Chapter Five. The two of them with their misunderstandings
Lydia couldn’t fall asleep, as she was pondering over various incidents all night long.
Edgar wanted her to return tomorrow. Although not one matter had yet been settled, she couldn’t give up on the gardener and Madame Oughtred. However, regardless of what circumstances she discovered in the end, she was unable to handle it sufficiently.
Moreover, not only was Lydia losing the will to resist Edgar's words, as well as the determination to strive alone, she pondered that if she stubbornly persisted now, it may hurt Edgar more. Regarding this, she felt uneasy and hesitant.
The reason why she spoke of annulling the engagement was because she hoped Edgar would refuse. Although he really did do this, Lydia also knew that her words hurt his heart.
“What are you thinking? Are you thinking of running away from me?”
She never thought about wanting to escape from Edgar's side; at the time, she thought that her knee was actually small enough for him to cover with his hand.
What did she need to do in the end, in order to become the woman he was hoping for?
Lydia believed that by she accepting Madame Oughtred's education, she would become that kind of lady. But although she tried hard, it was to no avail which made her feel increasingly unworthy of Edgar.
Granted that the sky began to turn white, Lydia's heart remained incapable of deciding whether she wanted to leave here or remain.
“Hey Lydia, wake up!”
Nico beat the sunroof while calling her name. Lydia lazily sat up.
“....I’m up already.”
“I found the place where the Danish fairies are gathering. Come quickly.”
Once Lydia heard these words, she hastily threw aside her blanket, immediately changed her clothes, and left the room.
After that, she followed Nico who went to the courtyard, continued on from the patio and entered an elegant and refined study room.
“You see, this room has fairy footprints everywhere, and there are many new ones. Those guys seem to enter and exit this place frequently.”
For Lydia, completely catching sight of the fairy footprints was a little difficult, but because it was Nico who said that, it can’t be wrong.
Here, in the former Earl's study room, it seemed as if time had stopped. It was arranged very neatly as if not even a speck of dust remained. But from years of using the armchair and Victorian desk, one could infer the predecessor's character.
“The Danish fairies seem to have contact with each generation's master of this household, so wouldn't they recall the previous master and only assemble here?”
Madame Oughtred had no children, so her deceased husband's title, the Earl, ought to be passed on to her husband's relative. Although Lydia didn't know whether that relative felt reminiscent of the land their ancestors' had lived in until now, for the fairies, acknowledging that the relative kept away from this piece of land due to the Earl family's master was very difficult.
Regardless, perhaps the Danish fairies had previously thought that at any rate, they wanted to leave this residence.
What kind of contract did Madame Oughtred and the Danish fairies agree upon? If the Madame let the fairy act as a substitute as they waited in the residence, then what was she doing there again?
Whatever wish the Madame had, was it necessary for her to depart from the fairies beforehand to borrow their power to accomplish it?
Lydia thought while she looked around the room.
The portraits that were arranged here, were they the people that formerly lived in this mansion, that the Danish fairies were extremely close to? If that's really the case, the possibility of fairies appearing here frequently wasn't strange.
Finally, Lydia’s line of sight stopped at a painting.
Within the painting was an upper-class woman, whose style of attire was slightly old-fashioned and even used a rose garland as a necklace.
Unexpectedly, Lydia had the impression that each type of flower combined and became a necklace.
The gardener Virginia wore a garland necklace that was the same. Regardless of the type and size of flowers, even the colors’ arrangement order were also the same.
What is going on?
The decorative garland that was on the former lady, without the slightest degree of wilting, was worn on Virginia’s chest?
Was it Virginia who made a garland that was similar in appearance? Again, what was this for?
No, perhaps for those who simply saw it believed that they were real flowers, but in fact, those were fake flowers.
“Could it be...the Regard necklace...?”
Lydia murmured to herself.
The roses were crimson rubies, the leaves were green emeralds, the amaryllis were scarlet garnets, not to mention, the grass were violet amethysts and the white roses were diamonds.
Removing the first letter of each gem’s English name and putting it together became “REGARD” --- this message expressed respect and love.
In that case, could this be Madame Oughtred’s secret necklace?
Virginia once said that, as long as you wore the garland around the neck, you could enter the fairy rose garden. Furthermore, the flowers and the fairies’ essence were originally very similar in meaning, in other words, through the flower’s power, it was relatively easy to find the entrance to the fairies’ rose garden.
However, if that rose garden was this household’s secret [necklace] handed down from generation to generation, then even if the necklace was ready to permit one to enter the Danish fairies’ rose garden as proof, it wouldn’t be strange.
Lucinda once said the flowers were used as a theme for precious stones. The butler also said that it was usually worn on the body, as it would be a very conspicuous article.
"Nico, I got it.”
"What? Got what?"
The gardener Virginia, is Madame Oughtred.
Therefore she, because the fairy driven her away from the room and replaced her identity, was unable to leave the rose garden.
The Regard necklace was not stolen. Rather, it was Madame Oughtred who was wearing it all along.
“About the Madame’s Regard necklace, I already know where that thing is, let’s go and confirm it.”
An upper-class woman personally tending to a garden and considering it as a hobby wasn’t uncommon, let alone she still possesses the ability to make the roses bloom. Presumably, she used a calm hand to personally manage the rose garden.
“Wait, Lydia, where do you want to go?
If Virginia is Madame Oughtred, the things that Lydia should do here ought to be very clear.
Lydia had the mind frame of taking everything and placing it onto this one clue and ran out. As a result, she nearly bumped into a figure who suddenly appeared at the study room door. Therefore, she stopped.
“Good morning [or You’re early], are you working already?”
That person was Billy.
He used his hands to block the door exit, as if to prevent Lydia from leaving.
Not knowing whether or not he heard the dialogue from a moment ago, Lydia minded this a little. Although Nico's speech sounded like a cat calling for the majority of people’s ears, Lydia unexpectedly was thought to be speaking strange thoughts to herself by people.
“You're very early, too.”
“I just wanted to call you, can you follow me for a bit?”
“Uh, I have a little work before that. ”
“It’ll be quick. In fact, there was a maid who picked up Lucinda’s brooch. She said that it was probably because she didn’t return it immediately that caused you to be suspected, therefore she would like to apologize to you.”
“Ah, so it was like that…”
“Can you go and see her?”
A maid who was in charge of various jobs only had this current moment of freedom before work, thus Lydia nodded her head.
She used her eyes to hint at Nico to wait a bit for her, and proceeded to walk out of the room together with Billy.
“Mr. Nico, breakfast has already been prepared. Did you want to sleep in this kind of place?"
Once he heard the word “breakfast”, Nico immediately opened his eyes.
He was by the edge of the study room’s window and waited for Lydia until he fell asleep. It was because the chairs here were quite comfortable.
“Engg~~ it’s Raven... My belly is hungry. How strange. What about Lydia? She still hasn’t returned?”
“I am also trying to find Miss Lydia.”
“Oh that’s right, she was called out by the servant known as Billy. He said something about a maid picking up Lucinda’s brooch.”
“What did you say?”
The voice was not from Raven. Rather, Edgar appeared at the doorway. He seemed to be looking for Lydia together with Raven.
“Nico, after Lydia was taken away by Billy, it should be unlikely that she wouldn’t return, right?”
Edgar’s expression drastically changed as he grabbed Nico.
“Stop it, put me down... Argh, really, you, with that kind of jealous man attitude, not excusing anyone who gets close to Lydia, you should also restrain yourself a bit.”
“Did they say anything else? Did it have anything to do with the matter of Madame Oughtred’s gems?”
“She did, she said it. Lydia, that girl, she suddenly said something, that she knew where the Regard necklace was.”
After hearing Nico’s answer, Edgar clicked his tongue.
He proceeded to release Nico, as if he were throwing something out.
“Raven, find Billy and Lydia. Go now, immediately.”
“Yes.”
“What are you doing?! Don’t throw me out! This love-jealous petty man!”
“I’m not being jealous, Lydia is in danger.”
Edgar seemed to be very anxious as he said this.
Lydia followed after Billy and arrived at the rear of the stable. However, there was no maid who allegedly picked up Lucinda’s pins.
Instead, there were two attendants [waiters] who seemed to be part-time workers (footmen? AKA those who work under butlers).
Lydia still didn’t understand the situation and was surrounded by Billy and those two men.
“Hey, Lydia, your identity as a maid is fake, right?”
Was I discovered? Although, she still didn’t understand why Billy had to show such an awful expression.
“Where is Madame Oughtred?”
“What?”
“Madame Oughtred and the Regard necklace’s whereabouts, spit it out.”
“....Who are you guys [in the end]?
“Our matters aren’t important, hurry up and answer my question.”
Because the manner of the other party’s speech was too rude, it still made Lydia, who was forced to the side of the wall, unable to reply.
“You, your identity as a meal waiter is a scam.”
“That’s right, it’s a scam, so you shouldn’t underestimate me.”
Billy raised his arm.
“Yet [Still], the person in the room using strange limb movements was you.The rabbit is a fairy’s ghost? Hmph, you actually succeeded in enticing the head housekeeper, who is easily fooled by superstitions.”
Lydia looked up at Billy, surprised.
“That, I didn’t do that.”
It was some person who was fixated on the Madame’s gems that did it...
“I know you were chasing after the rabbit all over the flower garden, and that night, the rabbit corpse appeared in the Madame’s room. It was your doing. Certainly it wasn’t just one person? Who are your accomplices? How is the Madame?”
“I don't know.....”
“Saying that you don’t know is a matter that can’t be helped.”
The other man swayed the knife in front of Lydia.
“I also know that you were sneakily investigating in the mansion during your spare time. Was it because despite involving the Madame, you couldn’t find the Regard necklace? You were looking the place that the necklace was hidden in, that’s for sure.”
I was looking for the Danish fairies.
However, Lydia seemed to be considered as the thief who was fixated on the Madame’s gems. Moreover, they were also very concerned about the gems’ whereabouts.
“Billy, are you guys... the group of thieves? For the purpose of the gems, pretending to be servants...”
The man holding the knife seemed to have wanted to say something, but Billy stopped him and stated:
“Is your comrade that blonde Earl? No, that is a swindler calling himself an Earl. A noble bringing an attendant, who emits such an unconcealed murderous aura all over. That was very suspicious from the beginning.”
Lydia thought desperately.
It seems the person who held the knife and infiltrated the Madame’s room was not their comrade at all.
In other words, there were still other thieves who wanted to steal the gems.
“Hey Lydia, if you want, I can also distribute some of the gems to you. Overall, compare it to being killed here, okay.”
Billy’s tone was a little gentle as if to appease Lydia, peering down at her.
Lydia glared at him, keeping her mouth shut.
“I heard that the reason why you were expelled from your former household was because you went and seduced a man? Still, that’s truly an action that’s inconsistent with your face and character.”
All of those things were Lucinda’s fabricated lies. And for a woman, it was the ultimate insult, so Lydia was really unresigned(?).
Because she was angry and shook, Billy seemed to believe that she was afraid.
“I don’t dislike this kind of woman, moreover I won’t use a woman to handle matters. So long as you become my woman, I'll make you even happier compared to that blonde guy.”
He caressed her cheek, giving her goosebumps.
“Don’t touch me!”
Although she raised her hand, it was easily grabbed.
He pressed her against the wall of planks, proceeding to speak words, not knowing whether they were persuasive or threatening.
“I won’t let the guy who plundered our prey have an easy time. After all, your companion will become fertilizer for the garden. Is that a partner worth risking your life to obey? Even if you suffered that kind of treatment, your companion won’t mind at all, right?”
Because of yesterday’s punishment, the bruises were still bright red on Lydia’s hand. Billy seemed to take pity, as he gazed at Lydia’s hand.
Lydia felt Billy loosen his grip and, at this moment, so she tried to push him away.
She desperately struggled, wanting to escape, but she wasn’t successful. The other man took her from behind.
Billy’s hand grasped Lydia’s throat.
“You better do according to what I say. That superficial guy, in any case only has his looks...”
At that moment, Billy suddenly cut his statement short in surprise, and quickly moved back.
The man(or men) grabbing Lydia collapsed on the spot. A brown-skinned boy supported Lydia simultaneously, who almost immediately fell together [with the other men].
“Raven...?”
Just by him using his line of sight, Billy and the other men felt intimidated.
“Eh, did you believe that using these kinds of stubborn mannerisms could attract girls?”
Edgar appeared from the other side of the stables, also pulling a man whose hands were bound.
It seemed that he was also one of Billy’s companions. That man already seemed quite beaten up, just by seeing his unsteady walk and reluctance to stand.
Edgar, as if he wanted that man to be seen clearly, took him and exposed a cold smile to Billy.
“Still, to go as far as wanting to chase after my fiancee, you’re actually quite courageous.”
The man that Edgar brought was ruthlessly kicked by him, and after he fell to the ground, Raven regarded that as a signal to push Lydia towards Edgar’s direction.
Then, he [Raven] rapidly threw himself towards Billy.
Billy moved his hand towards his chest in his clothes, as if he wanted to take out a weapon, but Raven’s movements were clearly much quicker.
In the moment that Raven lifted his foot, the pistol bounced(?) out from Billy’s hand.
Lydia passed through Billy’s side, wanting to run towards Edgar whom she extended her hand to.
But she suddenly felt a spell of dizziness.
Her surroundings spun, and subsequently her footsteps became unsteady.
“Lydia!”
The sound of Edgar calling her sounded especially distant.
*
Her whole body lacked strength, probably due to the tense mood suddenly relaxing.
The recent tension and fatigue seemed to come out, and although it was hard for Lydia to support her body that wouldn’t listen to her, she still tried to maintain her consciousness.
She was in the state of being unable to open her eyes, pondering over where she was.
There were clean linens and feather cushions, with a soft bed to the touch, giving the sense that it wasn’t her rough bed in the attic. Moreover, there was someone holding her hand.
Edgar?
Her lips only slightly moved, and no sound was made.
In spite of that, her body’s strength was still slowly beginning to recover in this way, and she continued to open her eyes slightly.
Edgar caressed Lydia’s hands while gazing at her with a solemn expression.
Lydia recalled that her hands had bruises from being whipped, and thus she bashfully wanted to pull her hands back immediately, but she still didn’t have the strength to even move her hands.
It seemed like this was the guest room that Edgar used, but it was also his bedroom.
What should I do? Although she was unable to move, Lydia was absolutely flustered.
At this point, Edgar suddenly stood up. Lydia was startled, but from him turning his head and looking towards the doorway, apparently it seemed as if there was someone entering the room.
“The doctor? Still not here?”
“Earl Ashenbert, I’m sorry for causing you trouble. We will take Lydia back to her room, so you don’t need to worry any more.”
Lydia, who was finally able to turn her head, saw the head maid, Mrs. Boyle, calling the male footman to enter the room.
“Don’t speak nonsense. I will not allow you to casually move her.”
“But we cannot let a maid sleep in the guest’s bedroom. ”
“In short, call a doctor to come.”
“This is a common matter. Once tomorrow arrives, she will recover.”
“She will recover?”
Faced the head maid, who was unwilling to call a doctor, even stating that she wanted Lydia to be taken out, some part of Edgar’s mind snapped. He muttered in a peaceful and indifferent voice.
Even so, he did not emit an agitated voice. Perhaps he took into consideration that Lydia was still sleeping.
“Listen clearly, Lydia is not a maid. Lydia is my fiancee. If something happens, I might not virtuously stop and let matters rest. I will take you, as the person in charge, and the maids who bullied her, and bury everyone alive in the cemetery.”
Edgar hindered them in front like this, not allowing the male worker to approach even one step towards Lydia. Edgar said this, seemingly at the end of his patience.
The head maid exposed a sympathetic and complex expression. She seemed puzzled about Edgar, why would he treat the maid so well, as she felt it was inconceivable.
“Earl… No matter what, she is entirely a maid of this mansion. Um… If you give special treatment, then it will not serve as a good example for the other people.”
“Concerning Lydia’s matters, I’m not sure what you heard from Madame Oughtred, but I did not give her to you. Rather, because I believed in Madame Oughtred, I entrusted Lydia to her. Since the Madame is not here, I should have told her earlier to stop the maid’s work. However, I didn’t expect her to go as far as to receive such excessive treatment.”
“The maids are considered as Madame’s personal servants, so the responsibilities and limits to authority basically belong to me.”
Fundamentally incapable of communicating with her, this made Edgar increasingly impatient.
“I already said she’s not a maid! I, in order to let a maiden to enter society, hoped that Madame Oughtred would give her guidance, so I put forward a request through Duchess Masefield. Although Madame Oughtred readily agreed, you cannot undertake the responsibilities and limits to authority, right? She, however, is my fiancee. Not only did she receive the Madame’s recommendation, she promised that she would put in good words and let her visit Her Majesty the Queen. I originally believed that letting her be a maid was also Madame’s method and kept silent all this time, but I can’t continue to endure this any longer!”
Lydia glimpsed at the butler(?) who was passing by from the outside. Because he didn’t know what was happening, he stopped at the doorway, scared, but Edgar continued to protest against the head maid.
“And you’re saying that this is how it goes? (再说这是怎麼一回事*) Was it you who whipped her hand like punishing a thief? The matters of Miss Lucinda’s stolen brooch, wasn’t Lydia already cleared of suspicion at that time? How did this happen! Do you have any idea whose hands have such lasting bruises?”
Until now, the head maid righteously(?) spoke strictly to refute Edgar’s words, but her facial expression became increasingly uneasy.
“Uh, isn’t that young lady scheduled to arrive tomorrow?”
“Because Duchess Masefield had an urgent matters, the trip was shifted to an earlier date, so the duchess ought to have notified you.”
“Earl, I’m extremely sorry.”
The butler nervously interrupted.
“It seemed we have received a telegram, but it was already delivered to the Madame's room and the Madame might not have read its contents yet. The telegram is still in the room with unopened letters, so I’m afraid that the Madame was not in the mansion since that time.”
“...So, who wanted Lydia to be a maid? It wasn’t Madame Oughtred’s instructions?”
How strange? Saying it like that, it seems it wasn’t.
Lydia also blankly pondered in her mind.
“Um...That is…”
Mrs. Boyle stammered, not knowing how she ought to reply. However, it seemed she was still unable to completely grasp the situation, tilting her head.
The butler began to speak instead of her.
“The new maid arrived just now. She said that due to damage on the main bridge, she was unable to go through the road for the time being.”
The head maid, who had heard this, nearly fainted. Had it weren’t for the butler who supported her from behind, she would have been in danger.
Madame Oughtred had not considered Lydia to be a maid at all, but because her identity was replaced by the fairies and she was brought to the fairy rose garden, only then would she not know that Lydia had came over ahead of time.
Moreover, since Lydia just happened to appear on the day that the new maid was scheduled to arrive, the head maid misunderstood.
It looked as if the matter was like that.
“What? Why was this not confirmed properly? Lydia fainted. Do you think that everything will be okay after saying that it was a misunderstanding?”
“...Edgar...”
Lydia managed to let out a voice and tried to sit up a little.
“It would have been good if I also careful to confirm it. I myself believed that this was a bridal course.”
“Lydia, don’t force yourself. You have to lie down and rest.”
“I’m alright. This isn’t Mrs. Boyle's mistake.”
Carefully thinking about it, this was also inevitable. Young ladies of ordinary households wouldn’t come alone without bringing a maid, but also regardless of any reason, they wouldn’t obey the order of other people wanting them to be a maid.
As a result, it was due Lydia not being of the upper class, that this type of misunderstanding was able to occur.
“It was me...”
“Okay okay, I understand, I will not blame her anymore, so rest well. Your complexion still isn’t too good.”
“I’m not unwell, it’s only… slightly caused by my lack of strength(只是……有点使不出力气而已。*) that’s all.”
Edgar worryingly bent down and gazed at Lydia.
“Could it be that it’s because you haven’t eaten properly for three meals?”
Saying it like this, that seemed to be it.
“No, I’ve eaten the biscuits that you’ve given me but I only ate a little.”
Edgar caressed Lydia’s cheek. Held her soothingly, and then he proceeded to order the butler and head maid.
“Right now, please prepare the doctor and a meal immediately.”
Edgar went out of the room when Lydia was receiving the doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. He finally relaxed as he sighed, yet he felt a part of him that was unable to suppress his impatience.
He was clearly by her side, but he couldn’t protect her. When their positions are different, even proposing an idea would be difficult.
Edgar, who had the Earl’s status, was practically unable to do anything for Lydia, who found herself in the position of a maid.
The more Edgar paid attention to her, the more he made her suffer from the maids’ jealousy, even from the spread of vulgar gossip. In the end, Edgar had no choice but to reveal Lydia’s identity. Otherwise, making the head maid find a doctor to come would be impossible.
Thus he realized once more, that she may still have similar hardships, something could happen as Lydia begin to enter aristocracy.
No matter what position was promoted, Edgar’s status was a noble, and Lydia was not.
This point, no matter how Edgar protected her, wouldn’t change.
Because of this, he wanted publish the engagement beforehand. First, pushing up(?往上推*) Lydia’s identity.
If only they handled Professor Carlton’s upper-class occupation and considered it as the ultimate move, to reduce the impression of “a bride being born of the middle-class”, her suffering in society ought to lessen.
However, this notion, because Madame Oughtred’s whereabouts were unknown, hit a snag.
Therefore, Edgar began to ponder that, perhaps, it was fine like this right now.
He should not have forced Lydia. After marrying and leaving London and being secluded in territories such as Manaan Island, living a leisurely life wouldn’t have been bad either.
Although Edgar didn’t know how long he could maintain his ego, as long as he waited until he possessed much of the fairy’s territory, for Lydia, it would comfort her heart.
Before any accidents occurred, he wanted to be able to give her everything she wanted. (他想在发生什麼变故之前,将她能给予她的事物全部送给她*) Edgar always thought like this. He believed that aristocracy, in some sense, can also become a weapon to protect Lydia; because of this, he wanted to establish Lydia’s foothold within aristocracy.
Yet, it seemed that this was too difficult and nothing could be done about it.
Lydia was in front of him and fainted due to exhaustion, thus he had already lost the intention of executing the plan unyieldingly.
“Lord Edgar, I have returned.”
Raven’s voice drew Edgar’s line of sight from outside the window to the indoors.
“What about Billy and the others?”
“I threw them into the pit of horse manure beside the stables.”
“Truly pitiful.”
While he said this, he thought that they deserved it.
“So, did they reveal anything?”
“No, they wouldn’t speak. It’s as if they were dead.”
Speaking of Billy, since the beginning, Edgar felt that he had received considerable training.
Raven was also able to understand this right away, that the other party would begin to talk so long as they received threats. Or, if it wasn’t through such special interrogation [or torture], it would be quite difficult to make the person spit out the truth. He probably decided that Billy belonged to the latter category, and stopped interrogating.
Needing to ask matters from this kind of man required using a particular place and tools. But these kind of requirements were simply impossible in this mansion.
Were they really just a common group of thieves?
“However, Lord Edgar, apparently it wasn’t them who infiltrated the Madame’s room and left behind a knife.”
[“Hmm, in that case, pay close attention to the maids also. She’s not part of Billy’s group. There is another group of thieves. ” ]
Since yesterday, Edgar also seemed to be investigating Billy as well as Lucinda’s maid, and found that she wasn’t alone in carrying out some plan, rather she was repeatedly contacting someone.
The target was employed to transplant vegetation [plants], someone living in a cabin at the mansion’s inner region.
Perhaps all those people were her comrades, though it couldn’t be said for sure.
To say the least, Lucinda thought that she was a maid who was unable to speak. Moreover, for the purpose of letting people believe this, she must have gotten through each day very carefully. She likely followed after Lucinda; was it not because she knew that the other party was Madame Oughtred’s niece, who furthermore was preparing to enter society, and thus paid a visit to the Madame’s mansion?
She may have planned it like this. As Lucinda’s maid, she’ll be able to become unsuspected of her condition by anyone, to move around the mansion’s interior and also approach the Madame.
“What do you think of Miss Lucinda? There’s still aren’t any clues about the black hair that was found.”
Then, as Raven suddenly mouthed Lucinda’s name to him, Edgar found her figure below the window just then. (至於雷温口中的露辛妲，爱德格从刚才起就眺望著她在窗户下的身影*)
She was holding a white box, that was apparently an ivory jewel case. She claimed that Lydia stole the brooch from this case.
They once heard the butler say it was an item of Madame Oughtred’s. And because Lucinda wanted to make use of the decorative-gorgeous items, she borrowed it.
Lucinda held onto that thing while simultaneously paying attention to her surroundings as she entered a circular glass greenhouse. But, when she walked away, she was empty-handed.
What is she planning again this time?
“Yes, she has some fantastic activity [actions], too…” (是啊，她也有些奇妙的举动……」*)
It’s just that rather than saying that she plotted to steal the gems, or murdering Madame Oughtred was an exaggerated idea that should be dispersed, it would be better to say she seemed to be releasing her energy(?) onto Lydia.
“In short, right now there is nothing to be done but to bring Lydia back immediately, you [we] must completely eliminate the enemy [lit: dangerous people].”
“Yes.”
“Compared to Billy, I feel that Lucinda’s maid should be able to provide much more inside stories, don’t you think?”
“So long as she’s not mute, it shouldn’t be too difficult.”
“Perhaps you know that Miss Lucinda was not related to that night’s event, so this will save [us] the formalities.”
Raven probably already observed what Edgar was thinking, thus he solemnly nodded and turned around to leave.
Although she didn’t have the appetite, Lydia still drank a bit of soup and her mood calmed down a little.
The doctor said that the dizziness ought to have been from the fatigue and tension that caused it. As long as she rested a bit, her health would recover. After Edgar heard this, his solemn expression finally relaxed greatly.
He then came to Lydia’s side and sat down beside the bed, gazing at her wonderingly.
Being gazed at by such a proper appearance, and at such a close range, Lydia still felt uneasy.
While she nonchalantly moved her line of sight, she leisurely played with her blankets.
“... I basically did useless things, right? Not only was I stubborn, but I also gave you trouble, I really am a fool.”
“Lydia, I did not feel troubled in the least bit.”
“But, now you made it clear that I’m your fiancee… There are still a lot of maids who believe that I stole Lucinda’s brooch.”
“So what? I, compared to anyone, understand that you didn’t do it.”
“I also let you wash the bowls and casks.”
“So long as it’s for you, I will wash anything.”
“Moreover, I also occupied your bed.”
“I very much welcome you, like this, I have the excuse to sleep by your side.”
“Eh… You want to sleep here?”
He looked towards Lydia, who worried endlessly due to her heart being confused, and couldn’t help but force a smile.
“You don't need to be so afraid, we’re already lovers. Do you still consider me as a big feral wolf?”
“It’s...not like that.”
Just because they were lovers, Lydia didn’t know how she ought to react properly. And yet, she couldn’t get angry or reject him like before for the purposes of concealing her awkward and embarrassed self. Be that as it may, she still hadn’t been able to immerse herself in the sweet atmosphere of being romantic [habits].
The more anxious she was, the more she displayed her clumsy character.
“Just joking, I’m sleeping in the next room.”
Lydia breathed a sigh of relief very obviously, and from her breath, she could sense Edgar frowning.
“You’re still unwilling to look at me. You’re thinking that matters will be like this, that I’m also somewhat responsible. Furthermore, it’s because by agreeing to marry me, it will be like this… right? ”
“It’s... not that. ”
“So, you suspect Miss Lucinda and I?”
“The letter’s affairs were her own wishful thinking, was it not? Since it’s like this, I also don’t have any good doubts…”
“Whether or not you thought of it, you believed believed that her liking me was a wishful opportunity. Therefore, I would expose a happy facial expression?”
I had thought of this a bit.
“You exposed…. A very happy facial expression?”
“No, I didn’t at all.”
“.........”
They were obviously going to kiss.
However, Lydia felt that this was also understandable.
Being cheated by that kind of straightforward girl, even if it wasn’t Edgar, anyone would be tempted.
“She is a beautiful woman, who also has a lot of self-confidence. If you were liked by this kind of girl, I think that, granted if you were tempted a little bit, it would be difficult to escape.”
Edgar worryingly kept silent. Although Lydia assumed that he was slightly tempted, Edgar resentfully spoke of other matters.
“If it were me, even if you were somewhat thinking about other men, I also wouldn’t agree.”
“However, even if we are each other’s lovers, we’re unable to bind all of each other’s hearts.”
At this moment, he let out a profound sigh. When all was said and done, how could he contain his mood? Lydia lowered her head, so she was unable to find out [see] his facial expression.
Only his words passed through her ears.
“Lydia, I definitely wish to have all of you.”
Have all of you. Because of this, Lydia agreed to permit the marriage. Moreover, she had never been moved by another man. Even so, why did Edgar wish to say this?
She wanted to peek at Edgar’s expression, so she slightly turned her line of sight. She was still unable to look Edgar straight in the eyes, so she gazed blankly at the golden hair that stuck out from the side of his ear.
Edgar’s hand reached over towards Lydia.
While he gently raised Lydia’s chin, he used his thumb to touch her lip.
Perhaps it was a confirmation that Lydia wouldn’t escape, as he slowly covered her lips and made a tender peck.
Regardless, she was unable to get used to kissing when they were both alone. Moreover, Edgar was slowly unwilling to part from her, making Lydia unable to recognize what way was good (?). Even if she was motionless, she still felt baffled by such a wonderful feeling.
Her heart had a part that seemed both sorrowful and gloomy, as if her fears were about no longer her own and yet she still kind of hoped her passionate emotions would also no longer become her own. (心里总有股既像悲伤又郁闷、彷佛自己即将不再是自己的恐惧感，还有种希望自己不再是自己的激昂情绪。*)
Lydia didn’t understand how this was a thing. Not only was she unable to budge, she was in a nervous state as her body froze in place.
At this time, the sound of someone knocking at the door was heard.
Edgar ignored it, tightly embracing Lydia and continuing to tenderly and deeply kiss her.
Outside the door, the maid’s voice could be heard.
“Earl Ashenbert, Miss Lucinda has come.”
Don’t… don’t let go of me.
Lydia felt startled at this thought which momentarily flashed through her mind, thus she couldn’t help but take the initiative and get carried away.
Edgar still seemed dissatisfied. Wildly kissing her cheeks and ears, but once more, a knock came from the door again.
“Edgar… there’s a visitor.”
“I don’t have matters that I need to find them for.”
“...But they have matters that they need to find you for.”
Because Edgar wanted to peep at her face, Lydia in turn looked away. And so afterwards, he lightly sighed and stood up.
“I’ll be right back [I’ll return immediately].”
Then, the bedroom door closed. It was probably Edgar who asked Lucinda to enter into the dressing room on the other end, so Lydia was also able to hear her voice.
“Earl Ashenbert, please help me. Annie is missing!”
The sound of sobbing words spreaded over.
“Annie? Ah~~ is she your maid?”
“I sent her to Father’s room for work, but Father told me that Annie didn’t come. Moreover, she hasn’t come back for one hour...”
“How about waiting a little more? Perhaps she’s simply taking a rest.”
“No, Earl, this kind of thing has never happened before. I think that something has certainly happened to her because this mansion has a gem thief.”
Startled, Lydia then held her breath.
Lucinda didn’t know that Madame Oughtred’s gems were being watched. So this, on behalf of her family, pointed to Lydia as the gem thief.
“Previously, Annie was carrying the jewel case. Because it wasn’t very peaceful, I considered giving my gems to Father to safeguard..... It was surely Lydia! It was surely her who snatched the jewel case from Annie’s hands!”
“Lucinda, listen to me. Wasn’t there already proof of Lydia’s innocence yesterday?”
“It must be hidden away somewhere else.”
“Lydia is not that kind of girl.”
“Earl, why do you want to protect a maid? ...No, I believe I understand a little. Because all men wish to have many lovers, partners like maids and so on, it’s all on the chance they can be used to pass the time, correct? Because if it turns out unsightly, it would be fine as long as you dismissed them.”
The clothes dragging on the floor emitted a rubbing sound. Lydia thought to herself that it was probably Lucinda approaching Edgar, and so she couldn’t help but mind it.
“The ladies of the world will also turn a blind eye, isn’t that so? But Earl, an aristocrat’s household is for aristocrats to inherit. Therefore, you should select a girl from a proper household for your marriage partner. ”
“Do you wish to say that you are that kind of girl?”
“Yes, I can give birth to an heir that will match the status of the Earl family.”
“What you said was quite specific.”
Does Edgar find this very amusing?
Yes, from the beginning, Edgar wouldn’t seriously drive away a girl who especially approached him first.
Lydia intended to give up hope, but on the other hand, she gradually felt angry.
Furthermore, the substance of the conversation had already digressed from the missing Annie. Lucinda seemed to use Annie as an excuse and came to seek [chase] after Edgar.
“More than that, I believe that I am capable of selecting both a sincere and cute maid.”
“Oh~~ You’re saying, as long as it’s a partner that you approve of being together with, you would be indifferent even if I was unfaithful?”
This womanizing no-good playboy! Why did he have to snicker while speaking these words? Lydia became increasingly impatient.
“Yes, compared to Lydia, there are many good maids.”
What? What is the meaning of this.
By the time Lydia realized it, she had already ran from the bed and forcefully opened the dressing room door.
“I-I ask that you return! Even if you like Edgar again, I will not acknowledge you! I absolutely won’t acknowledge you, this kind-of-girl acting as his plaything!”
Lucinda was absolutely astonished at seeing Lydia rush out. Her face dumbstruck.
Even so, her gaze remained on Lydia, who was wearing a maid uniform and recovering, retorting:
“Play...? I am Lord Constable’s daughter! By no means am I that type of girl who can be played with and forgotten! You, a maid, yet so arrogant….!”
“I am not a maid, I am Edgar’s official fiancée! I care about you being a girl with such a noble status, but as long as I do not approve, even you won’t be a plaything!”
“Lydia.”
Her stance seemed a little unsteady, thus Edgar extended his hand to stop her. Once she saw Edgar’s figure, the anger within her heart reached its peak without knowing why.
“Don’t touch me...!”
She couldn’t help but raise her hand.
As a result, she hit Edgar.
Lydia was startled after hearing the sound resonate in the room, and Lucinda’s eyes were also wide in shock.
My god~~ I seem to have done a very humiliating thing.
Not only did she quarrel with Edgar in front of Lucinda, she even slapped him.
After recovering, Lydia was unable to stay any longer and wanted to flee, but Edgar grabbed her hand and pulled her over, holding her in an embrace.
Lydia struggled to hit his chest, but he wouldn’t let go.
“I’m sorry, Lydia.”
She suddenly lost her strength, and cried without any reason afterwards.
“I was no good [It’s me who was no good].”
It absolutely wasn’t Edgar’s fault.
It was Lydia who was wanting him to receive Lucinda, the one paying a visit. And he was simply answering Lucinda generously, that was all.
Lydia knew that it was only herself that randomly got angry at Edgar.
Even so, Edgar apologized while stroking her hair soothingly for the humiliating and embarrassed mood. By the time Lydia noticed, she was already tightly grabbing onto Edgar and unable to let go.
“Earl, this woman’s mind is abnormal, to go as far as to say that she’s your fiancee…”
“She is my fiancée.”
“How is this possible, hitting a man, this kind of uneducated…..”
Regardless of what Lucinda said, it didn’t matter.
“If you speak any taunting words again, don’t wonder why as to why I won’t forgive you, please get out.”
Unaware of when Lucinda had left, after Lydia sat on the sofa with support, she buried her face in Edgar’s chest and cried.
“I apologize, making you have unpleasant memories…”
“… No, it was me….”
“I beg you, Lydia, don't take matters into your own hands.”
With Edgar incessantly apologizing, it was making Lydia feel she had to stop crying, but her tears wouldn’t stop.
“....I already don’t know how I should go about… I originally tried hard here but it was impossible, how should I do things in the end…”
“As long as you’re the same like now, then it’s fine.”
“I am not capable for one bit to act as your fiancee…”
“You being like this is already enough.”
“No... I completely don’t know how lovers should associate in the end... I also know that I am a flawed girl... But... I thought that if only I had properly accepted the bridal course, then perhaps I could change…”
“Didn’t I say this before? As long as you’re by my side, then it’s fine. ”
Lydia hugged Edgar firmly, even her hand used strength.
Though Edgar repeatedly and quietly apologized to her, she still felt that her former self that had repressed things had already brimmed all over and flowed out.
Because Lydia was unable to undertake the worries of marriage on her own, she felt that inside she wasn’t of nobility. She was maliciously teased by Lucinda and the maids, as well as threatened by Billy. Her heart was unable to avoid the feelings of remorse and sadness. But when she understood that Edgar forgave these feelings, she couldn’t help but think that she shouldn’t be forced to stop crying.
She grabbed and leaned onto Edgar, casting away these heavy matters. And immediately afterwards, her heart’s burden gradually became lighter.
In many ways, she made Edgar feel disappointed. However, despite not hoping for people to see her useless side, Edgar nevertheless said that he hoped to have all of Lydia. Perhaps because he also earnestly hoped to have this kind of Lydia.
And so, not once did Edgar show a perplexed or fed up expression. Rather, he tenderly smiled.
He passionately seemed to look at everything that had finally came out. Looking at Lydia, whose tears had dried, he raised her head slightly.
“I like sitting like this again [We seem to be sitting like this again].” (再像这样坐一下吧。*)
“Yeah…”
“Because, I’m quite happy that you want to embrace me like this.”
“I-is that so?”
Edgar still embraced Lydia, unwilling to loosen his grip, and she also embraced Edgar’s back once more.
She frankly believed that if Edgar felt happy, she would also want to do this.
“Lydia, may I ask you something?”
“ ....Yeah.”
“If it’s a girl that you approve of, can I be unfaithful?”
This...
“When we were quarrelling, it was merely empty words... I simply couldn’t help but believe this at the time.”
“Then, you’re unwilling?”
“Of, of course… Hey Edgar, what are you laughing at?”
“I was hoping that you would say that.”
He truly was a person who behaved like such a child at times.
But just a moment ago, Lydia must have undoubtedly seemed like a child as she cried, so she thought in her mind.
She was finally able to properly gaze at Edgar with her eyes.
Edgar happily left a kiss on her forehead and smiled. At this time, he suddenly noticed that something appeared in his line of vision and looked towards the window outside.
It was probably a visitor coming. As the path to the entrance was connected to the patio, the sound of a carriage gradually approached.
“Madame Oughtred isn’t here yet they still came?”
Edgar’s tone of speech seemed imply that he know who the visitors were.
Afterwards, he had an astonished expression and muttered: “Oh~~ It’s like that.”
“It’s no surprise that [you’re] so tight-lipped.”
What happened?
But at this, Lydia suddenly recalled an important matter. Thus, she lifted her head.
“That’s right, I know where Madame Oughtred is. She’s trapped in the fairy rose garden. I must make an exchange with the fairies soon to save her.”
She wanted to stand up, but Edgar stopped her.
“You need to rest, since you need to deal with fairies, this means that it won’t be so simple bringing the Madame back, right?”
“Um…”
Lydia still didn’t know the Danish fairies’ secret that had to be known in order to make the exchange.
“There is not much time remaining. Although I don't know whether I’ll be able to do it, there is no other way. In short, the angry fairies, who no longer believe in humanity, plan to take Madame Oughtred’s whereabouts and bury her in the rose garden. The fairies are only willing to wait until daybreak tomorrow after the full moon has ended.”
Nodding his head as he looked out the window, Edgar then thought for a while.
“However, there is still a dangerous person in this mansion excluding Billy and his men. Someone who trespassed into Madame’s room while holding a knife.”
Saying it like this, Billy originally seemed to believe that the gem thief was Lydia.
“In brief, the possibility that this person is also watching Madame Oughtred’s gem is quite high.”
“But, no one was able to seize the gems because the secret necklace is on the Madame’s body. It’s considered the key to the door.”
“In other words, it’s in the fairy rose garden?”
“Yes, moreover, if those unknowing of the rules set foot in the rose garden, they will suffer a cruel end. Although the fairies will ask out loud, that they say they will grant any wish, you cannot reply.”
“...So, in that case, Madame Oughtred is still safe tonight.”
Edgar’s expression showed that his mind had some sort of scheme. Was he planning to take this accumulated dissatisfaction and use it to angrily vent?
“Lydia, related to the criminals watching the Madame’s gems, I will find the solution before sunrise. After the matters are settled, you can then go and save Madame Oughtred. Otherwise, Madame Oughtred may encounter danger when she leaves the rose garden.”
“Okay, but, is it only both you and Raven going?”
“Don't worry, there should be someone coming to help. Compared with this, right now, you have to properly recover your health, understand?”
Chapter Five. The two of them with their misunderstandings
Lydia couldn’t fall asleep, as she was pondering over various incidents all night long.
Edgar wanted her to return tomorrow. Although not one matter had yet been settled, she couldn’t give up on the gardener and Madame Oughtred. However, regardless of what circumstances she discovered in the end, she was unable to handle it sufficiently.
Moreover, not only was Lydia losing the will to resist Edgar's words, as well as the determination to strive alone, she pondered that if she stubbornly persisted now, it may hurt Edgar more. Regarding this, she felt uneasy and hesitant.
The reason why she spoke of annulling the engagement was because she hoped Edgar would refuse. Although he really did do this, Lydia also knew that her words hurt his heart.
“What are you thinking? Are you thinking of running away from me?”
She never thought about wanting to escape from Edgar's side; at the time, she thought that her knee was actually small enough for him to cover with his hand.
What did she need to do in the end, in order to become the woman he was hoping for?
Lydia believed that by she accepting Madame Oughtred's education, she would become that kind of lady. But although she tried hard, it was to no avail which made her feel increasingly unworthy of Edgar.
Granted that the sky began to turn white, Lydia's heart remained incapable of deciding whether she wanted to leave here or remain.
“Hey Lydia, wake up!”
Nico beat the sunroof while calling her name. Lydia lazily sat up.
“....I’m up already.”
“I found the place where the Danish fairies are gathering. Come quickly.”
Once Lydia heard these words, she hastily threw aside her blanket, immediately changed her clothes, and left the room.
After that, she followed Nico who went to the courtyard, continued on from the patio and entered an elegant and refined study room.
“You see, this room has fairy footprints everywhere, and there are many new ones. Those guys seem to enter and exit this place frequently.”
For Lydia, completely catching sight of the fairy footprints was a little difficult, but because it was Nico who said that, it can’t be wrong.
Here, in the former Earl's study room, it seemed as if time had stopped. It was arranged very neatly as if not even a speck of dust remained. But from years of using the armchair and Victorian desk, one could infer the predecessor's character.
“The Danish fairies seem to have contact with each generation's master of this household, so wouldn't they recall the previous master and only assemble here?”
Madame Oughtred had no children, so her deceased husband's title, the Earl, ought to be passed on to her husband's relative. Although Lydia didn't know whether that relative felt reminiscent of the land their ancestors' had lived in until now, for the fairies, acknowledging that the relative kept away from this piece of land due to the Earl family's master was very difficult.
Regardless, perhaps the Danish fairies had previously thought that at any rate, they wanted to leave this residence.
What kind of contract did Madame Oughtred and the Danish fairies agree upon? If the Madame let the fairy act as a substitute as they waited in the residence, then what was she doing there again?
Whatever wish the Madame had, was it necessary for her to depart from the fairies beforehand to borrow their power to accomplish it?
Lydia thought while she looked around the room.
The portraits that were arranged here, were they the people that formerly lived in this mansion, that the Danish fairies were extremely close to? If that's really the case, the possibility of fairies appearing here frequently wasn't strange.
Finally, Lydia’s line of sight stopped at a painting.
Within the painting was an upper-class woman, whose style of attire was slightly old-fashioned and even used a rose garland as a necklace.
Unexpectedly, Lydia had the impression that each type of flower combined and became a necklace.
The gardener Virginia wore a garland necklace that was the same. Regardless of the type and size of flowers, even the colors’ arrangement order were also the same.
What is going on?
The decorative garland that was on the former lady, without the slightest degree of wilting, was worn on Virginia’s chest?
Was it Virginia who made a garland that was similar in appearance? Again, what was this for?
No, perhaps for those who simply saw it believed that they were real flowers, but in fact, those were fake flowers.
“Could it be...the Regard necklace...?”
Lydia murmured to herself.
The roses were crimson rubies, the leaves were green emeralds, the amaryllis were scarlet garnets, not to mention, the grass were violet amethysts and the white roses were diamonds.
Removing the first letter of each gem’s English name and putting it together became “REGARD” --- this message expressed respect and love.
In that case, could this be Madame Oughtred’s secret necklace?
Virginia once said that, as long as you wore the garland around the neck, you could enter the fairy rose garden. Furthermore, the flowers and the fairies’ essence were originally very similar in meaning, in other words, through the flower’s power, it was relatively easy to find the entrance to the fairies’ rose garden.
However, if that rose garden was this household’s secret [necklace] handed down from generation to generation, then even if the necklace was ready to permit one to enter the Danish fairies’ rose garden as proof, it wouldn’t be strange.
Lucinda once said the flowers were used as a theme for precious stones. The butler also said that it was usually worn on the body, as it would be a very conspicuous article.
"Nico, I got it.”
"What? Got what?"
The gardener Virginia, is Madame Oughtred.
Therefore she, because the fairy driven her away from the room and replaced her identity, was unable to leave the rose garden.
The Regard necklace was not stolen. Rather, it was Madame Oughtred who was wearing it all along.
“About the Madame’s Regard necklace, I already know where that thing is, let’s go and confirm it.”
An upper-class woman personally tending to a garden and considering it as a hobby wasn’t uncommon, let alone she still possesses the ability to make the roses bloom. Presumably, she used a calm hand to personally manage the rose garden.
“Wait, Lydia, where do you want to go?
If Virginia is Madame Oughtred, the things that Lydia should do here ought to be very clear.
Lydia had the mind frame of taking everything and placing it onto this one clue and ran out. As a result, she nearly bumped into a figure who suddenly appeared at the study room door. Therefore, she stopped.
“Good morning [or You’re early], are you working already?”
That person was Billy.
He used his hands to block the door exit, as if to prevent Lydia from leaving.
Not knowing whether or not he heard the dialogue from a moment ago, Lydia minded this a little. Although Nico's speech sounded like a cat calling for the majority of people’s ears, Lydia unexpectedly was thought to be speaking strange thoughts to herself by people.
“You're very early, too.”
“I just wanted to call you, can you follow me for a bit?”
“Uh, I have a little work before that. ”
“It’ll be quick. In fact, there was a maid who picked up Lucinda’s brooch. She said that it was probably because she didn’t return it immediately that caused you to be suspected, therefore she would like to apologize to you.”
“Ah, so it was like that…”
“Can you go and see her?”
A maid who was in charge of various jobs only had this current moment of freedom before work, thus Lydia nodded her head.
She used her eyes to hint at Nico to wait a bit for her, and proceeded to walk out of the room together with Billy.
“Mr. Nico, breakfast has already been prepared. Did you want to sleep in this kind of place?"
Once he heard the word “breakfast”, Nico immediately opened his eyes.
He was by the edge of the study room’s window and waited for Lydia until he fell asleep. It was because the chairs here were quite comfortable.
“Engg~~ it’s Raven... My belly is hungry. How strange. What about Lydia? She still hasn’t returned?”
“I am also trying to find Miss Lydia.”
“Oh that’s right, she was called out by the servant known as Billy. He said something about a maid picking up Lucinda’s brooch.”
“What did you say?”
The voice was not from Raven. Rather, Edgar appeared at the doorway. He seemed to be looking for Lydia together with Raven.
“Nico, after Lydia was taken away by Billy, it should be unlikely that she wouldn’t return, right?”
Edgar’s expression drastically changed as he grabbed Nico.
“Stop it, put me down... Argh, really, you, with that kind of jealous man attitude, not excusing anyone who gets close to Lydia, you should also restrain yourself a bit.”
“Did they say anything else? Did it have anything to do with the matter of Madame Oughtred’s gems?”
“She did, she said it. Lydia, that girl, she suddenly said something, that she knew where the Regard necklace was.”
After hearing Nico’s answer, Edgar clicked his tongue.
He proceeded to release Nico, as if he were throwing something out.
“Raven, find Billy and Lydia. Go now, immediately.”
“Yes.”
“What are you doing?! Don’t throw me out! This love-jealous petty man!”
“I’m not being jealous, Lydia is in danger.”
Edgar seemed to be very anxious as he said this.
Lydia followed after Billy and arrived at the rear of the stable. However, there was no maid who allegedly picked up Lucinda’s pins.
Instead, there were two attendants [waiters] who seemed to be part-time workers (footmen? AKA those who work under butlers).
Lydia still didn’t understand the situation and was surrounded by Billy and those two men.
“Hey, Lydia, your identity as a maid is fake, right?”
Was I discovered? Although, she still didn’t understand why Billy had to show such an awful expression.
“Where is Madame Oughtred?”
“What?”
“Madame Oughtred and the Regard necklace’s whereabouts, spit it out.”
“....Who are you guys [in the end]?
“Our matters aren’t important, hurry up and answer my question.”
Because the manner of the other party’s speech was too rude, it still made Lydia, who was forced to the side of the wall, unable to reply.
“You, your identity as a meal waiter is a scam.”
“That’s right, it’s a scam, so you shouldn’t underestimate me.”
Billy raised his arm.
“Yet [Still], the person in the room using strange limb movements was you.The rabbit is a fairy’s ghost? Hmph, you actually succeeded in enticing the head housekeeper, who is easily fooled by superstitions.”
Lydia looked up at Billy, surprised.
“That, I didn’t do that.”
It was some person who was fixated on the Madame’s gems that did it...
“I know you were chasing after the rabbit all over the flower garden, and that night, the rabbit corpse appeared in the Madame’s room. It was your doing. Certainly it wasn’t just one person? Who are your accomplices? How is the Madame?”
“I don't know.....”
“Saying that you don’t know is a matter that can’t be helped.”
The other man swayed the knife in front of Lydia.
“I also know that you were sneakily investigating in the mansion during your spare time. Was it because despite involving the Madame, you couldn’t find the Regard necklace? You were looking the place that the necklace was hidden in, that’s for sure.”
I was looking for the Danish fairies.
However, Lydia seemed to be considered as the thief who was fixated on the Madame’s gems. Moreover, they were also very concerned about the gems’ whereabouts.
“Billy, are you guys... the group of thieves? For the purpose of the gems, pretending to be servants...”
The man holding the knife seemed to have wanted to say something, but Billy stopped him and stated:
“Is your comrade that blonde Earl? No, that is a swindler calling himself an Earl. A noble bringing an attendant, who emits such an unconcealed murderous aura all over. That was very suspicious from the beginning.”
Lydia thought desperately.
It seems the person who held the knife and infiltrated the Madame’s room was not their comrade at all.
In other words, there were still other thieves who wanted to steal the gems.
“Hey Lydia, if you want, I can also distribute some of the gems to you. Overall, compare it to being killed here, okay.”
Billy’s tone was a little gentle as if to appease Lydia, peering down at her.
Lydia glared at him, keeping her mouth shut.
“I heard that the reason why you were expelled from your former household was because you went and seduced a man? Still, that’s truly an action that’s inconsistent with your face and character.”
All of those things were Lucinda’s fabricated lies. And for a woman, it was the ultimate insult, so Lydia was really unresigned(?).
Because she was angry and shook, Billy seemed to believe that she was afraid.
“I don’t dislike this kind of woman, moreover I won’t use a woman to handle matters. So long as you become my woman, I'll make you even happier compared to that blonde guy.”
He caressed her cheek, giving her goosebumps.
“Don’t touch me!”
Although she raised her hand, it was easily grabbed.
He pressed her against the wall of planks, proceeding to speak words, not knowing whether they were persuasive or threatening.
“I won’t let the guy who plundered our prey have an easy time. After all, your companion will become fertilizer for the garden. Is that a partner worth risking your life to obey? Even if you suffered that kind of treatment, your companion won’t mind at all, right?”
Because of yesterday’s punishment, the bruises were still bright red on Lydia’s hand. Billy seemed to take pity, as he gazed at Lydia’s hand.
Lydia felt Billy loosen his grip and, at this moment, so she tried to push him away.
She desperately struggled, wanting to escape, but she wasn’t successful. The other man took her from behind.
Billy’s hand grasped Lydia’s throat.
“You better do according to what I say. That superficial guy, in any case only has his looks...”
At that moment, Billy suddenly cut his statement short in surprise, and quickly moved back.
The man(or men) grabbing Lydia collapsed on the spot. A brown-skinned boy supported Lydia simultaneously, who almost immediately fell together [with the other men].
“Raven...?”
Just by him using his line of sight, Billy and the other men felt intimidated.
“Eh, did you believe that using these kinds of stubborn mannerisms could attract girls?”
Edgar appeared from the other side of the stables, also pulling a man whose hands were bound.
It seemed that he was also one of Billy’s companions. That man already seemed quite beaten up, just by seeing his unsteady walk and reluctance to stand.
Edgar, as if he wanted that man to be seen clearly, took him and exposed a cold smile to Billy.
“Still, to go as far as wanting to chase after my fiancee, you’re actually quite courageous.”
The man that Edgar brought was ruthlessly kicked by him, and after he fell to the ground, Raven regarded that as a signal to push Lydia towards Edgar’s direction.
Then, he [Raven] rapidly threw himself towards Billy.
Billy moved his hand towards his chest in his clothes, as if he wanted to take out a weapon, but Raven’s movements were clearly much quicker.
In the moment that Raven lifted his foot, the pistol bounced(?) out from Billy’s hand.
Lydia passed through Billy’s side, wanting to run towards Edgar whom she extended her hand to.
But she suddenly felt a spell of dizziness.
Her surroundings spun, and subsequently her footsteps became unsteady.
“Lydia!”
The sound of Edgar calling her sounded especially distant.
*
Her whole body lacked strength, probably due to the tense mood suddenly relaxing.
The recent tension and fatigue seemed to come out, and although it was hard for Lydia to support her body that wouldn’t listen to her, she still tried to maintain her consciousness.
She was in the state of being unable to open her eyes, pondering over where she was.
There were clean linens and feather cushions, with a soft bed to the touch, giving the sense that it wasn’t her rough bed in the attic. Moreover, there was someone holding her hand.
Edgar?
Her lips only slightly moved, and no sound was made.
In spite of that, her body’s strength was still slowly beginning to recover in this way, and she continued to open her eyes slightly.
Edgar caressed Lydia’s hands while gazing at her with a solemn expression.
Lydia recalled that her hands had bruises from being whipped, and thus she bashfully wanted to pull her hands back immediately, but she still didn’t have the strength to even move her hands.
It seemed like this was the guest room that Edgar used, but it was also his bedroom.
What should I do? Although she was unable to move, Lydia was absolutely flustered.
At this point, Edgar suddenly stood up. Lydia was startled, but from him turning his head and looking towards the doorway, apparently it seemed as if there was someone entering the room.
“The doctor? Still not here?”
“Earl Ashenbert, I’m sorry for causing you trouble. We will take Lydia back to her room, so you don’t need to worry any more.”
Lydia, who was finally able to turn her head, saw the head maid, Mrs. Boyle, calling the male footman to enter the room.
“Don’t speak nonsense. I will not allow you to casually move her.”
“But we cannot let a maid sleep in the guest’s bedroom. ”
“In short, call a doctor to come.”
“This is a common matter. Once tomorrow arrives, she will recover.”
“She will recover?”
Faced the head maid, who was unwilling to call a doctor, even stating that she wanted Lydia to be taken out, some part of Edgar’s mind snapped. He muttered in a peaceful and indifferent voice.
Even so, he did not emit an agitated voice. Perhaps he took into consideration that Lydia was still sleeping.
“Listen clearly, Lydia is not a maid. Lydia is my fiancee. If something happens, I might not virtuously stop and let matters rest. I will take you, as the person in charge, and the maids who bullied her, and bury everyone alive in the cemetery.”
Edgar hindered them in front like this, not allowing the male worker to approach even one step towards Lydia. Edgar said this, seemingly at the end of his patience.
The head maid exposed a sympathetic and complex expression. She seemed puzzled about Edgar, why would he treat the maid so well, as she felt it was inconceivable.
“Earl… No matter what, she is entirely a maid of this mansion. Um… If you give special treatment, then it will not serve as a good example for the other people.”
“Concerning Lydia’s matters, I’m not sure what you heard from Madame Oughtred, but I did not give her to you. Rather, because I believed in Madame Oughtred, I entrusted Lydia to her. Since the Madame is not here, I should have told her earlier to stop the maid’s work. However, I didn’t expect her to go as far as to receive such excessive treatment.”
“The maids are considered as Madame’s personal servants, so the responsibilities and limits to authority basically belong to me.”
Fundamentally incapable of communicating with her, this made Edgar increasingly impatient.
“I already said she’s not a maid! I, in order to let a maiden to enter society, hoped that Madame Oughtred would give her guidance, so I put forward a request through Duchess Masefield. Although Madame Oughtred readily agreed, you cannot undertake the responsibilities and limits to authority, right? She, however, is my fiancee. Not only did she receive the Madame’s recommendation, she promised that she would put in good words and let her visit Her Majesty the Queen. I originally believed that letting her be a maid was also Madame’s method and kept silent all this time, but I can’t continue to endure this any longer!”
Lydia glimpsed at the butler(?) who was passing by from the outside. Because he didn’t know what was happening, he stopped at the doorway, scared, but Edgar continued to protest against the head maid.
“And you’re saying that this is how it goes? (再说这是怎麼一回事*) Was it you who whipped her hand like punishing a thief? The matters of Miss Lucinda’s stolen brooch, wasn’t Lydia already cleared of suspicion at that time? How did this happen! Do you have any idea whose hands have such lasting bruises?”
Until now, the head maid righteously(?) spoke strictly to refute Edgar’s words, but her facial expression became increasingly uneasy.
“Uh, isn’t that young lady scheduled to arrive tomorrow?”
“Because Duchess Masefield had an urgent matters, the trip was shifted to an earlier date, so the duchess ought to have notified you.”
“Earl, I’m extremely sorry.”
The butler nervously interrupted.
“It seemed we have received a telegram, but it was already delivered to the Madame's room and the Madame might not have read its contents yet. The telegram is still in the room with unopened letters, so I’m afraid that the Madame was not in the mansion since that time.”
“...So, who wanted Lydia to be a maid? It wasn’t Madame Oughtred’s instructions?”
How strange? Saying it like that, it seems it wasn’t.
Lydia also blankly pondered in her mind.
“Um...That is…”
Mrs. Boyle stammered, not knowing how she ought to reply. However, it seemed she was still unable to completely grasp the situation, tilting her head.
The butler began to speak instead of her.
“The new maid arrived just now. She said that due to damage on the main bridge, she was unable to go through the road for the time being.”
The head maid, who had heard this, nearly fainted. Had it weren’t for the butler who supported her from behind, she would have been in danger.
Madame Oughtred had not considered Lydia to be a maid at all, but because her identity was replaced by the fairies and she was brought to the fairy rose garden, only then would she not know that Lydia had came over ahead of time.
Moreover, since Lydia just happened to appear on the day that the new maid was scheduled to arrive, the head maid misunderstood.
It looked as if the matter was like that.
“What? Why was this not confirmed properly? Lydia fainted. Do you think that everything will be okay after saying that it was a misunderstanding?”
“...Edgar...”
Lydia managed to let out a voice and tried to sit up a little.
“It would have been good if I also careful to confirm it. I myself believed that this was a bridal course.”
“Lydia, don’t force yourself. You have to lie down and rest.”
“I’m alright. This isn’t Mrs. Boyle's mistake.”
Carefully thinking about it, this was also inevitable. Young ladies of ordinary households wouldn’t come alone without bringing a maid, but also regardless of any reason, they wouldn’t obey the order of other people wanting them to be a maid.
As a result, it was due Lydia not being of the upper class, that this type of misunderstanding was able to occur.
“It was me...”
“Okay okay, I understand, I will not blame her anymore, so rest well. Your complexion still isn’t too good.”
“I’m not unwell, it’s only… slightly caused by my lack of strength(只是……有点使不出力气而已。*) that’s all.”
Edgar worryingly bent down and gazed at Lydia.
“Could it be that it’s because you haven’t eaten properly for three meals?”
Saying it like this, that seemed to be it.
“No, I’ve eaten the biscuits that you’ve given me but I only ate a little.”
Edgar caressed Lydia’s cheek. Held her soothingly, and then he proceeded to order the butler and head maid.
“Right now, please prepare the doctor and a meal immediately.”
Edgar went out of the room when Lydia was receiving the doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. He finally relaxed as he sighed, yet he felt a part of him that was unable to suppress his impatience.
He was clearly by her side, but he couldn’t protect her. When their positions are different, even proposing an idea would be difficult.
Edgar, who had the Earl’s status, was practically unable to do anything for Lydia, who found herself in the position of a maid.
The more Edgar paid attention to her, the more he made her suffer from the maids’ jealousy, even from the spread of vulgar gossip. In the end, Edgar had no choice but to reveal Lydia’s identity. Otherwise, making the head maid find a doctor to come would be impossible.
Thus he realized once more, that she may still have similar hardships, something could happen as Lydia begin to enter aristocracy.
No matter what position was promoted, Edgar’s status was a noble, and Lydia was not.
This point, no matter how Edgar protected her, wouldn’t change.
Because of this, he wanted publish the engagement beforehand. First, pushing up(?往上推*) Lydia’s identity.
If only they handled Professor Carlton’s upper-class occupation and considered it as the ultimate move, to reduce the impression of “a bride being born of the middle-class”, her suffering in society ought to lessen.
However, this notion, because Madame Oughtred’s whereabouts were unknown, hit a snag.
Therefore, Edgar began to ponder that, perhaps, it was fine like this right now.
He should not have forced Lydia. After marrying and leaving London and being secluded in territories such as Manaan Island, living a leisurely life wouldn’t have been bad either.
Although Edgar didn’t know how long he could maintain his ego, as long as he waited until he possessed much of the fairy’s territory, for Lydia, it would comfort her heart.
Before any accidents occurred, he wanted to be able to give her everything she wanted. (他想在发生什麼变故之前,将她能给予她的事物全部送给她*) Edgar always thought like this. He believed that aristocracy, in some sense, can also become a weapon to protect Lydia; because of this, he wanted to establish Lydia’s foothold within aristocracy.
Yet, it seemed that this was too difficult and nothing could be done about it.
Lydia was in front of him and fainted due to exhaustion, thus he had already lost the intention of executing the plan unyieldingly.
“Lord Edgar, I have returned.”
Raven’s voice drew Edgar’s line of sight from outside the window to the indoors.
“What about Billy and the others?”
“I threw them into the pit of horse manure beside the stables.”
“Truly pitiful.”
While he said this, he thought that they deserved it.
“So, did they reveal anything?”
“No, they wouldn’t speak. It’s as if they were dead.”
Speaking of Billy, since the beginning, Edgar felt that he had received considerable training.
Raven was also able to understand this right away, that the other party would begin to talk so long as they received threats. Or, if it wasn’t through such special interrogation [or torture], it would be quite difficult to make the person spit out the truth. He probably decided that Billy belonged to the latter category, and stopped interrogating.
Needing to ask matters from this kind of man required using a particular place and tools. But these kind of requirements were simply impossible in this mansion.
Were they really just a common group of thieves?
“However, Lord Edgar, apparently it wasn’t them who infiltrated the Madame’s room and left behind a knife.”
[“Hmm, in that case, pay close attention to the maids also. She’s not part of Billy’s group. There is another group of thieves. ” ]
Since yesterday, Edgar also seemed to be investigating Billy as well as Lucinda’s maid, and found that she wasn’t alone in carrying out some plan, rather she was repeatedly contacting someone.
The target was employed to transplant vegetation [plants], someone living in a cabin at the mansion’s inner region.
Perhaps all those people were her comrades, though it couldn’t be said for sure.
To say the least, Lucinda thought that she was a maid who was unable to speak. Moreover, for the purpose of letting people believe this, she must have gotten through each day very carefully. She likely followed after Lucinda; was it not because she knew that the other party was Madame Oughtred’s niece, who furthermore was preparing to enter society, and thus paid a visit to the Madame’s mansion?
She may have planned it like this. As Lucinda’s maid, she’ll be able to become unsuspected of her condition by anyone, to move around the mansion’s interior and also approach the Madame.
“What do you think of Miss Lucinda? There’s still aren’t any clues about the black hair that was found.”
Then, as Raven suddenly mouthed Lucinda’s name to him, Edgar found her figure below the window just then. (至於雷温口中的露辛妲，爱德格从刚才起就眺望著她在窗户下的身影*)
She was holding a white box, that was apparently an ivory jewel case. She claimed that Lydia stole the brooch from this case.
They once heard the butler say it was an item of Madame Oughtred’s. And because Lucinda wanted to make use of the decorative-gorgeous items, she borrowed it.
Lucinda held onto that thing while simultaneously paying attention to her surroundings as she entered a circular glass greenhouse. But, when she walked away, she was empty-handed.
What is she planning again this time?
“Yes, she has some fantastic activity [actions], too…” (是啊，她也有些奇妙的举动……」*)
It’s just that rather than saying that she plotted to steal the gems, or murdering Madame Oughtred was an exaggerated idea that should be dispersed, it would be better to say she seemed to be releasing her energy(?) onto Lydia.
“In short, right now there is nothing to be done but to bring Lydia back immediately, you [we] must completely eliminate the enemy [lit: dangerous people].”
“Yes.”
“Compared to Billy, I feel that Lucinda’s maid should be able to provide much more inside stories, don’t you think?”
“So long as she’s not mute, it shouldn’t be too difficult.”
“Perhaps you know that Miss Lucinda was not related to that night’s event, so this will save [us] the formalities.”
Raven probably already observed what Edgar was thinking, thus he solemnly nodded and turned around to leave.
Although she didn’t have the appetite, Lydia still drank a bit of soup and her mood calmed down a little.
The doctor said that the dizziness ought to have been from the fatigue and tension that caused it. As long as she rested a bit, her health would recover. After Edgar heard this, his solemn expression finally relaxed greatly.
He then came to Lydia’s side and sat down beside the bed, gazing at her wonderingly.
Being gazed at by such a proper appearance, and at such a close range, Lydia still felt uneasy.
While she nonchalantly moved her line of sight, she leisurely played with her blankets.
“... I basically did useless things, right? Not only was I stubborn, but I also gave you trouble, I really am a fool.”
“Lydia, I did not feel troubled in the least bit.”
“But, now you made it clear that I’m your fiancee… There are still a lot of maids who believe that I stole Lucinda’s brooch.”
“So what? I, compared to anyone, understand that you didn’t do it.”
“I also let you wash the bowls and casks.”
“So long as it’s for you, I will wash anything.”
“Moreover, I also occupied your bed.”
“I very much welcome you, like this, I have the excuse to sleep by your side.”
“Eh… You want to sleep here?”
He looked towards Lydia, who worried endlessly due to her heart being confused, and couldn’t help but force a smile.
“You don't need to be so afraid, we’re already lovers. Do you still consider me as a big feral wolf?”
“It’s...not like that.”
Just because they were lovers, Lydia didn’t know how she ought to react properly. And yet, she couldn’t get angry or reject him like before for the purposes of concealing her awkward and embarrassed self. Be that as it may, she still hadn’t been able to immerse herself in the sweet atmosphere of being romantic [habits].
The more anxious she was, the more she displayed her clumsy character.
“Just joking, I’m sleeping in the next room.”
Lydia breathed a sigh of relief very obviously, and from her breath, she could sense Edgar frowning.
“You’re still unwilling to look at me. You’re thinking that matters will be like this, that I’m also somewhat responsible. Furthermore, it’s because by agreeing to marry me, it will be like this… right? ”
“It’s... not that. ”
“So, you suspect Miss Lucinda and I?”
“The letter’s affairs were her own wishful thinking, was it not? Since it’s like this, I also don’t have any good doubts…”
“Whether or not you thought of it, you believed believed that her liking me was a wishful opportunity. Therefore, I would expose a happy facial expression?”
I had thought of this a bit.
“You exposed…. A very happy facial expression?”
“No, I didn’t at all.”
“.........”
They were obviously going to kiss.
However, Lydia felt that this was also understandable.
Being cheated by that kind of straightforward girl, even if it wasn’t Edgar, anyone would be tempted.
“She is a beautiful woman, who also has a lot of self-confidence. If you were liked by this kind of girl, I think that, granted if you were tempted a little bit, it would be difficult to escape.”
Edgar worryingly kept silent. Although Lydia assumed that he was slightly tempted, Edgar resentfully spoke of other matters.
“If it were me, even if you were somewhat thinking about other men, I also wouldn’t agree.”
“However, even if we are each other’s lovers, we’re unable to bind all of each other’s hearts.”
At this moment, he let out a profound sigh. When all was said and done, how could he contain his mood? Lydia lowered her head, so she was unable to find out [see] his facial expression.
Only his words passed through her ears.
“Lydia, I definitely wish to have all of you.”
Have all of you. Because of this, Lydia agreed to permit the marriage. Moreover, she had never been moved by another man. Even so, why did Edgar wish to say this?
She wanted to peek at Edgar’s expression, so she slightly turned her line of sight. She was still unable to look Edgar straight in the eyes, so she gazed blankly at the golden hair that stuck out from the side of his ear.
Edgar’s hand reached over towards Lydia.
While he gently raised Lydia’s chin, he used his thumb to touch her lip.
Perhaps it was a confirmation that Lydia wouldn’t escape, as he slowly covered her lips and made a tender peck.
Regardless, she was unable to get used to kissing when they were both alone. Moreover, Edgar was slowly unwilling to part from her, making Lydia unable to recognize what way was good (?). Even if she was motionless, she still felt baffled by such a wonderful feeling.
Her heart had a part that seemed both sorrowful and gloomy, as if her fears were about no longer her own and yet she still kind of hoped her passionate emotions would also no longer become her own. (心里总有股既像悲伤又郁闷、彷佛自己即将不再是自己的恐惧感，还有种希望自己不再是自己的激昂情绪。*)
Lydia didn’t understand how this was a thing. Not only was she unable to budge, she was in a nervous state as her body froze in place.
At this time, the sound of someone knocking at the door was heard.
Edgar ignored it, tightly embracing Lydia and continuing to tenderly and deeply kiss her.
Outside the door, the maid’s voice could be heard.
“Earl Ashenbert, Miss Lucinda has come.”
Don’t… don’t let go of me.
Lydia felt startled at this thought which momentarily flashed through her mind, thus she couldn’t help but take the initiative and get carried away.
Edgar still seemed dissatisfied. Wildly kissing her cheeks and ears, but once more, a knock came from the door again.
“Edgar… there’s a visitor.”
“I don’t have matters that I need to find them for.”
“...But they have matters that they need to find you for.”
Because Edgar wanted to peep at her face, Lydia in turn looked away. And so afterwards, he lightly sighed and stood up.
“I’ll be right back [I’ll return immediately].”
Then, the bedroom door closed. It was probably Edgar who asked Lucinda to enter into the dressing room on the other end, so Lydia was also able to hear her voice.
“Earl Ashenbert, please help me. Annie is missing!”
The sound of sobbing words spreaded over.
“Annie? Ah~~ is she your maid?”
“I sent her to Father’s room for work, but Father told me that Annie didn’t come. Moreover, she hasn’t come back for one hour...”
“How about waiting a little more? Perhaps she’s simply taking a rest.”
“No, Earl, this kind of thing has never happened before. I think that something has certainly happened to her because this mansion has a gem thief.”
Startled, Lydia then held her breath.
Lucinda didn’t know that Madame Oughtred’s gems were being watched. So this, on behalf of her family, pointed to Lydia as the gem thief.
“Previously, Annie was carrying the jewel case. Because it wasn’t very peaceful, I considered giving my gems to Father to safeguard..... It was surely Lydia! It was surely her who snatched the jewel case from Annie’s hands!”
“Lucinda, listen to me. Wasn’t there already proof of Lydia’s innocence yesterday?”
“It must be hidden away somewhere else.”
“Lydia is not that kind of girl.”
“Earl, why do you want to protect a maid? ...No, I believe I understand a little. Because all men wish to have many lovers, partners like maids and so on, it’s all on the chance they can be used to pass the time, correct? Because if it turns out unsightly, it would be fine as long as you dismissed them.”
The clothes dragging on the floor emitted a rubbing sound. Lydia thought to herself that it was probably Lucinda approaching Edgar, and so she couldn’t help but mind it.
“The ladies of the world will also turn a blind eye, isn’t that so? But Earl, an aristocrat’s household is for aristocrats to inherit. Therefore, you should select a girl from a proper household for your marriage partner. ”
“Do you wish to say that you are that kind of girl?”
“Yes, I can give birth to an heir that will match the status of the Earl family.”
“What you said was quite specific.”
Does Edgar find this very amusing?
Yes, from the beginning, Edgar wouldn’t seriously drive away a girl who especially approached him first.
Lydia intended to give up hope, but on the other hand, she gradually felt angry.
Furthermore, the substance of the conversation had already digressed from the missing Annie. Lucinda seemed to use Annie as an excuse and came to seek [chase] after Edgar.
“More than that, I believe that I am capable of selecting both a sincere and cute maid.”
“Oh~~ You’re saying, as long as it’s a partner that you approve of being together with, you would be indifferent even if I was unfaithful?”
This womanizing no-good playboy! Why did he have to snicker while speaking these words? Lydia became increasingly impatient.
“Yes, compared to Lydia, there are many good maids.”
What? What is the meaning of this.
By the time Lydia realized it, she had already ran from the bed and forcefully opened the dressing room door.
“I-I ask that you return! Even if you like Edgar again, I will not acknowledge you! I absolutely won’t acknowledge you, this kind-of-girl acting as his plaything!”
Lucinda was absolutely astonished at seeing Lydia rush out. Her face dumbstruck.
Even so, her gaze remained on Lydia, who was wearing a maid uniform and recovering, retorting:
“Play...? I am Lord Constable’s daughter! By no means am I that type of girl who can be played with and forgotten! You, a maid, yet so arrogant….!”
“I am not a maid, I am Edgar’s official fiancée! I care about you being a girl with such a noble status, but as long as I do not approve, even you won’t be a plaything!”
“Lydia.”
Her stance seemed a little unsteady, thus Edgar extended his hand to stop her. Once she saw Edgar’s figure, the anger within her heart reached its peak without knowing why.
“Don’t touch me...!”
She couldn’t help but raise her hand.
As a result, she hit Edgar.
Lydia was startled after hearing the sound resonate in the room, and Lucinda’s eyes were also wide in shock.
My god~~ I seem to have done a very humiliating thing.
Not only did she quarrel with Edgar in front of Lucinda, she even slapped him.
After recovering, Lydia was unable to stay any longer and wanted to flee, but Edgar grabbed her hand and pulled her over, holding her in an embrace.
Lydia struggled to hit his chest, but he wouldn’t let go.
“I’m sorry, Lydia.”
She suddenly lost her strength, and cried without any reason afterwards.
“I was no good [It’s me who was no good].”
It absolutely wasn’t Edgar’s fault.
It was Lydia who was wanting him to receive Lucinda, the one paying a visit. And he was simply answering Lucinda generously, that was all.
Lydia knew that it was only herself that randomly got angry at Edgar.
Even so, Edgar apologized while stroking her hair soothingly for the humiliating and embarrassed mood. By the time Lydia noticed, she was already tightly grabbing onto Edgar and unable to let go.
“Earl, this woman’s mind is abnormal, to go as far as to say that she’s your fiancee…”
“She is my fiancée.”
“How is this possible, hitting a man, this kind of uneducated…..”
Regardless of what Lucinda said, it didn’t matter.
“If you speak any taunting words again, don’t wonder why as to why I won’t forgive you, please get out.”
Unaware of when Lucinda had left, after Lydia sat on the sofa with support, she buried her face in Edgar’s chest and cried.
“I apologize, making you have unpleasant memories…”
“… No, it was me….”
“I beg you, Lydia, don't take matters into your own hands.”
With Edgar incessantly apologizing, it was making Lydia feel she had to stop crying, but her tears wouldn’t stop.
“....I already don’t know how I should go about… I originally tried hard here but it was impossible, how should I do things in the end…”
“As long as you’re the same like now, then it’s fine.”
“I am not capable for one bit to act as your fiancee…”
“You being like this is already enough.”
“No... I completely don’t know how lovers should associate in the end... I also know that I am a flawed girl... But... I thought that if only I had properly accepted the bridal course, then perhaps I could change…”
“Didn’t I say this before? As long as you’re by my side, then it’s fine. ”
Lydia hugged Edgar firmly, even her hand used strength.
Though Edgar repeatedly and quietly apologized to her, she still felt that her former self that had repressed things had already brimmed all over and flowed out.
Because Lydia was unable to undertake the worries of marriage on her own, she felt that inside she wasn’t of nobility. She was maliciously teased by Lucinda and the maids, as well as threatened by Billy. Her heart was unable to avoid the feelings of remorse and sadness. But when she understood that Edgar forgave these feelings, she couldn’t help but think that she shouldn’t be forced to stop crying.
She grabbed and leaned onto Edgar, casting away these heavy matters. And immediately afterwards, her heart’s burden gradually became lighter.
In many ways, she made Edgar feel disappointed. However, despite not hoping for people to see her useless side, Edgar nevertheless said that he hoped to have all of Lydia. Perhaps because he also earnestly hoped to have this kind of Lydia.
And so, not once did Edgar show a perplexed or fed up expression. Rather, he tenderly smiled.
He passionately seemed to look at everything that had finally came out. Looking at Lydia, whose tears had dried, he raised her head slightly.
“I like sitting like this again [We seem to be sitting like this again].” (再像这样坐一下吧。*)
“Yeah…”
“Because, I’m quite happy that you want to embrace me like this.”
“I-is that so?”
Edgar still embraced Lydia, unwilling to loosen his grip, and she also embraced Edgar’s back once more.
She frankly believed that if Edgar felt happy, she would also want to do this.
“Lydia, may I ask you something?”
“ ....Yeah.”
“If it’s a girl that you approve of, can I be unfaithful?”
This...
“When we were quarrelling, it was merely empty words... I simply couldn’t help but believe this at the time.”
“Then, you’re unwilling?”
“Of, of course… Hey Edgar, what are you laughing at?”
“I was hoping that you would say that.”
He truly was a person who behaved like such a child at times.
But just a moment ago, Lydia must have undoubtedly seemed like a child as she cried, so she thought in her mind.
She was finally able to properly gaze at Edgar with her eyes.
Edgar happily left a kiss on her forehead and smiled. At this time, he suddenly noticed that something appeared in his line of vision and looked towards the window outside.
It was probably a visitor coming. As the path to the entrance was connected to the patio, the sound of a carriage gradually approached.
“Madame Oughtred isn’t here yet they still came?”
Edgar’s tone of speech seemed imply that he know who the visitors were.
Afterwards, he had an astonished expression and muttered: “Oh~~ It’s like that.”
“It’s no surprise that [you’re] so tight-lipped.”
What happened?
But at this, Lydia suddenly recalled an important matter. Thus, she lifted her head.
“That’s right, I know where Madame Oughtred is. She’s trapped in the fairy rose garden. I must make an exchange with the fairies soon to save her.”
She wanted to stand up, but Edgar stopped her.
“You need to rest, since you need to deal with fairies, this means that it won’t be so simple bringing the Madame back, right?”
“Um…”
Lydia still didn’t know the Danish fairies’ secret that had to be known in order to make the exchange.
“There is not much time remaining. Although I don't know whether I’ll be able to do it, there is no other way. In short, the angry fairies, who no longer believe in humanity, plan to take Madame Oughtred’s whereabouts and bury her in the rose garden. The fairies are only willing to wait until daybreak tomorrow after the full moon has ended.”
Nodding his head as he looked out the window, Edgar then thought for a while.
“However, there is still a dangerous person in this mansion excluding Billy and his men. Someone who trespassed into Madame’s room while holding a knife.”
Saying it like this, Billy originally seemed to believe that the gem thief was Lydia.
“In brief, the possibility that this person is also watching Madame Oughtred’s gem is quite high.”
“But, no one was able to seize the gems because the secret necklace is on the Madame’s body. It’s considered the key to the door.”
“In other words, it’s in the fairy rose garden?”
“Yes, moreover, if those unknowing of the rules set foot in the rose garden, they will suffer a cruel end. Although the fairies will ask out loud, that they say they will grant any wish, you cannot reply.”
“...So, in that case, Madame Oughtred is still safe tonight.”
Edgar’s expression showed that his mind had some sort of scheme. Was he planning to take this accumulated dissatisfaction and use it to angrily vent?
“Lydia, related to the criminals watching the Madame’s gems, I will find the solution before sunrise. After the matters are settled, you can then go and save Madame Oughtred. Otherwise, Madame Oughtred may encounter danger when she leaves the rose garden.”
“Okay, but, is it only both you and Raven going?”
“Don't worry, there should be someone coming to help. Compared with this, right now, you have to properly recover your health, understand?”
