Chapter 29
In the back garden of the Princess Consort’s palace, hidden among the bushes, there was a small bench.
After finishing her afternoon chores, Eslin sat quietly there.
Resilia had been in a foul mood all afternoon, making the atmosphere icy.
‘When will they come?’
But regardless of her surroundings, Eslin was waiting for someone. Though no one had appeared yet.
Suddenly, a strong lilac scent drifted by on the breeze.
Smell is a powerful trigger for memories. A face naturally came to mind.
‘I wonder if the Duke is safe.’
It had already been over three weeks since she left the duchy.
She recalled news she overheard about Tevet in the palace.
‘They say Duke Laperius was severely injured!’
The monsters he fought were three times larger in number than expected.
Rumours spread that it might be his first defeat.
“……”
Eslin pressed a hand to her chest. Her heart felt like it was racing for some reason.
At that moment, the bushes rustled.
She turned her head sharply.
“You… What are you doing here?”
“Lady Merisa?”
Through the swaying bushes appeared maid Merisa, eyes widening in surprise.
“Rosebell… was it? You’re the new maid, right?”
“Yes.”
“How did you know about this place? I thought it was my secret spot.”
Merisa walked closer. Eslin pretended ignorance with an awkward smile.
Thud. Merisa sat down next to her.
“Rosebell. What’s your full name?”
“Eslin Rosebell.”
Merisa blinked in slight surprise, her orange hair swaying in the breeze.
“I see… So that’s why they call you by your surname.”
She murmured.
“It probably feels like they’ve taken your name away, but don’t mind it too much. It’s better that way here in the palace.”
In the palace, ‘Eslin’ clearly referred to the deceased princess.
So the head maid ordered her to be called only Rosebell from her first day.
“I don’t mind.”
“So what are you doing here?”
“Ah, I just found it by chance… it seemed like a good place to rest alone. Sorry if I disturbed you.”
“No, it’s fine. This palace isn’t mine anyway.”
Merisa sighed deeply, looking troubled.
Seeing her, Eslin asked:
“Is something bothering you?”
Her voice was calm and cautious.
Merisa gazed at her silently. She had no one to confide in since entering the palace with Resilia. Normally, sharing your worries was unwise in the palace. But… maybe it was okay with a maid.
Merisa pursed her lips.
“Didn’t you see earlier? Her Highness scolded me.”
“Ah, because of the dress selection.”
“Yeah. I still have no idea what dress to prepare for the next tea party.”
Once she started, her sorrow gushed out.
“I never knew being a palace maid would be this hard. I thought it would be fun…”
Her voice grew small, shoulders drooping.
“It must be very stressful.”
“Feels like my hair is falling out every day.”
“Isn’t there anyone to help you?”
“Not really. I can’t write home every day…”
“I see.”
Eslin spoke gently:
“If it’s too much, couldn’t you return to your family?”
“Huh? No way!”
Merisa’s eyes widened, as if Eslin had said something absurd.
“Go back? Never!”
Eslin blinked at her fiery gaze.
“No matter what, I’ll see this through. I hate running away – it’s disgraceful.”
She seemed the type who would rather endure scolding than quit halfway.
“I see.”
“My mother always said: Those who stay put and endure win in the end. I want to believe that.”
“I see.”
“So if you ever struggle, don’t give up easily, okay?”
It sounded like a promise to herself as much as advice.
“Yes, I understand.”
Eslin smiled.
Merisa then ranted passionately about wanting to become an outstanding maid, before shrinking back into her insecurities.
Eslin simply listened quietly to her joys and sorrows.
“…It’s strange. Why do I keep telling you everything?”
Merisa suddenly asked, puzzled.
“Is it?”
“Yeah. Maybe because you don’t pry.”
“There’s nothing to pry into.”
Eslin replied lightly.
“I feel lighter now.”
“I’m glad.”
Merisa stretched deeply, her expression refreshed at last.
‘Now’s the time.’
Eslin watched her side profile before speaking.
“Lady Merisa.”
“Hm?”
“I heard something…”
“What?”
“It’s not certain, but…”
“Don’t keep me in suspense. I’ve been doing all the talking until now.”
Her orange hair shook impatiently.
Truthfully, Eslin’s real intent began now.
“About the dress for the next tea party…”
The Princess Consort returned from the tea party.
As soon as she set down her long lace gloves, she called urgently:
“Merisa! Bring Merisa here!”
Merisa appeared, nervous.
“Yes, Your Highness?”
“You were right! The Empress loved the dress you chose!”
“…Pardon?”
Her lips parted in surprise, eyes darting sideways.
There, Eslin Rosebell quietly poured tea into Resilia’s cup.
“When she first saw it, she said nothing, but at the end she praised me as beautiful!”
Resilia was glowing.
“Honestly, I thought the dress was too plain and gloomy, but I guess it was a good choice after all.”
Excitement made her drop her formal tone, cheeks flushed pink.
“It’s all thanks to you, Merisa.”
“No, Your Highness. It’s all because you’re so wonderful.”
Merisa smiled awkwardly, resisting the urge to look at Eslin.
Resilia sipped her steaming tea.
“But how did you know?”
“Pardon?”
“That the Empress likes dark green silk.”
“Ah, that…”
Merisa hesitated.
Resilia urged her with curiosity:
“Did someone advise you? Tell me, I’ll reward them too.”
Merisa smiled brightly.
“No one advised me, Your Highness.”
“Oh? You prepared it all yourself?”
“Yes. I’ve been studying diligently.”
She felt a slight sting in her chest.
“I see. Well then…”
“Please forgive me for being inexperienced before.”
Merisa added cutely. Resilia laughed and put down her cup.
“That’s fine. Everyone makes mistakes at first.”
She gently grasped Merisa’s hand.
“I’ll rely on you from now on.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
They smiled at each other, continuing to chat about the tea party.
“I should rest now.”
“I’ll prepare your bath.”
“Please do.”
Click.
The parlour door closed.
Merisa spun around. Eslin stood holding the empty teapot.
“Rosebell, come with me.”
She strode to their garden bench.
“…Do you resent me?”
She asked abruptly.
Eslin looked at her calmly.
“For what?”
“For not telling Her Highness the credit was yours.”
Eslin tilted her head slightly.
“No, it doesn’t matter. I told you – keep it secret.”
Her voice was steady. Merisa bit her lip anxiously.
Eslin smiled faintly, reading her heart.
“I really don’t mind.”
“If you say so… I feel relieved…”
“It’s true.”
Eslin emphasised.
She truly didn’t care. All she wanted was for Merisa to gain Resilia’s trust.
“…I feel like a student who cheated on a test.”
Merisa slumped onto the bench, her half-tied orange hair fluttering in the breeze.
Looking up at Eslin with a slightly pouty face, she asked:
“Fine, tell me then. What’s your secret?”
“Secret?”
“How did you know the Empress’s taste? I researched thoroughly but never heard she liked dark green silk.”
Instead of answering immediately, Eslin sat beside her, her penetrating gaze falling on Merisa’s face.
She spoke calmly.
“Her Majesty doesn’t particularly like dark green silk.”
