Episode 14: The Ache of the Mark, Whispering Unease
Three days had passed since Hanna awoke. Milan still did not come to her room.
But even if he did, what would they talk about? After all, Bertina was the one who told him, “Don’t bother with me anymore.” There was nothing troubling her—at least, that’s what she told herself.
Hanna, on the other hand, had already returned to her maid duties.
“You’re not fully recovered. You should rest more,” Bertina told her.
But Hanna only laughed, insisting she felt stronger than before. Now, the two of them worked together in the garden.
“Lady Bertina, is this alright like this?” Hanna called brightly.
Bertina looked up to see her waving from a short distance away.
The flowerbeds had been damaged during that incident, so they were repairing them. To Bertina’s surprise, the Queen herself had given her permission to design and expand the garden however she liked. Hanna was happily building new flowerbeds with impressive speed.
“You work quickly. Are you sure you’re not pushing yourself?” Bertina asked.
“I feel amazing! I’ve got energy to spare,” Hanna replied, her fluffy tail swishing.
Bertina couldn’t help but notice. She had read in books that wolves wagged their tails when happy. Seeing Hanna’s glowing face and wagging tail, she believed it.
Her gaze lingered. Hanna’s ears twitched, her tail fluffing behind her. Compared to the twins, hers looked even softer. Bertina’s fingers twitched with the urge to touch.
“…Is there something on my ears?” Hanna asked curiously.
Bertina quickly shook her head. “No, it’s just… your ears and tail… I kind of want to touch them.”
Hanna blinked in surprise. Bertina turned away, flustered. “Only if you don’t mind!”
But Hanna chuckled softly. “If that’s what you wish.” She gently took Bertina’s hand and bowed her head, guiding it to her upright ears.
“…!”
Bertina’s eyes widened. The softness was like silk—smooth, gentle, and far more pleasant than she had imagined. She could pet them forever.
“They do feel nice, don’t they?” Hanna said with a small laugh.
(So fluffy! So soft! It’s… it’s perfect!)
Bertina’s lips curved into a smile before she caught herself, quickly pulling her hand back.
“…T-thank you. They feel wonderful.”
Hanna laughed again. “That’s the happiest expression I’ve ever seen on you, Lady Bertina. Please, you may touch them whenever you like.”
“W-Whenever!?” Bertina repeated, face burning red.
Her heart fluttered at the thought, though she scolded herself. She hated being touched—so why was she so eager to touch Hanna’s ears and tail?
“It’s fine. We’re both women. It’s not a big deal,” Hanna said kindly.
But Bertina shook her head. “No… if I touched them every day, I’d lose all self-control.”
“That wouldn’t be so bad,” Hanna teased. “If it lifts your spirits, I’d be happy. Honestly… seeing that you have such sweet, girlish sides makes me feel relieved.”
Bertina frowned, embarrassed. “I only act proper because it’s expected of me. I enjoy romantic stories, beautiful dresses, and sweets as much as any girl my age.”
“Of course you do,” Hanna laughed warmly.
Just then, Iris and Lotos called from a gazebo, waving cheerfully. “Let’s take a break!”
Behind them rose the old watchtower, Bergfried. Covered in ivy, it reminded Bertina of the tower she had once lived in back at Vermeburg Castle. She sighed softly.
“Hanna… doesn’t that tower look like mine back home? The color’s different, but still.”
Hanna turned her ears toward her, then nodded. “Yes, I thought so too. I asked the head servant—it’s just used as storage now.”
“…I see.” Bertina stared at the tower a little longer, unsettled by the resemblance.
At the gazebo, Iris politely pulled out a chair for her. Bertina frowned at the formality.
“You don’t have to treat me so stiffly when no one’s around. Just act naturally.”
The twins exchanged troubled glances.
“It makes us happy you say that,” Iris admitted, “but if we get used to it, we might slip up in front of others.”
“Lotos feels the same,” her sister added.
When Bertina turned to Hanna, she nodded. “It’s true. But… having a princess who tells us that makes us want to serve you even more.”
Heat rose to Bertina’s cheeks. For so long, she had been alone. No family, no friends, no one to talk to. And now—she wasn’t alone anymore.
Could she really allow herself such happiness?
At that thought, the mark on her chest burned hot.
Bertina pressed her hand against it, heart racing. Hanna leaned forward, concerned. “Lady Bertina…?”
“I-it’s nothing,” Bertina said quickly.
“Maybe you’re just tired. You’ve been working hard.”
“Lady Bertina, you must rest properly. Humans are fragile,” Iris scolded gently.
They all urged her to sit. Bertina sighed as she obeyed.
Happiness makes the mark ache… Does that mean I’ll fall into darkness sooner?
Falling into darkness would mean power for her revenge—but now that she had seen Hanna lose herself once, the thought frightened her.
If she were not blessed by the Night, she could not live in this world. The fear gnawed at her.
Milan doesn’t even see me as his fiancée. And if I’m not blessed…
Bertina lowered her eyes, pressing her chest. Her desires felt arrogant—wanting both happiness and revenge.
Am I just greedy?
In her teacup’s reflection, she saw a sad, weary face.
“Lady Bertina, are you sure you’re alright?” Hanna asked again.
“…I was only thinking. Nothing serious,” Bertina lied softly, gazing out across the garden with narrowed eyes.
