LI Chapter 37

‌⁠♡⁩ TL: Khadija SK

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“Yes?”

 

“You don’t need to do anything. You’re beautiful as you are. Your mere existence is worthy of welcome. And the Bernier family knows how to value a person.”

 

Theodore affirmed that if Lady Michelle persisted in opposing Hazel to the end, it was Lady Michelle’s problem, not Hazel’s fault.

 

Hazel’s long lashes trembled.

 

He might have been trying to soothe her sadness, but his words felt different to her.

 

They resembled a confession brimming with longing.

 

Perhaps that was why…

 

Hazel felt an itch in her chest, as if a butterfly had landed there.

 

***

 

Hazel had promised Theodore ten outings. She’d completed five so far, meaning five remained.

 

But with Viscount Easton’s return to the capital, keeping that promise grew difficult.

 

“The duke is making such an effort; I can’t just sit idly by.”

 

Hadn’t he even written her letters under the name Viola?

 

Hazel recalled the thrill she’d felt receiving that letter in front of Charlotte’s room, its handwriting bearing clear traces of attempts to soften its edges.

 

“I should at least be diligent in honoring my contract with Duke Theodore.”

 

With this resolve, Hazel knocked on Charlotte’s door.

 

The room buzzed with noise, as if a whirlwind of chaos reigned inside.

 

It sounded like something had shattered…

 

The door flew open abruptly, and Charlotte appeared with a flushed face, peeking out.

 

“Sis—ter?”

 

Charlotte’s voice quivered slightly, unprepared for Hazel’s visit.

 

“May I come into your room for a moment? I’m not disturbing you, am I?”

 

Hazel placed one hand behind her waist and gestured toward the room with the other.

 

“If it’s you, you’re welcome anytime! But wait a second!”

 

Before Hazel could reply, the door slammed shut. The sound of drawers opening and closing echoed loudly.

 

‘She’s tidying the room, it seems.’

 

Hazel’s eyes sparkled.

 

Charlotte was a child who hid nothing from her.

 

It was endearing, delightful, and amusing to watch her scramble to conceal something.

 

‘It makes me want to tease her.’

 

Imagining Charlotte squirming under her prodding, Hazel’s eyes glinted mischievously.

 

But she quickly abandoned the plan. She’d come today to ask for Charlotte’s help, so she needed to tread carefully.

 

“Sister, come in.”

 

The door reopened sooner than Hazel expected.

 

Charlotte, gripping the handle, greeted her with a thin sheen of sweat on her forehead.

 

“Your room is so clean.”

 

Hazel’s eyes instinctively swept the space. It was a room that suited Charlotte perfectly.

 

Bright floral wallpaper, a white rug on the floor, vases scattered here and there, cabinets stuffed with dolls, and a side table holding an embroidery frame and delicate little ceramic models.

 

It was filled with dazzling, radiant things.

 

“What brings you here?”

 

“Anyone hearing you might think we live miles apart.”

 

“Because you don’t come to my room this often.”

 

Hazel and Charlotte’s rooms were adjacent.

 

The distance between them was short enough to visit easily. That’s why Charlotte constantly popped into Hazel’s room.

 

Thus, Hazel rarely needed to visit Charlotte’s.

 

Whenever the thought crossed her mind, Charlotte was already in her room.

 

It seemed that bothered her.

 

“I’ll visit you often from now on.”

 

“Really?”

 

Charlotte beamed innocently, as if she hadn’t just responded coolly, and grabbed Hazel’s arm, pulling her in.

 

“Sit here, Sister!”

 

She seated Hazel on her favorite cushioned chair.

 

“What brings you?”

 

It would’ve been better to say she’d come simply because she missed her, but Hazel, who’d come with a purpose, smiled awkwardly.

 

“Don’t feel bad. I know well you’re someone who values efficiency and doesn’t move without a goal.”

 

“You’ve got a keen eye for people’s depths, Charlotte.”

 

Charlotte lifted her chin proudly.

 

“Because I’m twenty now.”

 

Had she married last year, she might be a mother by now. So Charlotte was no longer a child.

 

“You’ve become such a splendid woman.”

 

Hazel praised her sincerely.

 

“So, how can I help you, Sister?”

 

Charlotte adjusted her posture. Her eyes gleamed with determination to assist Hazel.

 

Hazel gazed into her starry night-like eyes and cautiously opened her mouth:

 

“I need to meet Duke Theodore, but as you know, Father opposes it.”

 

Charlotte’s eyes widened, and she covered her mouth with both hands.

 

Shock and joy burst from her gaze.

 

From just one sentence, Charlotte grasped what Hazel would ask.

 

“Sister, you’ve fallen for the duke!”

 

“What nonsense! We’re just friends. It’s only because ending our relationship like this wouldn’t be polite…”

 

“No need to explain to me. I know your heart well. You want to meet him secretly, don’t you? Like Romeo and Juliet!”

 

Hazel wanted to correct Charlotte’s misunderstanding.

 

She felt an urgent need to do so from the depths of her heart. But she wasn’t given the chance.

 

Charlotte sprang up, clasped her fists before her chest, and twirled around the room with excitement.

 

In her mind, a romantic play unfolded.

 

Two lovers defying their parents’ opposition with burning passion.

 

Naturally, the protagonists were Hazel and Theodore. Both had the stunning looks fit for main characters.

 

“Charlotte.”

 

Hazel laughed lightly and pulled Charlotte back. Charlotte sat down again.

 

“I’ve got a great idea. And there’s a perfect opportunity too.”

 

As expected of Charlotte.

 

“Let’s go to a masquerade ball.”

 

“Father won’t allow it.”

 

Indeed, Viscount Easton forbade any gathering that might bring Hazel and Theodore together.

 

“No problem. This time he’ll agree. It’s a masquerade. And I’ll inform Duke Theodore beforehand. I’ll suggest he spread a rumor that he’s gone to the countryside.”

 

Hazel nodded at Charlotte’s plan, then paused. Charlotte’s words were odd.

 

“Do you correspond with Duke Theodore separately?”

 

Charlotte’s facial muscles froze abruptly.

 

After a moment, a forced smile spread across her face, looking almost coerced.

 

“Oh, no, h-how could that be.”

 

Charlotte was terrible at lying.

 

It was obvious what she’d been writing to Theodore. Given her eagerness to pair them, it was predictable.

 

‘Seems she’s been skillfully playing matchmaker without my knowledge.’

 

Hazel sighed repeatedly, wondering what Charlotte had said, hoping it wasn’t her usual exaggerated praise.

 

***

 

After Hazel left, Charlotte immediately retrieved the paper and pen she’d hidden earlier.

 

These were the items she’d stashed when Hazel barged in: the pen, letter paper, ink, and replies she’d received from Theodore.

 

[To the Esteemed Duke Bernier,

Only two days ago we exchanged letters, but an event has compelled me to take up my pen once more. You may feel puzzled receiving this so soon, Your Grace, but by the end of this letter, you’ll be eager to thank me.

(Section omitted)

My sister Hazel was as beautiful as ever today. She burst into my room this morning, and despite the early hour, she was impeccably put together. You know her distinctive organized chaos well, don’t you? It’s the side of her I adore fiercely. The peak of her charm lies in how she pins her ebony-black hair with a pen at random. The pen changes with her mood each time, and today she used one with a turquoise handle to secure her hair. Which means her mood wasn’t bad at all.

(Section omitted)

Finally, I’ve achieved something worthy of your great thanks, Your Grace. Something that repays the value of the hairpin I received last time and more.

In three days, a masquerade ball will be held. I’ll bring my sister Hazel there, and when the atmosphere ripens enough, I’ll lead her to an empty balcony to rest. I hope a noble gentleman, lost in his way, fills her resting spot with brilliant wit and blazing passion. Perhaps the balcony farthest from the entrance—it’s always deserted.

Wishing you good fortune in three days, Your Grace.

From Hazel’s first admirer, Charlotte.]

 

As Hazel feared, Charlotte’s letter overflowed with praise and exaggerated remarks about her.

 

It was a letter Hazel would’ve burned on sight had she seen it.

 

Fortunately, she didn’t, and Theodore safely received it around lunchtime.

 

***

 

The day of the masquerade ball dawned brightly.

 

Viscount Easton permitted his daughters to attend, on the condition that he and his wife accompany them, after hearing Duke Bernier had temporarily left the capital.

 

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