Episode 11
Even after Brianna explained things more, the little girl just stared blankly, clearly not understanding.
It seemed she couldn’t figure out why Brianna had stepped up for her.
The girl had a clear mark showing she was a slave. For her, being treated badly, like just now, probably felt normal.
Feeling pity, Brianna spoke gently.
[What’s your name?]
“My name is Cora.”
[Cora, can you tell me about your hair color?]
At that question, Cora froze for a moment.
It wasn’t an easy story to share, so Brianna waited quietly until she spoke.
“…My mother was a slave. I inherited her blood, so I was born with white hair.”
Cora stroked her own hair as she continued.
“My mother met my father, who was a carpenter. He tried hard to buy her freedom, but it wasn’t easy. The noblewoman who owned my mother’s slave papers demanded an outrageous price….”
“…”
“Then I was born, and my mother couldn’t even rest properly after giving birth. She went straight back to work. Because her body was so weak, she made mistakes often… and because of that, the master got angry and beat her to death.”
Cora’s voice cracked, heavy with sorrow.
Brianna quietly handed her a handkerchief.
[Cora, you’ve gone through so much.]
“N-no! It’s fine, really!”
Cora stubbornly refused the handkerchief and wiped her tears away with the back of her hand.
“You even lied earlier just to cover for someone like me… I’m so sorry.”
Then she bowed her head.
Not once, but several times.
Watching this, Brianna stood up.
Then, she firmly pressed the handkerchief into Cora’s hand.
[I saw how bravely you spoke your mind just now. You were strong. Don’t ever call yourself ‘just’ anything again.]
“…Milady.”
No one had ever spoken to her like this before.
Born as a slave to a slave mother, that kind of kindness was something Cora had never known.
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
Brianna gently wiped them away.
Her touch carried a warmth and kindness Cora had never felt.
Cora lowered her head and sobbed for a while.
Her trembling shoulders revealed the weight of all her past pain.
After some time, Cora finally calmed down.
She lifted her head, then suddenly knelt before Brianna.
“Milady, I may be lowly, but please make me your person. If you ever have anything you want done, I’ll do it—anything at all.”
Brianna was startled by the sudden gesture.
But seeing how deeply moved Cora was by just a few comforting words, Brianna could sense the loneliness carved into her heart.
Her clear, earnest eyes showed nothing but desperation.
Maybe…
Brianna had been needing someone she could trust to act in her place.
She hadn’t expected to find one so soon—or this way.
Cora seemed like a wise child. Despite her appearance making life hard, she had even learned how to read and write.
That alone was impressive, since it was no easy thing for a girl in her position.
[Thank you for saying that, Cora. But right now, I don’t have the power to make life easier for you. I can’t even pay you fairly for your help.]
Polian already disliked her, and she had no money of her own.
Brianna knew most of her small allowance had already gone into handling her own funeral arrangements from before.
That’s why her room was so plain, nothing like the chamber of Count Clark’s daughter.
[For now, the only thing I can do is speak up when people insult you. Is that still okay with you?]
“Of course! Just hearing you speak up for me is more than enough. I don’t need any payment—ah!”
Cora yelped in surprise.
Brianna had flicked her forehead.
With a slightly annoyed face, Brianna scribbled in her notebook:
[Getting fair pay for your work is natural. Don’t make me into some cruel boss who uses people for free. I’ll pay you properly for whatever you do.]
“…Yes, Milady!”
Seeing Brianna’s firm expression, Cora nodded earnestly.
Brianna gave her a soft smile.
[Thank you, Cora. Someday, I’ll make sure your world becomes a better place.]
Cora’s heart almost burst watching Brianna wipe away her tears again.
The words sounded impossible, yet for some reason, she believed them.
She truly felt that Brianna would make it happen one day.
Meanwhile…
At the busiest part of the city sat Café Stine, the most popular café in the capital.
Its fame came not only from the taste of its drinks and desserts, but also from its stylish and modern design.
Recently, however, there was another hot topic surrounding the café.
“Ten seconds left.”
A female worker glanced at the clock and nudged her male coworker.
He started a countdown.
“Five, four, three, two, one.”
“She’s here—two o’clock sharp!”
Right then, the café door opened, and in walked the person they all nicknamed ‘Two o’clock sharp.’
“Welcome to Stine Café!”
The waitress greeted her warmly.
With a faint smile, Brianna lowered her head slightly and moved to her usual seat.
Once seated, she handed her notebook to the waitress.
[One warm rooibos tea, please.]
“Of course, miss. Please wait just a moment.”
The waitress kept smiling until she disappeared into the kitchen, then returned to whisper with her coworker.
“She’s at the same table again.”
“And at the exact same time.”
Since last week, Brianna had come every day at exactly two o’clock, stayed for two hours, then left. Always alone.
That’s what made her stand out—everyone else came in groups to chat and snack, but Brianna always sat by herself.
The workers had gossiped plenty, but now their curiosity was fading.
“Anyway, be careful when you go home later.”
“Huh? Why?”
“A few days ago, I saw this scary-looking guy hanging around outside, staring at the café.”
“…Scary? How?”
“He had his hood up, so I couldn’t see clearly, but his eyes—cold, piercing blue eyes. Gave me chills.”
The worker was in the middle of trying to spook his colleague when—
Ding! The bell over the door rang.
A man stepped inside.
“Oh… those eyes…”
It was exactly as the worker had just described: a man with sharp, intimidating blue eyes.
White hair flowed around his shoulders, and in his arms was a bouquet of flowers.
Without hesitation, he walked straight to the back of the café—
—to the table where Brianna was sitting.
He paused only a moment, then handed her the bouquet.
“Milady, I came to see you.”
