Episode 3
The place where Monica worked was a little far from the front lines, but wounded soldiers were brought in there every day.
Among them was Sol, a man who had been brought in two months before the kingdom’s defeat.
The young man’s military ID tag had been half torn off during transport and worn away, leaving only the name “Sol” and part of his identification number. He was said to have been hit by shrapnel while near an explosion.
Although he was unlucky enough to be hit in the eye by shrapnel and had bandages wrapped around both eyes, it was clear that the young man was handsome. The nurses felt sorry for the young man who had lost his sight.
The young man remained unconscious the entire time. Caring for an unconscious patient was a burden for the already busy nurses, and eventually, Monica took over his care. It was simply because Monica was diligent.
It wasn’t even funny. Monica had just gotten used to it.
Nevertheless, she was delighted when the young man miraculously regained consciousness.
So much so that she didn’t even mind the inevitably melancholy and slightly irritable nature of a young man unable to see.
“I knew you’d wake up! I just knew it!”
It feels like just yesterday when I said that.
“Isn’t that right?” Monica asked the young man with wide eyes. He frowned slightly. His bright blue eyes, shining in the sunlight, looked like jewels.
Oh my. Monica opened her mouth slightly, then realized, Ah.
Sol wouldn’t know who she was.
Less than a month after the young man came to his senses, the kingdom declared its defeat.
All the units stationed on the front lines withdrew. The wounded had to be transported separately, so even after the declaration of defeat, the nurses were too busy to sleep, let alone feel sad. They just bandaged the wounded and sent them on their way.
By the way, where is Sol? Monica wondered.
When she finally found his bed, it was already empty. She regretted not being able to properly say goodbye, thinking that someone must have sent him away in the chaos.
The saddest thing, however, was that he still had the bandage on his eyes. During his treatment, Monica had grown quite attached to him.
Now, those memories flashed before her eyes as she welcomed the young man standing before her.
“It’s me, Moni. From Arvid’s Hospital! Don’t you remember? You might not recognize me because of the eye injury you had back then…”
The young man furrowed his brows slightly. Monica thought it was because he didn’t remember her and leaned closer to get a better look.
The young man was very handsome and well-dressed. He wore a luxurious linen cravat and a thick, plain-weave jacket.
But what caught Monica’s attention more than his attire were his beautiful eyes.
“At that time, they said you might never see again! Are your eyes better now?”
“…That.”
A cracked voice came from the young man. Monica blinked a few times, realizing he was in trouble.
At the same time, she noticed why.
Oh my. Monica was practically grabbing the young man by the collar, her face close to his. He, who was much taller than Monica, was almost pushed back.
If Madame Orange had seen her, she would have never hired Monica, no matter how many letters of introduction she had. Monica was far from virtuous.
“Oh my god! I’m so sorry.”
She instantly let go of his chest, her face turning bright red. Embarrassed, she couldn’t stop chattering.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen you with your eyes open! You disappeared right after the defeat, just when I thought I could take care of you… How have you been? What brings you to La Spezia—”
The young man quickly raised a hand to cover Monica’s mouth.
“Miss, I’m sorry.”
His troubled face softened into a faint smile.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. That’s not my name.”
“Oh!”
Monica’s face flushed even deeper. She was sure it was Sol.
But the young man smiled politely, his expression unfamiliar.
Monica’s thoughts scrambled. They truly did look alike, but… Sol didn’t have blond hair back then. War could turn hair gray, couldn’t it? He wasn’t this clean-shaven either… or this polished.
“…Sorry.”
Eventually, Monica apologized and stepped back, still unsure.
“It’s okay. There are plenty of people in the world who look alike,” the young man said reassuringly. His demeanor was upright, the kind associated with good upbringing.
“My name is Luis. I must look a lot like your acquaintance.”
“No, yes… That’s…”
His low, deep voice sounded eerily similar. Monica’s gaze faltered, but the young man smiled, closing his eyes briefly.
“Oh, you look so apologetic. It’s my fault.”
“Oh, my! I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
Hurriedly waving her hands, Monica stepped back again, feeling that she had been overly rude upon their first meeting.
And in her fluster, she backed into someone.
“Get out of the way!”
“Careful!”
The young man grabbed Monica and pulled her out of the harm’s way.
Startled, she realized she had been hugged by Luis, who had steadied her. Behind her, sailors carrying heavy cargo glared at her as they passed.
“Are you alright?” Luis asked gently.
Monica nodded, her cheeks warm with embarrassment.
“You saved me.”
“I only acted on instinct,” he replied smoothly, helping her to the sidewalk.
“You must be careful. This area is bustling with people and horses.”
“I didn’t know…” Monica admitted, flustered.
“It doesn’t seem like a place for you. Are you lost?”
“Yes, I was heading to the train station…”
Luis chuckled.
“Ah, this is Agenda Square. It’s easy to get lost here.”
“You mean the square in front of the train station?”
“Exactly. If you’d like, I can guide you.”
The young man skillfully navigated Monica past wet sails, discarded ropes, and salty drainage channels.
“Thank you, Luis.”
“It’s my pleasure,” he said, smiling.
As they parted ways, Luis kissed the back of Monica’s hand with perfect Southern etiquette.
“I’m glad, even though I’m not the man you knew, that when we meet again, I might be.”
Monica blushed.
“Luis, you’re such a womanizer…”
Luis laughed but didn’t deny it.
As he disappeared, Monica thought, ‘Oh my goodness. I must avoid men like him at all costs.’
—
