Chapter 9 – Part 5

“Breaking news! Breaking news. Everyone, wake up quickly!”

Hearing a child’s loud voice early in the morning, everyone rubbed their eyes and came out into the hallway.

Evelyn, not knowing the reason for the commotion, tried to calm the anxious servants as she approached the source of the noise. She immediately recognized the child making the noise.

“You’re Heath’s child. You must have been staying in the annex. Why did you come all the way here?”

Heath, who had come running, held the child in his arms and bowed his head.

“Oh, ma’am. I’m sorry. My child is still young, so…”

“No, the master needs to see this now.”

The child wriggled in Heath’s arms, but Heath was firm.

“Be quiet. You’ve already woken everyone up from their sleep, and you still have more to say?”

“Wait, Heath. I’d like to hear why this child came all the way here. Don’t worry, you won’t be scolded.”

Heath nodded and put the child down.

“Please look at this. Everyone will be happy.”

The child took newspapers from his arms and handed them to the baroness.

***

[Noble Council to Discuss Ceasefire?]

[Endless War with No Winner. When Will It End?]

[Premature ceasefire Talks, Still Difficult.]

***

A strange joy appeared on Evelyn’s face as she read the newspapers.

“My lady?”

“So the news of a ceasefire being discussed has been published in all the newspapers!”

It was impossible not to rejoice at the news that the war might finally be coming to an end.

Except for one person.

“…The war is going to end like this?”

“My Lady, isn’t it good if the war ends? Why do you look like you don’t believe it?”

When Suen asked, Anne shook her head.

“It’s strange that ceasefire talks are suddenly happening.”

“Anne.”

Anne’s raised voice was filled with distrust.

She knew everyone would look at her oddly if she questioned the truth of the newspapers, but she couldn’t help herself.

“Mother, think about it. When you came to see me at the field hospital, the war was in full swing.”

“…….”

Evelyn’s expression hardened at Anne’s words. She wasn’t wrong.

“What I’m trying to say is….”

Everyone was looking at Anne.

She took a deep breath and carefully continued.

“I’ve heard that right after an ceasefire is the most chaotic time. The streets will be full of strangers and confusion, so… please be careful.”

Anne knew this better than anyone. It had been dangerous more than once when she went out to get medical supplies.

After Anne finished speaking, a long silence followed. She felt she had dampened their joy and lowered her head.

‘I should apologize.’

“My Lady, thank you so much for telling us this for our sake.”

“Huh?”

Anne was surprised and looked up at the unexpected words.

“Me too, My Lady. You’ve seen reality well, having been in the war.”

“Yes. The lady has shown us great kindness by letting our families stay here, and though it’s shameless of us, we’d like to impose a bit longer.”

The servants nodded in agreement with Anne’s words.

Rumors had already spread about what Anne had been doing. Also, since Anne had never acted carelessly before, the servants trusted her words.

Evelyn smiled as she spoke.

“Anne is right. It’s better to be cautious than to act hastily. For a while, let your families stay in the servants’ quarters as they have been.”

The baron and baroness had been using the annex as quarters for the servants for their safety, as most of the areas where the servants lived were not secure.

At Evelyn’s words, everyone’s faces brightened.

“Thank you!”

“And Heath’s child. Ah, your name was Thomas, right?”

“Yes.”

“Did you go outside?”

“…Yes. It was too stuffy inside.”

At this, Heath, startled, checked Thomas all over. Seeing that he was unharmed, she scolded him loudly.

“I told you never to go outside! Why didn’t you listen to me?”

“Mom….”

Evelyn and Anne also looked at the mother and daughter in surprise.

Evelyn looked around and called a servant.

“There aren’t any children your age here, so you must have been bored. Well then, Belle! Teach this child various games.”

“Me?”

“Yes, it seems the reason I hired you was for this very moment.”

“My Lady?”

Belle cautiously surveyed the atmosphere and nodded.

Belle was a maid Evelyn had brought from her family when she got married. She had been intended as a nanny, but since the baron and baroness had no children, she had been doing maid’s work for a long time.

Though time had passed and many had forgotten, Belle knew. The baron and baroness had not given up hope that a family member would come someday.

The couple often told Belle not to lose hope, that their child would come someday.

Now, hearing the lady assign her a different duty, Belle felt a mix of emotions.

Belle extended her hand to Evelyn Thomas.

“Thomas, will you come with me? It’s cold outside, so we should warm up first.”

Heath, unable to hide her regret, felt a pang of sorrow. She, who had served the lady closely, knew well that Evelyn had longed for a child so much that it hurt.

“Since we’re up early, those who are going to the Royal Palace should get ready to move.”