Chapter 41
“Huh?”
Standing in front of the bookshelf, Miela tilted her head slightly. Strangely, every time she visited the study, there seemed to be more picture books than before—books she was sure hadn’t been there previously.
‘Hmm, this time I’m really not imagining it…’
Even someone as oblivious as Miela couldn’t miss the signs by now. This wasn’t just a coincidence. Someone was clearly intervening behind the scenes!
“Could it be Lady Regina who helped? Or maybe Sir Yurhan?”
She didn’t even consider that it might be Istin, immediately thinking of the Duke and Duchess instead.
Fortunately, no one heard her muttering. If Istin had overheard her assumption, he might’ve lost sleep feeling hurt.
“Let’s see, what book should I read today? Ah, this one looks good!”
As she scanned the shelves, Miela picked out a book titled “What’s in the Glass Palace?” Just like the title suggested, the story was about a protagonist who accidentally entered a glass palace, got lost, and eventually found their way out with the help of the flowers living inside.
‘Wait a minute, a glass palace? This looks just like the one in the garden!’
The beautiful palace illustration reminded Miela of the glass greenhouse owned by the Duchess.
‘Could Regina’s greenhouse also be full of beautiful flowers like in the fairy tale?’
Miela had only ever seen the greenhouse from afar, which made her all the more curious about what it looked like inside.
Titi once told me that you need Lady Regina’s permission to go in there.
Alright, I’ll muster up the courage and ask. Even if I get rejected… it’ll just be a little sad.
Having made up her mind, Miela went to find Regina. She had just returned from an outing and, unlike usual, was dressed in an elegant outfit.
“Yes, Miela. What brings you here?”
As soon as she saw Miela, Regina greeted her with a soft smile. She knew that if she kept her usual impassive face, it would make the girl nervous. Yet even with the smile, Miela still tensed up as she cautiously spoke.
“Um, actually… I’m curious about the glass garden in the backyard. Would it be alright if I took a look inside?”
“Oh, is that all? Of course you can. You’re always welcome, Miela.”
Regina gladly gave her permission. To think Miela had been so tense over such a small request—Regina found her all the more endearing for it. Still, she did wonder when the girl would finally feel comfortable around her.
‘Wait, I shouldn’t just stand here.’
Though she’d initially planned to rest after returning from her outing, her plans changed instantly.
Regina rose from her seat and approached Miela.
“As it happens, I’m free right now. Why don’t we go together and take a look at the glass garden?”
“Huh? But didn’t you just get back? You must be tired…”
Startled, Miela fidgeted nervously. She worried she was bothering the Duchess.
Regina answered lightly.
“I may not look it, but I come from a family of sturdy sword masters. My stamina could rival any knight’s. So, are you coming or not? I hate waiting, so answer quickly.”
“R-Really? Then… yes, I’d love to!”
“Good decision.”
With that, Regina led a now visibly brightened Miela to the greenhouse garden.
Though the sky outside was overcast, inside the glass dome it felt like a bright afternoon. Magical lighting created the illusion of perfect weather.
But that wasn’t all. The temperature and humidity were finely tuned for each section, allowing plants from all across the empire to thrive together in one place—a rare and breathtaking sight.
“Wow, the scent of flowers is everywhere!”
Sniffing eagerly and darting about, Miela resembled an excited puppy. Regina matched her pace but soon picked it up again.
“Hehe, there are many other plants here besides flowers. That tree over there is known for bearing fruit in winter…”
To satisfy Miela’s curiosity, Regina began explaining the various plants in detail.
As they walked, Miela suddenly stopped in front of a particular flower bed.
“Huh? This flower…!”
Its familiarity made her eyes widen. Regina followed her gaze and explained:
“That’s baby’s breath. The little blossoms clustered together look like a fog, which is how it got its name.”
“Ohhh, I see! Actually, this flower appeared in the story I read earlier today!”
In the tale, baby’s breath flowers helped the protagonist descend a broken staircase, transforming into a mist to carry them down. Realizing the flowers from the fairy tale existed in real life had Miela thrilled.
“Oh wow, really? You must have been happy to recognize them here.”
“Yes, very much! It’s amazing! By the way… were you the one who placed all those picture books in the study, Lady Regina?”
Talking about the fairy tale reminded her of the mystery, so she asked gently.
“The study? Picture books? I never gave such an order.”
Regina’s reaction made it clear she wasn’t involved. Embarrassed, Miela gave a sheepish laugh.
“Really? I thought it was a gift from you…”
“If I’d known you liked fairy tales, I would have taken care of it myself. What a shame.”
“Then… could it have been Sir Yurhan?”
At Miela’s innocent guess, Regina chuckled.
“Well, I doubt it. He’s even more indifferent than I am. He rarely notices what people around him need.”
“Then who could’ve put them there…?”
As Miela tilted her head in confusion, Regina leaned in and hinted:
“Come on, he’s right next to you every day. The one who cherishes you more than anyone.”
“W-Wait… Titi?”
Miela’s eyes widened as a certain someone came to mind.
“Yes. I imagine Istin went out of his way to get those books for you.”
Regina’s words made Miela flush with guilt. Why hadn’t she thought of Titi?
‘Oh no, he’ll definitely be upset if he finds out I didn’t consider him. I’ll have to make sure I thank him properly next time I see him!’
While she was busy making that promise to herself, something unusual caught her eye. Across the path was a very strange plant—its gaping maw looked like that of a wild beast. Around the edge were thorn-like spines resembling teeth.
“Wh-What is that?”
Then Miela saw it. A small insect flew nearby, and in an instant, the plant’s thorny mouth snapped shut and gulp—the bug was gone.
It was like something straight out of a fantasy novel monster manual. Miela shivered in fear.
“I-Is that a m-monster? What if it suddenly grows huge?!”
Startled, she clung to Regina’s side and kept a wary eye on the plant.
“Hehe, no need to worry. That’s not a monster—it’s a carnivorous plant.”
“A carnivorous… plant?”
“Yes. It feeds on insects, not humans. You’re safe.”
Miela had just been imagining that terrifying beast growing to house-sized proportions and chomping her whole. But with Regina’s explanation, her fear faded.
‘Can I… touch it?’
Her curiosity piqued, Miela slowly reached toward the plant, slipping her finger between its now-open jaws.
The next moment—snap! The jaws closed, catching her finger.
“Eek!”
Startled, Miela yanked her hand back. A small scratch had already formed. More than the pain, she felt ashamed for having touched the plant without permission.
“S-Sorry… I was curious and just wanted to feel it…”
“Oh dear, I suppose I should’ve mentioned that ‘harmless’ doesn’t mean completely safe…”
Regina murmured as she wrapped Miela’s fingertip with a handkerchief.
“How are you so much like Istin?”
“W-What?
This book is really amazing, I am glad I know how to work this coin system now.