𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒𝟏: 𝐀 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐮𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐞
A gift for the concubine
I wanted to return home immediately, but I remembered that I had brought a handkerchief as a gift.
The shocking encounter with the concubine had caused me to completely forget about it.
ㅤ
“Excuse me, I brought this with the thought of presenting it to Karina-sama. Could you accept it?”
ㅤ
I took it out of my bag and, while declaring that it was a handkerchief, I handed it over with a touch of hesitation.
The concubine’s face instantly brightened up.
ㅤ
“Oh my! You prepared a gift for me! I am thrilled with the handkerchief!”
ㅤ
Even though she must be receiving mountains of gifts from the king and her aristocratic acquaintances.
I was surprised she was so happy with a mere handkerchief.
ㅤ
“Actually, this is the first time someone has given me such a modest gift. The other noble ladies are all so spiteful, they ignore me at tea parties, and they never prepare such items.”
ㅤ
It seems that gifts arrive even from the Concubine Faction, like necklaces, earrings, tiaras, dresses, and other expensive items.
ㅤ
“I have always admired this kind of exchange of items. Isn’t it wonderful to exchange good-sense items without any pretense between each other? I should have prepared something for Mrs. Dosa too. I never dreamed you would prepare such a gift for me!”
ㅤ
It seems that she appreciated the gift more than I had anticipated.
ㅤ
“I wonder what kind of handkerchief it is?”
ㅤ
With an excited look, the concubine opens the package.
The moment she untied the ribbon and opened the wrapping paper, her eyes sparkled.
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“Oh my, what a beautiful handkerchief! I absolutely love it! Mrs. Dosa, thank you very much.”
“I’m glad you liked it.”
ㅤ
The concubine held the handkerchief up to the chandelier light and stared at it with a dreamy expression.
ㅤ
“The intricate pattern of this lace is beautiful. It’s too precious to use. I might just keep it for decoration.”
ㅤ
When the concubine showed the handkerchief to her maid, she praised it as a very delicate and elegant lace.
It feels good to be complimented by a maid who probably sees a lot of lace on a regular basis.
I wanted to brag that Ga-chan had made it.
ㅤ
“Hey, can you tell me where you bought this handkerchief? I want to buy one too.”
“Well, this was bought in a retail store in the town below the castle.”
“Is that so? Hey, Mari, can you go buy about twenty of these right now?”
ㅤ
The concubine ordered her maid to buy handkerchiefs. I hurriedly stopped her.
ㅤ
“Excuse me, I apologize for the misunderstanding. While I did buy the handkerchief, the lace is a handmade piece I added.”
“You mean, Mrs. Dosa, you knitted this lace?!”
“To be precise, it wasn’t just me, but the lace was completed with the help of a fairy.”
ㅤ
If I were to knit this lace alone, it would probably take a month.
The concubine seemed surprised to hear about the fairy.
ㅤ
“Mrs. Dosa, you’re friends with fairies?!”
“Ah, yes.”
“That’s amazing! Not only are you kind and considerate, but you can also create such beautiful lace. I want you even more by my side! If a dress were made from the lace you and the fairy knitted, I think it would be absolutely lovely.”
ㅤ
When it comes to lace-making, I clearly express my thoughts here.
ㅤ
“I apologize, but I have no intention of turning lace knitting into a job.”
“Why not?!”
“Creating lace using fairy power consumes magic. Not only that, but if a large amount is made, it puts a great burden on the fairies themselves.”
ㅤ
In the world before the time rewind, Ga-chan and I made a lot of lace.
Not only me, but Ga-chan must have also had a considerable burden.
I gently touched Ga-chan, who is pretending to be a brooch, with my fingertip.
Then, Ga-chan put her small hand on top of mine.
ㅤ
“I see. I’m sorry for asking too much.”
“No problem.”
ㅤ
The spiderwork that Ga-chan uses is something I’ve decided to utilize only when necessary. I have no intention of using it as a means to earn money, like before time was rewound.
The handkerchief this time was also a means to convey a lack of hostility towards the concubine, so it can be said it was for my benefit.
ㅤ
I was glad to hear her say it in that way, I relayed to the concubine.
ㅤ
“It’s time for me to take my leave.”
“Sorry for keeping you for so long. I really appreciated the handkerchief. Thank you.”
ㅤ
I rise and bow, then leave the concubine’s room.
Led by a maid, I walked along the long corridor of the palace.
It was a different route from the way we had come, and as I was looking around curiously, we entered a space lined with portraits.
Next to a large portrait of the King was a picture of the Queen, presumably from her younger days.
Next to that, I was startled to see a painting of the concubine. She was holding a baby, presumably Prince Leonardo, and had a beautiful smile on her face.
Normally, portraits of non-official royals are not displayed in such places.
It was clear how much the King treasured the concubine, and truly loved her.
Next to the concubine was Prince Engelbert. This must have been painted when he had his coming-of-age ceremony at fifteen.
He seemed younger than he is now.
The woman next to him, a female royal I had never seen before.
She must be about fifteen.
She was a beautiful girl with platinum blonde hair and skin like porcelain.
Her eyes were downcast, so I couldn’t tell the color of her irises.
ㅤ
“Excuse me, who is in this painting?”
ㅤ
I couldn’t help but stop and ask.
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“That is Princess Marion.”
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She has a weak constitution and has never appeared in society, apparently she is a sheltered princess.
I remember hearing something about that.
ㅤ
“Princess Marion is the only daughter of the former concubine Anne. Since her mother’s death, she has been recuperating in a sanatorium in the west.”
“I see.”
ㅤ
I had heard about the past, that the King had been very fond of the former concubine as well.
He has loved his concubines deeply for two generations, which makes me feel sorry for the Queen.
I know that marriages among the royal and noble families are like that, but it’s extremely rare for someone like the King to openly show his love without any regard for public opinion.
ㅤ
As soon as our conversation broke off, the maid began to walk again.
She probably chose this route on purpose to show me the portrait of the concubine.
The concubine’s influence in high society is significant. There must have been a purpose to show that if she becomes an ally, it can bring significant benefits.
ㅤ
I part ways with the maid and get into the carriage.
I have received a lot of information in just an hour and a half, and I’m in a state of confusion. I couldn’t help but hold my head.
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