CH 59

Chapter 59: The Lovely Ones 2

Days passed in a flurry of activity.

Ernesta worked tirelessly, even though Johan scolded her. It was tough work, but it was much easier than being tormented by overwhelming suffering.

Then, a few days after, when Ernesta was writing in her diary in her room one night, Engeberg visited her. It was evident from his serious expression what the purpose of his visit was.

“Ermengard-sama has arrived in Rashtovka. Tomorrow, we will go to meet her to the royal castle to change places.”

Ernesta nodded quietly. She had made up her mind long ago, so there was no need to be surprised now.

“I’m happy that she arrived safely. I’ll wait here, right?”

“Yes. Please change into this outfit after you wake up and wait here.”

He handed her an outfit that was identical to one from the Queen’s wardrobe. Ernesta was amazed by its accuracy and took out the same outfit from her closet to give it to him.

Now there were two identical outfits. The real one was intended for Ermengard to wear.

“We’ll switch in the early morning. I know it’s tough to wake up…”

“It’s okay. I’ll wake up early and wait.”

Engeberg smiles awkwardly at the substitute lady, who smiles softly at him. Ernesta sends the capable ambassador on his way with another heartbreaking expression that shows her labor.

She first put away the outfit that had been given to her, then slowly turned around and looked around the silent room.

She had lived here for a month and a half. There were difficult and painful times, but overwhelmingly more happy memories.

As Ernesta closed her eyes, memories flooded back. But as a knock sounded again, she quickly headed to the door.

It was Dasha. Even though she should be worried about her family and heading home soon, could something have happened?

“Um…there’s something I need to talk to My Queen about.

“A talk? Come in, let’s sit.”

Seeing Dasha looking hesitant and avoiding eye contact, Ernesta took her hand and invited her into the room. She sat her on the warm rug and peered into her round eyes.

“I’ll bring you some tea. Please wait for a moment.”

“Eh…! I, I can’t let My Queen do such a thing.”

“I’m just pouring the tea from the pot you left here. Just wait, okay?”

She patted Dasha’s slender shoulders to calm her down and poured the tea from the pot on the chest into the glass. This tea, which tasted good even when it got cold, was Dasha’s specialty.

Handing the glass to the apologetic maid, Ernesta prepared the same for herself and took a sip after moistening her throat. Then she smiled at the maid who was still looking down.

“So, what kind of talk is it?”

“…Actually, I was asked by Rougena-sama to check on your condition.”

Ernesta widened her eyes in deep green. She urged Dasha to continue with her story without saying a word, gripping her glass almost unconsciously.

“Rougena-sama said that it wouldn’t be fun if she said it herself… Since Your Majesty’s departure for war, everyone has been worried about how much you have been pushing yourself.”

Ernesta felt an urge to pour out everything she was feeling at the warmth of the hesitant words.

Please, stop. Even though she wished it from the bottom of her heart, the maid’s eyes filled with genuine concern remained unwavering.

“I’m sorry, it might be disrespectful but… Everyone loves My Queen, myself included! That’s why we can’t bear to see you pushing yourself so hard. If it’s tough for you, then please show it more openly——.”

“Dasha, I’m fine.”

Ernesta halted her personal maid’s suggestion with a soft but clear voice.

As her maid’s eyes closed sadly, they quickly opened again in surprise. The vulnerable expression was painful to watch, but Ernesta put on a brave face with a smile.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that I was causing everyone to worry while I was acting as I usually do. But I’m okay now.”

“My Queen…?”

“Starting tomorrow, I’ve decided to turn into a completely different person and be full of energy. I’m sure I’ll overdo it, but…if you can just treat me as normal, that’s what would make me happiest.”

——I’m sorry, Dasha.

I sincerely appreciate you. You were the first girl of my age to become close to me in this country. Without you, I might have given up a long time ago.

Ernesta hugged the girl closest to her with both hands.

“My Queen?! What’s wrong?”

“Thank you for worrying about me. I love you too.”

Not just Dasha. Everyone she had met in this country was dear to her.

She felt like she had already passed the point of unfeelingness, leaving without even saying goodbye, despite all the kindness they had shown her. She knew no amount of apology would be enough, but she couldn’t help but whisper it in her heart.

I’m sorry, everyone. Thank you for helping me up until now.

“Really?! Is that true? What should I do, I’m so happy! Ehehe…”

Dasha seemed happy about something, which only added to Ernesta’s suffering.

Feeling plagued by guilt, Ernesta watched her leave and then lay down on her bed. Tonight, she was only concerned about the pain in her chest, and she had a feeling she wouldn’t be able to sleep.

❂❂❂

Ernesta got up before dawn.

There were many things racing through her head, and she couldn’t sleep at all, but that was okay. After all, she was going to be on a long journey, so she could sleep in the carriage.

She washed her face and put on the Arkrig she was handed yesterday. Then she realized how pale she looked, so she used a lamp to put some rouge on her cheeks, and she looked somewhat better.

She stood there for a while, as the sky gradually began to brighten, and the room was bathed in the light of dawn. Just as she thought it was about time, the door finally made a faint noise.

As soon as she saw the person who entered the room, Ernesta opened her eyes wide. She put her hand over her trembling mouth. If she hadn’t done that, she would have cried out in shock.

She stood there with a very dignified appearance. Wearing the exact same Arkrig outfit, her face was almost indistinguishable from Ernesta’s.

“Hello, I wanted to see you. My dear sister.”

Ermengard smiled in a nonchalant tone and had a much more composed demeanor than her stand-in sister.

Ernesta was at a loss for words, her head reeling with more shock than she had imagined, and for a while, she found herself staring at a face that was exactly like hers.