Chapter 115
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The empress and Lady Endelturn paused for a moment at Dads confusion. These experienced women had instinctively sensed the urgency of the situation.
Um The empress awkwardly chuckled, her gaze flickered.
I At that moment, Becky quietly rose from her seat. Ill bring some tea. Please, have a seat and continue your conversation.
Are you betraying me like this? I desperately tried to catch Beckys eye, but she coldly pursed her lips and turned away.
Im sorry, Princess!
No, dont go! Dont leave me!
That was our final exchange through our eyes.
Umm, Dad.
My dad finally sat. Soon after, the empress spoke, Hmm. It seems like we made a mistake
Ah, no I replied timidly, unable to meet my dads gaze.
Apparently, my pitiful demeanor caught the empresss attention, and she cleared her throat before adding, Judging by your expression, you didnt know, did you? Still, its quite impressive. In this day and age, theres hardly anyone in the capital who doesnt know this shop. The princess is very talented and skillful at her young age.
But
Rubette is the owner of this shop. They have seven stores already, from the main boutique for clothing, accessories, and cosmetics to the leather goods store on Hebe Street. Didnt the duke know? Lisbeth spoke with enthusiasm as if she were boasting about her own talents.
Silence fell upon us. I glanced to the side and saw my dad, his mouth slightly agape, looking down at me.
I quickly lowered my eyes.
Oh dear, why are you like this? Lady Endelturn firmly grasped my hand, which had tensed up. Where else can you find such an impressive daughter? You should be proud, my lord. Why do you scare her? she said.
Its different from our time; these days, nobles running businesses is not unusual, Lady Endelturn and the empress desperately defended me.
Well I was just a little surprised.
Ah, I see. You must have been upset that she worked without her fathers knowledge. Thats understandable. You should have talked to your father, Princess, the empress chuckled and patted my arm. Perhaps youre also a bit too oblivious, my lord. Seeing youre carrying a watch made by your daughter, she added.
At those words, Dad gazed down at the watch on his left wristit was one of a kind in the world.
There were two watches with unique one-of-a-kind designs, one I had given to Lark, and the other I had gifted to Dad.
So, Dad, who had been silently blinking, muttered, You said you didnt want to spend my money and would handle things independently from now on.
Thats right, Dad.
You really did that
He seemed partially shocked, and apparently unaware of his reaction, the empress burst into laughter and clapped her hands. Really? How admirable! How did you grow up so quickly? My Lisbeth should try to be more like you.
Hoho, my lord, you must be delighted to have such a daughter.
True, maam.
I felt torn between laughter and tears as the empress and Lady Endelturns conversation flowed seamlessly.
Our crown prince also grew up too quickly. Looking at how hes been managing things perfectly since childhood, they are so alike. I wonder how well theyd get along if they traveled together in the palace
Hoho, youre absolutely right. Can this old lady make it to see your heirs before she passes away?
Oh, maam, that goes without saying. You should live a long, long life.
Wh-what are you saying? Please, please stop it!
I screamed internally.
As expected, like a wary tiger, Dad narrowed his eyes and replied sharply, What are you talking about? My daughter will never become a member of the imperial family. While a marriage proposal may have been sent before, the crown prince himself has taken it back.
Upon his words, the three women widened their eyes in unison.
Wh-why? Is my son not worthy?
Isnt my brother incredibly charming?
From what I saw, it seemed like the crown prince and the princess got along quite well. Lady Endelturn added, addressing Dad as if scolding him, I understand your reluctance to send your daughter away, but the decision to choose a lifelong partner should ultimately belong to the individuals involved.
No. Dad firmly held my hand and said, I hope my daughter marries an ordinary spouse. I dont want to see her suffer within the imperial family. Im concerned about her having to deal with her husbands other wives and the complications that might arise.
Oh
Ah
Both the empress and Lady Endelturn lost their words and sighed deeply.
And I was surprised as well. Dad was clearly discussing the empires marriage laws.
Hes thought this far ahead all by himself. I dont know about someone elses father, but his values are surprisingly similar to mine.
I silently nodded to myself.
Now I understand a bit better. So thats why my Lark was so determined to amend the law, the empress said, oddly addressing Dads stern expression with generosity. We understand your feelings a hundred times, a thousand times over. Perhaps Lady Endelturn here may understand them better than anyone else. But still The empress chuckled. I have some good news. In my opinion, it seems that hes already halfway
Empress? Lady Endelturn lightly tapped her hand to signal caution, and the empress cleared her throat. Ahem, yes. It might be too hasty to celebrate just yet. For now, Ive understood your intentions well. I apologize if we unintentionally burdened you.
However, please understand. Ive always wanted a daughter-in-law like the princess, you see. The empress smiled warmly at me. Oh, now that weve met like this, how about we change our location to continue our conversation? It would be impolite to occupy a seat in such a busy shop
Your Majesty, I
Why dont we go to the palace and eat with the crown prince? How about that? With a childlike playful smile, the empress looked at Dad, who sighed and glanced at me.
I quietly lowered my gaze again, avoiding his eyes.
***
When the carriage finally arrived at the palace
Huh? Isnt that Viego?
For some reason, I felt like seeing a familiar face through the passing carriage window. Turning to Dad, who had been mumbling to himself the entire way, I said, D-Dad. Would you like to go in first?
What now?
Ill catch up with you shortly. Please go ahead.
Did I see it wrong? Just in case, I stopped the carriage and got out.
***
On the way out of the palace, Viegos steps lacked any strength. The question Lark had thrown at him with a mocking tone before turning away lingered in his mind.
Who was your real family, my lord? Has the princess, tormented by the demons in that corner of the house, never asked you for any help?
Ignorance is a sin. If you have even the slightest remorse, then apologize and seek forgiveness. Whether to accept it or not is the princesss choice.
There was no denying the truth in those words. Viego had long abandoned any hope of being called brother by Rubette.
Who was your real family?
Family
He had considered them family. Even closer than that, he had believed.
Molga, who had cared for him like a son even though they werent related by blood.
The twins, who, despite not sharing his blood, had followed him adorably while sharing their mothers affection.
He had thought of them as family, but
Oh, Brother. Your complexion looks terrible. You havent slept for three days now. Cant you just rest for a little bit? Im worried, Im so worried
What nonsense are you talking about? How can I sleep peacefully? Dont worry about it.
Still
Whenever his younger sister Rubette, who had trouble even speaking to him, came to see him, her words were always similar.
You look sick. Rest, please, you can deal with work later
For Viego, who carried a heavy burden, rest was a luxury. Such concerns sometimes felt like an annoyance.
Brother, are you sick?
Im fine, Lillia. Its just been a day or two. If I get some rest, Ill be better.
Well, then Im relieved. Brother, you know, I have a favor to ask. Could you possibly listen? I need a debutante ball gown, but the shop I want to go to is difficult to book
What?
Could you go with me to lend me some support? Huh? I really want to wear a dress from that shop, Brother.
A tear welled up in his eyes at her pleading, imploring gaze.
How foolish he must have been.
Ugh.
He vomited; and he stood there, silently reproaching himself for his stupidity.
Young Duke, are you alright?
He heard the worried voice of his escort, but all that came to mind was Rubettes face.
Who was your real family?
Rubette was probably the only one in this house who considered her disgustingly foolish brother as family.
With a father who locked himself in his room and never emerged, and the second brother, Victor, who had fled the house as if escaping, Viego had hoped that someone would at least recognize his struggles
Yet, Viego never voiced any regrets about them. The only person who had provided the comfort he desired, who had reached out to him when he was struggling
The one who truly thought of him as a family was none other than Rubette.
Brother?
Rubette, it had been only her.
Just as he thought her voice sounded like a fantasy, he caught sight of her face in his blurred vision.
It wasnt a mirage. It seemed she had come to meet someone, judging by her meticulously groomed appearance from head to toe.
The Rubette before him looked much better than before. From the moment she had told him that she would no longer consider him a brother, and from the moment she had resolved to rid herself of the nauseating affection she held for him, she looked happy.
Frowning, Rubette turned to Viegos escort and asked, Whats going on?
I-I dont know. We were on our way back after meeting with His Highness the Crown Prince, and suddenly
His Highness? Did you eat some spoiled food when you met him? Why are you vomiting on the street like this? Clicking her tongue, Rubette bent down and met Viegos gaze.
Viego tried hard to focus on her in his blurred vision.
Look at me.
Rubette, though grumbling as if she found it distasteful, took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the corner of Viegos mouth.
Haha
Seeing Viego, who laughed like a madman with teary eyes, Rubette was taken aback. It seems like youve finally lost your mind.
Rubette
I told you over and over again. Get some sleep in between work. I know theres no one else to work except for you, so, you have to stay alive first, no matter what.
The hand that wiped his mouth was a bit rough, but it held concern.
For Viego, who had been lonely and struggling, no one had ever done this for him. No one would in the future either.
Ah
He had been such a fool.
The only family who had loved him was her.
Rubette.
Yes, yes, Im listening.
Dont forgive me
Rubette paused at the hoarse voice.
You dont have to call me Brother, either. Just just
Please, stay by side
Until I do everything I couldnt do for you
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