Chapter 19 (End of the Story)

As the frozen ground thawed and early spring flowers began to bloom.

After returning to Bachmann, Lieselotte spent her days meaningfully.

The winters here were harsh, making it difficult to go out. However, she spent a peaceful winter selecting flowers, table decorations, and more with the maids, including Madeline, in preparation for the outdoor wedding to be held in the summer.

She also began to familiarize herself with the vast mansion, learning its layout and the use of its spaces under the guidance of the head maid.

Marcus led the Balthazar family, and since he did not comment on the role of the Duchess, no one could impose responsibilities on Liese.

However, Liese wanted to be someone who could help him. She wanted to be a trustworthy person to those who had witnessed her tumultuous year, from starting as a maid to becoming the Duke’s runaway lover.

To faithfully fulfill her duties as the lady of the house, she called Florence for help, and the head maid readily agreed. Thus, Liese established a routine that she valued greatly for its regularity and sense of accomplishment.

As the weather warmed, Marcus remembered his promise to return to Millbrook with Liese.

It was the holiday season, and although he was the one who had brought up the topic, he seemed somewhat hesitant. He appeared concerned about Liese’s visibly pregnant belly and her discomfort.

However, upon the advice of the doctor, who suggested that enjoying beautiful scenery without overexertion would be good for the expectant mother’s physical and mental health, they left for Millbrook right away.

Seeing the colorful cliff town and the deep blue sea, Liese was convinced that the doctor was right.

“It feels like I’ve returned to a hometown in my heart.”

She exclaimed in awe, standing by the window with white chiffon curtains fluttering around her.

She was mesmerized by the view of the clear sky, the dazzling halo of sunlight, and the green coastline. With spring flowers blooming all over the cliff town, she couldn’t help but gasp in amazement no matter where she looked.

“Even a hometown in your heart?”

Marcus asked, chuckling, as he approached her from behind. He then gently hugged her from behind, wrapping his arms around her.

“Those two weeks were fantastic.”

“Yes, they were. We had a great time.”

“Yeah, I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”

“What was the best part?”

…Something about the question seemed suspicious.

The acts they shared during their two-week stay at the Millbrook villa, when they were not even lovers, were definitely not the kind of things one could speak of out loud.

The two of them had been indiscriminate in their activities, literally day and night. Even though Liese was inexperienced, she had been shocked to the point of amazement by the frequency with which Marcus had wanted to be intimate, making it hard to count on one hand.

Liese rolled her eyes, aware of Marcus behind her. The breath against her ear and the hand continuously caressing her round belly felt suggestive.

‘Now that I think about it, it has been a while…’

Since returning to Bachmann, they had occasionally touched each other but had never gone all the way. Liese’s period of stability had come a bit late.

Suddenly, Marcus bared his teeth and bit her earlobe. As Liese let out a faint moan, his hand, with knuckles protruding, slid up her ribs. He then gently grasped her rounded curves, which had grown even more pronounced since she became pregnant.

“Ah….”

“I liked the time we did it in front of the window.”

“But it’s still bright outside…!”

“I’m glad we could keep our promise. I wanted to come back here with you in the spring.”

“Marcus…!”

Worried that someone might see, Liese quickly turned her body away from the window. However, she only ended up facing Marcus within his embrace.

“I have a gift for you.”

Marcus whispered affectionately, lightly nibbling on the tip of Liese’s nose.

“I’m curious if you’re willing to accept it.”

Perhaps remembering how Liese had once tearfully said she was sick of his gifts, his voice held a hint of caution.

“Mm… I’d like to receive it.”

Noticing his cautious tone, Liese promptly nodded, and Marcus’s face lit up with joy.

“I’m glad you’ll accept it. I’ll give it to you all at once when we return to Bachmann.”

“It’s not just one gift?”

“No.”

After a soft kiss, Marcus touched his nose to Liese’s.

“But before that, let’s enjoy our holiday.”

Before Liese could respond, he took her hand and led her to the bed. Gently sitting her down, he knelt before her, pressing his lips to her rounded lower belly. Even through the muslin fabric of her dress, she could feel the ticklish sensation of his breath.

Feeling the warmth gradually rising, Liese twisted her legs while looking down at Marcus, who continued to kiss her belly without stopping.

Although she didn’t show it, Liese knew that Marcus is still reluctant at first with the child in her womb. Even after returning to Bachmann, he hadn’t referred to it as a “his child” for quite some time.

However, things began to change slightly after he felt the baby’s first movements.

Usually calm, the fetus would become active and make its presence known whenever it heard Marcus’s voice. Liese found the bubbly sensations, like air bubbles popping, fascinating.

Even now, as Marcus kissed her belly, she could feel a wriggling sensation as if the baby was welcoming its father.

Liese subtly mentioned that the baby must really like him. Since then, it seemed Marcus’s feelings towards the baby had softened a bit.

“The baby will probably look like you.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because it likes me so much.”

Marcus laughed, ruffling the air, then lifted Liese’s skirt and buried his face in it.

Trapping him under her dress, Liese blushed. It seemed he intended to restrain himself today, but the sensations she would feel were bound to be anything but light.

***

The season when she first met Marcus had returned in the late spring, with the sunlight growing warmer.

Everywhere, colorful flowers bloomed, and the longer days brought more vitality to the mansion.

This morning, Marcus had left the mansion early, claiming he had an urgent appointment. She had caught a glimpse of his face, which seemed to indicate that the time had come.

Liese was puzzled, but after spending the morning with the head maid and finishing lunch alone without Marcus for the first time in a while, she returned to her bedroom.

Lately, she had been reviewing the mansion’s ledgers given to her by the head maid. Meticulous and thrifty by nature, Liese found managing the mansion well-suited to her.

Before checking the records, she thought about writing a letter to Viscount Brennan. She sat at the desk in the lounge connected to the bedroom.

Her grandfather, who had recently visited the duchy, expressed concern whenever he saw Liese’s growing belly. He had even shed a tear sitting next to the nanny, to Marcus’s embarrassment.

‘Maybe I should send a letter to Charlie too.’

Thinking of her younger brother, who was becoming quite shy whenever family inquired about his well-being, made Liese smile. It wasn’t a bad idea, so she reached for a pen and paper, only to pause when she saw a letter lying in one corner of the desk.

The letters addressed to Liese were usually brought to her on a tray by the maids, so she curiously opened the envelope. The paper was filled with typewritten text, stiff and mechanical.

My dear Lieselotte,

By the time you’re reading this, it should be a little past noon.

Lately, you come up to the bedroom right after lunch, so I hope my guess is correct. My excuse about having an appointment today was a lie.

Strangely, Liese’s heart started to beat a little faster.

I’m finally keeping my promise to write you a letter.

Recalling our past promises one by one and marking them off gives me quite a joyous feeling. Thanks to you, I’ve come to know the joy of keeping promises.

I’ve placed the gift I promised you along with this letter, so please check it. I went down to the capital last autumn to get it, hoping to win your heart.

Knowing your nature, I’m telling you in advance not to feel burdened. It wasn’t difficult. But I do take pride in the fact that it was something only I could do. Give me a kiss later.

Underneath the letter was a document.

“Land ownership certificate…?”

Liese quietly read through the document. One name caught her eye, prominently displayed in the densely written text.

“Plumwood.”

It was the name of her childhood home, an estate that had been confiscated by the royal family.

Upon confirming the land’s current owner, Liese’s eyes widened. The ownership had been returned to the Brennan family.

“How on earth…?”

The royal seal, embossed in gold on the front of the thin document, guaranteed the ownership of Plumwood. Marcus had undoubtedly used his connections with the royal family.

At that moment, her grandfather’s face came to mind. How happy he would be to hear this news, as he cherished the Brennan estate more than anyone.

Though Plumwood was precious to Liese, it was an exceptionally meaningful treasure for her grandfather, who valued his honor as a soldier highly.

With tears welling up in her eyes, Liese continued reading the letter. She felt a strong desire to find Marcus and embrace him immediately.

Now come to the back gate of the main building, Liese.

The words were as clear as if they were whispered into her ear. Though there were several back gates in the main building, Liese instantly knew which one Marcus was referring to. She put down the letter and hurried her steps.

***

“Marcus!”

As soon as Liese stepped into the meadow on the duke’s estate, she spotted Marcus. His blond hair fluttered in the gentle spring breeze, carrying a fragrant scent.

“You’re a bit late. How was the gift?”

Instead of answering, Liese hugged him tightly. Despite the unexpected embrace, Marcus wrapped his arms around her and kissed her all over her face.

“You need to be careful.”

“The baby is fine. How did you manage to get Plumwood back?”

“I caused a bit of a scene in the prince’s audience chamber. Did you like it?”

When Marcus asked with a smile, Liese looked up at him with tear-filled eyes, convincing herself that her sudden tears were because of the baby.

“You have no idea how surprised I was. My grandfather will be thrilled when he hears about this.”

“And what about you?”

“Me?”

“The joy of your family is your joy too, isn’t it? So, are you happy?”

Looking at him expectantly, Liese nodded.

“I always missed it but thought I’d never return. I’m truly happy, Marcus. I don’t know how to express my gratitude….”

“Your words are enough.”

Marcus continued to kiss her cheeks, undeterred by the tears that fell. The kisses lasted until Liese, giggling helplessly, told him to stop.

“Come here. There’s something else I want to show you.”

Marcus took out a long handkerchief from his trouser pocket. He then blindfolded Liese, leaving her bewildered.

“What do you want to show me that requires a blindfold?”

“You’ll find out soon. It’s exciting, isn’t it?”

“…It’s not something outdoorsy, is it?”

“I’m tempted, but not today. That’s for later.”

His added comment was suggestive, but Liese, holding Marcus’s hand, walked blindly. Soon, she climbed into what she assumed was a carriage and felt the cool breeze as they moved.

Finally, when they stopped, the strong scent of grass greeted her. Marcus led her firmly by the hand as they walked.

Sniffing continuously, Liese realized that the air around her was not unfamiliar. It was a fresh, familiar scent, like crushed grass.

“Now, take it off, Liese.”

Liese lifted her hands to remove the handkerchief covering her eyes. As the knot loosened and the warm spring sunlight touched her eyelashes, the scene before her slowly came into view, making her gasp.

Abelroz Hill Orchard.

The small apple orchard that had been her hope when she lost everything spread out before her.

There were no lush apple fruits or blooming flowers, but dozens of healthy saplings were neatly planted in the green meadow.

Liese didn’t know what to say. The orchard she thought had burned to the ground and could never be found again, her most cherished place, appeared before her, vibrant with new growth.

“How did you manage all this…?”

“It can’t compare to the trees you nurtured, but I wanted to return it to you somehow.”

Liese walked among the trees as if in a trance. Each branch stretched out, covered in green leaves.

For the trees to have sprouted this much foliage, they must have been planted since late last autumn or winter.

‘Could it be after I left Bachmann…?’

As she touched the leaves, Liese turned around. Through the blurred vision of her teary eyes, she saw Marcus smiling calmly.

“I thought I had forgotten everything. But….”

“It’s an honor to see you cry with joy.”

“…Thank you so much. You’ve given me so much.”

“Won’t you give me something in return?”

Stepping closer, he lowered himself and playfully presented his face. Liese couldn’t help but laugh. She reached out, held his cheeks, and kissed him deeply. The fresh scent of grass softly surrounded the two, who hugged tightly.

“It’ll take at least two years for the flowers to bloom. Of course, you probably already know that.”

Marcus brushed the hair covering Liese’s face behind her ear as the gentle breeze blew.

“Even if it takes a long time, we can come back with our child when the orchard is in full bloom.”

When the branches are laden with red fruit in the future, let’s come back together with the fruition of our lives.

Listening to his gentle voice, Liese shed more tears and hugged Marcus even tighter. At the same time, he lifted her up, just like the first time they danced the waltz. Liese, who had only felt fear towards him, now burst into genuine laughter as they spun in the air.

When Liese lightly landed on the grass, she wrapped her arms around Marcus’s face again and kissed him. Their breaths mingled, and soon both were laughing.

“I love you, Marcus.”

“You know I always love you more, right?”

Their faces touched at the nose, and smiles remained on their faces. Between them, their baby wiggled happily.

~~End of Beneath My Savior’s Feet~~

TL Note: Thank you for supporting this story until its last chapter. I hope aside from enjoying the roller coaster ride of emotions that comes with this story, you have learned something from it regardless of how small or big it is, as it does to me while translating it.