Valeria whispered as if revealing a secret:
“I also suffered a lot...sorry.”
Freesia whispered in a low voice, as if to shake the last sigh from her chest:
“Yes, aunt too… you suffered a lot.”
Freesia did not show her pain, but merely smiled sadly.
I remember well that situation when she called out to her mother in my arms, and I still feel pain for that feeling.
“Auntie, come with me to the Countess’s palace. Let’s eat together and talk until the morning, okay?”
Valeria looked puzzled and confused.
“I hope so, but I'm sorry. I have to go to the monastery for something urgent.”
When Valeria saw the disappointed look on Freesia's face, she felt sorry and patted her head affectionately.
“Then won’t you have a meal with us? We haven’t seen you for a long time, and it’s a shame to be separated like this.”
Valeria thought for a moment, then exhaled lightly.
"Okay. I'll do as you say."
“Thank you, aunt.”
Freesia was happy like a child receiving a gift.
Then he asked me with a bright and excited face:
“Erica, sorry, can we postpone the interview for later?”
“Of course. Anytime is fine.”
Freesia playfully grabbed Valeria's arm and led her forward.
Valeria pushed behind her reluctantly, with signs of confusion on her face, but a slight smile did not leave her lips.
I also said goodbye to them with a professional smile, and as soon as they were out of my sight, I let out a long, deep exhale.
Valeria was the worst arrogant visitor I have ever had.
I wish I had salt to sprinkle on it! truly.
When I was about to close the door, a hand painted with magical inscriptions suddenly extended and stopped the door.
Valeria was staring at me from behind the door.
"Oh! How you scared me! Why are you doing this?"
I didn't see Freesia, she must have come down first.
Did she come back after I dropped her off?
So she still has something to say. Was our relationship this intense and deep to do that?
“I will be watching over you from now on. Enjoy the short life you have left before your powers awaken.”
Do you still think those cheap threats of yours scare me?
I laughed at her ridiculousness, so I snorted in disapproval.
"I'll manage myself. Go your way. Freesia will wait for you."
“By the way, what is your relationship with Freesia?”
There was barely any anger in her voice.
I see, so mothers are weak in front of their children.
Even a psychopathic witch has feelings, right?
I raised my head arrogantly and put on a smile full of arrogance and arrogance.
“My relationship with Freesia is very deep and close. She is my dear friend and almost my soul sister.”
“You’re… Freesia’s girlfriend?”
Valeria looked astonished, as if my confident answer had surprised her.
Ah, this is the refreshing taste of victory.
I felt like my chest was opening.
Indeed, one should choose one's friends carefully.
The fist that was holding the door loosened.
I didn't waste that moment and quickly closed the door and locked it.
***
It was a really long and tiring day.
After facing the Protection Witch, I still had mountains of backlog.
I was busy preparing the necessary documents to establish the book club, and I could not escape, I mean, leave until after nine in the evening.
As I was returning to the Ducal Palace in the carriage that was waiting for me outside the library, I was overcome by a strong feeling that I had previously witnessed.
Didn't I always work late hours at the library before immersing myself in this novel, too?
What a fate! Even after immersion, I still work late hours!
She entered, with a worn-out appearance like a faded, withered grass, into the foyer of the luxurious duke’s palace.
I noticed for the first time the high ceiling painted with frescoes, the luxurious chandeliers that sparkled like stars, and the beautiful marble staircase with graceful curves branching left and right.
It's a very lavish place for an overworked employee like me.
I longed for a simple and humble palace.
As I was climbing the stairs, something ran towards me and hugged me.
“Sister! Why did you take so long?!”
A boy's voice mixed with reproach and concern.
Above all else, I felt happy and smiled.
Michael's warmth enveloped me as he hugged me tightly, and I buried my face into his soft, sun-kissed blonde hair.
I felt as if the fatigue of a long day was gradually fading away.
Suddenly, I remembered Valeria's face as she tenderly embraced Freesia.
It was not the face of a cruel, brutal protection witch, but the face of a mother cradling her beloved child.
Was Freesia that to Valeria?
The precious child left behind by her best friend, Verna.
I wish I knew who Verna was, whose soul was said to be like mine.
But maybe there will be an opportunity for that later.
I got rid of those tangled thoughts like spider webs, and greeted my dear child in my arms.
“Sorry, Sir Michael. Here you are.”
Just because I have a place to return to, and someone who welcomes me with joy… fills my heart with warmth and gives me strength.
Why do I feel this way?
"Are you very tired? Have you had dinner?"
When she faced his big eyes full of worry, she felt sorry again.
I'm an unreliable adult, making a young child anxious.
"Of course. I don't work hungry. I ate a lot and worked hard, and I never get tired."
When I answered cheerfully, Michael smiled lightly and reassured.
“It's late today, let's talk tomorrow. Go and rest now, sister. I will send you warm tea. It will help you relax.”
My nose tingled because Michael cared for me like a mother.
Michael, we've switched roles.
I should have taken care of you, I'm sorry.
“By the way, why haven’t you slept yet? Were you waiting for me?”
"Ah. No. You were about to fall asleep too now. Aren't you, Steward?"
نظر مايكل بارتباك إلى المضيف طالبًا المساعدة.
The host smiled slightly and sided with his young master.
“That's right, miss. Our young master was about to go to sleep.”
“Hmm, really?”
She looked at Michael with suspicious eyes, then noticed a black ink stain on the sleeve of his blouse.
"Lying? You worked late again, didn't you?"
Michael blushed and quickly hid his sleeve behind his back.
“No, I just helped my brother a little bit in arranging his papers.”
Even though he is a child prodigy, seeing little Michael trying so hard to help his brother was heartwarming.
He's at an age where he should be busy just playing.
“He has assistants, so why should my young master do his work for him? This is tiring for you.”
“But my brother is the one who makes the final decisions. He is busy now, so I have to help him.”
Michael said quietly, his eyes shining responsibly.
At such moments, he does not look like a gentle little lord, but rather like a responsible family man managing the affairs of the Duke's family.
Indeed, he is Carlex's brother, from whom he inherited his strong sense of responsibility.
I sighed lightly and added:
“I will also help you after work.”
“No, you're tired too. I'm never tired, that's what I always do.”
"But I will. So I can see your face and talk to you."
When I insisted on my opinion, Michael gave in and smiled affectionately.
Hmm.
It seems that the position of sister and brother has been reversed again.
I can't watch dear Michael suffer.
naturally.
Even if it costs me my body, I will help you, brother.
As I was walking up the marble stairs, I had a good idea and turned around.
“Do you want to have tea together in the library? I think it will help us sleep well.”
“Really, sis?”
Finally, Michael showed off his bright, boyish smile.
***
I hurried to my room, took a bath in the bathtub that the maid had prepared, and then put on comfortable clothes.
I went down to the library, and before opening the door, I glanced into the office of the Grand Duke next door.
His office door was tightly closed.
The servant standing in front of the library door bowed to me respectfully. While responding to his greeting, I casually asked him:
“Has my lord the Grand Duke returned?”
“He's not back yet, Miss Dale.”
Since the meeting of the Council of State, Carlex's time in the Duke's Palace has decreased significantly.
He is so busy that he cannot come home even late at night.
It was better for his body to sleep at home.
When I entered the library, Michael was in his white pajamas sitting on the sofa reading a book.
When he felt my presence, he jumped up happily.
“Sister, aren’t you tired? You shouldn’t have exhausted yourself.”
"I'm very healthy, you know? Haven't you heard of the nickname 'War Lady'?"
Ah, it's embarrassing to mention my vulgar nickname myself, but it's okay if it makes Michael less worried
Michael covered his mouth with his hand and laughed.
“That's right. My sister is a famous person in high society. Whenever people gather, they only talk about the Lady of War.”
“Oh, don't say that. In the end, embarrassment and shame are my lot.”
At that moment, the maid approached carrying two cups on a silver tray.
She handed Michael a cup of warm, steaming goat's milk, and me a cup of unfamiliar warm tea.
When I looked at it carefully, I discovered that it is a hot wine that combines a sweet fruity aroma with a deep wine.
I heard that abroad they boil wine with fruits and honey to prevent colds.
I was happy to see hot wine here.
“The host told us you like this better.”
“Please tell the host that I respect him very much.”
We sat next to each other on the sofa in front of the fireplace in the library, drinking tea.
The fireplace light in the library was dim and warm, creating a cozy atmosphere.
She stared into the glowing fire and tasted the hot wine sip by sip.
While I was listening to the crackling of firewood, I felt sleepy and comfortable.
I wish Carlex was here with us...
“My master is not yet the Grand Duke.”
“They sent word that he will sleep in his residence in the library due to the large number of meetings, because the distance between the residence and the royal palace is close.”
“He must be tired from being busy at work.”
Michael hung his head, holding the glass of milk with both hands.
“Yes. I’m worried about whether my brother eats on time. But he stops by the Duke’s Palace during the day to change his clothes.”
I felt sorry for Michael who looked tired as he sighed, worried about his brother.
How long had he been pretending to be okay while suffering inside?
I felt proud of him, but at the same time he caused me pain like a thorn stuck in my fingertips.
“Just wait a little longer, please. Once the Knights are established, my master, the Grand Duke, will spend a long time with you.”
“I...I'm fine.”
Michael shook his head, his eyes round with surprise.
“I just hope my brother never gets tired. Never... It's not because I want to play with him. I'm not even a little kid... until I do.”
Oh, how nice! Look at him as he reveals his inner feelings in confusion.
I suppressed my desire to hug Michael tightly and smiled a loving mother's smile.
The two of us talked quietly about books over tea, exchanging chuckles every now and then.
As I listened to Michael's pure laughter, I turned my gaze to the library window.
Behind the large window, the night sky was pitch black, with silver stars scattering their trembling light.
Why... I remember that person with eyes that looked like the night sky?
Loving translation