Once she became conscious of it, she realized how much such a space was needed. And naturally, the most reliable supporter for Erin right now thought of the boutique owner.
When Erin first met the boutique owner, it was the most difficult time in her life. She was the wife of a fallen nobleman.
No, more precisely, she was a widow who was left alone after her husband and son died.
She was hiding the fact that she was a noblewoman and was working hard like a demon.
She had a connection with the original Erin. In the original work, Erin happened to get involved with her. She helped her set up a small shop.
And it wasn’t something she did for her out of the goodness of her heart.
It was a whim to show that she was someone who could change people’s lives. So, after helping her once, the original Erin no longer paid any attention to her.
But whatever the reason, thanks to that, her life clearly changed. She worked hard and gradually expanded the size of her small store. It was entirely her effort and ability.
She didn’t miss the chance that came to her by a stroke of luck. That was the reason.
Erin found where she was working.
And unlike the original, Erin suggested to her that she operate the current boutique while providing her with help.
If she could make her, who had a tenacious spirit and diligence, into someone of Erin’s, it would be reassuring.
The situation at that time was not much different from what happened with Madame and Frances this time.
She wanted to get away from the Karson Marquis, but she had no choice but to endure the bleak reality.
The boutique Madame was left alone in the world as if she had lost her husband and child overnight.
Both of them were in a desperate situation where they couldn’t do anything alone.
No matter how hard they tried, there was nothing they could do to alleviate their helplessness.
Such a situation couldn’t have been the only misfortune that came to the two of them.
There must be those who are enduring and keeping to themselves without being able to confide in anyone.
In such a situation where resignation and endurance are the only options, something that could bring hope and anticipation was needed, not giving up.
“I did what I wanted to do up to now.”
She wanted to give others that opportunity as well.
Aiden’s eyes turned up at the corners as he listened quietly to Erin.
“You found something you want to do,” he said, not delving into the details of what business it was.
“Aren’t you worried? I can’t guarantee it either. It could end up being a loss.”
Erin responded, “It’s not a loss if it’s something I want.”
Aiden cut in, “Other nobles might raise objections. Then I would be in a difficult position too.”
Erin asked, “Why would I make you uncomfortable?” Aiden bluntly replied, “Everything I have achieved so far is because of you. I wouldn’t be where I am now without you. What you want to do now is similar to that.”
Erin fell silent. Aiden gave his full support, encouraging her to do what she wants freely. Hearing his unwavering support, Erin’s heart swelled with warmth.
This only strengthened Erin’s confidence.
***
The next day, Princess Angelina visited Lienster. During their conversation, Erin explained her plans to Angelina.
She wanted to open a special salon where everyone could gather, with Princess Angelina at its center.
As Erin finished speaking, Angelina’s expression became subtle.
“That’s interesting,” she said, looking at Erin pensively.
“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. Even the Countess has been considering the same idea,” Angelina added with a slow upward curve of her mouth.
“It’s more reassuring to have two people than just one,” she continued. Erin responded, “Then it would be even better with three or four people.” She pressed further, “Who else is there?” This time, Angelina’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.
“It’s just a thought for now,” she said.
Erin was considering making a similar proposal to Claire and Julia, asking them to join in opening the salon.
“I’m okay with that. Let me know once you’ve made a decision,” replied Erin.
“I will,” she said. Erin nodded lightly.
“I look forward to working with you in the future, Your Highness.
I’m counting on you,” Erin smiled with her eyes closed, speaking politely.
“I have received a lot of help from Count Lienster in various ways, but…” Angelina’s gaze towards Erin became faint.
“I didn’t expect to form such a connection with the Countess. It’s exciting,” she said, reaching out her hand with a bright smile.
Erin quickly responded by taking her hand and smiling back.
***
Claire was receiving a few hours of education each day at the palace to become the crown princess.
After her education, it was natural for her to go to the crown prince’s palace and have a simple meal or drink tea with Frederick.
Even now, after finishing her education, she was having a conversation with Frederick while drinking tea.
Claire was also having similar thoughts to Erin after experiencing various situations recently.
She brought it up to Frederick, saying, “I want to create a space where I can support the noblewomen and the princesses even after becoming the crown princess.”
Frederick, who had been quietly listening to Claire, spoke up, “It looks like you have something else you want to do.”
“Yes, I do,” Claire said, looking straight into Frederick’s eyes.
As he gazed steadily at her, a smile slowly formed at the corner of Frederick’s mouth.
“You should. I promised, didn’t I? I said I would help you do what you want, even after becoming the crown princess and then the queen.”
Despite his reassuring response, Claire looked at him with a pensive expression.
“The queen might not like it.”
“Of course not. But just because the queen doesn’t like it, doesn’t mean we can’t do anything,” he replied.
“……”
“If there’s something you want to do, don’t hesitate to do it.”
Frederick lightly placed his hand on Claire’s head and spoke.
“You have… me and now Auntie too. I’m sure Auntie will also take your side.”
So don’t worry. Frederick said with a light smile.
Claire slowly opened her mouth.
“……Do you have any regrets?”
“About what?”
Frederick leaned in closer to Claire with a completely unsuspecting expression and asked.
“You told me all kinds of things. You showed me curious things and told me what they were, and you told me about how many diverse countries there are in the world. It was all you.”
Since she was young, Frederick had taught Claire many things.
“Because of you, I learned a lot and became more curious, which made me want to do so many things.”
Every time, Frederick stood by her. However, she knew that his position was not easy.
“If I didn’t know about those things, I wouldn’t have even thought about travEring. Then, we would have been married a long time ago.”
“Do I have to regret hearing that?”
Frederick raised the corner of his mouth.
“But I don’t feel particularly regretful.”
Frederick said firmly.
“I like the enthusiastic Claire. I hope you continue to be that way in the future.”
“….”
“I’ll support you. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
Suddenly, she remembered her conversation with Frederick after seeking advice from Erin when she was troubled.
“If I indeed become a crown princess, there will be many constraints. Then I won’t be able to enjoy the same freedom as now.”
Frederick was considering Claire’s worries.
So he tried to make concessions.
“So feel free to think it over a bit more. So that you won’t have any regrets…”
“What are you talking about!”
But Claire yelled out abruptly.
“You should hold on. Is it easy for you to tell me to think it over?”
Claire had to raise her voice in her excitement.
“No matter how many times, even hundreds of times, I think over it, my decision remains the same. I have never once thought that I won’t get married.”
“….”
“Just needed a little more courage, that’s all.”
“….”
“Will you promise?”
“Yes. I promise.”
“Why do you respond so easily, as if you know what I’m going to say?”
“Whatever it is.”
Hearing Frederick’s words, Claire let out a big laugh.
“I feel like I’m incredibly lucky. There’s no man anywhere who loves and understands me as much as you do.”
Claire had said with a face full of happiness and certainty.
“What I want is… for you to let me continue dreaming even after we get married.”
The person who had the most influence on making the current Claire possible was none other than Frederick.
Claire looked at him silently.
“As expected, the best decision I made in my life was falling in love with you.”
“Of course.”
Their intertwined fingers had the ring in between, as if it were already a part of them.
***
When Erin made the proposal about the salon to Claire and Julia, their response was unwavering, as if it had been decided from the beginning.
After everything was settled, it wasn’t difficult to open the salon. Everything progressed swiftly, and the salon opened its doors in no time.
