14 — Gifts
“Lilibelle. Some fine items have arrived, and I thought you might like to see them too.”
“Ah… thank you…?”
Though Brother Luke encouraged me gently, I felt a little overwhelmed by the array of things before me.
“If there’s anything you like, go ahead and choose. You needn’t hold back.”
He said it so casually that I froze for a moment. As expected of Brother Luke. All of the items looked clearly expensive, yet he said I could pick anything I wanted.
Until now, I’d hardly ever had anyone buy anything for me.
That’s why this offer surprised me a little.
(…Could this be part of him trying to create a proper environment for me?)
Was it really okay for me to accept? Would he tell me to return them later?
On the table before me were dazzling accessories to match dresses and exotic decorations I had never even seen before.
Sparkling gemstone necklaces. Handkerchiefs adorned with beautiful lace.
Everything was something a noble lady would eagerly grab at the first chance.
Yes, looking at them was really enjoyable!
“How about this one? I think it would suit you.”
Brother Luke picked up a golden brooch, finely engraved.
It was certainly elegant, luxurious yet tasteful… but I wasn’t really interested in decorative items like this.
“Th-thank you, but I…”
I started to speak, then paused to think. Something rare, something I don’t already have.
After a moment of hesitation, I gathered my courage and turned to him.
“Um, Brother Luke… these are all so lovely, I can’t decide. If it’s possible… I’d like some gardening tools or plant seeds.”
“…Gardening?”
His eyebrows lifted slightly. My answer must have been unexpected.
“Yes. I like cultivating herbs in the palace gardens. If the merchants happen to carry seeds for rare plants from neighboring countries, could you perhaps look for some?”
Silence fell over the room.
Hermann looked between me and Brother Luke with a troubled expression. I felt incredibly apologetic.
But—then, Brother Luke gave a soft smile.
“Very well. Hermann, could you show us some gardening seeds as well?”
“Certainly. I’ve just acquired several rare alpine flower seeds this season. I will be sure to deliver them on my next visit.”
“Do you have quality gardening tools as well?”
Brother Luke asked suddenly, and I looked up at him in surprise.
“Yes, of course.”
Hermann stepped forward and opened a small sample book from his bag.
“For example, here—these are gardening aprons from the Kingdom of Cariol, decorated with traditional embroidery. They are highly waterproof, with durable fabric on the inside, and the pockets are designed to hold fine gardening tools.”
As he flipped through the pages, practical items appeared, each adorned with embroidery or crafted from exceptional materials, all elegant enough for the palace.
“In addition, make the spades and watering cans lightweight and sturdy, so even those with small hands can use them… custom-made is fine.”
“Understood. We will carefully finish the edges to ensure the princess’s hands remain uninjured. Shall we also add the royal crest to the handles?”
“That would be wonderful. Thank you.”
“Haha, it is my honor.”
As I marveled at how quickly they worked, I couldn’t help feeling flustered.
(Wait… just a moment. That… all of this is… for me…?)
Until now, I had just tied an old cloth around my waist for gardening. I never imagined Brother Luke would consider all of this for me.
Before I knew it, warmth spread through my chest.
“…Um, Brother Luke.”
I mustered my courage to speak, and Brother Luke looked up from his papers.
“Yes, Lilibelle?”
“Th-thank you… not just for the seeds, but for the apron and tools as well… I’m really happy.”
It felt a little embarrassing to meet his gaze, and I clutched the hem of my dress tightly.
But he narrowed his eyes just slightly and smiled gently.
“…I haven’t been able to do anything for you until now.”
“Huh?”
I looked up, surprised at his quiet words. His blue eyes seemed to look off into the distance.
“If there’s anything else you need, tell me. Are you really not interested in dresses or accessories?”
As he spoke, Brother Luke glanced at the merchant. Following his gaze, I saw at the edge of the table a pale pink dress that would match my hair and a necklace with matching stones.
(…Did he really prepare these for me?)
I looked at him, astonished, and he scratched his cheek slightly, a little embarrassed.
“I haven’t given gifts like this for some time. I thought you might be unsure what to choose, so I selected a few items in advance…”
“Ah! I see. Thank you. They’re all wonderful, but…”
“Then I’ll choose for you. Hermann, please select a few more things that would suit Lilibelle.”
“Yes, right away.”
“Sorry to take your time, Lilibelle. We’ll call you again when Hermann visits next. That will be in twenty days.”
Brother Luke’s kindness made my chest feel warm.
I’m sure neither Lilibelle nor I ever imagined a day like this would come, where we could speak openly like this.
He is such a kind person… so why was I isolated so much? Even with Brother Luke, we could have spent more time together…
“Thank you. I’m truly happy.”
“Mm.”
Brother Luke’s smile, more than any expression I’ve ever seen, felt the kindest to me.
I whispered softly to myself, “I’ll do my best,” bowed at the door, and left.
