Chapter 48: Off To Arch Hill
Chapter 48: Off To Arch Hill
Mom.
When the evening was almost over, I knocked on my mothers door with my swollen eyes.
I have something to tell you.
Somehow, my mother opened the door with an anxious look. It was already dark outside, and the room that was covered with curtains was dark.
What happened?
I suddenly felt like I saw a tear mark on my mothers cheek. However, I was not sure.
Mom, I
Come on in.
My mother, who grabbed my arm, closed the door. Soon after, when the candle was lit with a match, a faint light spread across the simple interior. We sat side by side on the bed.
About studying abroad?
As she asked, my mother swept her face with her dry hands. Then I thought that maybe my mother was really crying.
..Yes.
Why? Do you need anything?
My mother asked in a low voice. But I didnt come to beg for a little more pocket money, so I shook my head quickly.
Did you send a letter to the great-aunt?
No, not yet. Why?
I want to go to my great-aunts house, mom.
Perhaps it was unexpected, but my mother looked at my eyes for a moment.
before you go, would you like to see her?
My great-aunt lives in Arch Hill, located in the southeast of the kingdom. It seems that she is still called the Viscountess even now, when the line between nobles and commoners is almost blurred.
(T/N: Melissas grandmother is her fathers aunt, so shes actually her great-aunt)
There was no actual exchange between us because I was a distant relative, but I was left at her house for a while when I was young. I dont know the details, but there must have been unavoidable circumstances because it was after my family had weakened sharply. It was only a few weeks, but I still remember her being strict and warm.
The last time I saw her was a few years ago when she came to the capital. Great-aunt gave me the hat that I still wear to this day, saying that a lady should have a decent hat, which is the hat I wore when I first met Toby, and now it is surrounded by a sky blue ribbon.
Ive been living without exchanging anything for several years already.
My mother looked uncomfortable somewhere.
She might be surprised if you suddenly visit her. Your father isnt here either.
Mom, I I want to stay there until I leave the kingdom. Im not going for a tour there.
.
My mother chose aher words with a complex expression. There was a very brief silence in the quiet room where only silent candles gave light.
Melissa, is your house uncomfortable?
N-no. Not at all.
I was taken aback when the story spun in an unintended direction, but I quickly crafted it like the Academys chosen novelist.
Im worried because its my first time living in a foreign country across the sea. I cant just come visit for a weekend simply because Im tired.
.
So, how about staying at my great aunts house in Arch Hill and preparing my mind, Mom?
I know you are not the type to speak suddenly, but.
My mother was lost in thought for a moment. I impatiently clasped my finger and waited for her next words.
But would she welcome you? Suddenly there is an unexpected guest.
I knew that my mother didnt like my great-aunt that much. Since childhood, my mother used to evaluate her as an arrogant old woman trapped in a house, and it was my father who took me to Arch Hill and brought me back. My mother didnt even accompany me.
I used to spend a few weeks in Arch Hill when I was a kid.
Yes, your father Whew.
At first, I had a hard time with my grandma, but she wasnt as difficult as I thought. Somehow, she looked lonely living with the servants in that spacious mansion..
You were young back then.
My mother continued in a pretty firm tone.
Im sure she treated you well. Its easy to pretend to be a good adult for a child.
But I think shell welcome me. Its been a while since Ive seen her, so Im a little nervous.
My mother let out a low sigh.
If so, you should write a letter. I dont know if shell gladly say its okay.
Okay, mom. I should send it tomorrow.
yes.
Is it just me? Somehow the mothers eyes looked like those of the person who had something to say. The eyes shone exceptionally lonely on her skinny cheeks.
I wondered if now was the time for me to ask why she didnt like my aunt, but somehow I didnt have courage and stopped myself.
Melissa.
At that moment, my mother opened her mouth.
Why did you cry yesterday?
Ah
Neither Mrs. Kerney nor Julia has asked about it yet. I didnt think my mother wouldnt know, but I was embarrassed because there was no answer I had in mind. Because my mother liked Toby.
My mother had greater confidence than me, the person involved, that Toby and I would become lovers and naturally form a relationship.
I heard it was a letter from Lunoa.
That
Why? Did he say he had a lover in the Principality?
.
I had no intention of telling Collins ladies about the whole story of the stalker disturbance surrounding me and the fact that he was Alan Leopold. As long as I was able to wrap up this situation neatly I didnt need to cause more undue stress by telling every single thing plus I wasnt the type to talk so much.
Therefore, I thought I would do the same and not tell my mom about Tobias bad news, but I changed my mind when I saw my mothers face.
If I dont write about Toby in the letter that I will send to my home while studying abroad, it will eventually become clear that he and I are no longer in a relationship. Wouldnt it be better to tell her now than to go and disappoint her then?
Mom, Tobias is coming back to the kingdom.
Why? Didnt you say hed help in running Leopolds business?
That
Of course, it was not easy to tell his story casually.
I think theres a health problem.
Oh no. But hes still young, so wouldnt it be better after a good rest in his hometown?
No, mom.
When I remembered the person who shattered Tobys life, I felt like my whole body was cooling down. For Alan Leopold, the sadness of ordinary people like me and Tobias It wouldnt mean anything.
it must be a little serious.
Oh, my. Suddenly?
The mother, who covered her mouth, could not easily continue her words. Fortunately, no words like what are you going to do about your marriage? came out of my mothers mouth.
Immediately after I heard the news, I thought for a while about whether to lie that I was okay now or to reassure my mother by saying that I will study hard in Lunoa and become a great writer.
Mom, I.
At that moment, the living room suddenly became busy, and we could easily see that Mrs. Kerney and Julia began to set up dinner tables.
..Ill help them prepare dinner.
Okay, lets go out together.
* * *
My great-aunts reply surprisingly arrived three days later. This much was like writing down a reply right after receiving the letter I sent.
The letter was quite sincere.
On the day I received the letter, I packed my luggage immediately. Now there is less than a month and a half before I leave for Lunoa.
Lady.
Julia, who was organizing luggage together in my room, implicitly called me.
That dress. Youre going to take it, right?
Dress? From Longhorn?
Yes.
I was lost in thought for a moment.
Well
If I go to the academy, there will definitely be an annual event like a prom, and festivals will be held in the kingdom during the social season, right?
So, a dress will be absolutely necessary, and the velvet dress Longhorn sent me is the most expensive and luxurious thing among the few dresses I own. But
I wont take it.
What? Why? If I were a girl, I would have been the first one to take it!
Surprised, Julia jumped. I answered calmly.
Im not going to socialize, Julia.
B-But There must be times when you need a dress, right?
I think its better to take only one simple dress.
Julia looked at me with her eyes, saying, No way that old dress?
Well, except for the one that Longhorn sent me, everything is old and outdated. When I remembered hearing the word rags at the victory ceremony, I burst into laughter.
I want to be myself in the principality. [I dont want to lose myself and pretend I am something I am notor change] is the general gist of what she is saying
.
I continued to speak by tapping the tip of Julias nose, who had a blank face.
Im going to study literature. So I have to be authentic.
Hmm I dont know, but wouldnt you want to enter society at least where Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Kerney arent around, right?
You dont like it. When Julia touched my hair and added in a small voice, I burst into laughter without resistance. I got caught.
Will you keep it a secret?
Yes, I will.
Julias sad eyes blinked.
That dress, Ill lend it to you. Think its yours while Im away.
.M- mine, is it mine?
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Her blank expression that quickly grew into a wide-eyed stunned face was so cute. I would like to give rather than lend, but my study abroad days will be over soon. After studying abroad and returning to the kingdom, there may be good things that require me to wear a fancy dress.
I answered with a bright smile, hoping that it would really happen.
Yes.
***
T/N: Melissa addresses her great-aunt as grandma, in an affectionate way
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