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Chapter 71
I said sadly,
“But we must go to the capital. It’s already mid-September, and autumn is quickly approaching.”
This autumn was the season of promises. Promises that had been postponed thanks to the Crown Princess’s consideration.
“Being a lady-in-waiting will be fun, too. Her Highness the Crown Princess has piled up so many books for us to read and discuss together.”
I had to go to the capital. When I squeezed the hand intertwined with mine, Ezekiel pressed his lips against the back of my hand, his face ripening with longing. After holding back for a while, he finally managed to say,
“I’ll miss you.”
Alfredo and Michele whispered quietly to each other,
“How full of love. Spring has come.”
“Uncle didn’t even act sad when I left for the academy, but now he’s unusually sentimental.”
Ezekiel called out sharply to his nephew,
“Michele Betra.”
“Che. Sharp ears.”
“You think I wouldn’t notice you whispering a few steps behind me?”
“A-hem. Hem.”
While Michele was being scolded, Steward Alfredo slipped away from the interrogation and spoke to me, carefully avoiding Ezekiel.
“My lady. Please take this.”
While Michele was being lectured, the steward pressed a sheet of paper into my hands with utmost seriousness.
“I’ve prepared a communication stone separately, but if you prefer, you may continue sending letters as before. This paper contains the address of a café in the capital.”
“Oh, isn’t this the café we visited last time?”
“Yes. If you go there and say a certain phrase, our informants will deliver your letters all the way to Betra.”
Ah. So this café was also one of the Betra Duchy’s contact points.
I was impressed—and a little astonished—at how tightly woven the systems inside and outside the duchy were.
“His Grace told me he shared the guild’s internal code phrases with you.”
“I know all that.”
“This old man can’t accompany you, but I will always wait for your messages.”
“I’ll send letters regularly.”
At least three months. I looked forward to it, but still, it felt a shame to be away from Betra.
“My lady, the luggage is all packed!”
Anna emerged, carrying an armful of my dresses. She had been working hard to help establish President Wharton’s second shop, but now she was finally strolling about the front yard in an outing dress.
“Good work. Let’s go now.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
“Are you excited to study fashion at the academy?”
“I couldn’t sleep last night.”
Just as she said, she looked quite tired, but Anna busied herself checking the luggage loaded onto the carriage.
I touched the recommendation letter tucked in my bosom. I had stayed up the previous night revising it, carefully writing the Duchess’s recommendation for the Fashion Department of the Imperial Design Academy.
‘One from me, one from President Wharton. With these two, Anna’s admission will be secured.’
Since I would be in the capital for several months, I planned to send Anna there too, so she could study at the fashion academy.
I had told her it was because I wanted her to become a better lady-in-waiting and assist me more capably. Though she had hesitated at first, feeling burdened, she finally accepted.
‘And look at how happy she is.’
While Anna studied diligently, I would do my best to attend to the Crown Princess.
“Aunt, hurry and get in. We have to move quickly if we’re to arrive at the capital before nightfall.”
Michele, with his bag full of strawberry syrup for motion sickness, gestured to me. Watching him open a bottle before leaving, I turned back to Ezekiel and said,
“I’m going now!”
Back to the place where I was born and raised. I’ll go, finish my work well, and return.
[How are you doing? It feels silly to say this after only three days apart, but I already miss Betra’s beautiful scenery.
The capital feels so strange compared to the City of Water. I suppose it’s because my perspective has changed so much over the past half-year.
Her Highness the Crown Princess welcomed me with administrative books, starting with The Basics of Rulership. It looks like long days of study are ahead.
Wishing happiness to you, who work day and night for Betra.
Your (contractual) wife, Viola.]
[“How are you?”—I wanted to ask that too. Reading that you are safe brought me quiet relief.
Since you sent a letter, you must have used the ‘café’ information network. I trust you showed them the dignity befitting the vice-guildmaster.
With your absence, the mansion feels as though a great part of it has been torn away. My heart feels empty as well.
I continue managing the territory with Olly as before. Yesterday I heard your voice through the magic stone, but without seeing your face, the longing remains. There’s nothing to be done but wait for you.
Supporting you in your new days in the capital,
Your husband, Ezekiel.]
[You really—dignity of a vice-guildmaster? If I wrote things like that, those around us would only grow sad, don’t you think?
The magic stone is good, but I like letters for their unique feeling. They let me say embarrassing things I’d never dare voice aloud. And after days of constant reading, I feel even more comfortable with pen and paper.
Yesterday, while walking in the palace gardens with Her Highness the Crown Princess, I unexpectedly ran into His Majesty the Emperor. He passed without a word, but oh, how my heart raced.
p.s. Anna completed her academy registration last month and is studying diligently. When I accompanied her to the academy, the instructors were shocked to see me.
And when I pulled out President Wharton’s recommendation letter, they nearly fainted again. Quite amusing, isn’t it?
Unable to hold back my laughter,
Viola.]
[Hearing that your mere presence in the palace cowed that obstinate old man made me smile.
When I receive your letters—words you’ve poured time and care into—I find myself brushing my fingers across them. Even the ink blots and uneven spacing make me smile, thinking it’s your handwriting.
Things here are going well. Thanks to our prayers, there’s been no major storms. Miss Valentina’s tea house opened its second and third branches, and President Wharton is making a fuss about acquiring fabrics that capture Betra’s autumn and winter.
p.s. You see? You are already famous throughout the Empire. Walk tall and proud when you visit the academy. Flaunt your status as Duchess of Betra if you like.
Hoping you abuse your status,
Ezekiel.]
“Abuse my status”? How cruel.
Anyway, it’s already late autumn, the leaves are falling. In the capital, a glasscraft exhibition was held. Seeing glassworks from Betra merchants on display made me so happy.
I also met magicians from the Tower who supply glass to Betra. When I told them our shop windows thrive thanks to them, they were delighted.
But when we asked them to lower the glass prices, they refused instantly. I barely stopped Michele from glaring and cursing at them.
p.s. When winter comes, the capital will host a Winter Palace Ball. There will even be a small exhibition. How nice it would be if we could attend together.
Though our negotiations failed, I’m still thrilled for other reasons,
Viola.]
[I heard about the ball. It seems the Empire has gone all out in its preparations—plenty of spectacles to see.
Betra has finished its winter preparations, and since I have some leisure, I plan to go up to the capital soon and spend a month there. Attending the Winter Ball with you sounds wonderful.
Packing for the capital,
Ezekiel.]
My goodness! I’m so excited. Will you come before the first snowfall? The thought of seeing you again after three months fills me with anticipation. I might even forget your face at this rate.
(Though no, I doubt I could ever forget. A face as handsome as yours couldn’t vanish from memory.)
Since you’ll be here soon, I’ll share more news of others as well.
Michele met up with academy friends the other day and spent the whole day out. Thanks to his introductions, I’ve befriended other academy students and even their parents.
Anna has become a proper designer. She even completed a three-day practicum at a capital atelier. When she returns to Betra, President Wharton has already promised her a position.
Seeing those around me grow makes me both anxious to keep pace and joyful. I want you to come soon and share in this happiness with me. I look forward to the ball.
Eagerly awaiting winter,
Viola.]
[[Urgent]
Ezekiel. You haven’t replied yet, but I had to send this quickly.
Have you heard the news? A Saint has appeared! At last, this generation’s Saint has been chosen!
They say she’ll be introduced at the Winter Ball… but there’s a problem.
According to imperial protocol, the Saint’s partner must be you.
That means you’ll have to enter not with me, but with the Saint!]
