Chapter: 111
I had never seen the head maid run before.
‘So she could run after all.’
It was somehow expected, yet it was still incredible. The head maid was always demure and quiet, and I had never even seen her walk briskly. I had even thought that perhaps there was some reason she couldn’t run.
Of course, the head maid was the Countess’s closest aide and a noble born into a viscount family, so it was expected she would maintain her dignity. Still, she was utterly meticulous. If she wore a dress instead of a maid’s uniform, she could easily pass off as the lady of a high-ranking house.
I wasn’t the only one who thought this, as the maids who returned with her looked flustered. If the head maid, who was always composed, dashed in gasping for breath, I would be surprised too!
“I’m sorry, Young Lady. It seems it might take a while.”
After confirming that the maids had brought in refreshments, Mother turned her gaze to Marghetta. It would indeed take some time to brew more tea.
“No need for that. I’m merely grateful for such a warm welcome despite showing up unannounced.”
However, Marghetta replied with a bow of her head. In truth, since her visit was unexpected, Mother could have opted not to entertain her fully. I mean, you need to know someone is coming to prepare something, right?
Yet the fact that Mother recalled the dismissed maids suggested she was genuinely pleased with Marghetta’s greeting.
“It’s natural to welcome a friend of my son. Don’t worry about it.”
Our eyes met as I slightly nodded, and Mother returned a faint smile.
A friend, hmm? From Mother’s perspective, was Marghetta perhaps the first friend I had brought home? It was less significant than introducing a marriage candidate but still a joyful occasion.
Strictly speaking, Marghetta was technically invited by Mother, but let’s ignore that detail. After all, I was the one who brought her!
“Thank you, madam.”
It seemed Marghetta felt pleased by Mother’s hospitality and offered a small smile.
*
Was this a dream? Or was I becoming so overwhelmed that I was finally glimpsing the hallucinations I longed to see?
If it’s a dream or an illusion, I hope it continues. Even if it’s about to break, I’d like to be happy for just a moment.
“The front garden was beautiful, but the rear garden is lovely too.”
“It’s the pride of our territory. The gardeners have poured their hearts into it.”
“It doesn’t feel right for someone who hasn’t visited the territory in ages to say that.”
“Be quiet.”
Yet, it wasn’t just my eyes that felt the signals. My ears were also insisting this was real and that the moment I yearned for was genuinely unfolding before me.
The two brothers were sitting companionably together, and the lady Carl brought along was there as well. I was there too, not as an intruder but as someone correctly included in the gathering. Moments ago, such a scene seemed beyond my wildest dreams.
Looking at Laura, she seemed just as bewildered, but she smiled soon after, easing my mind. Yes, what I was seeing was real.
“Have we been talking amongst ourselves too much? I apologize, madam.”
As I quietly observed, it seemed Lady Marghetta received it differently. Sorry? On the contrary, I was the one who should be the most grateful!
“It was a pleasure to hear the younger generation’s conversation.”
I shook my head slightly. Yes, it was nice. It was pleasant to hear Carl’s stories and listen to Erich talk.
Even though they weren’t addressing me directly, it warmed my heart to see them carry on natural conversations without minding my presence at all.
Lady Marghetta smiled brightly at my response. How could a person be so lovely?
‘Thank you, Young Lady.’
I wished I could take her hands and bow multiple times in gratitude, but doing so could make her uncomfortable.
It wasn’t exactly a mystery that Lady Marghetta was the one orchestrating this gathering. Who could doubt it? The child who had just left returned at her side.
Even now, Carl’s gaze frequently turned toward Lady Marghetta. It was either because she was steering this interaction or because he held her in high regard. Either way, I welcomed the sight.
Lady Marghetta was even trying hard to include me in the conversation, allowing me to engage with the children naturally.
‘At such a young age, she’s impressively mature.’
Was it this year that Lady Marghetta turned eighteen? I had Carl at her age, yet I was so immature and pitiful back then.
Once she appeared beautiful, everything about her seemed delightful. Her red hair appeared warm, and her green eyes sparkled like jewels. Her smile was beautiful, and her maturity ran deep—she had no shortcomings.
‘I had no idea she was like this.’
In truth, I had already known about Lady Marghetta. After last year’s New Year’s Ball, rumors had quickly spread among the women in the social circles.
The word was that the Iron-blooded Duke’s most cherished youngest daughter had taken a liking to Carl, and thus the Duke sought to turn Carl into his potential son-in-law. As those rumors circulated, the influx of marriage proposals for Carl to the Tailglehen County suddenly ceased.
Who would dare pursue one marked by the Iron-blooded Duke himself, especially when the rumor emanated from one of the Duke’s daughters?
‘This isn’t right.’
At the time, Billy trusted that Carl would handle his own marital arrangements and did not interfere. He simply forwarded all the proposals to Carl to give him the chance to choose.
I also thought that was the right approach. It made more sense for Carl to select his own partner than for us, who weren’t even parental figures, to choose for him. But the Iron-blooded Duke’s intervention robbed Carl of his chance to decide.
It was infuriating. No matter how much she loved Carl, using her family’s influence to strip away his freedom to choose and pressure him like prey was disgusting.
But did I have the right to feel aggrieved? Did I have the standing to protest? Initially, I had no qualification to object, and what if voicing my concerns harmed Carl? What if Carl genuinely liked Lady Marghetta?
Ultimately, I spent a whole year paralyzed with indecision, but now it seems like the inaction was the right choice.
“Your cup is empty. Would you like more?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Noticing Lady Marghetta’s empty teacup, Carl reached for the teapot.
Seeing him provide such attentive care made it clear he had feelings for her. Otherwise, he wouldn’t linger at the same table as me, following her lead.
Absently watching the scene, Carl caught my gaze and leaned towards me.
“Mother, yours is empty too.”
“Oh, yes.”
The tea slowly filled my empty cup. It was a simple act, one I’d witnessed countless times today. Yet why did it feel remarkably special now?
I nearly shed tears. When Carl left earlier, I could only gaze listlessly at my empty cup. But now, Carl was personally filling it for me.
The same cup, yet different in feeling. Was it not just tea filling the cup? Or was it not merely the cup that was being filled? An indescribable happiness surged within me.
“Thank you, dear.”
My voice wavered slightly. Embarrassed to reveal such vulnerability in this pleasant atmosphere, I glanced at Carl, but he smiled at me as if nothing was out of place.
Suddenly, I realized how long it had been since this child smiled at me like this.
“You should have filled Mother’s cup earlier.”
“Carl, you’ll tire out Erich.”
“Nanny, is there no sparkling water…?”
Erich’s call prompted Laura to grasp a bottle, her face brightening. I probably mirrored her expression.
The impromptu tea party didn’t extend for long, which was a little disappointing—
“It was enjoyable being with you, madam. If it’s okay, may I visit again?”
“Of course, Young Lady.”
My disappointment vanished in an instant. How could I not be pleased at the prospect of my benefactor returning? Also, I found a slight hope that Carl might come along too if she visited!
With those hopeful thoughts, I casually glanced at Carl and locked eyes with him as he whispered something to Erich.
“I’ll see you at dinner.”
Carl’s words momentarily left me dazed, and I nodded eagerly. Yes, it was natural for the family to gather at mealtime. That was just how it should be.
“Yes. Let’s see each other then.”
Of course. It was completely normal.
I bit my lip hard to stave off the tears. If I let my guard down, I might end up crying again, just as I did in front of Laura.
With that, Carl and Erich departed, promising to meet at dinner. I briefly detained Lady Marghetta as she prepared to leave.
“Madam?”
Marghetta blinked at me, as if to ask what I needed, and I cautiously began to speak.
“I was worried about Carl living alone in the capital, but I’m glad he has met someone like you at the Academy.”
“You flatter me. I’m the lucky one to have met Carl.”
“I feel reassured knowing you’re by his side.”
And then, I let out a little sigh. It felt absurd saying this now.
Under normal circumstances, I should have met Lady Marghetta last year when the rumors were circulating in society.
“It must have taken courage to spread those rumors, and I apologize for ignoring you for a whole year.”
“Oh, yes, yes…”
“I’m not opposed to you, Young Lady. Please just know that.”
Lady Marghetta bowed her head several times, looking dazed, before she finally left.
Seeing her like this made me realize she’s not just deeply mature; she’s also quite cute for her age.
*
Starting today, I’ll pray three times a day to Enen.
“I feel reassured knowing you’re by his side.”
“I’m not opposed to the Young Lady. Just know that.”
It’s clear Enen favors me. I can be sure of it. Otherwise, none of this would be happening.
‘Hehe, fufufufu…’
I desperately held back laughter as it threatened to spill out in the rear garden. I couldn’t let Mother hear such frivolous giggling!
But something felt off.
‘The social circles?’
And a year? What did she mean? I do remember something from last year, but “the social circles?” Isn’t that something I didn’t hear from Carl?
‘Why…?’
Why would Mother hear my news through the social circles? If it’s that kind of news, then it could hardly be termed as good news.
Could it have spread? That Carl rejected me? Did that circulate around the social circles?
…Seriously?
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