodded at Noah's polite request and patted his shoulder.
“It’s chilly. You might catch a cold. You should go back.”
As Noah turned and reached out his hand to her, Beatrix took his hand and turned with him.
Beatrix, who was leaving the maze garden, suddenly opened her mouth.
“Noah, I have a question.”
“Please speak.”
“When Olivia got lost at the maze garden party two years ago, didn’t you take her out?”
Noah just walked forward, looking ahead.
“Did you run into her by chance, or did you go looking for her?”
“...”
Noah didn't answer, and Beatrix glanced up at her son.
Noah pretended not to notice his mother's gaze, but this time Beatrix also looked at her son persistently.
Finally, when they reached the entrance to the Queen's palace, Noah narrowed his eyes and answered as if asking, "What on earth is going on here?"
“Both.”
“So it was true that you went looking for her?”
Noah finally looked at his mother and burst out laughing.
“Then should we leave her as is?”
“I thought you would leave her alone.”
“What on earth is my image?”
“You probably just gave orders to the knights and attendants and didn’t pay any attention. It was annoying.”
Noah was speechless at his mother's blunt expression, then his face hardened, and he said.
“...She was a royal guest, wasn't she? The nobles were giving her a hard time. As always, I was simply fulfilling my duty then, Mother.”
Beatrix smiled, her lips twitching at her son's answer.
“You must be working hard to always keep to your duties.”
"Mother."
Beatrix strode up a tall staircase and turned to face her son. Still, he was taller than she.
Beatrix stroked her son's cheek for the first time in a long time. It seemed only yesterday that she had looked down at his chubby face and caressed his cheek, but the cheek beneath her fingertips felt sharp and firm.
“Noah Astrid, who does his best to stay true to his duty.”
“...”
Beatrix smiled, her eyes wide. Then she whispered, with sincerity and affection.
“It is your duty and responsibility to live happily with your wife. Please live happily. Do you understand?”
At her words, Noah chuckled and looked down. Feeling his mother's fingers brushing his hair, Noah nodded slightly.
“Is there any possibility, Your Highness?”
Noah stopped walking as he was leaving after taking his mother to the palace.
As he stood still and slowly looked around the palace, he realized that it was much more chaotic than usual.
His father asked him in passing, "Are you ready?" and Usher congratulated him by sending him a wedding gift to the mansion that would become his new home.
The prodigal son had invited him several times to a bachelor party, but he had declined each time. He had wanted to play polo or something, but with his wedding imminent, he couldn't afford that. He was afraid he might break a leg or arm.
Amidst the chaos and hectic pace of his wedding, Noah was like an island floating alone in the middle of a river. A solitary island, standing alone, regardless of whether the river flowed or not, regardless of whether the current was swift.
That was his life, and so even his wedding preparations felt like that.
Noah slowly opened his eyes.
His mother's sudden question brought back memories of that night.
The chilling autumn breeze pierced his embrace just as it had then. And as that night came to mind, Noah suddenly became curious about her.
As Olivia was shoving all the flimsy books Mrs. Lehman had handed her into her head, Mrs. Polsman, the head maid in charge of the wedding the next day, showed up.
She clearly explained how the wedding would proceed and what Olivia needed to keep in mind.
After the head maid finished explaining everything and left, Olivia was left alone and sat there blankly staring at the ornate book.
If Noah were an island standing alone in the middle of a river, Olivia was a tree that suddenly took root in the riverbed.
A tree that barely manages to keep eye level with the island while being swayed by the rushing current.
What she learned while learning about wedding etiquette was that she was preparing for a truly absurd wedding.
Aside from the title and rank that would be given to the bride unexpectedly, the royal family usually took care of everything the bride prepared.
Olivia, who had always lived with the immutable principle of equivalent exchange, had been unable to sleep for the past week due to fear and anxiety.
She really wishes someone would just tell her clearly, 'This is what you need to do from now on!'
As Olivia was once again reeling from the overwhelming anxiety, Mrs. Winfred came to see her.
"Ma'am!"
As Olivia rose from her seat with a smile, Mrs. Winfred greeted her politely with a friendly expression. Mrs. Winfred studied Olivia's somewhat gaunt face and spoke.
“I came to say hello. I felt like if I didn’t do it now, I wouldn’t be able to say hello.”
“Thank you, ma’am. For looking after me the whole time on board.”
“I had a good time too.”
Mrs. Winfred looked at Olivia intently and then opened her mouth cautiously.
"I've taught many young ladies. It's not right to praise them by comparing them to others, but you, young lady, are more outstanding than anyone I've ever taught."
“...”
“I hope you are happy.”
Olivia bit her lip, then carefully wrapped her arms around her shoulders. Mrs. Winfred's eyes widened, then she smiled and hugged her shoulders.
“Please contact me when you come to Pulder.”
“Yes, I will, ma’am.”
“Congratulations on your wedding.”
"Thank you."
Mrs. Winfred looked into Olivia's dark eyes warmly and then stepped back.
And perhaps because it was the day before the wedding, another guest came as if they had made an appointment.
While Olivia was busy with her education, Noah was busy with issues related to the title and property he would inherit upon marriage.
The document signed with the royal family was merely the prelude to a grand process. It was so intense that he even agreed with Walter's words, "I was so sick of signing those damned documents that I wanted to give up on the marriage."
Anyway, after that long and tedious process, Noah inherited the fertile plains of West Rosemond as well as the Hamuel Mansion near the capital.
In the meantime, there was a lot to do, such as fitting wedding dresses.
While putting on the finished garment and checking for any discomfort, Noah asked Meson, who was waiting.
“So, no contact from Wilhelm?”
“Yes, not yet.”
Noah remained silent at Meson's answer, then unbuttoned his jacket.
“There’s nothing uncomfortable. Let’s proceed as is.”
As the designer in charge quickly accepted the jacket and bowed politely, Noah went beyond the partition, changed his clothes, and came out.
He sat down on the sofa and laughed, having bitten all the people who were serving him.
“So, you’re saying you can’t admit your flaws?”
Despite his busy schedule, Noah drafted and sent a document to Wilhelm regarding the defects in the ship-type Magic Dome. It was only natural that he had to explain why he had to disassemble the Magic Dome itself.
"It won't be easy to admit. The moment he does, he'll be inundated with maintenance requests."
At Meson's words, Noah sighed in annoyance.
"Yes, I understand. Let me know as soon as you get any news."
“Yes, Your Highness.”
At that time, the Queen came to see Noah.
After exchanging a friendly greeting with Maison, whom she hadn't seen in a long time, Beatrix turned to her son and asked him.
“Noah, do you have a minute?”
Noah tilted his head politely at his mother's affectionate voice.
“Of course, Mother.”
Beatrix walked through the autumn maze garden with her son.
This year, the autumn banquet was held in Noah's absence, and a few roses that had not yet fully bloomed were now peeking out.
“You weren’t able to attend the banquet this year.”
“There are times like that.”
“Are you ready?”
"Yes."
Beatrix looked up at her son at his concise and clear answer. Then Noah looked back at her.
Beatrix, who had been looking at her son for a long time, opened her mouth softly.
“You’re getting married tomorrow.”
At her words, Noah chuckled.
In fact, even that didn't feel real. He been so busy the past week that he hasn't had time to think about it.
But what was remarkable was that there hadn't been a single interview in the past week.
That's why he didn't feel suffocated even though he was busy.
Beatrix slowly looked around the maze garden and said.
“You ran through this maze garden with Usher every day.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“You used to be so kind, running around until your face turned red like a sweet potato, but one day, your face was filled with a cynical smile, and my heart became heavy.”
Noah looked at his mother's profile without saying a word.
Beatrix remained silent for a long moment, then turned her head to look at her son. Even at this moment, his reddish, green eyes were utterly indifferent.
He was a son who felt sorry for not being able to do anything for his mother, and so he was a difficult son.
Perhaps because she didn't raise him properly, it was difficult to know what he was thinking.
So, even when she came to visit her son, who was about to get married, she hesitated, not knowing what to say. Then, with great difficulty, Beatrix finally opened her mouth.
“I hope your daily life will no longer be boring, and that you will have days where you can laugh even at the smallest things.”
“...”
“I always felt sorry for leaving you alone.”
Despite his mother's apology, Noah just stared at her and didn't respond.
How long has it been like that?
Noah opened his mouth calmly.
"Despite my reluctance to do it, it was my duty. It's not something my mother should feel guilty about."
Beatrix gasped at her son's answer, but Noah was sincere.
That wasn't his mother's business. So she had no reason to apologize or feel guilty. Even his father didn't owe him an apology.
In many ways, Noah resembled his father more than his mother. He thought and judged everything clearly, and when he felt he had to do something, he would do it, even if it meant his life.
"I heard that Mrs. Lehmann is in charge of Olivia's education. Will she continue to do so after marriage?"
He could not have been unaware of the meaning, and Beatrix quickly added.
"After the wedding, no matter what happens, I'll find someone suitable. I'm currently looking."
"Please."
If it had been something Noah could have gotten involved in, he would have done it, but social matters were not his business.
Beatrix nodded at Noah's polite request and patted his shoulder.
“It’s chilly. You might catch a cold. You should go back.”
As Noah turned and reached out his hand to her, Beatrix took his hand and turned with him.
Beatrix, who was leaving the maze garden, suddenly opened her mouth.
“Noah, I have a question.”
“Please speak.”
“When Olivia got lost at the maze garden party two years ago, didn’t you take her out?”
Noah just walked forward, looking ahead.
“Did you run into her by chance, or did you go looking for her?”
“...”
Noah didn't answer, and Beatrix glanced up at her son.
Noah pretended not to notice his mother's gaze, but this time Beatrix also looked at her son persistently.
Finally, when they reached the entrance to the Queen's palace, Noah narrowed his eyes and answered as if asking, "What on earth is going on here?"
“Both.”
“So it was true that you went looking for her?”
Noah finally looked at his mother and burst out laughing.
“Then should we leave her as is?”
“I thought you would leave her alone.”
“What on earth is my image?”
“You probably just gave orders to the knights and attendants and didn’t pay any attention. It was annoying.”
Noah was speechless at his mother's blunt expression, then his face hardened, and he said.
“...She was a royal guest, wasn't she? The nobles were giving her a hard time. As always, I was simply fulfilling my duty then, Mother.”
Beatrix smiled, her lips twitching at her son's answer.
“You must be working hard to always keep to your duties.”
"Mother."
Beatrix strode up a tall staircase and turned to face her son. Still, he was taller than she.
Beatrix stroked her son's cheek for the first time in a long time. It seemed only yesterday that she had looked down at his chubby face and caressed his cheek, but the cheek beneath her fingertips felt sharp and firm.
“Noah Astrid, who does his best to stay true to his duty.”
“...”
Beatrix smiled, her eyes wide. Then she whispered, with sincerity and affection.
“It is your duty and responsibility to live happily with your wife. Please live happily. Do you understand?”
At her words, Noah chuckled and looked down. Feeling his mother's fingers brushing his hair, Noah nodded slightly.
“Is there any possibility, Your Highness?”
Noah stopped walking as he was leaving after taking his mother to the palace.
As he stood still and slowly looked around the palace, he realized that it was much more chaotic than usual.
His father asked him in passing, "Are you ready?" and Usher congratulated him by sending him a wedding gift to the mansion that would become his new home.
The prodigal son had invited him several times to a bachelor party, but he had declined each time. He had wanted to play polo or something, but with his wedding imminent, he couldn't afford that. He was afraid he might break a leg or arm.
Amidst the chaos and hectic pace of his wedding, Noah was like an island floating alone in the middle of a river. A solitary island, standing alone, regardless of whether the river flowed or not, regardless of whether the current was swift.
That was his life, and so even his wedding preparations felt like that.
Noah slowly opened his eyes.
His mother's sudden question brought back memories of that night.
The chilling autumn breeze pierced his embrace just as it had then. And as that night came to mind, Noah suddenly became curious about her.
***
As Olivia was shoving all the flimsy books Mrs. Lehman had handed her into her head, Mrs. Polsman, the head maid in charge of the wedding the next day, showed up.
She clearly explained how the wedding would proceed and what Olivia needed to keep in mind.
After the head maid finished explaining everything and left, Olivia was left alone and sat there blankly staring at the ornate book.
If Noah were an island standing alone in the middle of a river, Olivia was a tree that suddenly took root in the riverbed.
A tree that barely manages to keep eye level with the island while being swayed by the rushing current.
What she learned while learning about wedding etiquette was that she was preparing for a truly absurd wedding.
Aside from the title and rank that would be given to the bride unexpectedly, the royal family usually took care of everything the bride prepared.
Olivia, who had always lived with the immutable principle of equivalent exchange, had been unable to sleep for the past week due to fear and anxiety.
She really wishes someone would just tell her clearly, 'This is what you need to do from now on!'
As Olivia was once again reeling from the overwhelming anxiety, Mrs. Winfred came to see her.
"Ma'am!"
As Olivia rose from her seat with a smile, Mrs. Winfred greeted her politely with a friendly expression. Mrs. Winfred studied Olivia's somewhat gaunt face and spoke.
“I came to say hello. I felt like if I didn’t do it now, I wouldn’t be able to say hello.”
“Thank you, ma’am. For looking after me the whole time on board.”
“I had a good time too.”
Mrs. Winfred looked at Olivia intently and then opened her mouth cautiously.
"I've taught many young ladies. It's not right to praise them by comparing them to others, but you, young lady, are more outstanding than anyone I've ever taught."
“...”
“I hope you are happy.”
Olivia bit her lip, then carefully wrapped her arms around her shoulders. Mrs. Winfred's eyes widened, then she smiled and hugged her shoulders.
“Please contact me when you come to Pulder.”
“Yes, I will, ma’am.”
“Congratulations on your wedding.”
"Thank you."
Mrs. Winfred looked into Olivia's dark eyes warmly and then stepped back.
And perhaps because it was the day before the wedding, another guest came as if they had made an appointment.
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