“Episode 27”
“Ricard being able to comfortably be around someone is already a great achievement for you.”
There was a hint of bitterness in Eleanor’s eyes.
“You heard from Roxanne how Ricard got that scar on his cheek?”
“Yes…”
Aris had a cautious expression.
“His Highness said he doesn’t care about that scar. He said it was just an accident.”
At those words, a shadow crossed Eleanor’s face.
“An accident? Ricard was just trying to hold his mother’s hand. I threw a vase at him merely because he reached out absentmindedly.”
“I don’t know the details, but perhaps it was because it hurts so much when His Highness touches someone.”
“Pain… what is truly painful? The heart of a son rejected by his mother, or my own guilt for scarring my child.”
Surely, Ricard must have been in pain too. But the former Grand Duchess was also suffering from the guilt of what she had done.
“This conversation is getting too dark.”
Eleanor changed the subject.
“I don’t expect anything from you. Just stay by Ricard’s side.”
“Yes, because we are married.”
At the word “married,” the former Grand Duchess smiled. Her worry that Aris might be somewhat immature despite her renowned beauty proved unfounded.
“Jane.”
When the former Grand Duchess called, a maid with streaks of white hair approached, holding something on a silver tray.
“These are the seal and keys that signify the master of the inner palace of the House of Albertus. They are now yours, as the Grand Duchess.”
Aris stood up and respectfully received the items.
“The seal is a symbol of the Grand Duchess. The key opens all the doors of the Grand Duke’s residence, signifying the true master of the house.”
“I will keep this in mind.”
How anxious Eleanor must have been, worrying if there would ever be someone to inherit these. She gazed at Aris for a long time. She was grateful and proud of the young, beautiful Grand Duchess.
“I am not in good health. I stay here quietly to rest, so there’s no need to visit often. Just manage the inner palace and the House of Albertus well with Ricard.”
Eleanor felt she had finally fulfilled one of her life’s duties.
“Rita was originally my head maid and has been taking care of the inner palace in my stead on my sick days, so she will be useful. You should keep her with you.”
It was evident that sending Rita was something the former Grand Duchess had thoughtfully arranged beforehand, something Aris had not known.
“Thank you for your consideration.”
Eleanor shook her head as if it was nothing.
“You must be tired and busy, so you may leave now.”
With the arrival of the new Grand Duchess, Eleanor’s era had ended. Stepping back firmly would help Aris establish her place more solidly.
“I will visit again. I will send word in advance, so please do not refuse a teatime.”
Eleanor smiled at the warm words of the Grand Duchess. Her smile lingered long after Aris had left.
“Do you like the new Grand Duchess that much?”
Jane asked as she brought a fresh teapot.
“Indeed.”
No words could fully express her feelings.
“God has not abandoned Ricard.”
Thinking that Aris was by her son’s side, whom even she, his mother, could not embrace, Eleanor felt she could die with no regrets.
“A beautiful woman who is also kind and well-mannered.”
“Indeed, it seems the former Grand Duchess has recognized her good heart.”
Rita couldn’t hide her own happiness.
“Moreover, those serving the Grand Duchy are already impressed by Her Grace’s elegance and graciousness.”
“Really?”
Ricard asked in a deliberately indifferent voice, though the corners of his mouth twitched. Fortunately, he was far enough from Rita that no one noticed.
“I mentioned that Your Grace might visit her chambers in the evening.”
A good head maid starts by understanding her master’s heart.
“That won’t be necessary. Didn’t you say I have dinner with the Grand Duchess?”
“I mentioned that Your Grace might have a late-night snack after your duties are done.”
At this, Ricard’s eyes widened slightly.
“Of course, I understand that you are busy with your duties, but if you have time…”
“I will go.”
He replied too quickly. Clearing his throat, Ricard added, “One must have a snack at night.”
Rita, hiding a smile, respectfully bowed and quickly withdrew. It had only been a day since the wedding, yet there was already more laughter in the Grand Duchy thanks to the Grand Duchess.
“May her presence bring warmth to this Grand Duchy.”
Rita murmured sincerely. Everyone in the Grand Duke’s residence probably felt the same.
* * *
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the imperial palace, which was also preparing to welcome a new bride, was entirely different. Since seeing the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess in the capital, Emperor Patrick’s mood had been sour.
“Your Majesty, the portrait from Duke Caius’s house has arrived.”
The Minister of Rites came forward, presenting an enormous portrait. It was of Rosalind, the future empress.
“She is beautiful.”
“Yes, she is reputed to be the most beautiful woman on the continent…”
“Remove it.”
The emperor turned his back coldly without properly looking at the portrait. The chancellor gave the Minister of Rites a sign to leave quickly. Servants struggled to carry the large portrait out.
“She is beautiful, but I am not sure if she is the most beautiful.”
Patrick muttered coolly. The moment Aris’s beauty had captivated him when her scarf blew in the wind was becoming more vivid in his mind.
“How is it that the princess, rumored to have a disfigured face, is so beautiful?”
“I apologize, Your Majesty. I do not know exactly…”
“Find out.”
The chancellor bowed his head quickly in response to the angry command.
