[CHAPTER 58]
Congratulations, Madam.
Bang!
As soon as we stepped into the merchant building, a small firework popped.
Vicky greeted us with a bright smile.
I heard you sold everything.
I actually tried the things you gave me.
I had given her one sample each of the tea leaves, essential oil, and scented candle.
The Frozen Astragalus tea leaves that relieved fatigue, the Singing Valerian oil that induced deep sleep, and the Reverse-Bloomed Rosemary candle that improved concentration.
They were all great.
They helped a lot while I was working.
That’s good!
I picked the ones I thought would be the most useful for you.
I figured she wouldn’t need anything with beauty functions, so I left those out and chose the more practical items instead.
Judging by Vicky’s very satisfied expression, I must have chosen well.
You’re very thoughtful.
Shall we sign officially then?
Sure.
Vicky brought the contract.
I checked it carefully and adjusted some terms.
Since Til had taught me a bit before coming to the capital, it wasn’t difficult.
I want this to be consignment sales, not a buyout.
If there’s leftover stock, I’ll retrieve it.
The profit split will be seven for me and three for you, and Triunfar will handle promotion, transport, and storage.
In exchange, I’ll agree to an exclusive contract.
Vicky listened closely as she revised the contract and let out a small laugh.
You’re really sharp.
It’s rare for a noble lady to revise a contract so actively.
I’m here as the head of a merchant branch.
Ah, right.
I spoke carelessly.
Vicky smiled at me, looking straight into my eyes.
For a moment, her face overlapped with Nell’s.
Huh, why?
Is it because their smile opens wide in a similar way…?
But her smile was just pretty.
I felt sorry for having compared her to such a strange man, even for a moment.
Thanks to Vicky prioritizing my opinions as promised, the contract adjustments were finished quickly.
Madam Kreutz, if you’re interested in pharmaceuticals too, you should try selling some medicine later.
I can even recommend a few good ones.
I’ll think about it.
For now, I had my hands full with one medicine in particular.
I needed to focus on developing Aizen’s treatment.
We each took a copy of the contract, I grabbed my bag, and we stood to leave.
Vicky glanced at us and spoke casually.
When are you going back up north?
There’s a fireworks festival this weekend.
You should watch it before you go.
Oh, really?
My eyes sparkled at the interesting information.
I love fireworks.
And since Mother had given me so many dresses, it felt like a waste that I hadn’t been able to wear them much in the capital.
Honey, let’s go watch fireworks!
Aizen glanced at Vicky, then slowly nodded.
Yay, exciting!
We had a contract and a date planned.
My steps felt light with satisfaction.
The weekend evening arrived.
Instead of Greta, who wasn’t good at fixing hair, one of the townhouse maids dressed me up.
My hair was braided into a single plait, topped with a floral headband, and I wore a flowing chiffon dress with a ribbon twist at the chest.
The soft embroidery running from the waist to the hem made it both cute and elegant.
After wearing everyday clothes nonstop for work, finally putting on a proper dress made me feel refreshed.
Greta, how do I look?
I lifted the hem and spun around in front of her.
She answered flatly.
You are beautiful.
Really?
It’ll be a bit dark outside, but will I still look okay?
Yes.
You will be the most beautiful in the area.
You always were.
Oh, that’s so sweet!
Grateful for her keeping my confidence alive, I grabbed her hands and bounced up and down.
Then, hearing that Aizen was waiting, I left with a fluttering heart.
Tonight Aizen was dressed nicely as well.
A long coat-style jacket with a gray vest underneath made him look refined.
Honey! How do I look?
Unable to hide my excitement, I opened my arms and twirled for him.
He stared at me blankly.
Greta said I’m pretty!
…I think so too.
What?
Your voice is too quiet, I can’t hear you.
I rose on my toes and perked my ears.
Aizen cleared his throat, bent down, and whispered into my ear.
You’re beautiful.
…!
I expected that answer, but hearing it in that low voice right against my ear made my face burn.
I grabbed his sleeve, unable to hide the redness.
You look handsome too.
Thank you.
Shall we go?
Yes!
Aizen said he had scouted out the best spot to watch the fireworks.
We took a carriage there.
Because so many people were out for the show, the roads were crowded.
But we arrived safely.
Um, honey.
The spot you mentioned… is it on a mountain?
Yes, but…
I made a mistake.
I’m sorry.
Aizen looked at my dress and heels and covered his forehead.
He had chosen the spot without considering my outfit.
Well, it happens.
I patted his shoulder and took off my shoes.
Then I gathered the long hem of my dress in one hand.
Come on, let’s go up!
…You’re going like that?
Yes!
You picked it out thinking of me.
I want to see it.
A simple climb couldn’t stop us now.
Aizen let out a baffled laugh as I prepared to hike with enthusiasm.
Then he strode toward me and—
Lifted me up.
Ah!
Startled, I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck.
He shifted me into a more comfortable position and held me steadily.
You’ll hurt yourself walking barefoot.
This was my mistake, so I’ll take responsibility.
It’s not heavy.
And if I can’t at least do this much, I wouldn’t be worthy of being your husband.
Without hesitation, Aizen began walking up the mountain.
Well, then I’ll just enjoy the ride…
Luckily, because it was a mountain inside the city, the elevation wasn’t high and the path was well maintained.
Resting my head on his broad shoulder, I peeked up at him now and then.
His handsome face needed no further comment, and watching him climb without sweating, holding me so firmly, made him look incredibly dependable.
My heart pounded loudly.
I worried it might burst before we reached the top, but thankfully we arrived first.
Aizen gently set me down.
Once I was no longer in his arms, I felt oddly disappointed.
This spot overlooks the whole city.
They say the fireworks look perfect from here.
He pointed at the capital spread out below us.
The lights sparkled like multicolored fireflies dancing across the city.
Wow…
It already looks like fireworks.
You like it?
Yes.
Thank you for bringing me here.
I smiled at him with genuine gratitude.
His lips lifted proudly.
As I looked back down at the capital, I spotted floating paper airplanes drifting through the air and clapped my hands.
Ah, right!
Let’s fly ours too!
Greta had told me about the event where people write wishes on paper airplanes before the fireworks.
So I brought some to fold with Aizen.
The special material let them soar long distances.
Here, I brought a pen too.
Let’s each write a wish.
Alright.
Aizen took the paper and pen without protest.
We stood a little apart and wrote our wishes before folding the planes.
I carefully wrote each word with attention.
I had heard the rumor that sincere wishes were more likely to come true.
I finished the short but thoughtful sentence and glanced at Aizen.
All done?
Yes.
Then let’s throw them with the wind so they go far.
We stood side by side and tossed the airplanes.
They rose, caught the breeze, and glided far away.
Good luck, little airplane!
Make our wishes come true and live well!
I waved at the plane as it drifted off.
Aizen waved a little too, then asked—
What wish did you make?
Are you curious?
…Yes.
You wrote very seriously, so I thought it must be important.
Hmm.
I touched my chin and recalled what I wrote.
It wasn’t something I had to keep secret, so I could tell him.
Aizen looked at me quietly, as if truly curious, waiting for an answer.
His expression was cute, so I smiled a little and spoke honestly.
I wished that no matter what difficulties come our way, we’ll overcome them together and stay as happy as we are now.
It was a wish influenced by that flower-petal fortune-teller’s ominous reading.
A brief silence passed.
Not uncomfortable, but the kind where you start noticing faint birdsong and each other’s breaths.
Hearing Aizen inhale softly, I fidgeted with my fingers and spoke again.
You know…
When I first woke up, I liked you because you were so handsome.
A face like that wasn’t something you saw twice in a lifetime.
But the more I got to know you, the more I liked other things about you.
Your quiet kindness, your consideration, and how you’re surprisingly softhearted.
Because the beginning was so strong, I didn’t always realize how my feelings grew little by little.
But looking back, I didn’t know how I could have resisted liking him.
Aizen, who always came to help me when I was in danger.
Aizen, who remembered even my throwaway comments and took care of me.
Aizen, who put me first in this world.
But at the same time, that made me afraid.
I’m not the real Jenna Kreutz.
My relationship with Aizen existed because the real Jenna had built a foundation before I came.
In a sense, I was nothing more than a parasite occupying her body.
It wasn’t something I chose, but thinking of Jenna, wherever she was, made me uncomfortable—and I worried what Aizen would do if he learned the truth.
If he found out I wasn’t truly his wife, would he still love me?
The closer we grew, the harder it was to swallow that fear.
What about you?
What do you think of… the current me?
I asked the question I couldn’t ask at any other moment, my voice trembling.
Aizen slowly turned toward me and looked down directly at me.
My heart felt like it might leap out of my chest, but I held his violet gaze.
If I’m not the person you think I am…
…would you still love me?
