Chapter 23

On the day of the ennoblement ceremony, Jeffrey stood before me in a coat embroidered with intricate vines in silver thread on a black background, a waistcoat underneath, and a cravat around his silk shirt. His long legs were accentuated by slim black trousers.

"Jeff, it suits you well."

"From today, we're diving into the world of the nobility."

"Don't look so gloomy about being ennobled. It's a joyous occasion."

"You'll have to endure a lot, but my resolve to protect you remains unchanged."

"I don't think of it as enduring. I'm just living my life with you."

Jeffrey looked at me with his blue eyes, as if I were something precious, and gently embraced me before heading towards the carriage. I had thought that the form of our affection would change after marriage, but even after so many years, my love for Jeffrey hasn't wavered. I always vow in my heart to protect Jeffrey and Nonna.

By noon, I decided to go out to buy herbs. The ointment I make has been well-received, and it seems to have become a quiet rumor; as soon as I make it, it's sold. The main herbs are brought from the Shen Kingdom, but the auxiliary herbs are starting to run low.

I thought about inviting Nonna, but lately, she's either diligently working at her desk or visiting Lady Yorana's house. When I asked her today, she said she wouldn't go. She's studying something that's "still a secret." It's the age where she wants to keep secrets.

"Reed, please take me to the bustling area in the South District."

"As you wish, madam."

After shopping for herbs and handing the bags to Reed, I walked through the market. I noticed the door of the Black Thrush tavern was open, and I could see Zahar, who was cleaning.

"Zahar! It's been a while."

"Hey, just in time. I was going to contact you tonight. I have some information on Ory."

"Really! Where is Ory now?"

"Seems to be hanging out with one of Hector's lackeys."

"And? Is she doing well?"

"Yeah, she's doing well. She's learned a lot of words recently and even gives orders to the other lackeys. She's acting like a little boss."

"I see... I'm glad she's doing well. So, that's the kind of environment she fits into."

"Cheer up. There are plenty of things in life that don't go as planned. Want some lemonade?"

"Yes, thank you."

I told Reed, who was waiting at a distance, that I would be right back and entered the Black Thrush. The scent of freshly squeezed lemons was refreshing, and the sweetness of honey was comforting. The sweet and sour lemonade was a taste that invigorated my spirit.

"My lemonade is delicious, right? And if you have any complaints, I'll listen."

"Not complaints, but if you listen, will you forget it?"

"Yeah, I can forget anything quickly."

"This time, I learned what it feels like to be deceived by someone I trusted, after being lied to by Ory."

Zahar said nothing, just sipping his lemonade slowly.

"Even though I was hurt, I think I would do the same thing again if I were in the same situation. If someone is in trouble, I would help them again. Even if I get deceived, I would help the next person. I think that's the atonement I should make."

"Atonement? What for... I don't know the details, but you've been working since you were eight, right? You've been struggling to survive all this time, haven't you?"

"...Yes, that's true. I've always struggled, and there was no other way, but I've done many things that make me want to atone. Zahar, I'm going to go now. The driver is waiting. Thank you for listening."

"Yeah, come anytime."

I turned and bowed slightly before leaving the Black Thrush.

I reflect on my past actions but don't regret them. Regret doesn't produce anything; it just digs into your heart. I just need to be careful not to make the same mistakes and move forward. That's all I need to do. But why do I feel so frustrated?

Late that night, Jeffrey returned home. He smelled of alcohol.

"At the ennoblement ceremony, the discovery of the gold vein was announced to the main nobles in the presence of His Majesty."

"Gold vein? Why announce it in front of everyone?"

"Yeah. The stable supply of medicine and the discovery of the gold vein were announced as my two achievements. After the ceremony, I was surrounded by nobles at the party."

"Two announcements, no wonder."

Jeffrey pulled out his cravat from his collar and tossed it onto the sofa.

"Prince Conrad was very pleased. Ashbury is a commercial nation. Gold is always welcome. They've already sent a survey team to the crater and confirmed that a large amount of gold can be extracted through open-pit mining."

"Already that far. They work fast."

"So, as a reward for providing the lead on the gold vein and discovering it on-site, my uncle and I will be granted a large sum of money."

"How much?"

The amount Jeffrey mentioned was so large that our family could live a comfortable life as nobles for the rest of our lives and still have plenty left over.

"That means... we'll probably receive a lot of invitations from now on."

"Yeah, no doubt."

I felt ready to face the challenges, but Jeffrey looked very worried. However, Nonna's reaction was completely different.

"Don't worry about me. I'll attend the tea parties if invited."

"What's gotten into you? You said you didn't want to go."

"I've been working hard. I'm fully prepared."

"Nonna, that kind of commoner's speech isn't appropriate at tea parties."

"I know, Mother. I'm fully prepared."

"Passed."

"Oho ho ho."

"Stop that laugh. Only older ladies laugh like that."

"Is that so? In novels, all the nobles laugh like that."

From that night on, our family started practicing ladylike manners as much as possible for Nonna's sake. I was the model, and Nonna was the apprentice.

"I've been taught properly all along."

"Knowing and doing are very different, Nonna."

"I've been approved by Lady Yorana. I mean, I have been approved."

"Then let's practice at home too."

During dinner, we spoke in quiet, reserved voices and ate small portions of the food like little birds. Even with happy topics, we didn't laugh out loud.

Yeah, I'm getting tired too.

But I need to do this for Nonna.

I noticed that Jeffrey was eating calmly and steadily, as if nothing was out of the ordinary. At times like these, I realize the difference in upbringing. I know he grew up in a broken home, but did he have a tutor? Or did Lord Edward teach him?

By the end of dinner, I reported about Ory. That she was close to a man from the underworld and had adapted to that society. Jeffrey only said, "I see. That's a shame," but Nonna looked like she was about to cry.

"Are you not going to help Ory?"

"It's impossible. Ory isn't asking for help. If we bring her here by force, she'll just run away again."

"That's true. Ory is sixteen, so she can choose where she wants to live. There's nothing we can do."

"But she's only sixteen."

I need to convey this properly. Even if Nonna is sad, I have to say it.

"I'll verify the information to make sure it's true. But, Nonna, when your kindness isn't wanted, it can be a burden. What's right for us isn't always right for others."

Nonna silently got up from her seat and ran out of the room. She missed her favorite dessert, cherry tart.

When I thought she had calmed down, I knocked on Nonna's door.

"It's open, come in."

"Nonna, I'm sorry I can't act as you wish."

"I don't think you and Father are wrong, so there's no need to apologize."

"You wanted to be friends with Ory, didn't you?"

"Yeah. I thought I could be friends with Ory."

"From Ory's perspective, you probably looked like a wealthy, naive, and happy noble girl."

Nonna gave a mature, wry smile.

"So that's why she said she hated me. I'm not that kind of girl."

"People judge based on appearances. From what they see, you look like that."

"Mother, when I attend tea parties, I'll be careful not to judge people based on a quick glance."

"That's good."

I hugged Nonna, who was still feeling down. Children grow up quickly, and the worries of parenting change constantly. I'm learning that parenting is a continuous series of new challenges. I'm trying to find the right answers for each moment, but I, who have always made my own decisions, suddenly feel unsure when it comes to Nonna.

I'm full of doubts.

Probably, in Western fashion history, it would be knee-length trousers with white stockings, but in my mind, that just seems comical, so Jeffrey wears long trousers. It's fine; in my novel, that's how it is. w