Chapter 4
#004. Wednesday 2 PM Appointment
Is he not coming again today? Olivia swallowed a sigh. The tea had long gone cold. It was already 3:30 PM. Wednesday at 2 PM, a cup of tea in the Crown Princess Consort's outdoor garden. Despite being a formal appointment for the past three years, Leopold rarely showed his face, maybe a handful of times a year. On days he broke the promise, he would send a lavish bouquet or jewelry a day or two later, and that was it. From a few weeks ago, cards were added to the bouquets.
- I'm sorry, Madeleine. A meeting suddenly came up.
- I couldn't make it because the conversation with a long-lost friend went on for too long.
- I regret not being able to see you because I had a headache.
Olivia shrugged. But the disappointment didn't disappear. It was like this every time. Expecting alone, disappointed alone. Expecting again, and again, disappointed. From a distance, the maids' gazes stung. Even if she managed her expression as if nothing was wrong, she couldn't avoid their sharp gazes, as if they were looking at prey. Especially the gaze of Countess Chase, who became the Empress's chess piece two months ago. Last time, she was criticized by the Empress for not capturing the Crown Prince. She couldn't be caught again. She really wanted to see Leopold today. Her fiancé, whose bright smile was so handsome. She hated him, but she wanted to see him again. Besides, no matter how much Leopold made Olivia wait, she could never hate him. From the first time she saw him at the age of nine, Olivia had liked Leopold.
"Become the Crown Princess Consort."
That day was Leopold's eleventh birthday. The Duke spoke coldly to young Olivia, like a blade.
"Even if you're stupid, you can't fail to do even that one thing, can you?"
The Duke's eyes narrowed. It was like her mother looking at meat at the market, gauging its usefulness. Olivia's heart dropped.
"I, I can do it!"
Olivia didn't understand the Duke's words, but she answered energetically. It was the first time. The Duke had spoken to her first. If she did well, she swelled with the expectation that her father would continue to talk to her in the future. But that expectation was shattered when she entered the lavish banquet hall.
"Are you the Madeleine's bastard?"
Her mind went blank. The children's cruel words continued.
"I heard the Duchess died because of her?"
"That's right! My mom said so too."
"Why did someone who isn't legitimate come here?"
She decided not to remember how that moment passed. That painful scene was saved by one word from Leopold, who was as beautiful as an angel.
"That's a pretty name. Olivia."
Even now, at the age of twenty, Olivia clearly remembered the kind smile of eleven-year-old Leopold. The real angel who appeared in that place where no one helped her. From then on, Olivia liked Leopold. It had been eleven long years. So, even if he made her wait like this, Olivia endured. Someday, really soon. She believed that if she did her best, Leopold would look at her again. The faint old memories were still beautiful. Olivia smiled faintly and got up from her seat. The maids approached her. Countess Chase, who was at the forefront, said.
"Are you leaving the palace? Princess called for you, you should go quickly."
A summons from the Princess. What is she going to entrust to me this time? It would be nice if it was something like flower decorations like last time. Months ago, she recalled the time when she secretly restored the Princess's territory, which had fallen into spring poverty. The Princess, who had told Olivia to use her private funds to solve the problem first and then disappeared, appeared as if nothing had happened only after Olivia had actually used her private funds to restore it. Under the pretext of seeing if Olivia had the qualifications to be the Crown Princess Consort, the Princess always brazenly passed her work on to Olivia. The White Crystal Mine that had been cut off, and before that, the necklace of the destroyed kingdom. There was even the absurd demand to bring a baby dragon that was only known in myths. A heavy worry settled in her heart that another ridiculous order would be issued.
"…Thank you for letting me know. Countess, I have something to stop by at the Crown Prince's Palace, so I'll visit you right after."
"To the Crown Prince's Palace? It's not a place anyone can go, Madeleine. No matter how much you want to see the Crown Prince, you have to keep up appearances,"
"Countess."
Countess Chase was momentarily startled by the low voice that cut off her words. And she blinked with her mouth open. The Countess couldn't believe it. The person in front of her was clearly Olivia Madelaine, the dirty bastard of House Madeleine. The atmosphere that overwhelmed people, and the frosty cold green eyes. The Countess unknowingly groaned, "Ah." It was a fleeting moment. Olivia's eyes softened gently.
"Thank you for your concern."
"Ah, uh, no, it's nothing."
The Countess stammered in embarrassment at Olivia's light bow. Olivia smiled and turned around. Only when her elegant back disappeared into the distance did the Countess realize that Olivia was walking in the direction of the Crown Prince's Palace. * * *
"It's been a while, Madeleine. How have you been?"
As soon as Olivia entered the Crown Prince's Palace, the Chamberlain came out. He seemed momentarily surprised, but soon greeted Olivia skillfully. It was understandable that he was surprised. Even though Leopold broke so many promises, Olivia never came to visit.
"Thank you, Chamberlain. I came to see the Crown Prince."
Instead of immediately guiding her to where Leopold was or saying that he would inform him of her arrival, the Chamberlain hesitated for a moment.
"Is the Crown Prince out?"
"…That is."
The Chamberlain hesitated to speak. Unpleasant thoughts began to bubble up. At that moment, a sweet and beautiful voice was heard.
"Oh my, aren't you Madeleine?"
Olivia turned around at the woman's voice calling her.
"…Madeleine?"
Olivia's strength drained away at Leopold's voice. Leopold, whom she had been waiting for all appointment, was walking from the back garden of the Crown Prince's Palace. With a beautiful blonde lady.
"…Homage to the little sun of the Empire. Olivia Madelaine greets the Crown Prince."
Olivia took a breath. She raised the corners of her mouth as if nothing was wrong. Her lips seemed to tremble, but Olivia tried to speak kindly.
"…And Lady Etel too. It's been a while."
Maria Etel, the youngest daughter of Marquis Etel. The lovely youngest of House Etel. …And the Crown Prince's lover who was excluded from Leopold's engagement because of the aristocratic faction, Marquis Etel. It felt like her vision was turning white. Olivia clenched the hand holding her dress tightly. Leopold looked perfectly fine. She felt foolish for worrying that something might have really happened. Leopold frowned. It was a habit that appeared whenever he didn't like something.
"…What brings you here?"
It was a voice that really didn't know anything. In that moment, Olivia remembered herself, who had been excited since yesterday just at the thought of meeting Leopold. And she felt a little sad.
"…I came because you didn't come, and I wondered if something was wrong. I didn't know you had a guest."
She didn't know if she could call Maria Etel a guest. Olivia tried to soften her voice, which kept getting stiff. Leopold and Maria were very close, as if showing off their friendly relationship even from a distance. He was a man who didn't give his side to just anyone. Leopold always maintained a certain distance from her. But Maria was so easily close. As she recognized that, one side of her heart dropped.
"What did you come for? Without contacting me."
Olivia bit her lip. It was a confirmation. In the meantime, the Chamberlain hurriedly approached Leopold and whispered. Only then did understanding flash across Leopold's face. A troubled look flickered in Leopold's eyes and quickly disappeared.
"Come to think of it, today is already Wednesday."
'Already.' Olivia answered as if it were nothing.
"Yes. It's already Wednesday."
Wednesday was the day Olivia looked forward to the most in the week. From the time she left the palace with an unfulfilled promise, she waited for the following Wednesday. When she received calls from the Empress and the Princess, when she went to the palace to handle the affairs of the Crown Princess Consort's Palace, when she suppressed the desire to see his face even once, she waited for Wednesday. She thought the worst thing was the assumption that Leopold, who rarely showed up for appointments, might not like her coming on other days. …Forgetting that it was the day of the appointment and making a troubled face when he saw her was really the worst thing she hadn't even imagined. While her mind was tangled, Leopold walked towards Olivia.
"I've been so out of it lately. I even forgot the day of the week. Olivia. Did you wait long?"
"Not that long."
"Oh dear. It seems my fiancée is very sulky."
Leopold, who spoke softly as if he was sorry, reached out his hand and smiled handsomely.
"I want to make up for it with a date. How about next Monday?"
"That's a pretty name. Olivia."
Was it because the sunlight was shining so brightly? Or was it because of his kind voice? She was clearly angry and upset, but old memories overlapped. Her sad heart cried out to refuse, but that kind voice didn't let go of her heart. It was a battle she was going to lose anyway. Olivia Madelaine loved Leopold Franz, and Leopold Franz knew that very well.
"…Gladly."
Olivia placed her hand on Leopold's hand. Leopold smiled brightly and kissed the back of Olivia's hand. His blue, sparkling eyes met Olivia's. Even with his arrogant eyes, as if he knew this would happen, Olivia couldn't help it. Her heart ached, but Olivia comforted herself. It will be okay soon. His Highness is making an effort, so it will get better soon. She felt Maria's gaze stabbing her from afar, but Olivia ignored it. That's why Olivia didn't know. That when Leopold and Maria walked over, a very small crack had formed in her heart, which had been barely holding on every time. Olivia smiled brightly, ignoring all of that. . . .
"I will prepare the carriage right away."
The Chamberlain was in charge of seeing her off. The Chamberlain said, avoiding Olivia's gaze. Olivia smiled faintly. Why was the Chamberlain acting like he had done something wrong? Leopold had gone into the palace with Maria Etel.
"It's okay. I was summoned by Princess for a while. The sun is nice, so let's take a walk."
"Isn't the Verdant Palace a bit far?"
"The Verdant Palace?"
"Yes. She specifically requested that today's tea party be held at the Verdant Palace."
The Chamberlain trailed off, as if realizing he'd made a mistake. Usually, the tea party was held at the Imperial Princess Palace. Judging by the lack of prior notice, it seemed the Princess had firmly decided to make Olivia's life difficult today.
"Thank you for letting me know. I'll walk anyway."
Olivia started walking. The palace gardens were beautiful, and the sunlight was warm. Olivia quietly held her breath, then exhaled. It was strange. Usually, holding her breath and exhaling once would make her feel better. But the stuffiness she'd felt since morning wouldn't go away. Walking wherever her feet led her, she soon arrived at the Verdant Palace. In the distance, she could see the young ladies enjoying the tea party. Princess Reina was sitting at the head of the table, smiling beautifully as if she was in a good mood. The Princess, looking around, spotted Olivia. The young ladies must have sensed something, as their laughter stopped and they turned their unfriendly gazes towards her.
"Greetings to Her Highness the Princess."
"...Lady Olivia. You're here sooner than I expected. I take it your meeting with my brother wasn't very enjoyable?"
The words, spoken in jest, were sharp.
"How could that be? However, the Crown Prince heard about the Princess and told me to come see you right away."
Everyone knew this was a fabricated story, but no one challenged it. The Princess chuckled and stared pointedly at one side of the table. An empty seat, more important than the one for Liveorn, the Marquess's daughter. The seating arrangement was clearly intentional. The Princess blinked innocently, as if she knew nothing.
"It was about time a new face appeared at my tea party. Speaking of which, has the little Lady Esella's health improved?"
"...I apologize. As you know, my youngest is frail."
"Oh, dear. How unfortunate."
The Princess sighed, her face showing no sympathy whatsoever. Olivia looked at the Princess, probing her intentions. Lately, the Princess had been mentioning Esella more frequently. The Duke was making various excuses to delay Esella's debut into society, and the Princess surely knew that Esella wouldn't be coming here. What was her purpose?
"It would be lovely if the Lady Esella could join this tea party."
"Oh, my, Your Highness. Lady Olivia is standing right in front of you."
"Ah!"
The Princess widened her eyes in feigned surprise. Her eyes, as beautiful as the sea, gleamed with dark malice. So, this was it for today. The Princess smiled, as if embarrassed.
"I didn't mean to do that. Lady Olivia, the tea might be cold by now, but would you like to join us?"
"Oh, dear, I'm afraid it might be difficult for Lady Olivia to join us. Today's theme is springtime, but Lady Olivia is..."
The Marquess's daughter, Liveorn, quickly scanned Olivia. The other young ladies chimed in.
"A swamp. That sticky, dark gray dress."
"Come to think of it, Lady Olivia seems to dislike bright colors. I've never seen her wear anything flashy."
"That's rude, Margaret. Bright colors might not suit her."
They were perfectly synchronized, as if they had rehearsed. The young ladies, who had been talking for a while, subtly glanced at Olivia. Among the young ladies who were expecting her to be hurt, Olivia swallowed a bitter smile. Compared to the gazes at the banquets, this was just dessert. She could swallow the humiliation of standing alone without a second thought.
"Oh, my."
At that moment, everyone's attention shifted to one side. The nobles were coming out, as if a meeting had ended. Her father was visible in the approaching group. Olivia opened her mouth without realizing it.
"Ah,"
The moment their eyes met, her father naturally looked away from Olivia. The other nobles glanced at Olivia, who was standing alone. No noble intervened in the strange scene that was obvious to everyone. When the nobles had all passed, the young ladies smiled brightly again. The whispers of people who knew it would happen swept past Olivia.
"The Duke must be very busy, Lady Olivia."
The Princess said with a mocking voice. The expectations that had risen without her realizing it crumbled like bubbles. She had been fine until a moment ago, but now she felt miserable, as if she had been covered in filth. Could it be that something was really stuck in her throat? Olivia exhaled again. She tried to brush it off, telling herself that her heart, which had been holding back for so long, was just catching a cold. It was an unusual day.
