Praising You For Surviving (Salute for Lucien) - Chapter 46

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. He was inseparable from poetry books when he was young. Whenever he had time, he would lie down by the river and recite poems to his lovers. Then his lovers would end up fighting each other and all fall into the river, causing a commotion. Ah, it was a long time ago, but he was quite charming.”

“The sound of birds chirping shakes the leaves. Ah, it’s morning. Come, despair. Another tedious day begins. How’s that?”

“What kind of poem is that? What, are you trying to imitate that lady?”

“Why are you like this? It’s by a famous poet. You know, what’s his name… Sal, Salute? Galute?”

“Galut Marie Pinoas.”

“Ah, right! Galut!”

The young man was about to thank the voice that suddenly joined in, but the man with his hood pulled low had already passed by. Kirhin, dressed in shabby clothes and wearing a fur coat like servants wear, shook his head and followed Lars.

He didn’t want to come out like this even if it killed him, but he had no choice because Lars said the more noticeable they were, the more dangerous it would be. It was quite uncomfortable wearing a hat and even sticking on a beard. But even so, it was quite enjoyable to hear people talking about Lucienne.

She charmed most people at the recitation meeting that day. The purple dress made of Landrop silk made her white skin and silver hair stand out. People who saw Lucienne there couldn’t help but admire the innate grace that seemed to permeate her being.

Those who loved poetry were captivated by the girl who stood with an elegant posture and recited poems in a voice that was both innocent and melancholic, while the young people who came with their fathers or for socializing were captivated by her beauty.

Of course, the one who fell deepest was Penu Raznish. Unexpectedly receiving a first edition of Cayonbe’s epic poem as a gift, he couldn’t close his mouth. His expression was clearly filled with joy.

‘How, how did you… Did you purposely seek this out because of what I said last time?’

‘I found it in the library and was reading it with interest when I thought of you, Lord Penu. I wanted to express my gratitude for inviting me to this difficult gathering.’

‘If you weren’t qualified, I wouldn’t have invited you in the first place. I can’t accept such a precious gift.’

Penu seemed to hesitate but initially pushed it away. However, Lucienne didn’t back down. She had read the lingering desire in his eyes as they followed the book.

‘If it’s too burdensome for you, how about this? Since first editions of Cayonbe’s epic are hard to come by, many haven’t been able to read them. There’s certainly much to learn from parts like the meeting with Saint Lucius or the journey with the poet Reclatinin, which are only included in the first edition. Since many cultured people frequent your mansion, Lord Penu, how about keeping it here and making it available to those who are curious?’

Kirhin almost applauded. The method Lucienne proposed was a way to reduce Penu’s burden while elevating his status.

Penu and his group had the idea of sharing and spreading the knowledge of the ancient sages to enlighten people. Most of the speeches held in the square were conducted by them.

Penu’s wrinkled face lit up at Lucienne’s words that precisely stimulated such aspects. He happily accepted the book.

‘I’ll display this together with the embroidered handkerchief. It’s very beautiful.’

‘No, it’s just a humble skill.’

Penu’s gentle gaze fell on Lucienne’s fingertips. There were band-aids on each knuckle from each time she spent embroidering.

‘There’s no skill more beautiful than sincerity. The Bickman family must be very reassured. To have such a wise young lady as part of the family.’

‘Though I’m the younger sister, I’m always learning.’

Kirhin smiled reflexively while responding naturally, but in reality, he wanted to sigh.

He was afraid because he couldn’t predict what kind of things Lucienne would do and how. However, on the other hand, he was also somewhat relieved by her seemingly adept attitude in dealing with people.

After that recitation meeting, Lucienne’s popularity rose even higher. The meeting requests that seemed to have slowed down for a while started to flood in again, and some families even began to hastily bring up marriage talks. The most frequent visitor was, of course, Chester Storms.

Kirhin glanced at Lars’s expression, but with his hood pulled low, his face was hard to see. They were on their way back from inspecting a warehouse at the dock. It was a place to store goods to be imported from Freemont.

“Our little pebble has become a celebrity now. Seeing her story everywhere we go.”

Ahem, clearing his throat, Kirhin stuck close to Lars’s side and casually spoke up. There was no answer from Lars. Kirhin chuckled and shrugged.

“Who would have imagined that a book gathering dust in the library would be used like this? Of course, the most surprising thing is that you gave her that book, Lord Lars.”

“Just focus on the dock security.”

Lars’s tone was gruff, but there was room to squeeze in. Because there was dissatisfaction embedded in it. Kirhin hid his smile and pretended to look around.

“Chester Storms would be perfect, right? After the recitation meeting, visitors have increased, but no matter how I look, I don’t see anyone better than Chester.”

Lars turned to look at him with a long sigh. There were wrinkles carved into his straight brow.

“Getting too close to Penu is not a good idea.”

“Why don’t you say something directly? It’s a bit awkward to say this, but Lucy doesn’t listen to me anymore. No, she pretends to listen, but when we talk, I end up getting swept along before I know it.”

Lars’s eyes narrowed at his whining tone. He shook his head and muttered.

“I thought she would hold out for at least a year or two. I guess I overestimated you.”

“What?”

“If you want her not to be involved in any business, send her to a convent. That’s the only way.”

“…I heard even convents have eyes and ears. Honestly, she’s the type who would create them even if there weren’t any.”

As Kirhin grumbled in response, Lars widened his eyes with a “Huh.” Kirhin turned his head away, trying to avoid the cool glint in Lars’s green eyes, and raised his hand.

“Ah, there it is. As you said, I found a relatively small merchant group that does maritime trade. The group leader, Nix, is an old-fashioned man who doesn’t know how to enjoy alcohol or women, but his reputation for work is good. He’s so taciturn that at first, I thought he couldn’t speak.”

“That’s better than someone who talks too much.”

“Why do you say that while looking at me?”

Ignoring Kirhin, who was blinking his eyes, Lars took the lead. Nix was moving cargo wearing only a thin layer of clothing despite the cold weather.

With his shaved head, good build, and bearded appearance, he looked rather intimidating, so even Kirhin was a bit intimidated at first. But upon getting to know him, he turned out to be just a blunt and diligent man, which Kirhin liked.

“Nix.”

As Kirhin waved his hand, Nix, who was wiping off his sweat, looked at him with puzzled eyes. Soon, he seemed to recognize the disguised Kirhin, but he bowed his head with an indifferent face.

“I’ve brought the schedule and itemized documents here. I’ll be here on the day the goods arrive, but it’s better to look at them in advance… What’s this?”

Kirhin, who was explaining while handing over the documents, received a note that Nix suddenly handed to him. Nix spoke in a low, gruff voice.

“A servant sent by Brook left it.”

Brook knew at least that the previous Baron and Kirhin were trying to do business. Since he was the one who used to receive and organize the gifts sent annually from Freemont, Kirhin had only given him a brief explanation.

“What’s so urgent about it that he had to do this.”

Kirhin’s eyes widened as he unfolded and read the note. Lars, who had been briefly scanning the merchant group’s building, hardened his gaze.

“What’s wrong?”

“Ah, well, I think I need to go home for now.”

Lars didn’t miss how Kirhin’s face turned pale. Seeing the anxiety settling in his eyes as he stepped back, Lars pressed him.

“What happened?”

“Laurel…”

Kirhin swallowed hard and tried to maintain a calm expression, but it didn’t work as he intended. With trembling lips, he let the words slip out.

“Laurel is dead. Lucy’s home tutor.”

“What?”

“Nix, listen to this person for the details. He knows more about the deal than I do. I’m going first!”

After quickly spitting out these words, Kirhin started running frantically. It wasn’t far to where the horses were tied. As he ran towards that place, the sentence written on the note came to mind.

Laurel fell from the terrace and died.
Miss Lucy might be involved, so please come back quickly.

“What on earth does that mean…!”

His head was spinning. The cold wind was tearing at his cheeks as he ran.