Episode 40. Chapter 5. Flower Farm (10)
“Then I’m glad. I’d really like to be close with you, Lady Shine. Like sisters.”
Yuriel spoke with all her heart.
Back in the capital, it was hard for her to make friends.
Her reputation in high society was never good, and whenever she tried to make a friend, Fiona would always ruin it.
She did manage to have one true friend, but that was only because the girl had ignored the rumors and reached out first.
“People can be full of prejudice… but I must try not to let it stop me.”
After she gained that friend, Yuriel realized how much of a wall prejudice could be between people.
Even when writing letters to her friend from afar, she would remind herself: never judge with prejudice.
Now, in this place, she didn’t want to lose any of the precious bonds she could make.
“…Me too.”
Shine, who had been quietly bowing her head, suddenly spoke.
Everyone turned their attention to her. Normally, the stares would have made her shut her mouth.
But today was different.
“I also… want to get along with Your Highness.”
Shine could swing her sword against an enemy without hesitation, but with other young ladies, she always became terribly shy.
This time, she gathered all her courage.
She wanted to be friends with Yuriel—the first person who didn’t misunderstand her, who treated her sincerely.
“Let’s take our time and get to know each other.”
Yuriel smiled warmly, holding Shine’s hands tightly.
Shine flinched at the soft touch, but then felt the warmth spread through her.
At that moment, she realized—she had gained a new friend.
“The breeze feels warm today.”
The atmosphere lightened again.
Because of what Yuriel had shown earlier, everyone now felt even more favor toward her.
As they continued walking by the lake, Yuriel suddenly asked:
“By the way, Lady Shine, do you prefer wearing trousers?”
Shine’s body stiffened instantly.
Everyone else wore dresses, but Shine alone was in trousers.
Many noble ladies and women often mocked her outfit.
Is she criticizing me, too? Shine wondered nervously.
But Yuriel’s gentle face showed not a trace of malice.
“Ah, no… I also… like dresses,” Shine mumbled hesitantly.
The truth was, she loved dresses much more than trousers.
As a child, she often wore them, but once she began sword training, trousers became more practical.
And as she grew taller and stronger from training, the delicate dresses noble girls wore no longer suited her.
Whenever she did wear a dress, people would whisper or laugh.
“You should wear what suits you.”
“That looks odd… trousers are better on Lady Shine.”
If she wore trousers, they called her boyish.
If she wore dresses, they mocked her.
For Shine, trousers at least were easier to bear.
Now, the only time she wore dresses was privately, in her room.
Her tall frame and firm muscles didn’t match soft lace, but Shine still loved the gentle feel of pretty fabric around her body.
“That’s wonderful,” Yuriel said brightly. “The designer my housekeeper brought is very talented. She even opened a boutique nearby. One day, let’s go together and look around.”
Shine’s heart pounded wildly.
She was actually a big fan of that designer, Eshe.
But she had never dared to order a dress or even visit the boutique.
First, she thought nothing would suit her.
Second, she was afraid of being laughed at—‘You, liking dresses?’
But…
With Yuriel, maybe she could find the courage.
“…Y-yes.”
Shine whispered so softly it was almost inaudible, her face burning red as she ducked her head.
Yuriel immediately realized Shine wasn’t upset, just embarrassed.
It made her seem all the more endearing.
“Oh my, a bug.”
Olga covered her mouth, smiling as she noticed a small insect.
A tiny red bug with black spots had landed on Yuriel’s chest.
Oh-ho.
Bionce’s eyes sparkled as she watched.
Most noble ladies shrieked or made a fuss when they saw insects.
Some even punished their gardeners if such creatures were found in their gardens.
“I’ll remove it for you!”
Rohina, one of the maids following behind, rushed forward.
“It’s fine,” Yuriel said calmly, holding her back.
She gently let the bug crawl onto her finger.
Then, raising her hand lightly, she allowed it to flutter away into the air.
“Your Highness, weren’t you startled?”
Bionce stepped closer, her tone playful rather than worried.
“In a place full of plants, it’s only natural to find insects,” Yuriel replied with a smile.
Her words made Bionce’s eyes go wide—then she burst into cheerful laughter.
“Your Highness is truly an unusual person!”
“Am I?” Yuriel tilted her head, puzzled.
For some reason, Bionce looked delighted.
Most noble ladies would sneer at her if she told them insect names.
But perhaps this woman, the Grand Duke’s consort, was different.
Bionce decided to show her a little more.
“Your Highness, do you know the name of the bug that just flew away?” she asked mischievously, reaching out toward a yellow tulip.
Like magic, the very same red bug landed on her hand.
It twitched its spotted wings—so tiny it barely covered her fingertip.
“What is it?” Yuriel asked curiously.
“Its name is Ladybug. People say its bright red wings resemble a lady’s skirt.”
“I didn’t know that. What a fitting name,” Yuriel said with wide eyes.
It was such a simple response, yet to Bionce, it felt precious.
So often, others mocked her interest in insects.
They just don’t understand.
Bionce smiled. She would let Yuriel see a little of the charm she found in these small creatures.
“Your Highness, I have a rather fun ability,” she said with a wink, stepping closer.
Too close for most people’s comfort, but Yuriel only looked back with her gentle, unbothered expression.
“Ah, look—on your shoulder.”
Bionce reached out as if surprised and lifted a golden butterfly resting on Yuriel’s shoulder.
“A butterfly? Its color is so pretty.”
Yuriel admired the delicate creature perched on Bionce’s finger.
“But… it seems there are more than just one.”
Bionce chuckled, waving her other hand lightly in the air.
Another butterfly flew over and landed on her.
And then—it began.
The butterflies from the flowers and leaves all around suddenly rose into the sky.
One by one, they gathered toward Bionce, landing on her shoulders and hair, while others fluttered around her and Yuriel.
“Wow…” Shine gasped.
The scene was breathtaking: butterflies more dazzling than the flowers themselves, swirling like a living rainbow.
It was a sight Bionce rarely revealed.
She was one of the “cursed ones”—those born with abilities.
Hers was the power to command insects.
At first, she could only control one or two. Over time, her skill grew.
Her childhood had been filled with scorn and harsh words.
People thought it disgusting that she controlled insects, while others with powers commanded fire, water, or beautiful things.
She had suffered then, but as she grew, she realized the truth.
They don’t know what they’re talking about.
Bionce laughed at all those who mocked her.
Because insects were everywhere—
in the grand council halls,
on balconies where lovers met in secret,
even in the hidden corners of nobles’ bedrooms.
And Bionce could see through the eyes of insects.
They didn’t speak, but they showed her glimpses of what they saw—enough for her to piece together what had happened.
