C142
May
It has been half a year since Bianca became pregnant. Now Bianca's belly has started visibly swelling.
Because Bianca's body and stomach were very slender, everyone had been worried about where the baby was and if it was healthy, so only now could they relax.
What has been concerning so far is that the baby's movements are so active, spinning and restless all day long. It was common to be startled awake in the middle of the night by fetal movement.
Additionally, Bianca has recently been suffering from back pain and has been unable to walk for long periods of time. This has increased the worries of Zachary and the others.
In a short time, Bianca was forced to spend her time lying in her room without moving.
How long has it been since she left the castle?
Bianca had no choice but to leave the room. It was because of Yvonne and Gaspard's wedding.
For the celebration of the servants, the day of the two's wedding finally arrived.
The wedding took place in the banquet hall of Arno Castle. Usually, a vassal's wedding is not celebrated in the castle, but this time was an exception.
Yvonne and Gaspard were the main supporters who stood by Bianca. Bianca not only had to attend the dinner but also had to attend the wedding, so the nearest place to the castle had to be chosen for the wedding.
Yvonne, who became a May Bride thanks to Bianca's insistence, was surrounded by other maidens, dressed in finer clothes than usual. Perhaps because it was a good day, Yvonne's face was flushed.
Her light brown hair, which she always tied up, was finely braided and adorned with flowers. The maids assisting her made a fuss, exclaiming how beautiful she looked.
"Will Sir Gaspard's eyes widen today?"
"What are you talking about? Sir Gaspard's eyes are always wide open whenever he sees Yvonne."
"Ah, she looks so beautiful. It's a pity she doesn't have a veil."
"We can't help it. A veil is a luxury for commoners like us. At least Yvonne can have a luxurious wedding."
The maids styled Yvonne's hair and chatted. Yvonne laughed a little. Even without a veil, she was a quite happy bride.
At that moment, Bianca entered the room where Yvonne was. Everyone in the room, including the maids and Yvonne, was surprised. Bianca raised her hand to prevent Yvonne, who was getting ready, from standing up.
"It's okay. Sit down. I'm here to congratulate you."
"Madam, how did you get here?!"
"Is that important to you right now?"
"Of course!"
When Bianca asked a question, Yvonne shouted with a contemplative look on her face.
Bianca was so timid that she had no one around her. Today, because Yvonne was getting married, Bianca was practically alone.
Bianca dismissed Yvonne's concern and said she would be fine alone. However, Bianca's mere appearance at a time when she couldn't set aside her worries was enough to confuse Yvonne.
The other maids stared at Yvonne in astonishment when the maid shouted at the duchess.
But Bianca didn't mind. She shrugged and replied.
"Don't worry. The duke accompanied me all the way."
Only then could Yvonne feel relieved.
Only close friends or family members attend the bride's waiting room. Yvonne's voice, moved by Bianca's intentional visit to the waiting room, became tearful.
"You can see me in the banquet hall..."
"I think I should deliver this first."
Bianca handed her a package with a snap as if it was nothing. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the object Bianca handed over. Since it's something "that" Bianca gave, it's probably not an ordinary item. As Yvonne unwrapped the gift, everyone held their breath and watched.
What was revealed in the package was a long, beautiful lace veil.
The lace shimmered like silk, as if it had been made with fine quality thread. Everyone's eyes widened at the precious gift that couldn't be bought even if they had the gold to do so.
Isn't it something Bianca made herself?
"Because you're a bride, you have to wear a veil."
Embarrassed, Bianca shook her head. She was used to hearing admiration from others, but it was the first time she gave a gift out of pure favor.
Yvonne touched the lace over and over again in disbelief. Since it's such a large lace, it must have taken quite a long time to weave... Although she and Bianca spent most of their time together, she didn't even notice.
"When did you make this, Madam?"
"Since it was made by my own hands, it was quick."
Bianca shrugged and added casually.
Yvonne, left speechless by the emotion, kept touching the veil incessantly. It was more elaborate than anything she had ever seen, a magnificent and beautiful lace. Even Princess Odelli wouldn't have had lace like this.
Besides being beautiful, what moved her even more was that Bianca took care of her like this. A sob escaped Yvonne's throat.
"I will consider this as a heirloom. It will be passed down from generation to generation..."
"Your daughter won't be able to pass something like this down, Yvonne. So, continue with what you were doing. See you later."
Contrary to Yvonne's moved expression as if she was about to burst into tears, Bianca grumbled as if nothing had happened.
As soon as Bianca finished speaking, she hurriedly left the room. Everyone stared at her back. The atmosphere in the waiting room soared and dissipated in an instant, like a typhoon.
As soon as Bianca left the room, the waiting room became noisy. The sound of everyone's envy towards Yvonne resonated outside the waiting room and, of course, also reached Bianca's ears. Bianca's ears turned red.
Zachary, who was waiting outside the waiting room, approached Bianca to escort her. Putting Bianca's arm over his forearm, he added with a gentle smile.
"I'm glad it seems to please you as much as the effort you put into it."
"Of course. I worked very hard on it."
Bianca smiled proudly with a serious expression. Bianca's calm face disappeared as soon as Yvonne left the room.
She wanted to give Yvonne a surprise gift. However, the process of preparing the gift was not as straightforward as she expected. Above all, it was very difficult to avoid Yvonne's gaze.
How much effort she put into keeping it hidden from Yvonne!
Yvonne would disappear from time to time because she had to take care of the wedding preparations, but...
At the end of the day, there wasn't enough time, so she even dismissed Yvonne, pretending to spend time with Zachary. Thanks to that, she was able to make time.
Bianca achieved her goal, but Zachary was overshadowed by a forgotten resentment. Worried to see Bianca clinging to her lace, he had to beg her to go to bed early.
Seeing Bianca rejoicing as if she were about to hum, Zachary couldn't hide his sadness and muttered.
"Sometimes I think you care more about Yvonne than me."
"What?"
Bianca rolled her eyes. And then she burst into laughter. Bianca's little hand hit Zachary's arm.
"What are you talking about? That can't be. You're talking nonsense again."
"I'm serious."
"Your pastime is joking with a serious expression."
"You're making fun of me."
Zachary's lips were tightly closed, and only the corners of his mouth moved. Now Bianca knew that Zachary's expression was nothing less than a pout.
Zachary complained that he couldn't win a verbal battle with Bianca. Bianca reached for Zachary's cheek. He was so tall that she had to stretch her arms to reach him.
When you see such a big person looking so cute, you really have stars in your eyes.
Bianca lightly pinched Zachary's cheek. Although her fingertips must have been quite stingy, Zachary silently tilted his head towards her.
Bianca pulled Zachary's cheek up and then let go. She then smiled happily and said.
"I love the fact that I'm the only one who knows that you're actually this cute."
----------
The band played and the crowd cheered. With everyone's blessing, Gaspard and Yvonne's wedding was a success.
Unlike Yvonne, who was relaxed enough to wave her hands around with a wide smile, Gaspard looked noticeably nervous throughout the wedding. His face changed from moment to moment throughout the day, to the point that it was hard to believe he was called the "Iron Wall Knight" due to his frankness and expressionless face.
Even after he recited his vows and the wedding ceremony ended, he couldn't believe it, so he squeezed Yvonne's hand by his side. And then he even burst into tears.
Seeing this, Sauveur spit out the wine he was drinking, Robert wrinkled his face, and Vincent opened his mouth so wide it looked like his jaw was about to fall off. It seemed like an unreal image.
When the wedding ceremony ended, Zachary, who was sitting in the upper seat, stood up.
"On such a great day, a reward cannot be missing. Listen, Gaspard. In recognition of the devotion you have shown me over the past ten years and for risking your life to protect my wife and the heir of the Arno family in this war, I will grant you a fief and the title of Baron."
------
As soon as Zachary finished speaking, cheers erupted all around. Bianca, who knew in advance, smiled and applauded.
"What a good life, Gaspard!"
"Congratulations, you're the first to marry and succeed!"
While Robert and Sauveur draped their arms around Gaspard's neck on either side, Gaspard, the central figure, seemed confused, and his eyes widened. Yvonne also covered her mouth in disbelief.
Gaspard regained his senses later and fell to his knees in front of Zachary. He looked at Zachary with trembling eyes. It was too beautiful to be true.
Born as the eldest son of a non-hereditary knight family, he fought his way to become a knight himself! But now he's a baron. His late father would be happy.
And most charming of all, Yvonne was not just the wife of a knight but the wife of a baron. Overwhelmed with emotion, Gaspard could barely respond in a choked voice.
"...it is an honor, Duke."
When Gaspard bowed his head, the cheers erupted once again. There has never been a happier day in his life than today. However...
Gaspard's eyes, which had trembled with excitement, quickly calmed down. His face returned to the same iron wall as always. Gaspard opened his mouth decisively.
"However, a fief is excessive. Since I still have work to do in Arno, please delay the granting of the lands a little longer. I am still lacking."
After saying that, Gaspard took a deep breath. A title without territories is merely a honorary position. Gaspard's decision was a common-sense foolishness. Embarrassed, Sauveur lowered his voice to dissuade Gaspard.
"Hey, cancel that. What nonsense is this..."
At that moment, Yvonne knelt down beside Gaspard.
No one doubted that Yvonne would harshly reprimand Gaspard. It was also true because a baroness without land was simply living a life not much different from that of a knight's wife. They thought she must be very angry with Gaspard for stealing the comfort guaranteed as a baroness.
Yvonne bowed her head and pleaded with Zachary.
"I have the same thoughts as my husband. I have not learned anything from the beginning, and I know nothing, so even if I take over the property, it will be a disaster. Please, mercifully understand me so that I can learn about the duties of the lord's wife at your side for a while."
From Gaspard to Yvonne. Everyone held their breath at the shocking statement made by the newlyweds standing side by side.
Bianca also blinked in disbelief. Isn't Bianca the precedent that it is possible to manage a castle without knowing anything about it?
Yvonne's face, which surprised everyone, was calm. There was nothing to think about anymore. Yvonne stammered but spoke confidently.
"Besides, I still do not wish to part from Madam. As much as I have been serving Madam, I want to continue being by her side. And if allowed, it is my wish to raise the baby... Please, permit me to have more, Madam."
Yvonne bowed her head and pleaded. Yvonne wanted to say that she wanted to keep working as a maid and become the child's nanny.
As the Arno family became a duchy, it was customary for the Duchess's maid and the successor's nanny to be considered noblewomen. So, even after becoming a baroness, it was not strange to work as a servant. However...
However, the title was not given with this in mind. They just wanted her to live a happy life because she had suffered so much until now.
Bianca knew that Yvonne's rejection of the fief was not due to duty or other excuses, but because of her. Bianca knew how demanding she was and how much she relied on Yvonne.
While she fought in the war and struggled to change the future, Bianca thought she had grown a lot. But that was just her opinion.
Bianca tried to dissuade Yvonne, but Yvonne, who was staring at her intently, seemed anxious. Her dark brown eyes, always serene, gleamed with desperation.
Why is Yvonne doing this? Is it only because of their servant-master relationship? Loyalty?
Perhaps it's the same reason Bianca spent the past nights making Yvonne's wedding gift and embracing her in a dangerous moment of the war.
To Yvonne, Bianca is her worrying younger sister, and to Bianca, Yvonne was the first person to allow her to get close at will. So Bianca couldn't say that she didn't need her here for her. Something ignited in Bianca's heart.
Having made a decision, Bianca suppressed her tears. She rolled her eyes and playfully smiled.
"I think you've got the wrong target, Yvonne. It's Vincent, not me, who will teach you the duties as the lord's wife."
"M-Madam!"
Vincent exclaimed hurriedly with a flushed face. As everyone knew that Vincent handled most of Bianca's affairs, as soon as Bianca's words fell, everyone burst into laughter.
The only one who couldn't laugh was Vincent. The old butler wore a stern expression on his face and looked at Bianca.
"From now on, Madam should also learn to work! You will soon be a mother! You should set an example..."
"My children will resemble their father more than me, and they will grow up fine even if I'm a bit lazy."
Bianca replied straightforwardly. Vincent, who was taken aback by her absolute certainty as if it was something too obvious, clicked his tongue.
"No, how can you be so sure?"
"Because they resemble my husband, he didn't even flinch during the war. Do I look like that?"
The way she shrugged was so calm. Vincent, who had been oddly persuaded by Bianca's words, closed his mouth. Vincent wanted to refute something, but he couldn't come up with an argument that would break Bianca's logic.
"Anyway, Yvonne..."
Bianca approached Yvonne and extended her hand. Yvonne, who was on her knees and bowed her head, hesitated to place her hand on Bianca's.
Bianca held Yvonne's hand. Bianca's grip was not very strong, so Yvonne understood Bianca's intentions and stood up.
With Yvonne's hands wrapped around hers, Bianca met her kind dark brown eyes and whispered softly.
"Take care of my child. I grew up alone because my nanny died early. You must not give my child too much sorrow. Do you understand? Always stay healthy and happy..."
She tried to speak calmly, but Bianca's voice, unable to withstand the tremors, choked up.
"Don't worry, Madam. Unlike you, I am strong."
Yvonne murmured her usual words out of habit and embraced Bianca's small shoulder. The scent of Bianca's roses mixed with the fragrance of the daisies adorning Yvonne's hair.
The two looked at each other and smiled. Now, they were not just a servant and her mistress, but close friends who would spend the rest of their lives together. A smile shimmered and fell like a shooting star between them, as if wishing for happiness.
-----------
In the end, it was decided that the fief given to Gaspard would be managed by Arno for a certain period of time, and the profits from the fief would be added to his salary. Neither Gaspard nor Yvonne rejected that.
The reception continued throughout the night. Roaring songs echoed non-stop from the wedding hall.
Unfortunately, Bianca returned early to her room. Zachary, who was concerned about Bianca, accompanied her. Besides, he knew that on days like this, the lord leaving early would save the party's mood.
Bianca and Zachary lay side by side on the bed. Zachary extended his arm to Bianca, and Bianca snuggled up against his side.
Through the window, the sound of noise and laughter floated on the wind. Bianca rested her head on Zachary's chest and listened in silence.
Meanwhile, Bianca asked out of the blue.
"Do you remember our wedding day?"
"Of course," Zachary responded, stroking Bianca's hair with his finger. How could he forget that day? A smile formed around Zachary's lips as he remembered the wedding.
Bianca frowned as if trying to recall the wedding. Due to her concentration, her forehead wrinkled, forming creases, but the memories did not come to mind at all.
"It actually feels a bit vague. I only remember crying a lot."
"Then it's as if you remember it all."
At the end of Zachary's voice, a low laughter spread. He could still vividly see the young Bianca crying from the beginning to the end of the wedding.
Anyway, he didn't think it was that much. The argument of someone who can't remember is simply powerless. Bianca pursed her lips.
"It seems you've become quite cunning these days."
"As you said, I've changed my pastimes a bit. Joking with a serious face."
"You don't seem serious at all right now. You're just enjoying teasing me."
Bianca complained. Laughter burst out above her head once again. Just by hearing his voice, she could clearly see how happy Zachary was.
Tags:
TWB (Novel)