Chapter 56. That Fragile Heart

“Wow, it’s really empty.”

Jasmine muttered, not knowing whether to be amazed or sad.

Just as she said, the inside of the Lopez mansion was completely empty. Not a shadow of a person, not even a single rat was in sight. And all the valuables like decorations and paintings that could be sold had already been moved to the auction house and were nowhere to be seen.

‘Dad might have clutched his neck and collapsed…’

Maybe he’s already admitted to the Royal Hospital by now. But they wouldn’t be able to afford the hospitalization fees, so the debt would keep piling up…

‘They wouldn’t be able to maintain their dignity as nobles, so their title would be at risk, and now no one would want to associate with the Lopez family, so marriage deals are out of the question.’

I think the only remaining hope might be Dad’s position at the court’s foreign affairs department? But to save up his meager salary and buy another townhouse… it would take 100 years.

It might be more hopeful for Anthony to enter the Royal Military Academy and make a name for himself. The academy doesn’t charge tuition. But entering it is essentially the same as enlisting, and he could be drafted in times of war, and he wouldn’t be able to leave until he graduates. After graduation, he could either become an officer or find another job.

‘Anthony’s personality isn’t suited for military life…’

The future of the Lopez family certainly looked bleak. Suddenly feeling cheerful, I hummed a tune as I climbed the stairs.

I realized belatedly that Jasmine and Haley were watching me with strange looks, but I pretended not to notice and continued humming.

I wondered if Helene managed to save her dresses and jewelry amidst the ruin. When I went to her room on the second floor, the furniture was still there, but the carpets and tapestries were gone.

The beautiful landscape painting Helene had taken from my room when we were children was also missing. Feeling a bit disappointed, I opened the drawers and wardrobes one by one.

The jewelry seemed to have been taken—or moved to the auction house—but a few dresses were left.

Since dresses weren’t auction items, Helene must have taken all of them except the ones left here. Typical Helene. I silently applauded her and then opened the drawer of the display cabinet.

And I found it. One of my mother’s keepsakes that Helene had taken.

“……”

It was a music box, with a golden clover-shaped key. When wound, three orcas would rise and fall, spinning around. It was a pretty and unique item.

The music box played a lullaby, a gentle song with an ocean theme.

Mother was never the type to sing lullabies to her young daughter, but sometimes, for some reason, she would hum in a pleasant, soothing voice.

Those times, I secretly hoped that maybe Mother did love me after all. It was the desperate hope of a child. That fragile heart was shattered by a single sentence from Mother.

‘Mother, do you really hate me? Don’t you love me?’
‘Do you think it’s natural for a mother to love her daughter and for a daughter to love her mother?’

Mother’s words were always difficult for a child to understand. Now, I think I understand what she meant, but… what good does that do now?

I took the orca music box and left Helene’s room. Then I briefly looked around the room where Mother had passed away, but the space was so clean that there was no trace of the past. That room from the past might now only exist in my nightmares.

Jasmine and Haley, who had been following me around, remained silent, not even engaging in small talk. They seemed to think they shouldn’t intrude on my personal story, which they didn’t know.

But since I wasn’t particularly sentimental, I smiled calmly and looked back at them. Then I spoke in a composed tone to the two, who were clearly watching my mood.

“There’s nothing more to look at, shall we go?”

Haley and Jasmine nodded earnestly like diligent students. Looking closely, I noticed that although their facial features were different, their expressions and atmosphere were quite similar.

I smiled faintly, finding that a bit cute. How they interpreted my smile, I didn’t know, but they seemed to break into a cold sweat, glancing at me repeatedly. Their actions only made me smile more.

“Shall we have lunch before heading back? Since we’re already out, anyway.”

I suggested as we left the Lopez mansion. There were many famous restaurants in Schleswig, known as the capital’s specialties, but I had never been to any of them. It was only natural; the Lopez family never included me in their dining outings.

Shouldn’t I visit at least one of the capital’s famous spots before I die? I’d never know when I’ll have the chance, so you have to seize the opportunity when it comes.

“That’s a great idea! It’s just about lunchtime… How about ‘Harmonia’ near the central plaza? It’s a very elegant and sophisticated place. I heard Queen Olivia recently visited. I’m sure you’ll like it, Miss.”

Jasmine seemed delighted at the prospect of dining at a high-end restaurant, while Haley, not skilled in this type of conversation, merely nodded and agreed with Jasmine’s words. He reminded me of a well-trained dog.

“…But… is it alright not to go with His Highness the Grand Duke? Is it okay to go with us…?”

Jasmine asked, suddenly concerned. Now that she mentioned it, birthdays are usually spent with loved ones… partners or family.

But isn’t it also a day to spend with friends? After thinking for a moment, I smiled faintly and answered.

“It’s fine. I can spend time with Enoch later.”

In reality, I didn’t expect the busy Grand Duke of Bayern to take time for my birthday. Considering he brought me a hunting trophy as a gift at dawn, he seemed to have his own way of caring for people.

And upon reflection, what happened at dawn… was similar to a cat’s behavior… I remembered that Lucy often left mice or bugs in front of my attic. For sure, Enoch must be picking on Lucy because they’re kindred spirits.

Anyway, it took repeating that everything was fine three more times before Jasmine seemed reassured. We soon left the front of the Lopez mansion and headed toward the bustling area near the plaza.

Perhaps because it was Saturday, the plaza and the busy streets were packed with people. Since this was my first time visiting this area for leisure, I was more excited than usual.

If we were lucky, we might catch an outdoor performance in the plaza. I had always been interested in performing arts, but I’ve rarely seen them.

“This way, Miss.”

Jasmine took the lead in guiding us. She seemed familiar with this street, as if she had been here often.

The restaurant we arrived at indeed boasted a beautiful interior that even a queen would admire.

It seemed customary to make reservations in advance, but mentioning the name of the Grand Duke of Bayern to the manager made everything proceed smoothly. Before I knew it, I was seated in a balcony room with Jasmine and Haley.

“I heard this menu is the best here. Oh, and happy birthday again, Miss.”

I thanked Jasmine once more. Haley also timidly offered birthday wishes, and Jasmine scolded him for not being more sincere. Watching the two bicker made me chuckle softly.

The restaurant’s food was excellent. The balcony room, curtained off, allowed me to avoid the curious stares of others, which I appreciated.

After a satisfying meal, before returning to the Grand Duke’s Winter Palace, we briefly visited a luxury goods store, where I found something I liked. It was a stick pin with a deep yellow diamond, reminiscent of Enoch’s eye color.

After a moment of deliberation, I decided to purchase it. I looked away nonchalantly as the owner smiled contentedly when I asked for it to be wrapped as a gift.

After finishing our outing and returning around 3 PM, I noticed someone lingering in front of the Winter Palace’s main gate.

When our carriage was about to pass by, the person suddenly jumped in front of it.

“Whoa, whoa!”

The coachman hurriedly pulled the reins, stopping the carriage. It was a close call.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but I’ll go check it out, Miss.”

Haley said with a bewildered voice as he stood up. Watching from the window, I suddenly realized something and quickly called out to him.

“Wait, Sir Bruggen.”

“Yes?”

“That person…”

I opened my mouth slightly. The woman arguing with the coachman looked familiar. I squinted my eyes and examined her more closely.

As expected, it was definitely Helene.

But something was strange. Helene’s appearance…

‘How did her hair get so short? And that on her left cheek…’

It was red, long, and thin.

On Helene’s face, which had always been perfectly beautiful… was a long scar.