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Chapter : 14
“This is the last of it. I apologize that the quantity is too small to call it a gift for Her Imperial Highness.”
Viscount Jean Croque placed several glass bottles on the table, wearing an expression of deep regret. In contrast, Marianne could no longer suppress a hollow laugh and glanced around.
Amelie was already flustered by the gifts piled high on three trays, yet he said the amount was small. Even excluding the clothes, there was more than enough—she hardly knew what to say.
“These are potions blessed by the temple and holy water. I did give medicinal herbs as well, but one never knows when an emergency might arise.”
“Thank you. I’ll make good use of them.”
Marianne nodded. They were probably arranged by the Marquis of the Borderlands for Cedric, whose condition tended to worsen in the depths of winter.
Thanks to that, Lusana’s trip to the temple had become pointless—but Marianne didn’t feel particularly sorry about it.
After all, perhaps because Lusana had mentioned it to Louis on the way there, a letter from the imperial family had arrived yesterday.
Enclosed with a few stingy checks, the letter—written in elegant handwriting—contained a thinly veiled threat that things would become troublesome if she did not get along with Lady Biarritz.
Unbelievable. Truly.
Even so, Marianne had no intention whatsoever of forming a close relationship with Lusana and harassing the people of the ducal household. Still, she couldn’t simply ignore the letter. If this sort of thing continued, it wouldn’t just be tiresome—Louis might even increase the number of people watching her.
That would be a nuisance to the ducal house as well, so she decided she’d respond as before with suitably pleasant words and nothing more.
As she was lost in thought, Jean cautiously called out to her.
“…Your Highness?”
“Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about where to put all the gifts you brought.”
“Not at all. Come to think of it, I seem to have kept Your Highness for quite some time. Still, I’m relieved to see that you like the gifts. Next time, I’ll prepare even more.”
Jean smiled gently and bowed with perfect courtesy. Marianne was about to wave it off and tell him it was unnecessary, but then she closed her lips.
She didn’t know when “next time” would be, but the more things accumulated in the ducal estate, the more it would help with rebuilding the family.
“It was a fruitful visit, Viscount Croque.”
“I’m honored to hear you say so.”
Having achieved his objective, Viscount Croque offered another polite farewell and departed.
Only after the large carriage had completely disappeared did Marianne return to the drawing room. Fortunately, the sun was bright today, so the outdoor temperature wasn’t too low.
“Your Highness, we’ve organized Viscount Croque’s gifts.”
“Ah, thank you. It would be best to check them before moving them.”
“Yes. They’re over here.”
Even at a glance, the pile Amelie indicated was overwhelming. The clothes must have been taken straight to the dressing room, yet there was still so much left.
After scanning the items, Marianne gave her instructions.
“Amelie, you take responsibility for storing the herbs, potions, and holy water. Take these here to Cedric, and send the food ingredients to the kitchen. The rest can be moved to my room.”
“Understood.”
“Oh, and tell Lusana that she may use the holy water she brought from the temple herself. Thanks to Viscount Croque, we have plenty now.”
With that—also a signal for the maids to return to their duties—the corner of the drawing room quickly emptied. Marianne picked up a box from the table.
“I’ll carry this one myself.”
Inside the luxurious jewelry box were several diamonds and pieces of jewelry, along with additional checks Viscount Croque had added, saying she should use them whenever she wished.
Thinking about how much money Helene must have poured out for today made Marianne feel a little dizzy, but she chose to think positively.
She had gained a reliable and generous ally. Thanks to that, Cedric would be able to enjoy a far better childhood than in the original story.
Fabrice might feel a bit bitter about it—but the diamond mine would keep bringing in money.
After exchanging a glance of thanks with Amelie, Marianne stepped into the corridor.
It’s already much better than before.
The hallway leading to Cedric’s room looked quite different from when she had first arrived at the estate.
The old dust had been thoroughly cleared away, and new curtains and carpets had been laid. There weren’t many decorations like paintings or tapestries, so it felt a bit bare, but it was far more pleasant than before.
“Hello, Cedric.”
“Auh? Uh!”
Cedric’s room was the same. As Helene had said, it was not only warmer but also neatly arranged—a comfortable place for a child to live. Cedric waved his hands energetically.
“You must’ve been bored all by yourself, right? A gift for you will arrive soon. I’ll read you a new picture book.”
“Uh-uh?”
Cedric tilted his head, half as if he understood, half as if he didn’t. A blanket Helene had brought was wrapped snugly around his legs, and Marianne smiled a little at the sight.
Cedric might not remember it, but if experiences that eased trauma accumulated in his heart ahead of time, they would surely help, even a little.
I don’t know what will happen if I influence the original story too much… It’s better if things change only little by little, like now.
Marianne nodded faintly as she sat down beside Cedric.
She was an extra in this world. Originally, she was a minor character who wouldn’t even survive the year. She didn’t want to overstep her place and rewrite the story.
Twisting things too much could be dangerous.
So—just like this was fine.
Having organized her thoughts, Marianne lifted her head slightly. She heard footsteps echo softly down the corridor.
“Your Highness, they’re here.”
“Thank you.”
The owner of the footsteps was Amelie, carrying a box. Inside were the gifts meant for Cedric.
Hmm. Come to think of it, I did prepare a small gift for the young Duke of Calais as well. No matter what people say, he is still the heir to the dukedom. I imagine Your Highness must be having a difficult time bearing the burden.
Viscount Croque had cleverly refrained from showing excessive interest in Cedric.
For now, Cedric was a young duke, a child who had received an oracle, and Marianne’s ward—so Jean offered just the appropriate level of courtesy with a nonchalant expression before quickly changing the subject.
Yet, contrary to his attitude, the items inside the box—though not many in number—were clearly chosen with great care.
Helene and Fabrice must have picked these themselves.
Thinking of the two of them revising the list over and over to choose the best gifts, Marianne smiled softly.
“Viscount Croque brought several picture books.”
“Yes. I’m glad Laurent won’t have to struggle as much. There are shoes, socks, and a sweater too… but this one especially catches my eye.”
Marianne reached into the box.
“Look, Cedric.”
Calling his name, she took out an item wrapped in rough paper. She untied only the ribbon at the end and handed it to him. Cedric tilted his head but accepted it.
“Uh? Uh!”
As it passed from hand to hand, it made a rustling sound. Apparently pleased by that, Cedric let out a small cry.
“Here, you open it like this.”
Marianne grabbed the top of the paper and pulled downward. Cedric, who had been watching her hands intently, awkwardly tried to imitate her.
Since there was nothing but the ribbons tied at the top and bottom to hinder his clumsy hands, the wrapping quickly revealed what was inside.
It was a small, adorable teddy bear, just the right size to fit in Cedric’s arms.
“Ta-da.”
“Auh?”
His red, round eyes widened slightly. Marianne moved the doll closer so Cedric could hug it.
“How is it? Do you like it? It’s a cute teddy bear.”
Cedric blinked. Seeing no sign of rejection, Marianne gently stroked the bear’s head. After hesitating, Cedric soon did the same.
Apparently liking the soft texture, he hugged the doll with a much more relaxed expression.
As expected, little children should have dolls. They’re good for emotional development—and they look nice too.
Watching Cedric contentedly stroke the teddy bear’s round ears, Marianne reached back into the box and took out another bundle.
“There’s one more. This one’s a bunny.”
When she removed the wrapping, a bunny doll slightly smaller than the bear appeared.
“Uh!”
Now fully accustomed to the dolls, Cedric reached out. Hugging both the bear and the bunny in his arms, he tilted his head for a moment.
“Auh?”
Something seemed to bother him. Or perhaps he found the bunny strange because its ears were long, unlike the bear’s?
“Hm? You don’t like the bunny?”
“Uh…”
When Marianne asked carefully, Cedric looked up at her. His clear red eyes were filled with her reflection.
“Uh!”
After fidgeting with his fingers for a moment, Cedric let out a small sound and held the bunny out toward Marianne.
“Huh?”
“Uh-uh?”
“Are you giving it to me?”
She never expected him to share when there were only two dolls.
Caught completely off guard, Marianne was flustered—but soon she smiled and accepted the bunny.
Whether Cedric understood the concept of a gift or it was just a simple whim, his instinctively kind and adorable behavior made her inexplicably happy. It was amusing too.
Holding the bunny doll by its arm, Marianne waved it as if greeting, then bent it at the waist. Since the doll was soft and pliable, it was easy.
“Thank you very much, Young Duke.”
She even changed her voice, pretending the doll was speaking. Startled, Cedric clutched the teddy bear tightly.
At the sight of that, Marianne couldn’t hold it in—she burst out laughing.
Cedric tilted his head, seemingly unable to understand why she was laughing.
“Ah, I wasn’t laughing at you. Sorry. I just laughed because you’re so cute, Cedric.”
Apologizing, Marianne neatly smoothed Cedric’s hair, which sparkled like a gemstone in the sunlight.
I wish every day could be this peaceful.
She slowly turned that thought over in her mind.
But perhaps it was a wish she should not dare to have in the harsh northern lands.
The next day, Marianne wanted nothing more than to grab her past self—who had dared to hope for such a simple wish—and smack her hard.
