“What do you mean by strange?”
<Umm, I can’t walk all the way to the inside, so I’m not sure…>
After suppressing his voice once, One continued.
<I wonder if the servants strangely noticed something strange about the Marchioness…?>
“…Wouldn’t it be possible for the servants to notice their master?”
<It wasn’t like that when the Big Madam and Marquis were here…>
“…Okay. Thank you, One.”
<Yes, Older Sister. Take a rest.>
Communication was cut off with a sigh.
I lay down on the bed. My head was pounding from what had happened, moreover, with the work of Merilly. My anxiety and nervousness made my heart race disgustingly.
“Tomorrow… I’ll have to go and see it ‘in person.’”
It was obvious that everyone had to go to sleep anyway. I blinked my eyes slowly and then fell asleep.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
The day passed, and as soon as the dawn broke, I made my way out and headed to Bella’s room.
“Bella.”
“Ah, Lobelia!”
Even though it was almost morning, I had not changed my pajamas yet. Simple dishes were on the table as if she was about to have breakfast.
“I was just about to have breakfast.”
“I see. Shall we eat together?”
“I like it! But what brings you here this morning?”
It didn’t seem like much in the morning, but I answered calmly, sitting in her chair. “Ah, I was wondering if I could borrow some seals. It’s social season soon, so I’m going to order some dresses.”
Excluding the seal of the head of the household, each grown-up noble of the Tiazen Empire received a seal with their name engraved on it as a gift. Depending on the family’s status, the seal could be crafted with jewels or better ink than others could be used. The seal thus made was used in almost everything. Like a check, you could buy a dress or jewelry just by stamping a contract, and writing a recommendation for someone was possible.
“Ah, of course, you can borrow it. Lobelia’s seal isn’t ready yet, right?”
“Yes. It will be ready soon.”
Since I haven’t received my seal yet, I had to borrow Bella’s seal to do anything.
I need to check One’s words. I didn’t think he said anything like that for no reason. That’s why I had to go there myself. By using a letter of recommendation I wrote myself and using Bella’s seal. It wasn’t difficult because this was the method I used when putting One, Two, and Three.
“Here you go, Lobelia.”
“Thank you. I’ll put a stamp on it and return it right away.”
“You can use it for a while and return it to me later.”
Bella smiled at me. I involuntarily stared at her flawless smile, which seemed not to have even a speck of dust on her.
“…That’s really kind of you, Bella.”
Usually, the seal of the noble was something that should never be lent to others. Your reputation could be damaged if it was stolen or someone bought something strange with your seal. Just because I’m her lifesaver, how could she easily lend this thing?
I can’t sincerely repay that feeling. Feeling sorry for no reason, I lowered my head slightly. Toward my action, Bella approached me and grabbed my hand.
“We’re sisters, Lobelia.”
“…We’re adopted sisters.”
“But we will remain sisters forever under the family genealogy, right?” Bella’s blue eyes glistened.
“That’s… Bella is right.”
“Of course. So it’s only natural that I should be kind to Lobelia. Because we’re sisters.”
Are those words sincere? Is there really nothing you want from me? Even with that bright smile, my heart was constantly measuring her sincerity.
“Yes. I’ll keep that in mind, Bella.”
But hiding all those doubts deep in my heart, I just smiled broadly.
“Now, listen. The onion soup is well cooked.”
“Mmm, it smells good.”
I pretended nothing had happened and shared breakfast with Bella. It was when we were having a little more private conversation after breakfast.
“Lady Lobelia!” Sera came into the room with a knock.
“Oh, Sera?”
“A present is coming for you, my Lady!”
“Sera. What is her name now? You have to call her properly.”
“Ah, right. Hehe, I’m sorry, Princess!”
When Bella gently pointed it out, she immediately spat out an apology and held out a box toward me.
“Who sent it?”
“Princess would know when you see it!”
“Umm…”
Somehow I thought I knew who it was. So I slowly untied the emerald ribbon.
“It’s a cake!”
“There are even letters written on it!”
Bella and Sera shouted with more excitement. I stared blankly at the writing on the cake.
[I’m sorry for making it heavy. It will be lighter.]
…What do you mean by lighter? Even though I refused him coldly, it seemed he was still trying to appear before me. My heart ached unpleasantly as if someone had squeezed it.
“What does this mean, Lobelia?”
Sparkles flowed from the eyes of the two women as they looked at the letters on the cake. They seemed to wish that there was something between Prince and me.
“Um, I don’t know either. What is it talking about…”
I just lowered her eyebrows and smiled awkwardly.
“Since the breakfast is over, let’s share the cake together. Let’s eat together, Sera.”
I took the knife from the trolley and cut the cake into pieces. It made me feel bitter like I was tearing Frinel’s heart to pieces, but I couldn’t help it.
“Here you go.”
I divided the cake myself into small plates.
“Hmm, was it made by the imperial patisserie?”
Bella and Sera, who shared the cake, tilted their heads and put it in their mouths. I also forked out the cake with crushed letters. As soon as I put it in my mouth, one of her eyebrows was raised.
“Hmm?”
Bella also looked at the cake as if she was amazed.
“This must be…”
“The cream tastes similar to eclair at Chandrine Bakery.”
“…Really.”
It tasted almost like custard cream in the eclair made by Chandrine Bakery.
Did he ask the store for a separate cake? Or did he make it by practicing himself even though he was busy? The piece of cake that was placed in front of me was disappearing because of the taste that kept coming into my mouth.
“What shall we do with the rest? Princess?”
Since it was from him, I intended to have just a bite to save his face, but the taste was so irresistible that I couldn’t bring myself to clear the rest. I dislike it, really.
I closed my eyes tightly with slightly red cheeks. “…Please put it away. I will eat it later in the evening.”
“Yes!” Sera answered innocently without knowing my insides.
Somehow, it seemed the heat was felt on my cheeks, so I rose from my seat. “I’m going to go look at some dresses now.”
“Ah, yes. I wish I could go with you. I have a class today, so…” Bella said as if she was sorry.
“It’s okay. Let’s go together next time to look for jewelry, Bella.”
“Alright!”
“Then I’ll go out now.”
“Yes. Have a safe trip, Lobelia. Choose a pretty dress well!” She waved excitedly.
I responded with a smile and hurriedly left her room, taking the string from the gift box Frinel had given me. I think he purposely chose the same color as my eyes, but it was a waste to throw it away.
“What about the carriage?”
“I’ve got it ready, Princess!”
Having given Sera a word in advance, the carriage headed straight to Gracie Street. Soon the carriage carrying us arrived in front of the biggest dress shop downtown.
I gracefully stepped out of the carriage, clutching the hem of one dress. Following me, Sera held a parasol full of lace.
“The sunlight is strong. Princess has to use a parasol…”
“Sera.”
“Yes?”
“Can you buy me some eclairs again today?” I spoke softly.
Sera blinked curiously. “Eeh, but Princess had a cake a little while ago.”
“Still, I want to take care of Sera’s younger siblings.”
“Gasp, I’m always thankful. What should I do?”
At my words, her dissuading expression changed at once. Seeing Sera like that, I smiled.
“Are you going to refuse?”
“It’s too good to refuse…”
“As expected, right? So go ahead. You might not be able to buy much if you’re late, right?”
“Ah, I get it! Then I’ll be back soon!”
“Yes.”
I waved at Sera, who was disappearing in the distance, and quickly turned around. Then, instead of the largest dress shop, I entered the clothing store used by commoners.
“Welcome!”
There was only one employee in the small shop. She stood up from her seat as if taken aback by the young lady’s appearance in a gorgeous outfit.
“A dress that Lady would like to see… Um…”
“Um, no. I want to present it to my maid.”
I pretended to be looking around for no reason and pointed my finger at any outfit that seemed reasonably comfortable to wear.
“Which size should I buy? Her body type is similar to mine, so can I try this on?”
“Sure. I’ll help you put it on.”
“No. I can wear it alone.”
“Ah, then this way…”
Under the staff’s guidance, I removed my dress and changed into plain clothes. As soon as I was about to come out, something caught on my toes. Ah, the ribbon His Royal Highness gave me… The ribbon fluttered and fell completely. I put it roughly into my pocket.
“Um, that’s convenient. I’ll pay with this.”
Then I went outside and held out a piece of gold. Her wide-open eyes turned to me.
“Ah, the change…”
She hurriedly went into the depths of the shop in search of change. Meanwhile, I went outside.
Mom will go.
Then I quickly headed to Hamilton March.
I miss you, Merilly.
My eyes sharpened like a blade, were wet with my longing for my daughter.
