[IHTTMBW] Chapter 29

With each step we took, the lilac scent grew stronger. The white and purple blossoms looked like snowflakes, making me feel like I was walking through a snowy landscape. I clung tightly to the Duke’s collar as he gently patted my head with his large hand. 

“It seems there were things in the palace I wasn’t aware of. I’m sorry, child. It’s a shame I’m meeting my niece-granddaughter for the first time. How neglectful of me.” He glanced at the lilac I had given him and chuckled softly. “You’ve given me a bouquet, my dear wife.” 

We arrived at his wife’s gravestone after a slow, deliberate walk. The inscription read: ‘Erna, the most beloved woman, rests here.’ As the Duke bent down to place the lilac branch I had given him on her grave, I clung to him and began to stumble through the inscription, trying to read it aloud. 

“...24... beloved… woman.” 

The Duke’s mouth fell open as he stared at me. His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he gazed at me before pulling me into a tight embrace. 

“For such a little one to… Haha, ha…,” his laughter was tinged with the sound of suppressed sobs. He continued to pat my head, then lifted me high into the air, setting me on his shoulders. 

I burst into giggles. 

“My dear wife, it seems a fairy has come to visit us! It’s been so long since I’ve heard someone else speak your name.” He laughed heartily for a long while, even mumbling something about Ekild hiding a treasure. Though I wasn’t his treasure, I didn’t bother to correct him, knowing he was already aware of the truth. 

A princess hidden away in secrecy had not been loved. 

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“This is my residence. Do you like sweets?” 

“Yep, yep!” 

“Good, then bring out all the desserts.” 

I was in his arms as we walked to a house different from the palace yet exuded a quiet, luxurious elegance. It was a royal guesthouse, originally built for members of the royal family to stay in when they visited the palace. Now, it seemed to serve as the Duke’s private residence. 

The Duke’s words were simple but grand. He didn’t say, “Bring something,” like Euphil, or “Make something,” like Orzette. He simply ordered everything to be brought out, and then he gently dismissed the maid, who was too stunned by his kind attitude to speak. 

Soon, an array of desserts began to arrive. 

First came the drinks. Not a single bitter tea that didn’t suit a child’s taste was brought out, only sweet, cold brews and fruit teas. 

There was honey grapefruit tea, sparkling lemonade, hot chocolate with melted marshmallows and cream, and then the desserts themselves. 

“W-wow! So many sweets?!” 

“Hahaha! Do you like them? Of course, you do! Hahaha!” 

There was no way I wouldn’t like them. Every dessert was as beautiful as it was tempting. There were crispy mille-feuilles filled with custard cream, pink, white, and blue meringue cookies, cannolis filled with ricotta cheese and sweet cream topped with fruit, a giant chocolate sponge cake, and strawberry-filled tarts. Just looking at them made my mouth water. 

I held my flushed cheeks, unsure of what to do with myself. 

And that wasn’t all. Cakes of all kinds began to appear, starting with tiramisu, each one flaunting the Duke’s wealth. 

Holding a fork, I looked around at the spread and solemnly declared, 

“Myrthi… Myrthi will…” 

“Yes? What is it, little one?” 

“Myrthi will eat the cake first, even though the tart looks like it might cry!” 

My declaration was loud and determined. The Duke doubled over with laughter and made a promise that completely won my heart. 

“I’ll have them bring all of these to your palace so you can try everything, little one.” 

“Huh…?” 

My heart pounded in my chest. Truly, it was pounding. 

Is this love…? I wondered as my heart ached at the sight of the sponge cake before me. Without hesitation, I leapt forward and threw my arms around the Duke’s neck. 

“Grandpa, you have to be Myrthi’s friend. Okay? Grandpa, okay?” 

“Haha, haha! Don’t worry, little one. Once you get to know your granduncle better, I’ll explain everything. But for now, eat to your heart’s content.” There wasn’t much need for me to coax him; it felt more like I was the one being charmed. Whenever he spoke of his late wife, his eyes glistened with emotion.  

“It’s been a long time since I’ve brought desserts to this house. Erna loved lemon custard,” he murmured. 

I swallowed hard, feeling the temptation to dive into the desserts that seemed to beckon me from all sides. But I shook my head vigorously and tightened my grip around the Duke’s neck. You can’t sacrifice the greater goal for immediate pleasure. It wasn’t the right time yet. Before I smeared my face with sweets, I needed to solidify our relationship.