Chapter 53
Timothy was in a murderous mood after Hans’ words.
Cassiax and Princess Johannes left the balcony after catching a glimpse of Hans Etoile and Timothy Mundo together and continued their chat.
“What do you think? He’s worthy for Sister, right? He’s even five years younger than Sister.”
Cassiax gave a sly smile and glanced at his sister.
“Low quality.”
Although she answered bluntly, Princess Johannes recalled the figures of the two men she saw from the balcony.
“Be honest with me. After all, I’m your one and only younger brother.”
“What do you mean?”
“Now that you’re freed from the dying old man, you have to taste and enjoy happiness as a woman. You’ll need to taste it first so you won’t be disappointed?”
Cassiax winked playfully as if knowing what his sister wanted.
“So naughty.”
Johannes replied sternly, but she did not dislike it.
“I liked the man next to him more. Tall platinum blonde hair… Which family is that young Lord from?
Cassiax frowned as if in trouble. Johannes was a princess who left the Imperial family after being sold in an arranged marriage at a young age. No wonder she didn’t know Solstern’s playboy and the most coveted single man, the charming Hans Etoile.
“Hans Etoile? Do not be ridiculous. Do you think that guy will be okay as Sister’s partner?”
Johannes’ self-esteem was wounded when Cassiax’s pessimistic and straightforward reply returned.
“What?”
Princess Johannes raised her eyes sharply. Cassiax quickly changed his expression and smiled.
“Oh, sorry, sorry. It’s a joke. I was too harsh.”
Despite Cassiax’s quick apology, Johannes still felt offended.
“Still, not that guy. His family will be ruined anyway. I can’t send my sister to a family like that.”
“What does that mean?”
Johannes looked at Cassiax with puzzled eyes. Her younger brother, Cassiax, had a strange smile on his face.
The same one he used to make before he did anything bad since he was a kid.
Like a snake seeking its prey, Johannes felt goosebumps travel down her spine. That evil smile was no good.
While away from the Imperial family, her younger brother seemed to have grown a lot, but that twisted mind remained the same.
Or maybe, it was worse.
Johannes was his older sister, that much was true; but she, sometimes, was afraid of her little brother.
She felt the same way once again.
* * *
After a few days of gloomy weather, the blue sky was revealed.
Taking advantage of the pleasant sun, Rose took the wolf cub on a walk after a long time.
“You were frustrated because you spent too much time inside, right? Now, go over there and run to your heart’s content.”
Rose placed Max on the ground. The wolf cub, Max, had grown up well; now it was a bit too heavy for Rose to carry in her arms.
“Solstern is always warm, like today. The weather here is very gloomy. Now, in the middle of winter, I can’t get enough sunlight and I feel like I’ll get depressed.”
Rose laughed lightly at Natalie’s complaint. Even if all the world was depressed, she knew one person, Natalie, would escape that illness.
“Natalie?”
Rose gave Natalie a prim look. It was the first time in a while that Natalie said she wanted to go back to Solstern. She may deny it, but everyone could tell Natalie had fully adapted to Helevant. Even among the maids, she acted as a captain.
When she was alone, she embroidered or made clothes without sitting still, and when she disappeared, she went to the kitchen and chatted with other servants.
Now, she meddled in every aspect and work of the castle. Thus, seeing her sighing deeply, saying she would be depressed made Rose feel sympathetic
‘Still, as homesickness strikes anyone, these days Natalie has been talking a lot about Solstern.’
She knew about the wedding invitation. Her expectations about having a chance to go back to Solstern were clear.
“To think they would repay your good grace with evil deeds. How can that be? If the Montara family had a conscience, they wouldn’t do that.”
Natalie snorted throughout the walk. It was as if smoke were coming out of her ears.
“Why are you upset again?”
When Rose asked, Natalie punched her chest as if she was frustrated.
“Then, why aren’t you upset? The position of Crown Princess was originally my Lady’s position! Pretending to be coy and innocent and stealing it like that–!!”
Natalie seemed to be very resentful and angry with Lady Montara, who managed to secure her position on the throne.
Rose’s face darkened when the story about Lady Muriel came out. She tried not to think about it, but the thought came back and she let out a shallow sigh. Seeing her Lady like that, Natalie thought that she might be having regrets.
“If the Lady hadn’t come to the North, you might have been married to the Crown Prince by now. And you might even have a pretty baby in your stomach.”
“Weren’t you expecting a baby Maxim? Did you already change your mind?”
Rose laughed bitterly and muttered.
“That’s another thing. It’s just upsetting.”
Natalie’s complaints could no longer reach Rose’s ears. She just sighed worriedly.
“I’m glad I avoided him. But now I’m worried about what will happen to Lady Muriel in the future.”
Looking at her puzzled, before Natalie could ask the meaning of Rose’s words, a bright voice came from the side.
“The weather is very nice today. Your Majesty.”
The two turned their heads towards the voice. A man, who made people feel good whenever they saw him, approached them, smiling brightly.
“Jansen. How did you know I was here?”
“I got news Your Majesty will like so I have been looking for you.”
“Good news?”
Rose and Natalie looked at each other with anticipated expressions.
“His Majesty Maxim has agreed to accept the invitation.”
It was good news indeed, but Rose had a complicated face. Whether it was good or bad, she felt strange now that the decision was already made. It was good to see her family again, but Cassiax would be there too.
Although she had fond memories in Solstern, the black scars that remained on her heart were deep enough to swallow all her excitement up.
When she heard that she was really going back to Solstern, from where she had desperately run away, she was startled.
“Good.”
Thinking she would be happy after hearing the news, Jansen felt quite confused looking at Rose’s face.
“You have been waiting… for this news, right?”
Rose quickly changed her expression to a bright one.
“It’s good. It’s really good.”
It was Natalie who covered her mouth and cheered while Rose hesitated. She couldn’t contain her joy and hugged Rose.
“Lady! Are we really going? Are we really returning to Solstern again before our deaths? I can’t believe I’ll see the Count and Countess again!!”
Natalie liked it so much that she didn’t know what to do. After all, what a piece of welcome news for her, who was resigned to not being able to leave this place even after she died.
Jansen smiled at Natalie’s reaction and gave Rose a slight bow before leaving.
Seeing Natalie, who didn’t know anything and was excited, Rose felt a wave of mixed emotions inside her.
Fear, excitement, anxiousness, rage.
“Okay. Everything will work out just fine. I’m sure!”
As if casting a spell, she lifted Max towards the sky. A figure came into her sight.
‘…Maxim?’
Maxim was looking at her from the window of his office. She didn’t know since when he was looking at her, but their eyes met. Rose hugged Max in her chest and smiled lightly at Maxim.
The smile was also mixed with gratitude for listening to her request. As soon as Rose smiled, he abruptly turned from the window with his usual indifferent expression.
‘Ah…’
A small, bitter chuckle came out of her mouth. Feeling embarrassed for no reason, Rose whispered softly in Max’s ears.
“Really. That man makes you want to run away just when you start to feel close to him, right?”
* * *
Once it was decided that they would accept Cassiax’s invitation, they had to start preparing. Rose wrote a letter home first.
[To Father and Mother,
This is Rose.
The days are getting colder here, but I’m sure it’s still warm there.
Last time Hans came, I heard good news about the two of you. I’m glad you’re healthy. I am also doing well here. Of course, you must have already heard it from Hans countless times.
I miss you two so much that I’m drawing again these days. But I couldn’t remember your faces, so I was just holding the brush blankly.
I guess I can’t think of someone when I miss them so much. Your touch and warmth are still vivid, but I don’t know why I can’t draw your faces at all.
So I’ll just go and see you.
I also received an invitation from Cassiax to the wedding. You may already know, but you probably didn’t think I’d really come.
Because I didn’t want to be Crown Princess, I came here as if I was running away. However, since I received an official invitation, I plan to accept it formally as well.
I miss my family and friends so much. Tears are already welling up in my eyes at the thought of seeing you again.
That person will come with me too, so don’t be too surprised when you see him. Of course, I believe that the two of you will treat him well, but I’m still sending you a letter to tell you to prepare your heart.
I’m worried about Mother’s heart. It’s barely recovering!
I can’t wait for the day to meet you two again. I’ll pray every day for you to be healthy until the day we meet.
With all my love,
your daughter, Rose.]
Rose ended the letter with trembling hands. She calmly finished the process of folding the letter finely, putting it in an envelope, and placing a seal over the red wax. Finally, she kissed the letter lightly.
It was only now that she started to really feel that she would see her parents again.
When she finished writing the letter and looked out the window, the sky was turning orange.
She thought to herself. ‘It’s already late, I’ll tell Freddie to deliver it as soon as the sun is up in the morning.
Hannah quietly came into the room.
“Your Majesty.”
She politely greeted Rose and placed the water jug and cup she had brought with her next to the bed. Around this time, she always came. It was like a routine.
As Hannah greeted her and tried to leave the room, Rose’s eyes glinted for a moment.
Chapter 53
Timothy was in a murderous mood after Hans’ words.
Cassiax and Princess Johannes left the balcony after catching a glimpse of Hans Etoile and Timothy Mundo together and continued their chat.
“What do you think? He’s worthy for Sister, right? He’s even five years younger than Sister.”
Cassiax gave a sly smile and glanced at his sister.
“Low quality.”
Although she answered bluntly, Princess Johannes recalled the figures of the two men she saw from the balcony.
“Be honest with me. After all, I’m your one and only younger brother.”
“What do you mean?”
“Now that you’re freed from the dying old man, you have to taste and enjoy happiness as a woman. You’ll need to taste it first so you won’t be disappointed?”
Cassiax winked playfully as if knowing what his sister wanted.
“So naughty.”
Johannes replied sternly, but she did not dislike it.
“I liked the man next to him more. Tall platinum blonde hair… Which family is that young Lord from?
Cassiax frowned as if in trouble. Johannes was a princess who left the Imperial family after being sold in an arranged marriage at a young age. No wonder she didn’t know Solstern’s playboy and the most coveted single man, the charming Hans Etoile.
“Hans Etoile? Do not be ridiculous. Do you think that guy will be okay as Sister’s partner?”
Johannes’ self-esteem was wounded when Cassiax’s pessimistic and straightforward reply returned.
“What?”
Princess Johannes raised her eyes sharply. Cassiax quickly changed his expression and smiled.
“Oh, sorry, sorry. It’s a joke. I was too harsh.”
Despite Cassiax’s quick apology, Johannes still felt offended.
“Still, not that guy. His family will be ruined anyway. I can’t send my sister to a family like that.”
“What does that mean?”
Johannes looked at Cassiax with puzzled eyes. Her younger brother, Cassiax, had a strange smile on his face.
The same one he used to make before he did anything bad since he was a kid.
Like a snake seeking its prey, Johannes felt goosebumps travel down her spine. That evil smile was no good.
While away from the Imperial family, her younger brother seemed to have grown a lot, but that twisted mind remained the same.
Or maybe, it was worse.
Johannes was his older sister, that much was true; but she, sometimes, was afraid of her little brother.
She felt the same way once again.
* * *
After a few days of gloomy weather, the blue sky was revealed.
Taking advantage of the pleasant sun, Rose took the wolf cub on a walk after a long time.
“You were frustrated because you spent too much time inside, right? Now, go over there and run to your heart’s content.”
Rose placed Max on the ground. The wolf cub, Max, had grown up well; now it was a bit too heavy for Rose to carry in her arms.
“Solstern is always warm, like today. The weather here is very gloomy. Now, in the middle of winter, I can’t get enough sunlight and I feel like I’ll get depressed.”
Rose laughed lightly at Natalie’s complaint. Even if all the world was depressed, she knew one person, Natalie, would escape that illness.
“Natalie?”
Rose gave Natalie a prim look. It was the first time in a while that Natalie said she wanted to go back to Solstern. She may deny it, but everyone could tell Natalie had fully adapted to Helevant. Even among the maids, she acted as a captain.
When she was alone, she embroidered or made clothes without sitting still, and when she disappeared, she went to the kitchen and chatted with other servants.
Now, she meddled in every aspect and work of the castle. Thus, seeing her sighing deeply, saying she would be depressed made Rose feel sympathetic
‘Still, as homesickness strikes anyone, these days Natalie has been talking a lot about Solstern.’
She knew about the wedding invitation. Her expectations about having a chance to go back to Solstern were clear.
“To think they would repay your good grace with evil deeds. How can that be? If the Montara family had a conscience, they wouldn’t do that.”
Natalie snorted throughout the walk. It was as if smoke were coming out of her ears.
“Why are you upset again?”
When Rose asked, Natalie punched her chest as if she was frustrated.
“Then, why aren’t you upset? The position of Crown Princess was originally my Lady’s position! Pretending to be coy and innocent and stealing it like that–!!”
Natalie seemed to be very resentful and angry with Lady Montara, who managed to secure her position on the throne.
Rose’s face darkened when the story about Lady Muriel came out. She tried not to think about it, but the thought came back and she let out a shallow sigh. Seeing her Lady like that, Natalie thought that she might be having regrets.
“If the Lady hadn’t come to the North, you might have been married to the Crown Prince by now. And you might even have a pretty baby in your stomach.”
“Weren’t you expecting a baby Maxim? Did you already change your mind?”
Rose laughed bitterly and muttered.
“That’s another thing. It’s just upsetting.”
Natalie’s complaints could no longer reach Rose’s ears. She just sighed worriedly.
“I’m glad I avoided him. But now I’m worried about what will happen to Lady Muriel in the future.”
Looking at her puzzled, before Natalie could ask the meaning of Rose’s words, a bright voice came from the side.
“The weather is very nice today. Your Majesty.”
The two turned their heads towards the voice. A man, who made people feel good whenever they saw him, approached them, smiling brightly.
“Jansen. How did you know I was here?”
“I got news Your Majesty will like so I have been looking for you.”
“Good news?”
Rose and Natalie looked at each other with anticipated expressions.
“His Majesty Maxim has agreed to accept the invitation.”
It was good news indeed, but Rose had a complicated face. Whether it was good or bad, she felt strange now that the decision was already made. It was good to see her family again, but Cassiax would be there too.
Although she had fond memories in Solstern, the black scars that remained on her heart were deep enough to swallow all her excitement up.
When she heard that she was really going back to Solstern, from where she had desperately run away, she was startled.
“Good.”
Thinking she would be happy after hearing the news, Jansen felt quite confused looking at Rose’s face.
“You have been waiting… for this news, right?”
Rose quickly changed her expression to a bright one.
“It’s good. It’s really good.”
It was Natalie who covered her mouth and cheered while Rose hesitated. She couldn’t contain her joy and hugged Rose.
“Lady! Are we really going? Are we really returning to Solstern again before our deaths? I can’t believe I’ll see the Count and Countess again!!”
Natalie liked it so much that she didn’t know what to do. After all, what a piece of welcome news for her, who was resigned to not being able to leave this place even after she died.
Jansen smiled at Natalie’s reaction and gave Rose a slight bow before leaving.
Seeing Natalie, who didn’t know anything and was excited, Rose felt a wave of mixed emotions inside her.
Fear, excitement, anxiousness, rage.
“Okay. Everything will work out just fine. I’m sure!”
As if casting a spell, she lifted Max towards the sky. A figure came into her sight.
‘…Maxim?’
Maxim was looking at her from the window of his office. She didn’t know since when he was looking at her, but their eyes met. Rose hugged Max in her chest and smiled lightly at Maxim.
The smile was also mixed with gratitude for listening to her request. As soon as Rose smiled, he abruptly turned from the window with his usual indifferent expression.
‘Ah…’
A small, bitter chuckle came out of her mouth. Feeling embarrassed for no reason, Rose whispered softly in Max’s ears.
“Really. That man makes you want to run away just when you start to feel close to him, right?”
* * *
Once it was decided that they would accept Cassiax’s invitation, they had to start preparing. Rose wrote a letter home first.
[To Father and Mother,
This is Rose.
The days are getting colder here, but I’m sure it’s still warm there.
Last time Hans came, I heard good news about the two of you. I’m glad you’re healthy. I am also doing well here. Of course, you must have already heard it from Hans countless times.
I miss you two so much that I’m drawing again these days. But I couldn’t remember your faces, so I was just holding the brush blankly.
I guess I can’t think of someone when I miss them so much. Your touch and warmth are still vivid, but I don’t know why I can’t draw your faces at all.
So I’ll just go and see you.
I also received an invitation from Cassiax to the wedding. You may already know, but you probably didn’t think I’d really come.
Because I didn’t want to be Crown Princess, I came here as if I was running away. However, since I received an official invitation, I plan to accept it formally as well.
I miss my family and friends so much. Tears are already welling up in my eyes at the thought of seeing you again.
That person will come with me too, so don’t be too surprised when you see him. Of course, I believe that the two of you will treat him well, but I’m still sending you a letter to tell you to prepare your heart.
I’m worried about Mother’s heart. It’s barely recovering!
I can’t wait for the day to meet you two again. I’ll pray every day for you to be healthy until the day we meet.
With all my love,
your daughter, Rose.]
Rose ended the letter with trembling hands. She calmly finished the process of folding the letter finely, putting it in an envelope, and placing a seal over the red wax. Finally, she kissed the letter lightly.
It was only now that she started to really feel that she would see her parents again.
When she finished writing the letter and looked out the window, the sky was turning orange.
She thought to herself. ‘It’s already late, I’ll tell Freddie to deliver it as soon as the sun is up in the morning.
Hannah quietly came into the room.
“Your Majesty.”
She politely greeted Rose and placed the water jug and cup she had brought with her next to the bed. Around this time, she always came. It was like a routine.
As Hannah greeted her and tried to leave the room, Rose’s eyes glinted for a moment.
