༺ Unshakeable Hawthorn (4) ༻
I couldn’t tell how long I held Louise in my arms, comforting her as she cried more than I ever realized she could. After all, she was usually always smiling.
“Are you feeling better now?”
“Mhm…”
She buried her face in my chest, seemingly too embarrassed to look up.
“I guess you really didn’t like me liking him that much.”
I teased her gently, and she snuggled even closer as if to say that she was sorry and silently asked me not to say any more about it.
She was unexpectedly cute. Though it was Louise who usually sought comfort from me, her actions strangely reminded me of my younger siblings.
When would we get another moment like this? But pushing her further might make her cry more, so I should leave it at that.
“But you know, getting angry with me won’t change anything. The decision isn’t mine to make.”
I felt compelled to add that. Even if Louise hated the idea, hating me wouldn’t change the situation since Lady Marghetta was the prime candidate for the first wife. If Louise wanted to be with oppa, she’d have to plead her case to the lady.
Louise didn’t even know multiple marriages were possible, let alone how crucial the first wife’s approval was.
“I already have senior’s approval.”
Hearing Louise mumble that within my arms made me doubt my ears. Senior?
If we were talking about the same person, it could only mean the lady. Louise had the lady’s approval?
“Really? You mean Lady Marghetta?”
“Yes, she told me to give it my best. She said she’d support me…”
I became speechless. While I was thinking that we were at a dead end, Louise had already cleared the biggest hurdle.
And it wasn’t just any approval; it was practically an endorsement.
‘Already?’
It was astounding. The lady had become closer to oppa during the break, and it hadn’t even been half a year since school resumed. The momentum Louise had gained by securing the lady’s approval was unbelievable.
And why did she use that momentum on me? With the lady’s approval, my feelings should seem trivial in comparison.
Feeling almost deceived, I hugged Louise tighter. Was Louise, who had already been granted permission, keeping me, who didn’t have it yet, in check?
Despite Louise’s squirming, I didn’t let go. Just a little longer.
***
Class was almost starting, so we decided to meet again during the break. Louise’s jealousy subsided quickly, but I still had questions for her.
“Tell me.”
“H-huh?”
I pulled Louise aside for a heart-to-heart, or rather, an interrogation, as soon as break time started. The suspense had been killing me.
“How did you get the lady’s permission?”
I thought it would be difficult. The lady and oppa’s relationship had already been confirmed, so why would she allow another wife?
I figured it’d be easier to create a good relationship with oppa than to seek the lady’s approval.
‘I was wrong.’
Someone who had negotiated with the lady before even dealing with oppa was right here. What’s going on?
I looked at Louise eagerly, and she avoided my eyes. Louise, I trust you. I believe in our friendship and that you’d share it with me.
“The truth is, I don’t really know.”
At those words, I began to doubt if our friendship was that shallow.
“No, I mean it! Senior came to me first!”
She must’ve sensed my frustration because she quickly added.
Hearing that the lady sought her out for a conversation raised my eyebrows. I couldn’t picture Louise initiating a meeting with the lady, but the reverse seemed equally strange.
A chill ran down my spine as I thought of the lady warning someone who could be eyeing her position. But the idea that she would willingly accept them if her position was respected made my heart race.
‘So, it wasn’t about being the only wife, but being the first?’
The lady didn’t desire to be the sole wife; she wanted to be the first.
Then, there should be no problem. I would never dream of surpassing the lady even in my wildest dreams.
I felt a spark of hope. I thought the door was firmly locked, but the key was here all along.
“Hey, Irina.”
“Yes? What is it?”
A smile naturally spread across my face as my mood improved, and my smile widened even more when I realized that I wouldn’t have known the good news if it weren’t for Louise.
Louise really was my best friend. I’ve always had faith in our friendship.
“Would you like to go see senior with me?”
She was truly the best friend anyone could ask for.
***
We decided it would be rude to just drop in on such an important matter without notice, so we agreed to make an appointment first.
Even if the lady was open to the idea of sharing her husband, showing up unannounced to say, ‘Let’s share your husband!’ was out of the question. If I were her, I’d tell someone off immediately for suggesting such a thing.
“I’ll arrange the meeting. You should go see oppa.”
“Go see oppa?”
“Yes. Oppa is currently under probation.”
It took me a moment to grasp what that meant. Probation? In the academy?
“Wow…”
And when I finally understood, I couldn’t help but sigh in amazement. The world of civil servants was a tough one, and it was definitely not for me. I made a mental note never to get involved.
“Since he’s under probation, you can at least offer him some comfort.”
I nodded at that. I had seriously considered visiting him after school hours if I couldn’t meet him during club time.
But a student visiting the Prosecutor’s quarters without a proper reason would be difficult to justify, especially considering the dignity of a noble lady. However, the pretext of ‘visiting an acquaintance under probation,’ would eliminate those two obstacles.
‘It won’t be strange at all.’
I could confidently visit oppa. For the first time since the semester started, I would have a chance to see him alone.
“It’s rare to get a moment alone with him, so you might as well take this opportunity.”
“Louise…”
I felt tears of gratitude forming. She must want to spend time with him, too.
“Does this make up for earlier?”
Louise’s giggles made me nod repeatedly. I wasn’t really angry, but I decided to forgive her anyway.
***
I never understood people who grew plants instead of animals before. But lately, I understood.
‘It gives peace of mind.’
Watching my children grow so lushly filled me with pride. They didn’t talk back, didn’t cause headaches, and thrived on their own if left alone. Besides, all I needed to do was to ensure that they got enough water and sunlight.
Where else could you find such perfect companions? It only took minimum effort for maximum joy.
‘They’re beautiful.’
The hawthorn and lilies looked even more beautiful next to each other. The fact that they were both white made me feel like I was being purified.
I gently touched the petals of both plants. While I didn’t expect the lilies to come with the hawthorn, it was a cherished gift nonetheless. Let’s stick together until graduation, away from this corrupt academy and to the Prosecutors’ Office…
Well, the Prosecutors’ Office was no less corrupt. Was there really no more place where corruption didn’t exist?
‘I’m sorry that you got such a lousy owner.’
My poor children deserved a better place to thrive in. And yet here they were, stuck with a civil servant for an owner.
As I was bonding with my plants, I heard a knock at the door. It was about time for Louise to arrive, and she was as punctual as ever.
“The door’s open. Come in.”
I always left the door unlocked whenever I was expecting Louise. After all, no one else would visit except for Marghetta or Louise.
But as the door opened, a peek of blonde hair appeared through the gap.
“Hello, oppa.”
“Irina?”
My bad. There was someone else who visited.
My gaze briefly shifted to the hawthorn. Was it because of its presence that Irina came to my room immediately?
‘Maybe it’s a totem.’
The idea that it could attract people was intriguing. I thought it was just pretty, but this plant seemed to be extraordinary.
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
Although I was curious, I redirected my attention back to Irina. It would be rude not to properly engage with a guest who made an effort to visit.
“I’ve been fine. I came after hearing news about you.”
“Embarrassing news, that is.”
I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at Irina’s words. She probably heard about my probation from Louise or Erich and decided to offer some consolation.
Regardless, I felt grateful. Considering how Irina used to avoid me, this was significant progress.
“But where’s Louise?”
I told her it was alright to come, so it worried me not to see her when she was usually around. I hope nothing serious has happened.
“Oh, she had other matters to attend to. It’s nothing serious.”
“That’s good then.”
Irina spoke nonchalantly, but her bright demeanor was obvious to anyone passing by.
I guess it really wasn’t anything serious.
***
An unexpected visitor arrived.
“Oh, Lady Louise?”
This was strange. Louise usually visited Carl at this time, didn’t she? I heard from Carl himself that she visited him morning and evening.
“Hello, senior. I’m sorry for coming unannounced.”
“That’s alright. Oh, please sit. Would you like some tea?”
“Yes, thank you.”
I got up to prepare the tea. Well, she must’ve come for something important. Louise wasn’t one to act without purpose.
As I was brewing the tea, I heard Lady Louise’s voice from behind.
“I have something to ask you, senior.”
But I hadn’t expected her to get straight to the point.
“Yes, go ahead.”
Still, I preferred directness to beating around the bush.
Lady Louise was fidgeting with her fingers when I turned around, seemingly mustering up the courage to speak.
“Would it be alright to have three?”
“What?”
Her unexpected question caught me off guard. Three what?
‘Is she talking about children?’
Well, I suppose having at least three would be nice.
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