1. Side Story MTL
The social world was turned upside down by the rumor that the castle was giving Mrs. Barnes a title. The impact was so great that it buried the rumors that her eldest daughter had become a princess and that her second daughter had decided to exhibit her paintings at an exhibition.
Whenever people in society gathered together, they would talk about what title they would receive and what Mrs. Barnes had done to be given a title in a woman's body, and it wasn't just social circles. Even ordinary people, not nobles, would talk about such things when they gathered together.
Of course, the same was true in clubs where only male nobles gathered.
“I heard I can only pass it on to my daughter.”
“Huh, not your son? “I don’t know who the daughter who will inherit will be, but I won’t have to worry about marriage.”
“You never know. What kind of man would like a wife with a title? I want it because it’s burdensome. “What if I ask you to raise the child?”
The friend next to me said as if he was dumbfounded by Dale's joking words.
“Wake up from your dream, my friend. “Mrs. Barnes’ first daughter is a princess.”
“Iris Barnes? Wait, then what is your title?”
“I’ll go to the second one. What was your name? “What kind of flower was it?”
It was two letters. What was it? rose? Lily? A tall man silently approached the men whose names came to mind. He blurted out, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
“Lily.”
“Yes, Lily! “It was Lily Barnes.”
“Then the second daughter will take over the next title?”
“Thank goodness, well. She said she was a bit of a weird girl. She draws a picture or something. “She has a title, so she won’t die of old age as an old maid.”
Next to Dale, who was giggling while saying that, his friend closed his mouth with a stern look on his face. This is because they recognized the tall man who approached them.
But Dale added regardless.
“I don’t even know if it’s pretty. “I had an eccentric personality, so I was wondering how to get married, but I’m glad.”
“Well, I don’t know if your personality is that eccentric.”
Despite his friend's uncertain rebuttal, Dale shook his head and said,
“I heard you’re exhibiting a painting at an exhibition. “That’s nonsense.”
It is an honor to display a painting at an exhibition. But that's honorable for a painter, isn't it, for a noblewoman? That too is unprecedented.
That's why my friend also thought Lily's exhibition was absurd, but didn't say anything. Even though the atmosphere was freezing, Dale continued to chatter without thinking.
“Lord Casey seems to have gotten older and his judgment has become impaired. Are you going to make a woman like that a painter? … .”
“Dale.”
Eventually, his friend couldn't stand it anymore and opened his mouth to stop Dale. But he still cursed at Lily and Philip without notice.
“Lord Casey too. “They don’t know that this is to seduce a young woman and prevent her from getting married.”
“Dale.”
The man tapped Dale on the shoulder, seriously contemplating whether tact was part of intelligence. Although he thought his friend was a light-hearted guy who was always tactless and liked to talk to others, he never dreamed that it would become a problem for him.
That may be why his parents advised him not to hang out with Dale too much. It was only then that Dale looked puzzled when he saw his friend's stern expression.
“Did I say something wrong?”
The answer came from behind him. It was a voice as cold as winter.
“You seem quite relaxed about worrying about other people’s marriages, Sir Dale Alberton.”
Only then did Dale realize why his friend's expression was so tense. He turned his head and suddenly found Douglas standing behind him.
“Ke, Lord Casey…” … .”
“I’m looking forward to seeing how solid your marriage journey will be.”
Saying that, Douglas held Dale's shoulder tightly. Dale's legs gave out with a gasp, but he did not fall.
“Aaaah!”
The next moment, as soon as Dale screamed, Douglas withdrew his hand as if to shake him off. He said it as if it was no big deal to Dale's friend, who hesitated in surprise.
“Please bill the treatment costs to our house.”
Treatment expenses? My friend looked at Dale in confusion. He fell to the floor, trembling and clutching his shoulder from Douglas.
“Aren’t you crazy?”
Dale muttered as Douglas turned around and left. Perhaps because he was afraid that Douglas, who had heard him, would come back and break his opposite shoulder blade as well, his voice was quiet enough for his friend to stay by his side.
You idiot. My friend clicked his tongue and said to Dale.
“You’re the one who’s crazy. You were the one who told me a few months ago that a man hit Lily Barnes so hard that his nose was broken.”
I'm glad I only broke my nose. I heard you also lost a few teeth. As someone who loves gossip, Dale was excited and talked about it.
Dale's face turned red. I guess I'll have to watch my mouth with this one. His friend thought as he supported his healthy shoulder.
“Douglas, you’re early.”
It was the Marquis Casey and his wife who were at home to welcome Douglas. He said hello, thinking it was strange that his father was home at this time.
"I'm home."
According to his recollection, today his mother was to attend the Marchioness Craig's tea party. His father didn't say anything, so it must have been the same as usual. In other words, his plan would have been to go to the castle, then to the club, have dinner, and then return home.
Did something happen? Douglas stopped when he saw his mother's expression as if she had something to say.
"you… … .”
After crying like that, Genevieve closed her mouth for a moment. Knowing how firm her son's attitude towards Lily Barnes was, she shouldn't talk easily. She recalled Douglas's treatment of Miss Mary Watson, Viscountess Watson's niece.
That day, her son left her in the garden! I don't know how much Genevieve apologized for that rude attitude. Of course, Douglas later went to Mary and apologized, but Genevieve was embarrassed.
“Come here and sit down.”
Is there anything that makes children more nervous than a parent telling them to come and sit down? Douglas tensed up at his mother's words. He entered the drawing room and sat down opposite Genevieve, desperately trying to remember what he had done wrong.
“I heard you attended Countess Steward’s tea party not long ago.”
How did you know that? Douglas answered, trying hard not to roll his eyes.
“I just stopped by for a moment.”
“Hmm, to see the Countess?”
Of course not. However, Douglas chose not to answer anything, and when his son didn't say anything, Genevieve, frustrated, couldn't bear it and asked.
“Are you still following Miss Barnes?”
In the end, Douglas' eyes rolled back at his mother's question. Are you following her around? Recently, our relationship has progressed to the point where we sit across from each other and drink tea together. Of course, that's something you do between friends.
As her son still remained silent, Genevieve sighed involuntarily. What on earth is the problem?
Her son is perfect. Everyone may have different standards for their children, but Genevieve thought that Douglas would be perfect, even by other people's standards, not her own.
He's handsome, comes from a good family, and has a nice personality. Isn’t this perfect? Moreover, he is not an alcoholic, he is not addicted to gambling, and he does not lay hands on women. Her son was beyond perfect.
How did such a son fall for such a strange girl? Genevieve really couldn't understand.
It would be better if, like other wives, I could complain that that girl had deceived my innocent son. Ironically, Lily is not interested in her marriage and Douglas is nothing more than a hindrance to her future.
“I heard from your mother that you are still following the second son of the Barnes family.”
This time, Marquis Casey stepped forward. Douglas nodded his head countless times at his words. Genevieve sighed, unable to bear it at her son's attitude, and the Marquis Casey let out a muffled, disapproving groan.
Thanks to this, the atmosphere in the living room calmed down. The Marquis closed his mouth, looked at his son who was sitting upright, and then opened his mouth again.
“Douglas, let’s assume we allow her.”
If only, by chance, the Marquis Casey and his wife would allow Lily to become the marquis' daughter-in-law. Thinking he knew what his father was taking issue with, Douglas answered quickly.
“She will still paint. “She will work as a painter.”
The Marquis' eyes narrowed. He was as quiet a man as his son, and he didn't know what to say in these situations, even more so than his son.
In fact, that was possible because he was a marquis. Turning a word around means being considerate so as not to hurt the other person's feelings, and the higher the status and the more powerful the person, the less need for that.
“No, not that one.”
The Marquis said and leaned towards Douglas. He continued to ask with a serious expression.
“Even if we allow you to marry Miss Barnes, who knows what will happen to her after the engagement?”
“Frederick.”
Genevieve quickly called her husband's name, but his words had already reached Douglas' ears. His father was right. Douglas calmly nodded his head.
He is not stupid. His experience of being engaged twice and then breaking off the engagement was not that light. Douglas knew that even if he became engaged to Lily, she might find a true love other than him.
“Father, are you saying that since Miss Barnes is engaged to me, she might fall in love with another man?”
Hearing Douglas' words, Genevieve unconsciously squeezed her husband's hand. It's not very pleasant to see her perfect son being rejected by women twice.
Genevieve was afraid that Douglas would give up on marriage like Philip, and she was overjoyed when she found out that he had set his heart on a young woman.
It would have been nice if it weren't for the fact that the Marquise's position was a hindrance.
"okay."
Frederick Casey nodded in response to Douglas' question. And he asked again.
“Is Miss Barnes a lady worth it?”
No matter who she gets engaged to anyway, she will find her true love other than Douglas. If you're very lucky, Douglas might become your true love.
That was what Marquis Casey and his wife were thinking. If it doesn't work out anyway, is there any need for his son to put in this much effort?
A high-class woman, such as a princess of a certain kingdom, could comfort her by saying she did her best, but Lily Barnes is generally a strange young woman with an eccentric personality. Fortunately for her, her older sister became a princess, but her mother was a shameless and eccentric woman who demanded a title as a woman, and if she had become engaged to such a woman, it would have ended badly for her.
"yes."
But Douglas answered decisively without any time to think. Is it worth it? So what value is there in just sitting and staring without doing anything?
He was secretly surprised that his parents could think so poorly.
“Douglas.”
At that time, Genevieve came forward. She spoke cautiously, extending her body toward her son.
“I know you like that girl. But even if everything goes well, our family will get an unfaithful marchioness.”
however? A puzzled expression appeared on Douglas' face. Seeing her son's expression, Genevieve began to hesitate, unable to continue speaking.
Douglas will become the Marquess of Casey and rule over the Cayce family. Then it was her turn to ask whether she should choose a wife for the family, but she could not bring herself to say that to her son.
“I’m asking whether you think that’s a good thing for our family.”
Only then did Douglas realize what his mother was trying to say after hearing his father's words. So, they are telling him to give up his love for the sake of his family.
Actually, that's not that rare. A noble marriage was closer to a union of families, and each person tried to find a partner that suited their family.
And the people who got married like that actually got along better. Just as the king and queen did, as did the Marquess Casey and the Marquess Craig.
People who grow up in similar environments tend to have similar ways of thinking.
That was what Genevieve was worried about. Lily and Douglas had very different interests and upbringings. No matter how much Douglas likes Lily, there is a limit to how much he can accommodate her. After all, she knows that if Lily decides to marry him, her last name will be Casey, not Barnes.
“I thought I had done a good job for my family so far.”
At that time, Douglas opened his mouth heavily. He was a little angry at his parents' words and his face was frozen. He was betrothed twice as his parents wanted, and in order not to tarnish the name of the Keishi family as a master of swordsmanship, he trained his sword and became the prince's teacher.
When he thought about it, he never really thought about what he wanted. He did it because it was natural and he had to do it. He was lucky enough to be talented at the things he had to do.
He thought Lily was great in that regard. He grew up in a comfortable environment where it was easy to discover and develop his talent. However, Lily did not realize that she had a talent for drawing, and she developed it carefully in an environment where it was difficult to develop that talent.
“So, for once, I want to do something I really want.”
Genevieve and Frederick's gazes collided as Douglas continued. What your son said is correct. Rather than causing any problems, Douglas was a perfect son and heir who was envied by others.
“Is that marriage?”
A smile appeared on Douglas' face at his father's question. He said with an expression that made no sense.
“No, courtship. “Marriage is not something I can say I want.”
"hmm."
A heavy groan came out of Frederick's mouth again. He didn't like Lily Barnes. It is a big flaw that a woman is not obedient. Another major flaw is that she has no interest in quietly looking after the house.
However, my son wanted to do what he wanted at least once in his life, and that was courtship, so I didn't even think about objecting to that.
“Let me think about it.”
When his father told him to leave, Douglas nodded and got up. He was finally free from the difficult situation, but his steps back to his room were not light at all.
The fact that he was going against his parents' opinion for the first time in his life, and that it was about the girl he liked, made his steps heavy.
“What do you think?”
As soon as Douglas left, Frederick asked Genevieve. She sighed and rested her forehead as she lifted her head and answered her husband's question.
"I'm frustrated."
“Not Douglas, but that girl. “Lily Barnes or something.”
Lily Barnes. Her husband's words reminded Genevieve of Lily again. She was an ordinary girl with brown hair. She was actually a little bit out of the ordinary.
She judged Lily like that, then shook her head and said,
“Can I be honest with you?”
"sure."
Genevieve laughed bitterly at her husband's words. She was a confident and outspoken lady. A slightly washed-up Lily Barnes.
“I like that girl a little bit.”
"is it so?"
Frederick's eyes narrowed. Genevieve leaned in and placed her hand on her husband's arm, responding with surprise.
“You know, right? “I said I wouldn’t mind any girl he liked.”
It did. Frederick tried to ask Lily Barnes if she liked her. But before that, Genevieve spoke again.
“But Miss Barnes would have liked it if she had nothing to do with Douglas.”
I thought that if Genevieve had met Lily through another relationship, regardless of whether it was with Casey or Douglas, she would have definitely liked her.
The same goes for wanting to become a painter. As long as she doesn't care about her home, she can be considered brave, if not cheery. Maybe I could buy Lily a painting or two for her.
However, if she and Casey end up together, Genevieve has no choice but to think of the family she cares for first. She is angry daughter-in-law. She is ridiculous.
“If you like it, you must be a good person.”
Genevieve smiled at Frederick's words. Yes, the person himself was fine. Lily was a decent young lady despite the harsh conditions of being raised by her slightly eccentric single mother in an all-female household without her father, and as a noblewoman who wanted to become a painter.
“But there’s something wrong with that girl.”
At her husband's next words, Genevieve looked as if she didn't know what he was talking about. Frederick said, lifting his other hand and placing it on Genevieve's hand, which was placed on his arm.
“There are many painters, but there is only one Marchioness Casey.”
* * *
“Lily, there’s a letter.”
The next day, Ashley came into Lily's studio on this floor of the cupola mansion and spoke. She looked back and forth between Douglas sprawled out on the sofa and Lily across from her, and then she started giggling.
Thanks to this, Douglas' face brightened, but Lily looked like she didn't know why Ashley was smiling. she asked Ashley, holding her brush.
"letter?"
"huh. “It’s from Emil.”
Where did you hear that name? The moment Douglas thought that, Lily's face distorted. She put down her brush, got up from her seat, and she said to Douglas:
“Should we take a short break?”
Even though he was feeling a little sore, Douglas immediately got up. Then he quickly put on the jacket he had taken off and asked.
“Who is Emile?”
It's a familiar name, but I can't remember where I heard it. Lily opened her mouth to respond, but Ashley answered before she did.
“This is the man who follows Lily around.”
Are you following Lily around? Douglas' eyes widened. He looked at Lily in surprise and asked.
“What kind of person, or rather, who is it?”
Thanks to this, an interesting expression appeared on Ashley's face. But Lily actually looked annoyed.
“This is someone you saw before. A man who makes brushes.”
Only then did it occur to Douglas who Emile was. He was the unpleasant person I met when he guided Lily to the art shop instead of Philip.
I even remembered that the man offered Lily a brush as an apology, but she didn't take it. Douglas glanced at Ashley with her bright smile and asked Lily who was still cleaning up her brushes as if it was no big deal.
“Are you doing something like that to woo me?”
"yes?"
Startled, Lily lifted her head and the paint on the brush she was organizing flew out. Thanks to this, both Lily and Ashley's attention went to Douglas's dirty clothes.
“Oh my, what should I do!”
“Ashley, go get a towel!”
There was no time for Douglas to say he was okay. He doesn't even have time to ask how Emile woos Lily, but he takes her towel and calls her maid. Thanks to Lily and Ashley, who have left, Deng is left alone in the studio.
“It’s really okay.”
In the end, it was after Mildred, who heard the commotion, came running that Douglas said he was okay. She looked at Douglas' shirt and then used her oil to wipe the oil paint off it.
There were still some marks left, so Mildred offered to buy him a new shirt, but Douglas refused.
"sorry. “I will warn you to be more careful.”
"no. It really wasn’t Miss Barnes’ fault.”
Douglas said, spreading his hands. It really wasn't Lily's fault. More than that, he was dying to know what Lily thought about Emil's courtship.
You're probably not looking at it positively, are you? That can't be possible. The last time he saw Emile, he was a mean man and Lily hated him very much.
But he didn't know until now that Emil was courting Lily. So it means that even if something happened in the meantime, he didn't know.
What on earth happened? Had Emil come to see Lily without his knowledge? Douglas was so filled with anxious thoughts that he had no idea what Mildred was talking about.
“Lord Casey?”
"yes? yes."
Only after answering reflexively did Douglas realize that he had no idea what question he had been answering. Mildred smiled at the embarrassed man and said.
"okay. “Of course I will go with my mother.”
what? A puzzled expression appeared on Douglas' face. Mildred, seeing his expression, quickly explained.
“I mean the exhibition. “I heard you’re going with your mother.”
To be precise, Mildred asked if he was going with Marchioness Casey, and Douglas answered, 'Yes.'
That was it. Douglas quickly nodded his head. I'm going to take his mother with me. maybe. His father won't be interested, so it's his job to take his mother with him.
When Douglas nodded, Mildred raised her teacup and said,
“I was planning to go to the exhibition with the kids, but the other kids have work, so I think Ashley and I will have to go alone.”
“Isn’t Miss Lily Barnes going to the exhibition?”
“I’m leaving a little early.”
At that time, Lily, who had changed her clothes, entered the living room and answered. Mildred laughed to herself as she saw Douglas jump out of his seat.
“Early?”
“Because we have to prepare for the exhibition. You have to go and check in advance. “I think I’ll probably meet my mother and Ashley there.”
Douglas sat down in his seat only after making sure Lily was seated. And he quickly asked:
“Then is it okay if I escort you?”
“Where?”
“It’s an exhibition. Since you said you were leaving early, I will bring a carriage and take you to the exhibition.”
“But Sir Casey, you said you were going with your mother.”
Oops. Only then did Douglas realize his mistake. If she wants to take her mother to the exhibition, she must be home before that. He quickly shook his head. If his childhood tutor saw the speed at which he was currently performing the calculations in his head, it was at a speed that would make him lament, asking why he didn't do it when he could do it.
"it's okay. “I can take you there and then go back home.”
You will have to drive the carriage very fast, though. Mildred raised her eyebrows at Douglas' words but said nothing. Lily looked at his mother for a moment and then shrugged her shoulders.
“Thank you very much, but it’s okay. You have to be busy to drop me off and go back home. “I was going to ask Uncle Philip anyway.”
Sir Philip Casey will be very happy to accept Lily's request. Perhaps he might actually be upset that Lily goes to the exhibition with someone other than him.
Douglas thought about insisting that he would be the escort one more time, but then decided. He wanted to take Lily home, but he felt like she wouldn't like him if he bothered him too much.
“Then I’ll see you at the exhibition.”
Douglas said hello and left. There is an exhibition coming soon. Lily clasped her hands together, feeling her fingertips grow cold with nervousness and anticipation as she recalled her exhibition.
“I heard you are calling Sir Casey by name.”
Suddenly Mildred raised her teacup and asked. Lily, who had been sitting still, rubbing her cold fingertips, looked up in surprise.
“Which one?”
Both are Sir Casey. Mildred laughed bitterly at her mistake and corrected him.
“Sir Douglas Casey.”
"i know. “Actually, I call them both by their first names.”
Philip Casey is called Uncle Philip, and Douglas Casey is called Douglas. Mildred chuckled at Lily's confession. She was about to ask Lily if she thought positively about Douglas.
Lily must be worried too. She has as much to lose as Marchioness Casey as Marchioness. For Lily, who has just entered the world as an artist, it is a burden.
This is not a position that can be accepted with just a little affection.
“I’m a little worried.”
Lily, who was thinking the same thing as her, opened her mouth. Lily cautiously opened her mouth as Mildred looked at her with a questioning look.
“Dougler, get closer to Sir Casey. “I’m worried about whether this is okay.”
Mildred seemed to know what Lily was worried about, but she deliberately pretended not to know.
“Are you saying this is okay?”
“I have no intention of getting married. But Sir Casey must get married. But is it really right to be this close?”
“Lily, have you told Sir Casey that you have no intention of getting married?”
"yes."
“Despite that, he decided to become friends with you?”
“Well, I guess so?”
“Then why should you worry?”
Lily's mouth opened and closed again in response to her mother's question. She's right. Douglas remained by Lily's side even though he knew she had no intention of marrying him. She was his choice, his decision.
But Lily still felt guilty. A feeling of guilt that makes you feel like you have to answer his feelings or chase him away with harsh words.
I felt guilty, as if just because he liked her, if anything went wrong in his life, it would be her fault.
Mildred had some understanding of Lily's guilt. If someone shows favor to me, and if I show favor to them, that kind of guilt is bound to arise. She thought for a moment while holding the teacup, and then she asked.
“Lily, do you like Lord Casey?”
Lily's face heated up at the cautious question. She lowered her gaze to her teacup, avoiding Mildred's eyes, then raised her head and said:
“A little bit.”
“But you don’t want to get married?”
“To be exact, I’m not at the point where I’m giving up on being a painter.”
“That’s a good thing.”
"is it so?"
“Well, it’s good to have something solid.”
People try to find something solid like that. Mildred was proud of Lily, who had found her own at the age of eighteen.
She sipped her tea and then looked at Lily. It's great to find out what you want to do and what you're talented at at a young age.
And it's great that he still knows what he wants more strongly in the face of the attractive circumstances of Douglas Casey.
She opened her mouth to ease her daughter's worries.
“Lily, how old is Sir Casey?”
“Uh, um. Was he twenty-five? “I think so.”
Only then did Mildred remember that the first time she asked Douglas his age, he desperately tried to put her age down. Mildred said with a grin.
“Then he’s seven years older than you.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“So even if you were thinking of getting married, shouldn’t Sir Casey be the one to worry about whether this is okay, not you?”
is it? An expression of surprise appeared on Lily's face. Mildred added, shrugging her shoulders.
“Of course, I’m not saying you shouldn’t worry about anything. It's your life, so you should think about it too. “But what you are worried about now is the life of Sir Casey, who is older than you.”
Lily told Douglas everything he needed to consider. She said she had no intention of getting married and that she would become a painter. Nevertheless, it is Douglas who makes the choice to remain by Lily's side.
But Lily's expression did not brighten despite Mildred's words.
In theory, she knows her mother is right. But the mind is not something that can be organized so easily. Even though in her head Douglas knew everything and she had no responsibility, she still felt some responsibility towards Douglas.
Mildred also knew that no matter what she said, she could never completely rid Lily of her sense of responsibility. And that was something she couldn't do anything about.
“That’s because you’re kind.”
That evening, after hearing Mildred's story about Lily's troubles, Daniel spoke sternly with a drowsy expression. okay? Mildred looked at Daniel for a moment and then rested her head on his arm.
“All of our kids are good.”
“It’s okay to be a little mean.”
“Are you saying that because the other person is Sir Casey?”
In response to Mildred's question, Daniel looked like he was wondering what she meant. But she continued to ask without even looking at his face.
“You and Sir Casey don’t get along very well.”
“It’s not a bad thing.”
“When it’s just the two of us, the cold wind blows, right?”
“There is no need to create a particularly warm atmosphere.”
Why are you avoiding talking like this? Mildred jumped up and looked at him. Thanks to this, Daniel, who was lying on the bed for a long time, couldn't help but notice her.
“It’s not because of the curse, is it?”
Mildred asked, putting her hands on her hips. He had been curious before. Why does the atmosphere become so cold whenever I am alone with Douglas?
If we say that their relationship is difficult because of the fairy's curse, it cannot explain why they are actually close friends with Philip. That's why I don't understand. It's the same Casey, but one side is friendly and the other side is harsh.
“Actually, that’s true.”
Daniel said, still lying down and holding Mildred's hand. Mildred asked in surprise.
“But you’re on good terms with Sir Philip Casey, aren’t you?”
“I didn’t get along well with him from the beginning.”
It's a very interesting story. Mildred's eyes began to shine. Daniel chuckled and pulled her hand.
“Are you going to tell me?”
“If you lie down again.”
Mildred's eyes narrowed. Daniel added quickly.
“Because it’s cold.”
That can't be possible. Although it is early fall, Mildred is not cold, so Daniel will not be cold either. But she lay down again with an expression that said there was nothing she could do.
“People in Casey Street, especially men, tend to change their attitude the moment they find out who I am.”
Not only Philip and Douglas, but also the Marquis Casey's attitude changed the moment they found out that Daniel was a fairy. I looked him up and down, and he looked like he wanted to say something, but he soon left with an awkward look.
“How old were you?”
“I must have been about ten years old.”
Because it was when his mother was still here. He understood Marquis Casey's attitude. Since he saw what his younger brother went through, he probably had a lot of things he wanted to discuss and ask.
However, the other person was only a ten-year-old child and I couldn't argue or ask questions, so I just left.
“The next person I met was Philip. A few years later he met Sir Douglas Casey.”
I had no particular contact with Philip. Daniel was a teenager at the time, and Philip had a similar attitude to Marquis Casey. And when he met Douglas a few years later, Daniel realized why the Casey men had been acting strangely towards him.
“Wait a minute, so you didn’t know until then that the Casey family had a fairy’s blessing on it?”
“I didn’t know exactly what kind of blessing it was. “I knew that fairy powers have been in the family lineage for generations.”
So Daniel vaguely knew why the men of the Casey family were uncomfortable with him. The exact reason was after Douglas took an aggressive attitude.
“Did you fight?”
It wasn't like that. Daniel asked in bewilderment.
“Do you know the age difference between me and Sir Casey?”
“It’s as big as the difference between Lily and Sir Casey.”
There was no way he could fight a boy that young. Daniel looked at Mildred, thinking that Douglas was disgusting again. When he first met Douglas, he was younger than Douglas is now.
Douglas at that time was also a little younger than Lily is now. Still, it's funny that Daniel, who is in his twenties, is fighting with Douglas, who is just a teenager, because he said something unpleasant.
“What did Sir Casey say?”
At Mildred's question, Daniel turned and lay down on his side. And he said, resting his chin on his elbow.
“He said he doesn’t believe in such stupid curses.”
Did you say that? Mildred's eyebrows rose. She looked at Daniel for a moment and then giggled.
“It appears Sir Casey’s parents were not nearby.”
“If there had been one, I would have been scolded harshly.”
An image of the now polite Douglas appeared in Mildred's mind. He is being gentlemanly enough to her and to Lily. Douglas also seems to have been a troublemaker when he was young.
“You weren’t the one who scolded me?”
A smile appeared on Daniel's face when asked if he, as an elder, scolded Douglas. He has no obligation to help someone else's child grow up properly. Even if it existed, he would have ignored it.
But Daniel answered politely.
“Even if I don’t get scolded, someone else will get scolded someday.”
And the longer it is delayed, the more he will end up like Priston, whose face was ruined after being hit by Douglas. Appropriate discipline and praise are very important in raising children. If one of the two is lacking, you end up like Priston.
Mildred looked at Daniel, who was showing an unnecessarily cold attitude toward others, and asked.
“Is that the end? “But is Lord Casey still so cold-hearted?”
“Oh, there were a few minor incidents after that.”
“A minor incident?”
“The most recent incident was when the prince nominated me as his swordsmanship teacher.”
Did you do that? Mildred's eyes widened. Naturally, I thought it had been decided that I would learn swordsmanship from Douglas and other knowledge from Daniel. Royalty and nobles receive education such as math, history, social studies, and etiquette when they are young.
And when they reach their late teens and their education is over, they hire people like Daniel nearby to give them advice and provide them with social knowledge. Normally, it would be held by a distant relative who does not receive a title, but since Ryan is a prince, nobles like Douglas and Daniel became his advisors.
“I didn’t know your swordsmanship skills were as good as Lord Casey.”
“If it were a battle and not a match, I would be better than him.”
I don't know what you're talking about. When Mildred looked confused, Daniel slowly chose his words and explained.
“If we were to compete under the same conditions and the only outcome was who would win, there would be no one in this country who could beat Sir Casey. “He has polite swordsmanship.”
“And what about you?”
Daniel's eyes widened. He smiled in amusement and stretched out his hand to wrap around Mildred's waist.
“I’m into back alley fighting. “If your goal is to survive at all costs, I’m better than Sir Casey.”
no way. This time Mildred's eyes narrowed. she asked, lying face down and only raising her head to look at Daniel.
“Did you duel?”
"yes. Sir Casey suggested that we decide on a duel for the position of swordsman teacher.”
“And you won?”
Daniel smiled instead of answering. Douglas said it was cruel, but he thought it was a way. Douglas and Casey seem to think of swordsmanship as training and the sword as a friend, but to Daniel, weapons are just tools.
However, he recommended to Ryan that it would be a good idea to take lessons from Douglas, as sword training would be helpful in terms of physical strength training. Of course, rather than really thinking that way, it was because I thought that Ryan, who would become king, would need to be close to Douglas, who would become the Marquis of Casey.
“Instead of such boring stories, let’s talk about something more interesting.”
Daniel said and kissed Mildred's shoulder. Mildred laughed, dumbfounded, at hearing him and Douglas say the story was boring, but then giggled and writhed at the tickling sensation of his shoulder touching her.
“I thought it was an interesting enough story.”
“There is a more interesting story than that.”
Mildred, lying on her back on the bed, looked up at Daniel and asked.
“What is it?”
“Our wedding.”
"oh."
Daniel's eyebrows rose as he finally realized it. he asked, tilting his head towards her.
“Have you never thought about it?”
“Oh, no. I thought about it. “Of course.”
Mildred hurriedly answered, but it was already too late. Daniel said with a slightly crooked expression.
“I even proposed marriage.”
“And I accepted. “I also told people about our engagement.”
“Then what should we do about the wedding?”
Iris has been chosen as the princess, and Lily is on the verge of taking a step forward as an artist by exhibiting her paintings at an exhibition. Ashley decided that she would still remain as the owner of the workshop, so in Daniel's eyes, she had no reason to postpone his wedding to Mildred any longer.
“What do you want to do?”
This time, Mildred asked Daniel. To be honest, she had never thought about what she would do with her wedding. Daniel is already living with her at home, she says.
A smile appeared on Daniel's face. He looked at Mildred blankly and said.
“I don’t mind any way to let people know I’m married to you.”
“Don’t you want to have a big wedding?”
“What about you, Mill? If you want a grand wedding... … .”
Daniel was ready to start the wedding at any moment, so Mildred quickly reached out and grabbed his arm. I don't really want a big wedding or anything like that.
“I mean, I’ve already done it twice.”
Both were quite grand. One was the union of Count Murphy and Baron Rivera, and the other was a marriage with Barnes, a man of considerable wealth, so it was deliberately held on a grander scale.
So Mildred had no regrets or illusions about the grand wedding. There was only one reason she asked. This was because it was Daniel's first time getting married.
She added, slowly brushing Daniel's arm.
“So, I think this marriage should be done the way you want.”
“Mildred.”
Daniel's voice lowered. At the same time, Mildred, seeing his eyes shining golden, involuntarily took a breath.
“What you want is what I want.”
“Is there a wedding you want to have?”
does not exist. Daniel grinned silently. He was willing to use any means to let her people know that he was married to her. He didn't mind informing him by letter.
To be honest, Daniel was dying to kiss Mildred right now. He whispered, kissing Mildred's shoulder and cheek.
“I want something more for a honeymoon than a wedding.”
Mildred giggled and asked at the tickling kiss.
"Where do you want to go?"
“It’s not where, it’s how much.”
I want to enjoy my honeymoon as long as possible. Just the two of us. Mildred sighed involuntarily as her words revealed her desire to have her all to herself. Then he stretched out his arm and hugged Daniel's neck and said,
“Go as long as possible.”
“Are you okay? “Even Iris can’t afford it right now.”
When Mildred is away, Iris always makes sure Lily and Ashley don't get into accidents. When asked if Iris would be okay now that she was busy being the prince's fiancee, Mildred sighed again.
“Because there won’t be other children living with Iris or me forever. “You should experience something like this.”
A smile appeared on Daniel's face at Mildred's words. He responded playfully.
"is it so. “I’m sure they won’t burn down the house.”
“Like you?”
Daniel calmly answered Mildred's question.
“My house was an accident.”
It was a good timing accident. This is even more so when you consider that Daniel had been staying at her house ever since. Mildred remembered Daniel's house, which she had seen in passing a few days ago.
I didn't see what it was like on the inside, so I don't know, but the outside was clean. And it seemed good for a nobleman to live alone. It was her dream to live quietly alone like that.
Somehow, the current situation was the complete opposite of what she had dreamed of, which made her laugh. Mildred asked, giggling.
“The original plan was to get all the kids married and live alone alone.”
“You can live quietly with me.”
“I don’t know if that’s possible.”
Daniel also smiled bitterly at Mildred's sighing words. It would take quite a bit of effort for her to live a secluded and quiet life. Because she still has someone who needs her.
Daniel asked, hugging Mildred.
“If you want, I can let you live in seclusion.”
“With your power?”
“Even if you don’t have the strength, there is a way to leave everything and go far away.”
For a split second, Mildred looked at Daniel with a surprised expression. He's leaving everything and going away? All of his assets and titles?
Is that really possible? She said, cupping Daniel's cheek.
“What are you talking about? It’s such a waste. “At most, I worked hard and received a title and became wealthy.”
“I just need you.”
“You’re going to leave everything and go away with me if I want to? really?"
Daniel's eyes turned golden again. That alone made Mildred realize that he was sincere.
It felt good, but also a bit burdensome. But she smiled and kissed his cheek. Daniel asked with a sigh.
“If you go and live somewhere else, can I stay with you?”
“I don’t plan on going anywhere, but okay. “We are going to get married.”
“Even if you’re not married?”
You're asking a strange question. Mildred thought so. Is it because she is being skeptical about her wedding? After thinking that far, she quickly answered.
“I’m going to get married. So don’t worry too much.”
Daniel's expression froze for a moment. But he soon smiled again and spoke.
“I understand you have given permission.”
* * *
The exhibition opening ceremony was spectacular. At the exhibition hall, the invited prince and his fiancée Iris Barnes gave speeches congratulating the opening, and the spectacular performances of the orchestra and dancers delighted the eyes and ears of the invitees.
Among those invited was Marchioness Genevieve Casey.
“There are more people than I thought.”
Genevieve said to herself as she walked down the crowded hallway of the exhibition hall. The first and second days were open only to invited guests, so I expected there to be fewer people, but it seems that wasn't the case at all.
“We invited all the sponsors and artists who participated in the exhibition.”
Douglas answered without thinking. On the first and second days, people who sponsored the exhibition and the artists who participated in the exhibition were invited and given the opportunity to view them first.
Of course, it is open to the public from the third day onwards, and of course you have to pay the entrance fee and buy a ticket when you come in. Nevertheless, it was obvious that from the third day onwards it would be so crowded that there would be no space to walk, so Genevieve and Douglas also visited the Crystal Palace today.
“At this point, I don’t even know what I’m looking at.”
Douglas' expression hardened as his mother seemed to be in a bad mood. He doesn't know how to appease his mother's feelings at times like this. The first thing that occurred to Douglas was that she should have brought her mother's servant.
But the next moment, Douglas shook his head. You shouldn't do that. she is his mother He should not expect a maid or anyone else to comfort his mother.
“Shall I get you something to drink?”
Genevieve's expression brightened briefly at Douglas' question, then darkened again. For safety reasons, the exhibition prohibited merchants from entering the Crystal Palace until the second day. That means that if you get thirsty, you have to go all the way to the inner garden and get a drink.
“It’s too far.”
That's right. Douglas, who was about to say yes without thinking, realized that her mother hadn't said 'no'. He came to his senses and answered.
“I’ll be back soon. “Please sit here for a moment.”
"are you okay. If you're going, go together... … .”
“No, mother. “Please wait a moment.”
Ugh. Genevieve sighed as she looked at her son who quickly walked away, leaving her behind. She was a little thirsty.
I raised my son really well. A smile appeared on Genevieve's face. In the blink of an eye, I saw that Douglas had gone that far. He's tall and handsome, and he's also considerate. Anyone could see that her son was the best husband.
“Oh my, Marchioness.”
At that time, Countess Baldwin came over to say hello. Genevieve was happy to see the appearance of her neighbor, whom she had always been close with, and smiled.
“It’s been a while, Countess. how have you been doing?"
A long time ago, I tried to get Douglas to marry Countess Baldwin's daughter. If the countess's daughter had not fallen in love with Baron Nelson before talk of her engagement came and went, she might have been engaged to Douglas.
“Thank you. “Is the Marchioness doing well too?”
No, maybe I'm glad I'm not engaged. Genevieve nodded her head, taking her countess's hand. She became estranged and estranged from both Douglas and her family, to whom she had been engaged. After her daughter became engaged to Douglas, she said she fell in love with another man and there was no way she could raise her head against Casey.
At the time, it was a pity that she had lost the countess's daughter, but looking back now, the thought occurred to Genevieve that it might have been a good thing. If she had been engaged to Count Baldwin, Genevieve might now have lost a friend.
“How is Amy doing?”
At Genevieve's question, a surprised expression appeared on the Countess's face for a moment, but it soon changed to a smile. She said proudly, patting Genevieve's joined hands.
“I recently became pregnant with my second child. “I wanted to come here today, but I ended up not being able to.”
“Well… … . “But you’re pregnant, so that’s great.”
It's already my second time. A vague image of Amy before her marriage appeared in Genevieve's mind. Some say she is already married and has two children, but her son is not even engaged yet.
Genevieve, who had been listening to Countess Baldwin for a while about how cute her first granddaughter was, hardened her face as soon as she left.
Now I can't even listen to this story like it's nothing. By her age, every time she gets together, she'll have stories like her son-in-law coming and going, eating with her daughter-in-law, and her grandson causing trouble but being cute. Every time that happened, Genevieve couldn't say anything.
Sometimes, she felt pitiful and irritable at herself. Because I’m lacking something! And what is it that my son lacks that prevents him from marrying like everyone else?
Even those from worse off families than hers got engaged and married. She successfully married a man much inferior to her son.
“Is it my fault?”
Genevieve's thoughts quickly flew to the point where it was her fault. Was she stubborn for no reason? Maybe she should have picked just one of the countless self-talks flying into Casey's. She shouldn't be too proud.
“Oh, I see you here.”
Suddenly, a familiar voice reached Genevieve's ears. Surprised, she raised her head and found Countess Baldwin, who had gone far away, greeted by a lady she knew.
She is a wife who always brags about her son-in-law and daughter-in-law whenever we meet her. She didn't do anything wrong, but she was the last person she wanted to talk to right now. Genevieve got up and quickly ran away into a deserted hallway.
It was only after taking a breather after sitting on the chair reserved for those who were unwell that Genevieve realized that her appearance was quite funny and laughed bitterly. Why is it that his child's marriage makes even his acquaintances run away from him?
“It’s not a child, it’s something.”
You gave birth to her and raised her, but now you're making her worry and worry about getting married. It's perfect to say that it's absurd. Genevieve laughed, dumbfounded at her feelings for her son, who had changed like the back of her hand.
Suddenly, Lily appeared in her mind. Maybe she was wise. She gave up on marriage and doing what she wanted to do. When she gets married, she will be very proud of giving birth to a son who will be her successor, and once the child is born, she will be anxious about raising him properly. When her child is old enough to get married, she will worry about that child's marriage just like she does now. What if you get married safely? The issue of her successor, her grandson, will be a source of headache for her.
After meeting Lily and seeing her family, Genevieve sometimes wondered what it would have been like if she had never married. She had not thought about her life as a Marchioness, as she had been living as a Marchioness since Casey was her Marchioness. She didn't even need to do that.
But no matter how much she thought about it, she couldn't imagine that she would have lived a better life than she did now if she hadn't become a Marchioness. She was raised as a noble daughter and a noble wife to take care of a family. What on earth does she do if she doesn't get married?
“I would have sat at home and embroidered.”
Genevieve muttered that and stared blankly at the work on the wall. The space she entered as if she was running away was not a place where the works of famous, established artists were displayed, but rather a space where the works of new artists were displayed.
Genevieve saw a wonderful tapestry before her eyes. He had great skills. Feeling a bit curious, she got up and walked closer to her tapestry.
The tapestry, large enough to fill one wall, depicts the brave warrior Jeda holding Bella's hand and pointing his sword at a fire-breathing dragon.
In fact, anyone who is even remotely familiar with the story of Jada and Bella will know how absurd this scene is. Because dragons had already become extinct in the era in which Jedah was born. However, Genevieve lost track of time as she was looking at the tapestry of great skill rather than her empty imagination.
Tapestries are woven on a loom, something she had never done before. She recalled that when she was very young, she told her parents that she wanted to make tapestries on a loom, and they responded by asking why she would do that.
“I should give it a try.”
Genevieve took a step back from the tapestry and said regretfully. It was like that back then. When her parents asked her why she did that, she cringed and when she sat down at her loom, she thought her life was over.
But when I looked back, it wasn't. If Casey had not become her Marchioness, she would not have lived as richly as she does now, nor would she have met her beloved husband and son, but she would not have died of a miserable old age.
Perhaps she could have made a leisurely living collecting paintings and discovering artists like her husband's younger brother, Sir Casey.
After thinking that far, Genevieve immediately shook her head. That's not it. No matter how much the world had changed, it would have been impossible for her to live as leisurely and wealthy as Sir Casey without her marriage.
Genevieve sighed and straightened her back. No matter how many times she thought about it, becoming Marchioness Casey was the best choice for her. Her husband is a good man and her son is good, although a little unlucky. Genevieve's mood improved as she was relieved of her earlier depressing thoughts.
Now that she had some free time, she decided to buy the tapestry she had just seen. Now that I'm here, I should buy some works by new artists if I like them.
“This is okay.”
The men entered her exhibition room when Genevieve looked through all the paintings on the wall and stood in front of the one she liked the most. They stood in front of Genevieve's tapestry, which she admired first, and began to talk in low voices.
“That’s great.”
“It must have taken quite a long time to create something like this.”
“It must have taken at least three months.”
It will happen. Genevieve nodded to herself.
At that time, one of the men checked the title of the work and the artist's name next to the painting and said in a tone that he knew that was the case.
“Sorin. “There are always dragons in his works.”
“Are you a famous writer?”
“This is the author that Mr. Bui discovered last year. not bad. “I’m a bit old for a new artist, but age doesn’t really matter when it comes to artistic activities.”
The colleague nodded at the man's words. The two people began to approach Genevieve while admiring the painting. And when she changed her seat, she checked the title and artist's name of the painting she had just been admiring, and started talking again.
“You’re a female painter.”
"okay?"
When his colleague showed curiosity, the man nodded and explained.
“He is a painter who has recently risen rapidly. Sir Casey unearthed it, and he seems to have high hopes for it.”
“Sir Casey?”
My colleague looked at the picture with an expression of surprise at the man's words. It was a painting depicting day and night in a garden. Even though it was the same place, it seemed like a completely different place due to the time difference.
“It seems like a series.”
“I like the daytime one better.”
"me too."
While listening to the men's conversation, Genevieve unconsciously crossed her arms. She liked the night one better. I liked how the color of the green flower that could be seen at a glance amidst the dark and dusky colors made her feel a little uneasy and calm at the same time.
“Are you going to buy it?”
One of the men who was watching for a moment asked the other. The man who knew the artist well seemed to think for a bit, then he turned his head towards the tapestry and said:
“Just what I said.”
“Aren’t you going to buy this series?”
The man laughed bitterly at his colleague’s question. He looked at the day and night series of paintings as if it was a waste, then shrugged his shoulders and said,
“It’s not too vain for a girl, but I’ll have to wait and see. “I’m also too young.”
hmm. The colleague looked at the series of paintings at the man's words and then looked back at the tapestry. I don't know. He only came along because the man recommended him. When it comes to art, it's like being illiterate.
"egg plant."
“Where should I tell people I’m buying a work of art?”
“There must be an employee here somewhere…” … Looks like he's away. “There was an office to the left of the entrance.”
After the men left, Genevieve returned to the Day and Night series and looked at the paintings carefully. As expected, she liked the night one better.
"mother."
After a while, Douglas, who returned with drinks, found Genevieve near the entrance and approached her. It was hard to find him because he wasn't at the place we left.
"thanks."
Genevieve took the drink from her son's hand with a refreshed expression, the disapproving expression she had before parting ways with him gone.
What happened? Douglas was puzzled by his mother's changed expression, but he deliberately did not ask what had happened.
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