-37-
“I just bought them some flowers, that’s all.”
“But to those children, it was probably the most joyful ray of hope.”
“…If anything, I feel like I was the one who received a gift.”
It wasn’t even a large sum of money. Perhaps to the children it was, but for me, it was merely pocket change. I didn’t give much, yet what I received was a heartwarming, beautiful sentiment.
“You mean the blue rose, right? Those two children had been raising that flower with great care. Especially the younger one—she put a lot of love into it. They were so happy you accepted it with a smile.”
“Then I’m glad.”
Hearing her words made me recall the bouquet we’d left back at the lodging. I’d hastily found a vase and placed them in water, and I hoped they hadn’t wilted.
In the distance, I spotted the two sisters I’d seen yesterday. The younger one was farther away, so I could only see her back, but the older one happened to glance this way.
When she noticed me and Lucius, she paused for a moment, then lit up with a bright smile and waved both hands enthusiastically. The sight of her was simply adorable.
Once the tour of the botanical garden ended, the three of us returned to the entrance. Just then, the noon bell from the nearby cathedral rang out.
“If you wouldn’t mind, may we treat the two of you to lunch? We’ll prepare a place.”
This time, Viscount Grassel carefully made the offer on behalf of the group. Since the other two—Viscount Ezach and Baron Bien—remained silent, I assumed they had discussed it beforehand. I looked at the three of them for a moment, then turned to Lucius.
“Lucius.”
“Yes, Tiana?”
“Would that be all right?”
“Of course.”
As he nodded without hesitation, I smiled faintly. He smiled back and took my hand. A person who already knew what I wanted to say, what I wanted to do. That comforting and warm presence made me smile brightly as I spoke to the three waiting people.
“Alright. Let’s eat together.”
“Thank you. Then we’ll prepare—”
“But, there might be more people joining us. Is that okay?”
“Pardon?”
“And I think we’ll need a larger space. Could we perhaps prepare a long table in the garden? Even a large cloth to spread on the ground would do.”
“What do you mean…?”
Viscount Grassel looked bewildered and confused. The two beside him were equally puzzled.
“I was thinking of picking up some takeout from the restaurant we reserved. If you’re alright with it, I’d like to eat with the children over there… What do you think?”
“……!”
“With the children… You mean, together?”
“Yes.”
The three of them all widened their eyes in surprise. Their reactions were more startled than I expected. From how they looked at the children earlier, I thought they’d be open to the idea. Was I wrong? Still, they didn’t seem outright opposed.
“The children would probably be eating at the orphanage or figuring it out on their own. I just thought it’d be nice if we could share a meal together.”
“But… would that really be alright? For the two of you to dine outside with the children…”
“What’s the problem? It’s just lunch together.”
“That’s… not usually how things are done…”
Watching Viscount Grassel’s awkward expression as he glanced between Lucius and me, I understood what he was worried about. It’s not exactly common for a Grand Duke and Grand Duchess to eat outside with orphanage children. Especially not like this.
But Lucius and I weren’t ones to care about such things. In fact, because of our titles, we wanted to act in ways that disregarded people’s judgment. We understood the children’s situation, and a small bond had been formed. Ignoring that would weigh on my heart.
Besides, I wanted to spend more time with those sweet, lovable children—and talk more with the sisters. There were plenty of reasons.
If anyone had a problem with us wanting to share a meal with them, they could say so to my face.
As I stood proudly, pretending not to notice their hesitation, Viscount Ezach, after a moment of silence, spoke in a slightly hoarse voice.
“…Very well. I’ll speak to the orphanage director. Since the children are in the garden, it would be best to set up there.”
“Viscount Ezach…!”
“Viscount Grassel, please prepare the long tables from the annex storage. We used them for experiments before—if we put them together, everyone can sit.”
“Wait a minute—”
“Oh, and Kenil, gather the children to one side of the garden. If some are still working, help them wash up.”
“…Understood.”
Baron Bien nodded silently at her words, while Viscount Grassel, caught between them and unsure of what to do, sighed deeply in resignation.
“Haa… Alright. Then I’ll prepare drinks for the children.”
“Thank you. And sorry for the sudden request.”
“No, not at all. It’s something we should be thankful for. But are you sure this is okay? News of this will definitely spread.”
“That’s fine. We’re not doing anything wrong.”
“Well, yes… In fact, it’s a good deed… but still…”
Even though he agreed, Viscount Grassel’s furrowed brow didn’t relax. I understood his concern, but the truth was—I wanted this to spread.
If word got out about what happened here today, it might change how people saw Lucius and me. It could help clear up the misunderstandings left by the former soul in this body, and Lucius’s misconceptions too. Though that wasn’t the only reason I was doing it. The main priority was simply wanting to spend time with the children.
Letting this spread would just be a nice side effect. Consider it the prelude to social season activities.
“What are you so worried about, Viscount Grassel? They said it’s fine, so it’ll be fine! Oh, and while you’re out, could you also buy some of those snacks you got the kids last time? They really liked those!”
“Fine, fine! Just let go of my arm, will you…?”
“You’ll hurt your ankle again, Director.”
“It’s fine because Viscount Grassel is supporting me!”
“…It’s really not fine.”
Baron Bien glared at Viscount Ezach, who was precariously leaning on Grassel. Whether he noticed or not, Ezach smiled brightly, while Grassel avoided Bien’s gaze as he tried to pull his arm away.
‘Ah…’
It seemed Viscount Grassel knew that Baron Bien had feelings for Viscount Ezach. Ezach herself appeared completely unaware. But seeing how friendly she was with Grassel… this smells like a love triangle.
As I curiously watched the strange dynamic among the three, Lucius whispered beside me.
“Those three seem… to have an odd atmosphere between them.”
“You felt it too? They really do seem to have an interesting relationship.”
“Like a love triangle…?”
“What? You know what a love triangle is?”
Surprised by the unexpected term from Lucius, I stared at him. He flinched and avoided my gaze.
“J-Just something I’ve heard before…”
“Heard from who?”
“…Alexandra…”
“….”
I knew it. Alexandra again. They really are close siblings. Maybe even closer than he is with Rayel. If Alexandra told him about love triangles, maybe she even read those “Lady” romance series with him?
I wanted to ask, but his face was turning so red I didn’t have the heart to.
“Sh-should we head to the restaurant?”
“Alright.”
As he turned the topic and offered his hand, I smiled and took it. We left the three still talking behind, but just as we began to walk—
“F-Fire! There’s a fire!”
“…!”
“What did you say?!”
Startled, Lucius, the others, and I turned toward the source of the shout.
Thick black smoke was billowing up from behind the botanical garden—bright red flames licking the sky.
“The garden! The fire’s coming from the garden!”
“What?! But the children are—!”
“No…!”
“Director!”
Viscount Ezach, pale as a ghost, stared at the smoke-filled sky before sprinting toward the garden. Baron Bien ran after her. I, frozen in place, instinctively followed.
“Tiana…!”
“Your Highness!”
Lucius’s voice called behind me as he ran to catch up, followed by Viscount Grassel and the knights. But I couldn’t stop.
When I rounded the corner to the garden, what I saw was no longer the beautiful scene from earlier.
Flames blazed high, devouring everything. Screaming children, a burning garden—flowers that had been in full bloom were now gone, scorched. Only searing flames and ash remained.
“No… No, this can’t be…!”
“It’s dangerous! Director!”
“The children! There are still kids in there…!”
“It’s too dangerous—!”
Baron Bien was barely holding back Viscount Ezach as she tried to run into the flames. Following her gaze, I saw children cowering inside, unable to escape the fire.
“Tiana! You can’t!”
“…Lucius…”
Lucius grabbed me from behind just as my body tried to move on its own. With a hardened expression, he held me back and ordered the knights behind him:
“Rescue the children still inside the flames. Help extinguish the fire.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
The knights quickly moved to assist the botanical garden staff in fighting the fire.
“Lucius… the children… the garden…”
“It’ll be alright. They’re already working to put out the fire.”
“But the children are still in there…”
“The knights will get them. It’s alright, so…”
“No. There are still more, over there too. I have to go—I have to go…”
“Tiana…”
My body trembled uncontrollably. I couldn’t stop the words pouring out. The flames rising before me were terrifying, suffocating—but all I could think about were the crying children trapped inside.
I have to save them… I must…
Even as my body trembled, I tried to break free from his arms, but his grip was firm. Holding my hands tightly, tears falling uncontrollably, I looked up at him.
He bit his lip and said with difficulty:
“I’ll go. I’ll save them—so stay here. Don’t move. Just stay here.”
“Lucius…”
“Promise me. Don’t go anywhere else.”
“…Okay.”
Reluctantly, I nodded. He hugged me tightly once more, drew his sword from his waist, and ran into the flames.
Holding myself with trembling arms, I watched him disappear and stared anxiously at the still-blazing fire. Standing frozen in the chaos, unable to do anything, I felt a wave of anger rise at myself.
What am I doing while Lucius is in there alone?
Looking at my shaking hands, I bit my lip. Everyone else was risking themselves to save the children—why was I just standing here?
I knew better than anyone how terrifying fire could be.
Slowly, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. When I opened them again, my hands still trembled, but I was calmer.
Lucius told me not to move—but I can’t just stand here.
I searched for anything I could use to help put out the fire, but just then, through a break in the smoke, I heard a faint voice from the trees.
“Help… please… save us…”
