Chapter 23: 22

After Yulika’s birthday party, a strange tension circulated among the family members in the mansion.

“It is the birthday of our lady who will soon become an adult in the fall.”

“We have to be thoroughly prepared. I’m going to retouch all the silverware and prepare all the ingredients in advance so that we don’t run out.”

“Don’t you think we should fix the garden again, butler?”

“Good idea. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to tell Master to make another pond.”

Employees gathered in twos and threes to discuss my birthday party whenever they had time.

“Why are you guys so obsessed with my birthday party?”

“Employees have a war between employees.”

One evening. Agoth, who came to the room to tidy up my bedding, answered with shining eyes.

“Did something happen when I went to the Brande’s?”

“Ugh, nothing. It’s just their employees are so full of themselves. When their master lady becomes the crown princess, perhaps they will help by offering us a seat at the front of the wedding ceremony.”

“Puhaha!”

“Oh, you shouldn’t laugh.”

With Yulika as my rival out in public, the employees between the two families seem to be fighting for their own pride as well.

But what about it? I don’t even think of Yulika as a rival, and I’m not interested in the position of the crown princess.

“You don’t want Young Lady Brande to become the crown princess, Agoth?”

“Absolutely. She keeps picking on you.”

“Then do you want me to be Caesar’s wife?”

“That… Umm… That’s a separate issue.”

Her expression says that she won’t say yes even if she died.

“In any case, everyone is having fun. It’s good to be motivated.”

It’s kind of iffy that the subject is my birthday party.

‘Because, even if I’m bothered and hate it, I can’t help it this time.’

Until now, my birthday parties have ended with just having dinner with close acquaintances and relatives.

However, the birthday of becoming an adult has a special meaning. Leonard’s 18th birthday party, where he was given the title of Young Duke, was fairly large as well.

And now, I—regardless of my heart—am stuck in a passionate affair involving Caesar and Yulika.

Even if it’s not a sacred torch for the employees, you can’t ignore the scale of Yulika’s birthday party.

“By the way, will that person come too?”

I was mulling over the dim feeling that there would be a lot of troubles coming, when Agoth, who was tapping the pillow, asked me as if she had just remembered.

“That person? Caesar?”

“He didn’t come to Brande’s party. But you’re his teacher, so he’ll come, right?”

“No, I don’t think so. I didn’t even send him an invitation.”

“What? Why?”

“He won’t be able to come anyway, so why should I send him one just to add to his worries?”

Caesar’s attendance now is not simply interpreted as a pure intention to celebrate his friend’s birthday.

‘Of course, Peresca is a member of the Crown Prince’s faction now in name and reality, so at first glance there is no big problem.’

Still, it’s time to be careful. Because Caesar’s power isn’t strong yet.

There is nothing good about stimulating the Empress for nothing. Better to leave it in a draw than to scrape and crumble.

“Oof, he didn’t even get an invitation. He might cry.”

Agoth looked into the air and murmured.

The way she spoke was ambiguous whether it meant to be sympathy or joy.

“It’s a little weird for a 22-year-old to cry just because he didn’t get an invitation.”

I laughed like a joke, taking it for granted.

***

A week before the party, gifts started pouring in.

“Oh my, you have more than your brother did.”

Mother admired the gifts piled up like a tower in the hall every day.

Are these gifts because of me, Peresca’s name, or because of Caesar?

I wondered, pretty sure it’s definitely not because of the first reason.

Leonard returned home two days ago from school vacation.

“Brother, have you grown taller again?”

“Yes. I guess my height is similar to His Highness now.”

“How could you keep growing even after you turned 20? I don’t think I’m growing anymore.”

“Helena doesn’t need to be any taller. If you’re too tall, it will be hard for me to hug.”

Leonard hugged me and laughed. It felt good to be held in a friendly embrace after a long time.

‘Nonetheless, my pride hurts because I’m shorter than my students.’

I could still accept Leonard and Caesar, but I feel a bit bitter that I’m also shorter than Agoth, who’s younger than me.

Costumes, accessories, and shoes were all prepared with the highest quality. Experts from the capital were in charge of me from head to toe.

And the day before the party, in the afternoon.

Immediately after finishing the sword class with Agoth, Agoth asked me while wiping the sweat with the back of her hand.

“My lady, could you spare an hour for me?”

“Right now?”

Actually, there’s no time because I have a lot of work to prepare for tomorrow’s party.

But since it was the first time Agoth had ever made such a proposal, I thought for a moment and then nodded.

“Well, for an hour or so.”

“Oh, really? That’s great! Then can you come with me?”

“Alright. Let’s get changed before that.”

“Yes, of course, my lady!”

Agoth said excitedly.

I went back to my room, washed and changed clothes. I wondered what the hell was going on.

Moreover, very suspiciously, even Bessie, who was helping me change my clothes, was giggling unusually.

“Bessie.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Do you know something?”

“No, I don’t know anything.”

You know something.

I didn’t even explain what it was, but she immediately responded she didn’t know anything.

What the hell is everyone up to… Oh, wait a minute.

“Bessie, isn’t this dress a bit flashy for casual wear?”

I had left my outfit matters to Bessie, and realized it only after I had put all my limbs through it.

The clothes Bessie brought out were not comfortable everyday clothes, but a dress with cubics embedded like stars on a blue background.

“No. You must wear this today. That’s my gut feeling.”

“What on earth are you feeling?”

“Please sit down here. Your hair is all messed up. I’ll fix it for you again.”

I don’t know what it is, but I decided to follow along because she’s not one who’s going to harm me.

Bessie sat me in front of the mirror and combed my hair thoroughly with a comb. And she took the time to braid it, and adorned it with a butterfly hairpin and a beaded pin.

“How is it, my lady? You are so beautiful.”

“I know…”

I know I’m beautiful.

But I mean, why are you doing this all of a sudden?

Bessie, who was admiring me in the mirror, suddenly choked up and burst into tears.

“My lady, at some point you grew up like this… I feel it was just yesterday that you said that life is boring, like an old person… Sob.”

Life is boring even now, Bessie. So don’t be moved yet.

“Don’t cry. Why are you crying?”

“It’s a shame to think that this might be the last time I’m taking care of my lady.”

“Bessie, even when I’m an adult, I still need you to take care of me.”

“That’s true. A smart person has a completely messed up sense of life.”

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“You’re merciless when you say things like that.”

I laughed bitterly, and Bessie laughed along with me.

Then a knock was heard. Agoth poked her head out with an excited look on her face.

“My lady, it’s time for you to come out.”

***

Me, along with Agoth and Bessie, arrived at the employee’s quarters on the east of the mansion.

“Okay, I’ll open the door.”

Agoth said that with a more nervous face than me. I nodded in agreement, and Agoth took a deep breath and finally turned the doorknob.

And.

“Happy birthday, my lady!”

“Congratulations!”

“Congratulations in advance on becoming an adult, my lady!”

Flower petals suddenly covered my sight, and voices burst out from all directions.

“…Huh?”

No matter how dull I was, I couldn’t help but be embarrassed.

My whole body stiffened and I stood still. The employees burst out laughing at my nervous look.

“You must be surprised! Oh, dear!”

“Breathe, my lady. Everything’s alright.”

“Uh, no… What on earth is this…?”

“Agoth, that naughty thing, planned this.”

Agoth smiled shyly at Margot, the kitchen maid’s, affectionate murmuring.

Soon the butler came to me with a small gift box. Next to him was another maid holding a large cake.

“We are sorry if we startled you. Everyone wanted to congratulate you on your birthday.”

“You’ve never done anything like this before.”

“The lady said she was going to the capital, so everyone was sad.”

The butler said shyly.

“This is a birthday present from us employees. It’s really small, but it would be an honor if you could accept it.”

I unconsciously took the gift box he was handing out.

“Can I open it?”

“Of course.”

I carefully opened the gift box. Employees circled around me, staring at my fingertips with an expression of anticipation for my response.

“…Wow.”

The gift was a bronze sculpture in the shape of two crossed swords. The sword looks exactly like the one I have. The words “Helena’s soul” were engraved on the panel.

“Hey, is this custom made? It must have been expensive, how’s everyone’s money?”

“We have enough.”

“We’re sorry, lady. A necklace with jewels would have been better.”

Bessie said sadly, but I shook my head violently.

“No! I like this one better! Everyone knows I’m not interested in that.”

“Well, of course we know it well.”

“The best thing for our lady is the sword, indeed.”

Some of them said jokingly, and everyone burst out laughing loudly. This made me laugh as well.

What is this feeling?

The feeling of being blessed by people who know me best with their earnest feeling and choice.

“We hope this gift isn’t boring.”

Laughter erupted again at the joke of the kitchen maid Martha.

“Not at all. It’s my soul that you made for me.”

It is a more valuable and precious gift than the gifts piled up in the hall. I have never received such a wonderful gift as this in my previous life.

“I will return often. Thank you very much.”

In my previous life, I couldn’t put my mind on anything.

When I was a child, I wandered the streets, and my master’s home as an adopted daughter was not mine. As emperor, I enjoyed a luxurious life in the imperial castle, but I didn’t feel like it was my home.

Once again, the feeling that this place is ‘my home’ fills me.

I held back my tears and laughed.

***

The preparations for tomorrow’s party were delayed for a long time as we laughed and chatted at the employee’s dormitory.

Agoth followed me all the way to the front of the room with a candle. At the door, Agoth said with an unsettled expression.

“I am glad that my lady is happy. I was worried that I might have bothered you.”

“No, I was really happy.”

“Can I stay by your side until you fall asleep?”

“Huh? All of a sudden?”

“It’s just… I have a hunch that I have to do it today. I feel like I shouldn’t let you go back alone…”

After sending the hesitant Agoth back quickly, I entered the room alone.

However, after a while, I came to believe in Agoth’s ‘premonition’.

“Oh, you’re here?”

“…Caesar?”

Because Caesar was reading a book leaning against a chair in my room.

Wow, Agoth. Something like a beast’s sense was activated within you because you hate Caesar so much. You’re so sharp.

“When did you get here?”

“A few hours ago. I said hello to Leonard. You look like you’re having a great time, so I’ve been waiting for you.”

Caesar came up to me, and he took my hand and sat me down on the bed. And he sat next to me.

“At this time of night? Did you come from the capital?”

“It’s Master’s birthday, so I can’t help but come.”

“You didn’t go to Young Lady Brande’s birthday. The Empress would not like it.”

“This disciple has the ability to cover up that much. Don’t worry, Master.”

Caesar grinned playfully.

“Anyway, why did you wait for me at this hour of the night? You could have seen me at the party tomorrow.”

For me, if possible, it was better for Caesar to rest. Especially since I’m well aware of the pressure he will feel at the Imperial Palace.

Caesar shrugged his eyebrows and smiled.

“No. It is important to meet you now.”

“What does that mean?”

“Alright, guess what. Do you know what day today is?”

“Well. The day before my birthday?”

“It is already past midnight, Helena.”

Caesar smacked his forehead lightly against mine and laughed.

“Today is your birthday.”

I looked up and saw Caesar’s red eyes just a short distance away. Within breathing distance, Caesar whispered to me.

“Happy birthday, Helena Peresca.”

I suppose.

Today is my eighteenth birthday.

“I ran all night to you because I wanted to tell you first. Congratulations on becoming an adult, Helena. I have been waiting for you.”

Yesterday’s night and today’s dawn are no different, but I have crossed the border of an adult.

The reason I feel as if I have crossed that border while holding Caesar’s outstretched hand may be because his voice whispering in my ear right now is so sweet.

‘Something that makes people weak.’

Someone you want to protect. Someone from whom you don’t want to receive hatred. As the number of such people increases, I fear that I may become weaker and weaker.

I’ve never shared my heart with anyone, because I’m afraid that they will disappear after I share my heart.

But it’s probably too late to go back now.

Thinking resignedly, I closed my eyes gently.

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