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“Are you talking about the Marquess of Even’s… mother?”
She must be referring to the original fiancée who was almost his lawful wife. I had suspected it when I saw the condition of the hairband and ornament, but I never imagined it would actually belong to his mother. I worried that this unexpected situation might bring back old memories for him.
‘It probably isn’t a pleasant memory for him.’
From what I had heard from Lucius before, it seemed that the current Marchioness had somehow manipulated the two heirs. If the steward’s mother had lived, she might have been able to live as the legitimate heir. Losing both his mother and his original place must have been frustrating.
Though he seemed calm and content with his current position, one could never know the truths he kept inside.
Holding the bird-shaped ornament, he flinched at my words but quickly responded.
“Ah, I heard about the steward from Lucius, Your Highness. When I first met him, his impression was quite strong, so I asked out of curiosity. If it was unpleasant, I apologize.”
“No. I am honored that you view me favorably.”
“So, this is truly your mother’s…?”
“Yes. It’s the only remaining keepsake.”
A hint of bitterness appeared on his face as he spoke calmly. I asked him, watching him gently touch the ornament.
“The only remaining keepsake? Apart from this hairband and ornament, there’s nothing else left?”
“Yes. My mother passed away suddenly from an illness when I was six years old. No cleric could treat her at the time. Her symptoms were different from other illnesses, and her condition deteriorated quickly. It was deemed incurable, so both the clerics and doctors gave up.”
“I see…”
“Ultimately, she suffered greatly until the very end. She passed away just a month after falling ill, and her death was suspected to be due to an infectious disease. The authorities couldn’t leave the belongings of a suspected infectious patient… so all of my mother’s possessions were disposed of at that time.”
“…I see.”
I never expected such a tragic situation. Lucius also seemed surprised, likely unaware of these details.
“This hairband and ornament were always with my mother. She said they were a gift from my maternal grandmother, who had passed away when I was very young. After my mother came of age, she didn’t use them much, but she always carried them around her wrist, almost like a talisman.”
“She must have treasured them greatly.”
“Yes. My maternal grandmother also died early, so she treasured the gift given just before her passing. She gave the same items to me right before she passed away.”
“I see…”
A simple black band with a small bird-shaped ornament. The craftsmanship was delicate, though apart from the purple gemstone eyes, it didn’t seem particularly valuable.
But to him, this must be priceless. It wasn’t just an ordinary hairband and ornament.
It was a special item that had passed from his maternal grandmother to his mother and now to him.
“This hairband and ornament must be a precious item that connects the hearts of your mother and grandmother.”
“…Yes. That’s right. Even if they can’t be with me, it feels as though they are present.”
“Items like that are naturally ones you’d want to keep close. And treasuring them is also a way of honoring your mother and grandmother. We should fix it properly then—make sure it’s firmly secured so it won’t fall.”
“If it’s okay, I can entrust it to a skilled artisan.”
“Really?”
Lucius spoke up suddenly as he looked at the ornament the steward held. Surprised, I looked at him, and he smiled gently.
“I know a highly skilled artisan who specializes in making and repairing ornaments. His craftsmanship is exceptional. If we ask him, he will ensure it never falls again.”
“That’s amazing. What do you think, Lucius?”
“Ah… I am truly grateful, but I feel this is too much. I can’t ask Your Highness to take on such a troublesome personal matter…”
Hearing Lucius, the steward showed a brief flash of joy, but soon regained his composure and politely refused. As expected, he was extremely reluctant. I glanced at Lucius, who nodded, and he spoke firmly:
“It’s not troublesome at all. The artisan’s workshop is nearby, and stopping by won’t take much time.”
“But…”
“It’s a precious item. Fixing it properly now will ensure it isn’t lost if something happens later. So let’s follow Lucius’ advice and entrust it to the artisan.”
“…Yes, understood. Thank you so much, Your Grace. And thank you again, Your Highness, the Marchioness.”
The steward, who had been hesitating, finally nodded after hearing us and repeatedly expressed his gratitude. I smiled at him.
“Then we shall repay your thanks with delicious food.”
“Understood. I’ll cover the repair fee for the hairband.”
“Hmm, then let’s consider that a treat with an even more delicious dessert.”
“That sounds good.”
I turned to Lucius with a playful look after the steward spoke, and he smiled in agreement. The steward, momentarily dumbfounded by our expressions, stammered:
“N-No, that won’t do…”
“Delicious food and dessert are enough. And of course, we’ll pay properly. Consider it a token of our gratitude for all your care.”
“But…”
“It’s also our way of saying we look forward to your continued support. So accept it with a kind heart.”
It was a gift for someone who cherishes the only keepsake of his mother. More than generosity, it was a feeling of admiration. Despite losing his mother at a young age, he had treasured her keepsake and grown into a remarkable person.
Although older than me by age, he had lived a harsh life yet stayed on a proper path, without resentment for his deceased mother, under the watch of the Marquess of Even. I couldn’t help but praise him. The cost of repairing an ornament was insignificant to Lucius or me.
‘Above all, the food here is delicious, and I want to keep eating it.’
Even my picky taste buds found the restaurant’s food and desserts perfectly to my liking. The desserts, in particular, stood out compared to other restaurants.
‘Building a relationship here is worth it to keep enjoying delicious desserts—and perhaps to gain useful information in the future.’
“Understood. All I can do is sincerely thank both of you. Truly, thank you. I will continue to serve delicious and special dishes to both of you.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
Finally giving up after some thought, the steward smiled comfortably. I responded to his polite bow, and he looked at the clock on the wall.
“My, it’s quite late. I will prepare the food you ordered right away. Please wait a little.”
“Ah, wait a moment.”
“Yes?”
I called him as he was about to leave. Curious, Lucius also looked at me. I smiled at both of them and said to the steward:
“It’s a bit much to call it a repair fee, but may I ask a favor?”
“Yes, of course. Please tell me.”
“Well, I feel awkward continuing to call you ‘Steward.’ When it’s just us, I’d like to call you by name. I’ve heard it from Lucius.”
“That’s fine. I would be honored if Your Highness, the Marchioness, called me by name.”
“Then Elam. The favor I’m asking might be a sensitive matter for you. Is that okay?”
“It depends on the favor, but if I can help, I will do my best.”
Hearing Elam’s calm yet firm voice, I smiled in satisfaction. He had said it might be a sensitive matter, but he showed no hesitation. His deep purple eyes met mine, and I spoke slowly with a gentle smile.
“The favor is information about your father, the Marquess of Even, and your half-sister, Miss Even.”
“…You mean information about my father and Julieta?”
“Yes. I’d like you to share everything you know about them if possible. I’ll explain the reason if you agree. Briefly, due to circumstances, there may be some conflict involving the Marquess of Even, Lucius, and me, so I need information about him.”
“I see. Understood.”
“…You’ll grant my favor?”
“Yes. It’s not a difficult task.”
Unexpectedly, he nodded without hesitation. I was the one taken aback by his prompt agreement.
“Wait. Even so, isn’t it risky? My father and half-sister… You know, Lucius and I are at odds with the Marquess of Even. I don’t know how things will unfold, and our relationship with him probably won’t improve.”
“That’s fine. Even though I bear the family name, I am just a hidden illegitimate child. I have no real connection with my father—blood aside, we are strangers. Whatever he does doesn’t concern me. Honestly, I even want to see him falter a little.”
“Really? If you’re okay with that, Elam…”
Wanting to see him falter… I hadn’t expected the depth of his feelings toward the Marquess of Even. Drawing a clear line as strangers, yet still emotionally affected…
‘Perhaps he still harbors resentment over his mother.’
Even though she died of illness, the Marquess of Even never protected the two heirs properly. Allowing Elam to live as an illegitimate child under surveillance was convenient for him, so that he could use Elam when needed.
In the original story, Elam was treated as a substitute for the deceased legitimate daughter, not the true heir. Even if he had become the official heir, he probably wouldn’t have been happy. Following someone he didn’t consider a father might have been worse than living as an illegitimate child.
‘I wonder what happened after he became the heir.’
Most likely, he would have fled. With the skills to manage a restaurant of this caliber, he could live well anywhere.
“If my information helps, please don’t refuse it.”
“Understood. Thank you. Once the food is ready, can we talk while eating?”
“Yes, of course. I will return once the meal is prepared.”
“Ah, wait a moment.”
“Yes. Please?”
This was the third time I called him. He now responded calmly, accustomed to it. Slightly embarrassed, he smiled.
“I’m sorry for calling you repeatedly. I wanted to ask this first. Elam, what do you think of the Marquess of Even?”
“Do you mean what I think of him? Hmm…”
Despite the sudden question, he wasn’t flustered. He thought for a moment and then answered:
“In a word, he’s an annoyingly clever person who overthinks everything.”
“…Excuse me?”
Once again, an unexpected response came.
