🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 19
Silence stretched on for a long while.
Betty hesitated, unsure whether it was appropriate to speak again or if she should simply leave.
“Let’s go now.”
The Grand Dowager extended her hand toward Betty as if to suggest support. Betty quickly rose and stood beside her.
“The Empress’s Palace or the Marquis’s residence… why are they so fussed about my well-being?”
“They are probably just concerned for you, milady. Since they treat you with great care, naturally, the staff wants to ensure the Grand Dowager is treated well too.”
“So, flattery is allowed, huh? Just say the nice things.”
“It actually seems true,” Betty replied.
Judging by the Empress, who seemed gentle and approachable, and the Grand Dowager, who scolded her own son so sharply, it was clear that the Prowell household had a completely different atmosphere from the Chartes household.
“Ah, another flatterer approaches. I don’t need support.”
Following the direction indicated by the Grand Dowager’s cane, Betty saw Grand Duke Ian Deivan approaching briskly. Behind him, the Empress and Vivian were standing at a distance, seemingly there to see them off.
“Grand Dowager, you seem healthier than when I last saw you. You even seem younger,” the Grand Duke said.
Betty quickly stepped back, letting the Grand Duke support the Grand Dowager. She could feel his gaze on her.
“I told you, right? You flatter me like this, but not to the Emperor.”
The Grand Dowager looked at Betty with a knowing smile, then addressed the Grand Duke.
“And if the Grand Duke is curious about my health, wouldn’t it be better to visit more often instead of just passing by to say hello?”
“I apologize. I’ll be staying in the capital for the time being, so I’ll come to see you.”
From the easygoing conversation she had just witnessed between the Grand Duke and the Empress, Betty could sense a special bond between the Duke and the Prowell family.
At that moment, the Empress hurriedly approached without caring that the hem of her dress was being stepped on, holding the Grand Dowager’s hand tightly.
“Grandmother! Where on earth have you been?”
“Your father insists I carry so many things around—it’s such a hassle. I just went to look at some paintings,” the Grand Dowager replied.
“You should at least let someone know where you’re going,” the Empress said.
“Then I’d just get a whole entourage again?”
“You worry me when you do that, especially with your health.”
From a distance, Betty overheard a low voice.
“It seems the Grand Dowager likes you.”
“…I just got lucky to find her location and escort her. That’s all,” Betty replied.
“No. If she didn’t like you, she wouldn’t have moved at all until someone else arrived. She’s very stubborn that way.”
It was only after listening to the explanation that Betty realized the Grand Duke was offering her what was almost praise. She looked up at him.
Meeting his shining brown eyes, he turned his gaze forward and muttered as if to himself:
“So, you did well.”
“Thank you.”
It wasn’t exactly an extraordinary accomplishment, but it still felt good.
“Oh, by the way. What’s your name?”
The Grand Dowager, who had refused the Empress’s support to climb into the Marquis’s carriage alone, turned to ask Betty.
Caught off guard by the sudden attention, Betty tried to remain composed and answered as politely and calmly as possible, bowing slightly.
“Betty.”
“I see. I’ll remember that.”
Leaving that cryptic remark behind, the Grand Dowager climbed into the carriage without hesitation this time.
Betty, still in a daze, noticed the green eyes of the Empress watching her.
“Betty, right? I remember you standing beside the young lady…”
“Yes, I am her maid,” Betty replied.
The Empress smiled gently and stepped closer to Betty, her hand naturally reaching out to hold hers. It was only then that Betty fully realized the Empress of the Empire was holding her hand and speaking to her directly.
“Betty. Could it be short for Beatrice?”
“…Yes, it is.”
“It’s a name that isn’t used much these days, yet it always retains its beauty.”
Betty remembered because her mother had insisted she know her “real” name, but as a commoner, she had never actually used it. She was naturally surprised that the Empress guessed it correctly.
Noticing her reaction, the Empress smiled kindly and explained:
“Normally, one wouldn’t think of it, but your name reminded me of my grandmother—the one who just left in the carriage. Lately, as her health has declined, she spends many quiet, lonely moments reflecting on old memories. Some things can’t be solved, even by becoming Empress.”
“…I hope she recovers soon,” Betty replied politely, aware that the situation was complex.
“I didn’t come here to talk about that… But it’s rare for my strict grandmother to like someone, so I have a small favor to ask,” the Empress continued.
“If it’s something I can do, I’ll try my best,” Betty said.
“It’s nothing difficult. Just, if you have time, could you visit the Prowell household and keep my grandmother company?”
Betty was genuinely startled by the sudden request.
“Me? How could I…?”
“You serve the young lady of the household, so you’re perfectly qualified. There’s a long story behind the Prowell family—enough to tire even my resilient grandmother.”
Despite her elevated status, the Empress wore a tender, somewhat sorrowful smile.
“It may seem strange that I’m asking so earnestly, but having been raised by my grandmother after losing my mother early, I can’t help wanting to hold onto anyone who might bring her some joy, even briefly.”
Unable to refuse as the Empress held her hand, Betty nodded in agreement. The Empress, deeply relieved, then spoke to Vivian:
“Ah, young lady. I’m not taking your maid away. My grandmother is simply lonely and has limited mobility. Even half a day a week would be enough, if Betty is willing.”
“Of course, as long as Betty is okay, I have no objections. In fact, I’d envy her—being able to serve the Grand Dowager closely,” Vivian said, her eyes gleaming with interest.
On the way back to the Chartes household, Vivian explained the Grand Dowager’s impressive social standing to Betty.
“In society, receiving guidance from the Prowell Grand Dowager is a great honor,” she said.
“Really?”
“Yes. She values etiquette and is extremely strict. Being her disciple earns a lady the title of cultured and refined.”
Vivian adjusted her posture and smiled at Betty.
“You really are remarkable. I was too intimidated to even approach her. How did you win her favor?”
“I don’t know either,” Betty admitted.
“Hmm… Anyway, visit often. It’s good to make an impression. And while you’re at it, speak kindly of me. That way, she might not glare at me so sharply at parties or balls.”
Observing Vivian’s relaxed posture in the carriage, Betty began to understand why the Grand Dowager had been so stern toward her.
“I’ll do my best to leave a good impression for the young lady,” Betty promised.
“Good. I’m counting on you. When you return, tell me about the Prowell household. Chartes and Prowell haven’t always gotten along, so I’m curious.”
That was clearly what she was most curious about. Betty asked,
“You’re curious about the Prowell household?”
“Just… the Empress is so elegant and dignified. I’ve wanted to emulate her at times, though I’ve realized my attempts are clumsy,” Vivian admitted, turning her head coyly.
Betty thought perhaps Vivian envied the warm and friendly atmosphere of the Prowell household.
“Still, my priority will always be to serve you, young lady,” Betty said.
Even pretending to be indifferent, Betty noticed a faint, pleased smile on Vivian’s lips.
