Chapter 113
To Be Together
‘Huh? Hold on.’
Was it on purpose that he brought me here?
Is he trying to make me feel better because he thinks I am somewhat frustrated?
That appeared to be the case.
Otherwise, there’s no reason for him to unexpectedly ask me to ride a horse all the way here.
Instead of looking at the field, I returned my gaze to Caleb.
And Caleb, who caught my gaze while tying the horse’s reins to a tree, inquired.
“What’s the matter, Elena?”
“Well, it’s nice to be here. It’s very pretty and pleasant here.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
After that, Caleb tied the reins.
We took our time walking through the fields.
I was worried that the pink fluff would get on my clothes as I passed by, but it turned out that I was worried for nothing.
As we passed, the pink fluffy things just messed around or tickled our skin.
‘Because the touch is soft, it’s quite addictive.’
I touched the pink fluff with my hand every time I passed by because it was interesting.
I was walking for a long time when I became curious about the name of this plant.
I asked Caleb what the plant’s name was.
However, Caleb stated that he was unfamiliar with it, so we decided to call it ‘pink reeds’ for convenience’s sake.
After a while of walking between the pink reeds, we decided to sit down and rest on the hill.
However, there was no appropriate place to sit.
“I’m just going to sit on the ground. Shall we sit under that tree?”
“I would love to do that.”
Caleb stopped me just as I was about to walk over to the spot and sit down.
“Just a second.
“Is there something else?
As I tilted my head, Caleb removed his jacket and laid it on the ground.
“Sit on it.”
The words ‘but your clothes will get dirty’ came to the back of my throat for a split second.
However, I swallowed the words.
This is because I already knew the answer that would be given even if I said it.
Moreover…
‘Our clothes are already dirty.’
It’s better to just get Caleb’s sincerity at times like this.
I thanked him and sat down on his jacket.
Caleb followed me when I sat down.
I folded my arms with Caleb next to me because I was bored sitting alone.
That’s when I leaned my head against his arm.
Caleb flinched.
I could feel even his minor reaction because we were so close.
In addition, his muscles were stiff.
‘I thought he got used to it.’
When I asked him earlier if I could hold his hands while riding a horse, he said I could just hold his hand without asking. I’m wondering where such a person has gone.
“Could you please lower your face?”
“My face?”
“Yes, I have something to tell you.”
Caleb appeared perplexed.
It was a completely natural reaction.
Caleb must think it strange that I ask him to bow his head when I have something to say because there are only the two of us here, no one else around, and our bodies are stuck together like this.
But I knew Caleb would do what I said in the end.
Take a look at this.
He’s still lowering his head in this manner.
“What I have to say is……”
I raised my head and kissed Caleb on the cheek.
Caleb abruptly raised his head without saying anything.
And he looked at me in awe.
I kissed him again after seeing his flustered face.
“Elena? All of a sudden……”
“It’s because I’m thankful.”
Then I gave a shy smile.
“To be honest, as the banquet date approached, I became anxious and frustrated about whether or not I was doing well. But I feel a little better that I’m out like this today.”
For some reason, I feel like if I go back from here, I could fix the music score to my liking.
“Now that I think about it, I think it was because I was burdened to sing at the banquet.”
“Is it because you’re concerned about the Emperor’s reaction?”
“As it is, but I’m concerned about everything. I was choosing the song and practicing alone, so I wasn’t sure how well I was doing.”
“……”
“I wonder if distinguished guests will enjoy it as much as the nobles who will attend the banquet.”
Without realizing it, I kept talking about my worries once I started talking.
“I guess it’s because they’re from different countries.”
“Whatever song you sing to them will be well received.”
“I’m hoping so.”
I gave a light smile.
To be honest, Caleb’s credibility was almost non-existent at times like this.
Because Caleb only says nice things about me.
Nonetheless, I’m relieved to hear it because I know he’s speaking from the bottom of his heart.
I was leaning on Caleb again when I remembered what the crown prince had said previously.
“Didn’t the Duke tell you about it?”
Surely the crown prince was talking about the distinguished guests, wasn’t he?
And what Caleb just said has the same connotation.
“Caleb, I have a question for you.”
“Yes, feel free to ask, Elena.”
“Do you happen to know about the distinguished guests coming this time?”
“……I’m not familiar with them, so I don’t know the specifics, but I do know their personal information.”
For some reason, he also answered my question a little late.
“I asked you because the Crown Prince said you knew about them, and it appears that you do.”
“You’ve met His Highness?”
“Yes, I ran into the Crown Prince for a brief moment the last time I went to see His Majesty. However, it was not a pleasant meeting. ”
“Did His Highness mention the distinguished guests?”
“There was nothing else, but he asked if you’d told me anything about the distinguished guests. That’s why I ask you.”
“Is that so?”
Caleb seemed relieved in some ways.
‘Is there something he’s hiding from me?’
Doubts flashed through my mind. However, it was a ‘moment.’
Caleb would never do that to me.
Even if he did hide something, I’m sure it was for a reason.
“Who are those distinguished guests, by the way?”
“The Archduke and Archduchess of Adele.”
“If they’re the Archduke couple, you mean the principality’s sovereign, right?”
“Yes. In addition, His Majesty the Emperor’s cousin is the current Archduke.”
“Even if they are cousins, isn’t it difficult for them to become close if they don’t see each other often?”
“That is typically the case.”
“……”
“The Archduke visited the empire frequently. I also heard that the Archduke and his fiancée, the Archduchess, once visited and stayed in the empire for several months before returning to the principality.”
That’s why the Emperor said the Archduke and his wife were no less than real siblings.
There would have no choice but to get close to them if they stayed for several months each time they came.
Unless they truly dislike each other.
“Do you think they’ll stay for a few months this time?”
Because they are always like that.
“I don’t believe so.”
“How come?”
I couldn’t hide my surprise at the firm response.
“The story I just told is about the Archduke when I was a child. After that, the Archduke couple did not return to the empire for nearly 20 years.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
I seem to recall hearing something similar in the past.
The problem is that I don’t really remember the reason.
“Do you have any idea why?”
“The exact reason is unknown, but it is speculated that they stop visiting the empire and live in the grief of losing their daughter.”
“Ah……”
A somber tone could be heard.
At the same time, I understood why the emperor asked me to avoid songs that made people think of “children” when choosing songs.
‘It was because they had lost their daughter.’
My heart ached for some reason after realizing that fact.
When I heard the story of the Archduke couple, I immediately thought of my parents.
‘They must have been heartbroken.’
I was doing fine, but suddenly I got into a car accident and died……
‘I wish I could tell them how well I’m doing.’
Of course, I was well aware that I couldn’t. That made me even sadder.
I struggled to hold back the tears that were already welling up.
I didn’t want Caleb to see me crying.
Of course, I knew Caleb would accept it even if I cried.
But I didn’t want to do it.
‘Because the last time was enough of the stupidity.’
Instead, I leaned on Caleb as if nothing had happened.
“I hope the Archduke couple’s daughter is still alive and that they can meet by chance.”
It’s been more than 20 years since they lost their daughter, so what I’m hoping for is unlikely……
‘But I’m still hoping.‘
Although I will never see my parents again, I sincerely hope that the Archduke couple will be able to meet their daughter.
Because it would be preferable if at least one person could be happier.
It was when I was hugging Caleb’s arm tightly and gazing at the pink reeds at the bottom of the hill.
“Elena, what if……?”
“……”
“What if I knew the Archduke’s daughter is still alive and who the person who was supposed to be the Archduke’s daughter is? What should I do?”
I looked up at Caleb, surprised by the unexpected words.
“You know who the Archduke’s daughter is?”
“It’s speculation all the way. You know, just in case.”
“Oh, you mean, you’re not sure if that person is the Archduke’s daughter or not?”
“Yes.”
Hmm, I’m at a loss.
I could see why Caleb was hesitant to bring it up.
“But what do you want to ask about? Do you want to know if you should tell the Archduke and Duchess about their daughter?
Or are you asking if you should inform the daughter that she is the Archduke couple’s daughter?”
“I apologize for my insufficient explanation. The Archduke and his wife are already aware of the existence of someone they believe to be their daughter.”
“No way… Is it possible that their daughter is living in the empire?”
“That’s correct. However, the daughter is still unaware of her parents’ existence.”
“Are you debating whether you should tell the daughter about her parents?”
“That’s correct.”
“Is there something keeping you from telling her?”
“Because it is only a guess, I am unsure. I’m concerned about what might happen if that person isn’t the Archduke’s daughter.”
“Does that mean you’re worried that the person you think is the Archduke’s daughter will be disappointed?”
“There are several reasons, but that is the main one.”
“However, shouldn’t they meet? Nobody will know for certain if she is the Archduke’s daughter until they meet.”
“Of course it is. There are times, however, when the Archduke couple can meet their daughter without her knowing she is her daughter. At the time they met, I thought the Archduke could tell whether she was truly their daughter or not.”
“……”
“That’s why I thought I didn’t have to tell the daughter about the things I wasn’t sure about.
However, the Archduke and his wife wanted to meet and confirm with the person first. ”
Well, after hearing Caleb’s explanation, I’m sure it’ll be difficult.
She hasn’t seen her parents in over 20 years.
If she believes she has parents, she will go to see them with high expectations, but when the parents check and say she isn’t their daughter, she will be very disappointed.
‘In this case, it’s the surest way to ask the concerned person’s opinion……’
But, in order to do so, Caleb must inform her parents’ existence, so we’re back to square one.
“I believe it is best not to tell the daughter.”
Chapter 113
To Be Together
‘Huh? Hold on.’
Was it on purpose that he brought me here?
Is he trying to make me feel better because he thinks I am somewhat frustrated?
That appeared to be the case.
Otherwise, there’s no reason for him to unexpectedly ask me to ride a horse all the way here.
Instead of looking at the field, I returned my gaze to Caleb.
And Caleb, who caught my gaze while tying the horse’s reins to a tree, inquired.
“What’s the matter, Elena?”
“Well, it’s nice to be here. It’s very pretty and pleasant here.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
After that, Caleb tied the reins.
We took our time walking through the fields.
I was worried that the pink fluff would get on my clothes as I passed by, but it turned out that I was worried for nothing.
As we passed, the pink fluffy things just messed around or tickled our skin.
‘Because the touch is soft, it’s quite addictive.’
I touched the pink fluff with my hand every time I passed by because it was interesting.
I was walking for a long time when I became curious about the name of this plant.
I asked Caleb what the plant’s name was.
However, Caleb stated that he was unfamiliar with it, so we decided to call it ‘pink reeds’ for convenience’s sake.
After a while of walking between the pink reeds, we decided to sit down and rest on the hill.
However, there was no appropriate place to sit.
“I’m just going to sit on the ground. Shall we sit under that tree?”
“I would love to do that.”
Caleb stopped me just as I was about to walk over to the spot and sit down.
“Just a second.
“Is there something else?
As I tilted my head, Caleb removed his jacket and laid it on the ground.
“Sit on it.”
The words ‘but your clothes will get dirty’ came to the back of my throat for a split second.
However, I swallowed the words.
This is because I already knew the answer that would be given even if I said it.
Moreover…
‘Our clothes are already dirty.’
It’s better to just get Caleb’s sincerity at times like this.
I thanked him and sat down on his jacket.
Caleb followed me when I sat down.
I folded my arms with Caleb next to me because I was bored sitting alone.
That’s when I leaned my head against his arm.
Caleb flinched.
I could feel even his minor reaction because we were so close.
In addition, his muscles were stiff.
‘I thought he got used to it.’
When I asked him earlier if I could hold his hands while riding a horse, he said I could just hold his hand without asking. I’m wondering where such a person has gone.
“Could you please lower your face?”
“My face?”
“Yes, I have something to tell you.”
Caleb appeared perplexed.
It was a completely natural reaction.
Caleb must think it strange that I ask him to bow his head when I have something to say because there are only the two of us here, no one else around, and our bodies are stuck together like this.
But I knew Caleb would do what I said in the end.
Take a look at this.
He’s still lowering his head in this manner.
“What I have to say is……”
I raised my head and kissed Caleb on the cheek.
Caleb abruptly raised his head without saying anything.
And he looked at me in awe.
I kissed him again after seeing his flustered face.
“Elena? All of a sudden……”
“It’s because I’m thankful.”
Then I gave a shy smile.
“To be honest, as the banquet date approached, I became anxious and frustrated about whether or not I was doing well. But I feel a little better that I’m out like this today.”
For some reason, I feel like if I go back from here, I could fix the music score to my liking.
“Now that I think about it, I think it was because I was burdened to sing at the banquet.”
“Is it because you’re concerned about the Emperor’s reaction?”
“As it is, but I’m concerned about everything. I was choosing the song and practicing alone, so I wasn’t sure how well I was doing.”
“……”
“I wonder if distinguished guests will enjoy it as much as the nobles who will attend the banquet.”
Without realizing it, I kept talking about my worries once I started talking.
“I guess it’s because they’re from different countries.”
“Whatever song you sing to them will be well received.”
“I’m hoping so.”
I gave a light smile.
To be honest, Caleb’s credibility was almost non-existent at times like this.
Because Caleb only says nice things about me.
Nonetheless, I’m relieved to hear it because I know he’s speaking from the bottom of his heart.
I was leaning on Caleb again when I remembered what the crown prince had said previously.
“Didn’t the Duke tell you about it?”
Surely the crown prince was talking about the distinguished guests, wasn’t he?
And what Caleb just said has the same connotation.
“Caleb, I have a question for you.”
“Yes, feel free to ask, Elena.”
“Do you happen to know about the distinguished guests coming this time?”
“……I’m not familiar with them, so I don’t know the specifics, but I do know their personal information.”
For some reason, he also answered my question a little late.
“I asked you because the Crown Prince said you knew about them, and it appears that you do.”
“You’ve met His Highness?”
“Yes, I ran into the Crown Prince for a brief moment the last time I went to see His Majesty. However, it was not a pleasant meeting. ”
“Did His Highness mention the distinguished guests?”
“There was nothing else, but he asked if you’d told me anything about the distinguished guests. That’s why I ask you.”
“Is that so?”
Caleb seemed relieved in some ways.
‘Is there something he’s hiding from me?’
Doubts flashed through my mind. However, it was a ‘moment.’
Caleb would never do that to me.
Even if he did hide something, I’m sure it was for a reason.
“Who are those distinguished guests, by the way?”
“The Archduke and Archduchess of Adele.”
“If they’re the Archduke couple, you mean the principality’s sovereign, right?”
“Yes. In addition, His Majesty the Emperor’s cousin is the current Archduke.”
“Even if they are cousins, isn’t it difficult for them to become close if they don’t see each other often?”
“That is typically the case.”
“……”
“The Archduke visited the empire frequently. I also heard that the Archduke and his fiancée, the Archduchess, once visited and stayed in the empire for several months before returning to the principality.”
That’s why the Emperor said the Archduke and his wife were no less than real siblings.
There would have no choice but to get close to them if they stayed for several months each time they came.
Unless they truly dislike each other.
“Do you think they’ll stay for a few months this time?”
Because they are always like that.
“I don’t believe so.”
“How come?”
I couldn’t hide my surprise at the firm response.
“The story I just told is about the Archduke when I was a child. After that, the Archduke couple did not return to the empire for nearly 20 years.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
I seem to recall hearing something similar in the past.
The problem is that I don’t really remember the reason.
“Do you have any idea why?”
“The exact reason is unknown, but it is speculated that they stop visiting the empire and live in the grief of losing their daughter.”
“Ah……”
A somber tone could be heard.
At the same time, I understood why the emperor asked me to avoid songs that made people think of “children” when choosing songs.
‘It was because they had lost their daughter.’
My heart ached for some reason after realizing that fact.
When I heard the story of the Archduke couple, I immediately thought of my parents.
‘They must have been heartbroken.’
I was doing fine, but suddenly I got into a car accident and died……
‘I wish I could tell them how well I’m doing.’
Of course, I was well aware that I couldn’t. That made me even sadder.
I struggled to hold back the tears that were already welling up.
I didn’t want Caleb to see me crying.
Of course, I knew Caleb would accept it even if I cried.
But I didn’t want to do it.
‘Because the last time was enough of the stupidity.’
Instead, I leaned on Caleb as if nothing had happened.
“I hope the Archduke couple’s daughter is still alive and that they can meet by chance.”
It’s been more than 20 years since they lost their daughter, so what I’m hoping for is unlikely……
‘But I’m still hoping.‘
Although I will never see my parents again, I sincerely hope that the Archduke couple will be able to meet their daughter.
Because it would be preferable if at least one person could be happier.
It was when I was hugging Caleb’s arm tightly and gazing at the pink reeds at the bottom of the hill.
“Elena, what if……?”
“……”
“What if I knew the Archduke’s daughter is still alive and who the person who was supposed to be the Archduke’s daughter is? What should I do?”
I looked up at Caleb, surprised by the unexpected words.
“You know who the Archduke’s daughter is?”
“It’s speculation all the way. You know, just in case.”
“Oh, you mean, you’re not sure if that person is the Archduke’s daughter or not?”
“Yes.”
Hmm, I’m at a loss.
I could see why Caleb was hesitant to bring it up.
“But what do you want to ask about? Do you want to know if you should tell the Archduke and Duchess about their daughter?
Or are you asking if you should inform the daughter that she is the Archduke couple’s daughter?”
“I apologize for my insufficient explanation. The Archduke and his wife are already aware of the existence of someone they believe to be their daughter.”
“No way… Is it possible that their daughter is living in the empire?”
“That’s correct. However, the daughter is still unaware of her parents’ existence.”
“Are you debating whether you should tell the daughter about her parents?”
“That’s correct.”
“Is there something keeping you from telling her?”
“Because it is only a guess, I am unsure. I’m concerned about what might happen if that person isn’t the Archduke’s daughter.”
“Does that mean you’re worried that the person you think is the Archduke’s daughter will be disappointed?”
“There are several reasons, but that is the main one.”
“However, shouldn’t they meet? Nobody will know for certain if she is the Archduke’s daughter until they meet.”
“Of course it is. There are times, however, when the Archduke couple can meet their daughter without her knowing she is her daughter. At the time they met, I thought the Archduke could tell whether she was truly their daughter or not.”
“……”
“That’s why I thought I didn’t have to tell the daughter about the things I wasn’t sure about.
However, the Archduke and his wife wanted to meet and confirm with the person first. ”
Well, after hearing Caleb’s explanation, I’m sure it’ll be difficult.
She hasn’t seen her parents in over 20 years.
If she believes she has parents, she will go to see them with high expectations, but when the parents check and say she isn’t their daughter, she will be very disappointed.
‘In this case, it’s the surest way to ask the concerned person’s opinion……’
But, in order to do so, Caleb must inform her parents’ existence, so we’re back to square one.
“I believe it is best not to tell the daughter.”
