[TIDK] 76 – Asking For His Charity

She had worn the dress Marina wore because she had respect for tradition, and she wore the ring she received. But the tiara was a custom for her.

This was because the tiara used by Marina Dumfelt with black hair did not match Scarlett with light blonde hair.

“Will people hate it because it’s a broken marriage object….”

As Scarlett glanced over the tiara and talked to herself, Viktor entered the room.

Scarlett was startled and looked at her watch. It took a lot of time to think about the item because she couldn’t find the right one. She hurriedly closed the jewellery box and pulled herself up.

“Sorry, I couldn’t choose, so I stayed a little longer.” Scarlett continued, lifting the tiara.

“I thought I’d put this out.”

“Do it. It looks good.”

“You don’t remember this jewellery, do you?”

“Not at all.”

When Viktor admitted frankly, Scarlett put down the tiara and spoke.

“That’s what I wore at our wedding. Our marriage is broken, and I’m afraid people won’t like it if we put it out.”

“Is there anything else? There’s a lot of jewellery.”

“I can’t sell them because they’re all important. How can I put a ring or Natalia Irène’s necklace that Richard Carmelie gave his wife at auction?”

Richard Carmelie was the commander of the Knights of History. Natalia Irène was one of the royal women more than a hundred years ago and the most beautiful woman in history.

Whenever Scarlett heard a story about Natalia Irène’s appearance, she thought Viktor’s appearance was vivid proof of the story.

Viktor had no interest in jewellery, so he just answered in moderation. “That’s true. Then give them my things. It’s almost all new.”

He looked toward the door and nodded as if she should go out with him.

Scarlett nodded and followed him. She soon went to Viktor’s room and looked at what he had.

Contrary to what Scarlett had, Viktor’s was all new. Each item she carefully picked and packed herself.

Scarlett realised that hers was all old and that his were all new.

Throughout their lives together, they gave each other what they wanted. He who wanted to raise the name of his family needed something old.

Scarlett had never received anything new since he was twelve years old and had hoped for something new. In the early days of her marriage, Scarlett was delighted that Viktor had prepared a gift. However, she gradually learned that they were only the tools that made history for the Dumfelts under the guise of her gifts.

He would buy what was always hanging in the best view of the department store. Perhaps he felt the same bitterness and disappointment she felt when she received the gift. Scarlett often thought that her efforts were forced these days.

She asked Viktor calmly.

“There’s a charity event on 7th Avenue. Do you have any unused blankets?”

At her words, Viktor looked up at her.

“What charity event?”

“It’s just that the people on 7th Avenue have charity events. We collect donations and put blankets and canned foods that we can eat for a long time in winter. Hmm, it’d be nice to have firewood too….”

Scarlett, explaining earnestly in her attempts to persuade Viktor, stopped talking.

Viktor was standing at an angle with his hand on the chest of drawers and looking at her.

In addition to language, people interacted with facial expressions and gestures, which was difficult with Viktor. In the middle of the conversation, he never talked back and only looked at the other with arrogant eyes that had little interest in worldly matters. She couldn’t tell if he was listening or if he was even interested in what the other person said at all.

Scarlett continued, mumbling.

“If you’re not interested, let’s stop. Give these cuffs to the auction. They don’t suit you.”

“I never said I wasn’t interested.”

“You don’t care.”

She raised her chin a little and looked up at Viktor.

Viktor stared back and leaned toward her. Scarlett’s shoulders trembled with his exuded coolness as the proximity between them narrowed.

Viktor tilted his head. “So, donations, blankets, pickled foods, and firewood. What else?” Scarlett’s lips opened a little and stopped as his face drew nearer. As she was silent, Viktor opened his mouth again.

“And?”

“...like woollen clothes. Any old ones, we can collect them. We unravel them and make new clothes. You know the thick shawls I have; we unwrap them.”

After saying that, Viktor looked at her, so Scarlett added, “And if you’re uncomfortable… That’s all.”

She thought she should continue, but stopped herself.

However Viktor turned his head to one side and laughed.

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