Lacius’ eyes slightly widened at my cry.
Oops, my bad.
Seeing the face, which I was used to seeing everyday, after a long time got me too excited. I quickly changed the subject, thinking I had acted too casually just now.
“Let’s visit Theobalt.”
“Theobalt?”
“Yeah, I’m taking Theobalt to meet a wonderful grandma today.”
“I’ve never heard of that plan.”
“Because it was decided only yesterday!”
I felt bad for dragging someone who had just returned home out, but Lacius didn’t seem to mind.
Based on the subtle smell of soap coming from his hair, he appears to have just washed up. I followed him downstairs, taking care not to make any unprovoked physical contact, as I had earlier.
Lacius didn’t appear to be offended, but I did it just in case. I should be more cautious as I get closer to him.
The butler’s room was in what was known as the right wing. I knocked on the door, and Theobalt opened the door.
“Miss, My Lord,”
“Oh my goodness, Theo! You look like a different person!”
It resembles the tailcoat he normally wears, but the luster and fabric are different. It was far more opulent than the butler’s outfit. He was still wearing white gloves and a darker handkerchief was tucked into his bluish jacket.
As I got closer, I smelled a cool perfume from him, and I knew he had really dressed up for today.
“Hmmm, do I look okay?”
“Yeah, very much!”
“I am glad to hear that. We’re seeing each other for the first time in 40 years…”
Oh.
I covered my mouth in surprise as the number of years exceeded my expectations. Isn’t 40 years nearly half a century? I haven’t lived that long yet, so I’m not sure how long that was.
“I thought she’d died; I’m surprised but also relieved to learn she’s still alive.”
Theobalt laughed at his old man’s joke. Lacius then asked Theobalt a question.
“May I inquire as to what happened?”
“Yes. Tabby and I… We worked for a fallen noble family as a nanny and a gardener. That was how it was when we were younger.”
When Lacius asked the question, Theobalt opened his eyes, as if looking back in time. I couldn’t help myself and had to ask a question.
“And you get separated?”
“Yes. When the family collapsed, the servants dispersed. Tabby and I drove up to the capital together. However, we were hired by separate families.”
“The Schweidens hired Theo here.”
“When I was young, Your Excellency’s predecessor took good care of me. As a result, I was able to witness his son assuming the title while living comfortably here. There is nothing greater in this old man’s life than that.”
Theobalt bowed slightly his head. A life completely dedicated to an aristocratic family, earning infinite trust in return. That seemed pretty cool.
The three of us climbed into the carriage together, and the massive carriage began to move forward.
“How about buying some flowers here?”
I remembered the grandpas who were buying things for grandma the other day. As the carriage approached the street of flowers, Theobalt nodded and smiled with the corners of his wrinkled eyes.
“The lady is extremely delicate. This would be ideal for her.”
The girls with flowers on their arms rushed to this side after the carriage came to a halt. Theobalt appeared to pause for a moment before picking up a bundle of sweet peas and paying for it. The pale pink flowers that resemble frills on a dress’s sleeves are stunning.
I whispered to Lacius as I watched the scene outside the window.
“Doesn’t Theo look excited?”
“I think so.”
“You know, Lashin, what do you think you’d do if you were in his situation? What if you run into the person you liked 40 years ago, again?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Is there anything else besides that dull answer?”
I grunted and pouted my lips. To respond to my question about this romantic scene, “not sure”…
“Perhaps the feeling of that time has long since vanished, but it would still be nice to meet them after such a long time, right?”
I urge Lacius to speak again, disappointed by his response.
“With the loss of people over time, there would be no one left to remember those days with you. It’s only natural to be happy when you see someone you haven’t seen in a long time.
It was a pleasure to listen to his distinct calm voice. I then satisfiedly nodded my head.
“Right. Whatever the feelings were at the time, I believe it would be nice to see each other again.”
It didn’t take long to make the bouquet. The horse begins to move again as Theobalt enters the carriage with a joyful expression. It was the first time in my life that I was ecstatic about someone else’s memories.
* * *
“Here.”
The shabby tea house’s fly-by business continued today. I approached the tea shop and peered inside. I was worried that Peridot would show up today, but she didn’t. The other grandfathers were also nowhere to be seen. I hurriedly opened the door of the tea house.
“Welcome— what? You’ve come again today, young lady?”
Grandma, the owner, didn’t seem very energetic today. She still greets customers, but when she saw me, she asked, “Why did you come?” instead. If you didn’t notice the delighted tone spoken in a grandmotherly manner, you might think she was just asking why you came here.
“I’d like two glasses of Earl Gray.”
I sat near the end with Lacius. Theobalt hadn’t come in yet. I couldn’t tell if he was disappointed because she wasn’t the one he knew or because she was the one he knew.
For the time being, all I can do is wait with bated breath.
Theobalt waited outside until our tea was ready. Then, as soon as Grandma set the tea down, she turned and looked at the door. Bright sweet peas came into the store with the sunlight.
“Welc— !”
“…Tabby.”
“Oh my goodness! Theo?”
The dark clouds dissipated, and the sun shone on Grandma’s face like a sleeping morning glory flower blooming again in the morning. With a trembling voice, Theobalt opened his mouth.
“It really was you.”
“No, I mean, I assumed you were already dead? But you’re still alive?”
“That’s correct. I guess I’m just too tough to die.”
“Oh my goodness. El-Raum.”
Grandma cried out to the Sun God and clasped her hands together. While silently watching their reunion, I poked Lacius in the ribs.
“This tea house is deeply in debt.”
“Debt?”
“Yes. So I’m thinking about purchasing and preserving it.”
