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Chapter 4: The Letter from Grandpa
“The king has passed away. Please open the envelope that was given to you earlier.”
Standing at the entrance of our dirt-poor, name-only baron household were two people:
a serious-looking official who clearly worked at the royal palace, and Demetrio, dressed in a royal guard’s uniform.
Without any greeting or small talk, the official said that single sentence.
I looked straight at Demetrio.
If he was here… then that meant Grandpa was—really—the king!?
“Eh… really?”
“Yes.”
The official’s voice held no emotion as he answered my trembling question.
“Grandpa… is dead?”
“Yes.”
His flat, mechanical words crushed my chest.
Just last month, Demetrio had told me to wait for contact.
I knew Grandpa’s health was bad, but… I didn’t want this kind of message.
“Ah…”
The tears wouldn’t stop falling.
I would never again hear that cheerful laugh, or see that playful pout when he got teased.
No more gentle, raspy voice calling, “Emma-chan.”
“Ah… ugh…”
When I was crying too hard to speak, the official started to say something about hurrying up,
but Demetrio stepped forward, blocking him, and pulled me gently into his arms.
“Forgive me for touching you so suddenly. Will this help you calm down a little?”
I clung to his chest and sobbed like a child.
He slowly rubbed my back, whispering softly, “It’s all right. You don’t have to rush. You can cry.”
Somewhere along the way, spending time with Grandpa and Demetrio had become something I truly looked forward to.
And now, being held like this, I finally realized it—
I’d grown feelings for him.
But someone who could guard the king must be from a high noble family.
—Our status was far too different.
In that instant, my tiny crush shattered completely.
“…I’m sorry. I’ll bring the envelope right away.”
Trying to hold back the tears, I thanked Demetrio and ran to my room.
My heart was pounding so fast it felt like it might burst—but I told myself it was only from running.
***
Since our humble house didn’t have anything fancy like a salon,
I invited the two men into our small living room.
Together, we opened the envelope.
I peeled off the wax seal and took out the letter.
It was from Grandpa—no, from His Majesty the King.
My stomach twisted with anxiety as I wondered what it might say.
When I unfolded the paper, I was met not with the heavy tone I expected,
but with Grandpa’s usual cheerful writing, full of life.
***
“To Emma-chan,
Sorry for surprising you!
You’ve probably already heard by now, but actually, I was the king. Shocking, huh?
So, if you’re reading this… I guess I’ve already kicked the bucket.
Well, I’ve been sick for years, and lately I could tell things were getting bad.
Anyway, enough of the boring talk.
Here’s the main point.
After I die, there will be a ceremony to open my will.
There’s something I want to give you, Emma-chan.
But you’re actually a bit shy, right?
And you’ve never been to those stiff, formal gatherings full of important people?
So it’s fine if you show up dressed like a maid, okay?
Oh, and attending is not optional. You must come.
Demetrio, I’m counting on you!”
…So light-hearted.
