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nChapter 51: Chapter 51

nI vividly recalled that the emperor answered with a kind smile. After he answered, he quickly clicked his tongue. He said two years prior when I had turned thirteen, there had been a fire in the garden, charring the tree. Fortunately, the tree didn’t perish, but he was very sorry that he hadn’t seen the flower bloom again since its first budding flowers were burned.

nAt that time, I didn’t give it much thought. I entered the Imperial Palace at 16, and one day, when I was getting tired of the crown prince’s indifference to me, I saw the tree again. I felt the tree that survived the fire and I seemed to share the same fate, given that the tree couldn’t bloom at all, and I was gradually becoming lean at a time when I should have been blooming.

nI stood there blankly for a long time, looking at the tree.

nSince that day, I went there when my heart was broken. While I was looking at the tree endlessly, I could get a little comfort from my recollections of the emperor who cared for me.

nI thought that if the nameless tree that couldn’t bloom one day produced beautiful silver flowers like my hair, I might be able to escape from the days of repeated humiliation and heartache. So, I tended to the tree with all my heart. I waited for it to bloom every day.

nBut I did not see the flowers bloom before I died. That’s what happened in the past.

n“Come on! Bring more water!”

n“The fire is spreading more!”

nWhen I arrived, gasping for breath, I saw smoke rising up everywhere in the garden. Among the maids and servants as well as the knights running around to put out the fire, only that tree caught my eye.

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nThe burning embers were reaching toward the tree. I bit my lips tight. I wanted to jump in right now, but my reason warned me I should not.

n‘Why hasn’t the emperor arrived yet? How about the two dukes? What about my father?’

nI tightened my grip on the hem of my skirt. I barely stopped moving my legs that felt like stepping up.

n‘No, you shouldn’t. In no time, they will come here. It’s not too late. Just turn around and go straight back home.’

nAlthough I was haunted by the tree that would be caught in flames anytime, I turned away. At that moment something sparkling caught my eye. Oh no!

nIn the end, I picked my way, forgetting that the flames were spreading. As I got closer to the tree, my heart pounded hard. When I finally reached the tree, I couldn’t believe my eyes. There were silver buds blooming on the straight branch glistening beautifully amid black smoke.

n“Get out!”

nWhile I was looking at the budding flowers in ecstasy, I looked around when someone yelled at me. I found the hem of my dress catching fire because of a spark from the fire. Fortunately, a young knight beside me put it out by using the cloth he was holding.

n“You must be Lady Monique. You should not come to this dangerous place. Please go back as it’s dangerous.”

n“I’m fine. Looking at the situation, I think I need to be here.”

n“What do you mean?”

nI turned resolutely, ignoring the man who looked at me as if he was dumbfounded. Breathing in deeply, I screamed as loudly as possible, “Don’t run about in confusion! How come you are so bad at putting out the fire?”

nAs it was so noisy everywhere, the palace affairs people around me didn’t hear me clearly, but my voice was loud enough to draw their attention. I quickly gave directions to those who looked back at me one by one.

n“Servants! Remove all the fallen leaves near the flames and cover them with soil! Maids, run to the palace, soak all the fabrics in the water and deliver them downstairs! Draw water!”

n“Lady Monique, why are you here?”

n“It doesn’t matter now. Hurry up, guys! Are you going to wake up after the garden is burnt?”

n“Yes, my lady!”

nThe servants and the maids dispersed quickly. As they spread my order, they began to get organized for coordinated actions quickly.

n“What the heck are you doing, knights? Dig up soil and use it to put out the fire immediately!”

nI coldly ordered the knights who were looking at me blankly. I couldn’t understand why their mind was a million miles away.

nWhen I pressed on them again, they came to their senses and scattered. Only then did they begin to work in coordinated efforts, and I gave them directions. I had to keep the flames in check before they spread further.

nHow much time passed? I let out a sigh of relief because we almost put out the fire when I saw the emperor looking at me, with his hands folded. I didn’t know when he got here.

nI saw Duke Lars who seemed surprised, Duke Verita who was admiring, and my father with a hardened expression. The sudden change in the commanding system would bring confusion. As if he knew it, the emperor seemed to have decided not to disturb me.

n“… I, Aristia La Monique, am honored to greet Your Majesty, the Sun of the empire. ”

n“Great job!”

n“I’m sorry. I’ve given them directions without your approval. Please punish me. ”

n“You deserve rewards for your great work, not punishment! What a relief! Without your quick intervention, the garden would not have escaped burning down. ”

n“I’m flattered by your praise, Your Majesty.”

nThe emperor praised me after he remained silent for a while.

n“Well, I thought I would give up your daughter, taking into account your request, Marquis, but I can’t. The more I see your daughter, the more I would like to have her as my daughter-in-law.”

n“Your Majesty.”

n“I’m sorry, Marquis. Maybe I should wait and see a little more. Regardless of her choice, we have some more time until she has come of age.”

nI flinched when he said he thought of giving me up. Although I survived again, the existence of the grace period until my coming-of-age broke my heart. I had no regret for my actions, but I felt heavy somehow.

nI looked around the garden which was charred here and there. When I saw the tree that barely survived after being caught in flames, I felt a little lighter. When I saw the silvery buds shaking gently, I was deeply touched by feelings beyond my description.

n‘Since I saved you, are you going to show me flowers you’ve never shown me?’

nSuddenly, the wind shook the branches. I smiled because they shook as if they were nodding.

n‘I don’t regret having saved you because your fate was like mine.’

n‘I think that I can do things that I could never do, if you can bloom flowers. So, let’s cheer up.

nI’ll try my best for the rest of my life, so you must show me the flowers. Understand?’

nWhile whispering to the softly glistening silver buds, I straightened my waist. Braving through the gray smoke rising from the burnt garden, I walked towards my father waiting for me.

n“I’m sorry I’ve worried you, Daddy.”

nMy father, who looked silently even after my repeated apologies, sighed and pulled me into his arms. I leaned my head against his chest and checked his face.

n“Are you angry?”

n“… No, are you hurt?”

n“No, I’m not. I’m okay.”

n“Your clothes are sooty from the fire.”

n“Oh, there were some sparks from the fire earlier. Um, I put them out quickly. I’m okay.”

nI felt I made a mistake while responding casually. How stupid!

nWith a sigh, he said, “I don’t know why you looked like her so much.”

n“Pardon? What do you mean…”

n“If you are not hurt, that’s good. Let’s go back. ”

nI felt uncomfortable all the way home because he looked very lonely today.

nAs he looked so lonely when he turned after saying goodnight, I grasped the end of his uniform unconsciously.

n“What’s wrong with you?”

n“…I feel like I can’t go to sleep. Can you stay with me? ”

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nA faint smile was on his face.

n“Do you want to comfort me?”

n“… ”

n“I am so sorry to worry you, Tia. Thanks.”

nI smiled gently at him, who was stroking my hair with a relaxed look.

nAs he said he would come back after changing his clothes, I nodded and took a shower.

nWhen I returned to my bedroom, feeling refreshed, my father, who was waiting for me, pulled the blanket down and covered me carefully.

n“Dad.”

n“Yes.”

n“Well…” I hesitated for a moment. What should I do?

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