IWS Chapter 31

Episode 31

“But what kind of flowers should we plant?”

Even though they had to wait a long time, just the thought of eventually seeing the flowers made Yuriel feel excited.

Flowers were common back in the capital, but now that she couldn’t see any, the place felt strangely barren.

“How about roses? They’re beautiful,” suggested Roinah.

Yuriel agreed—roses were lovely and showy. But the problem was she didn’t know how long flowers took to grow, or how hard they were to take care of. That made her feel a bit unsure.

“Since it’s my first time, maybe we should start with something easy. Roinah, could you bring one of the workers over?”

“Yes, Madam.”

Roinah nodded and quickly walked toward the group of workers.

She said something to them, and they all suddenly looked pale.

One of the older workers rushed toward Yuriel in a panic.

“Oh dear, Madam, did we do something wrong…?”

The man bowed deeply and anxiously watched her face.

Everything had gone smoothly, so when they heard the lady of the castle wanted to see one of them directly, they naturally feared something bad had happened.

“No, you did a good job. What’s your name?”

“I-I’m Thomas.”

The gentle tone of her voice surprised him. He had expected a scolding, but instead he was met with kindness.

He slowly lifted his head, still unsure.

“Good, Thomas. I just have a few questions for you.”

A noble asking him questions? That alone was strange enough.

“Um… is there anything someone like me could help you with?” he asked carefully, confused.

“Of course. When it comes to the garden, you’re more of an expert than I am.”

Expert?

Thomas blinked, unsure if he heard that right.

Just making eye contact with her made his face turn red like an apple.

‘Why… Why is there a goddess here?’

Even though he hadn’t been to many places, he had once seen a painting in a temple of the goddess of dawn. That painting had been the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen—until now.

Yuriel tilted her head slightly.

“Hm? Is something wrong?”

“N-no, not at all. Yes, I know a thing or two about gardens!” Thomas quickly nodded, a bit flustered.

He knew staring was rude. He could be punished for less. But he couldn’t help wanting to see her face again—so beautiful, so graceful.

There was no unclean desire in him.

He had become a gardener in this barren land simply because he loved nature and flowers.

And now, he felt like he was looking at something even more breathtaking than that painting from years ago.

Thomas bit his tongue to keep his focus.

Yuriel, thinking he was just nervous, smiled gently and asked,

“You’re quite skilled. I was wondering what flowers we should plant next.”

Skilled? He had never been called that in his life.

But when she asked her next question, Thomas’s expression turned a little strange.

Still, he didn’t argue or question her. He simply answered politely.

“Thank you. I’ll prepare it as you said. For payment, you can speak to the steward.”

“Madam, the sun is strong. You should head inside.” Roinah shaded her eyes and gently urged Yuriel to leave.

Just moments ago, the sunlight wasn’t so harsh, but the passing clouds had shifted, and now it was bright and hot.

The tree they were standing under no longer offered much shade.

“Alright then. Good luck with your work.”

Yuriel smiled and turned away, Roinah chattering excitedly beside her. Yuriel nodded and laughed softly in return.

After their cheerful voices disappeared, Thomas stood alone.

“She called me an expert… and said I was skilled…”

Even after Yuriel left, he just stood there, whispering her words to himself like he was dreaming.

It felt like he had just stepped out of heaven’s flower garden.

Thomas had pride in his work.

In the harsh west, where most of the soil was black and infertile, gardens were a rare luxury.

Every time he completed one, he felt a deep satisfaction, almost like an artist.

But being called an expert by someone noble? That had never happened in his life.

“Hey, you okay? What did Madam say?”

The other workers rushed over, worried he might’ve gotten in trouble.

They had been watching from a distance, but couldn’t see clearly in the shade.

“A goddess…”

“What?”

Thomas suddenly murmured about a goddess, which left everyone confused.

They all stared at him like he’d gone a little crazy—except one.

The sun shone down brightly on the empty garden, waiting to be transformed.

The work was done, and now it was time to collect payment.

Since Thomas was the lead worker, he had been chosen to meet the steward.

“Come in.”

After a long wait, permission was given. Thomas carefully entered the room and bowed.

“Did the work go well?” asked Aubrey, the steward, looking up from his papers.

He had managed the castle for years.

Although he had maintained the garden enough to prevent it from becoming desolate, he hadn’t decorated it—because he was waiting.

Aubrey had always believed that someday, a noble lady would arrive at the castle and bring life to it again.

To him, the garden was like the face of the lady of the castle.

“Yes, sir. Everything’s been cleaned and arranged properly,” Thomas answered.

Aubrey stood and looked out the window.

The garden wrapped around the castle, and from his office, he could see part of it.

“It looks good.”

A few days ago, Yuriel had asked Aubrey to find a gardener.

He had been thrilled—finally, the lady wished to decorate the garden.

He hadn’t wanted just anyone. He searched carefully for the best person.

Thomas looked a bit slow, but his work seemed solid.

“So when will the planting start?” Aubrey asked with barely hidden excitement.

“Well, actually…” Thomas hesitated.

“What is it?” Aubrey, growing impatient, walked around the desk to face him.

As a noble, he expected respect, but Thomas was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t even flinch.

“The Madam asked me to get flower seeds.”

“Seeds? What’s the problem with that…”

Aubrey stopped mid-sentence.

Usually, noble gardens used fully grown flowers already in bloom, especially here in the West, where importing flowers was expensive.

The number of flowers in a garden showed the owner’s wealth and power.

Nobles didn’t deal with seeds.

“Are you sure you heard correctly?”

“Yes, sir. She even asked me which ones would sprout quickly and be easy to grow.”

So it wasn’t a misunderstanding.

Seeds? How long would that take to grow?

“Take this and go.”

Aubrey handed him a heavy pouch of coins—the workers’ wages.

“Yes, thank you.” Thomas bowed and turned to leave. But then, he stopped and turned back.

“Steward?”

“What now?” Aubrey asked, frowning.

Thomas hesitated, but he had to say it.

“The Madam… She’s a kind person.”

He went quiet. Only after speaking did he realize how random it sounded.

Aubrey called his name softly.

“You there.”

“Yes?!” Thomas snapped to attention.

He feared he’d said something he shouldn’t—praising the lady might be seen as rude.

Aubrey stepped closer and reached out his hand.

Thomas braced himself.

But instead of hitting him, Aubrey gently patted his shoulder.

“You have a good eye.”

No harsh words. No punishment.

Just two men of very different status, sharing a moment of silent respect for the same remarkable woman.

The next day, Thomas set off to find flower seeds that could grow in any soil and bloom quickly.

If he could return soon, they might be able to start planting within the week.

Meanwhile, Yuriel stood by the window in her study, looking out at the freshly prepared grass below.

Her heart felt lighter just thinking about it.

Knock knock.

Yuriel turned her head toward the sound and glanced at the clock. It was time for the steward’s visit.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and Aubrey stepped in with some documents.

“Madam, I’ve come to go over the garden expenses with you.”