[TKOSINM] 238 – Rene, My Princess

“If we move to the capital now….”

“…Thank you for your concern, Grand Duchess. But we are already mentally prepared. I don’t want to bother you anymore.”

The butler’s voice trembled. Of course, the butler wanted to move to the capital as soon as possible, so he could somehow save his Mistress’s life.

But if it’s not for me, Mistress will…

Last night, his Mistress called him secretly. She told him to travel to the capital with the Grand Duke and Duchess immediately.

‘I don’t want to live like this anymore, having to lie on the line between life and death. I’m so tired. I miss my husband.’ She’d whispered to him.

The way she quietly smiled as if she was saying goodbye in advance broke his heart even more. But he could not show his misery to the woman who greeted him with a peaceful smile on her lips. And so, he also smiled back at her endearingly, like a sign of accepting to let her go.

It was not just that. All of the servants in the manor loved her as much as he did. Each they were prepared to part ways with her. They could not force her to live anymore. She had suffered too much. Moreover, if she were to lose her breath before arriving in the capital, she would shut her eyes on the cold pavement. The butler could hardly ever bear that sight.

Although he did not convey all of that, Irene could vaguely guess what he was thinking through his trembling voice and adamant decision.

“...Alright.”

Irene gave a small reply and took Viscountess Friedan’s hand tightly. She then spoke in a quiet, calm voice.

“While living with my family, I never had a relaxing day. It was as if an impregnable wall was erected between us. ‘Family’ was never a good memory for me, but the short time I spent with my aunt here remains a part of my happiness. So thank you.”

“...Ah, Rene…”

Maybe it was because of Irene’s sincere words. Tears trickled down from her eyes.

“Rene...my princess...I have something to give you….”

Was it because it was the last time? Her pronunciation and voice were particularly distinct.

“This is my…last….”

But it was only for a brief moment, and her voice, which was once clear, gradually subsided in volume, and she closed her eyes. As if everything had come to an end, her eyes closed shut, and her breathing stopped.

♔♔♔

The funeral was short and modest. Only a few servants, the butler, together with Irene and Noel, held her funeral. Her grave was arranged next to her husband’s. It took less than a week for her burial ritual.

Having let her go, Irene headed back to the Viscounty, weary. She then stopped and looked down at her black dress. She came to realise the bitter reality again.

In the end, there was nothing I could do.

She did not come here with the intention of doing something in the first place, but she could not find the answer she wanted or any help to her sickly aunt. Her heart sank due to shame.

I feel pathetic.

At her brief sigh, Noel approached and put a coat over her shoulder. When Irene looked up at him in surprise, his lips parted.

“You look exhausted. You’d better go back and rest.”

“… I’m fine, isn’t Noel supposed to be resting as well?”

Knowing how much he had helped arrange the Viscountess’ funeral, Irene spoke with sincere gratitude. The butler then came to them.

“I am genuinely grateful to both of you. The owners of the mansion are also thankful.”

In a week, his condition deteriorated rapidly. He was now haggard; it seemed as if he had become years older than he already was, and he was likely to collapse at any moment. Ever since the Viscountess’ death, he could not sleep properly.

“There are no residents or rulers, but we have decided to stay here and maintain the mansion.”

“Are you okay…?”

“Yes. That is the only way for us to repay our mistress, who so warmly cared for us.”

Her aunt would not think like that. Irene wanted to say so, but she eventually decided to keep silent and nodded in understanding.

“And…I have something for the Grand Duchess. Can you follow me, Madame? It is something that my Mistress cherished.”

“My aunt?”

‘Rene…my princess...I have something to give you….’

At that moment, something popped up in Irene’s mind. She did mention wanting to pass something down to her... Irene nodded in consent and turned to Noel.

“Noel, wait a minute….”

“I will be waiting.”

As Irene parted her lips apologetically, Noel cut in with a soft smile. Thankful for his consideration, Irene greeted him and headed to the mansion’s inside with the butler.

He headed to the room Viscountess Friedan had used.

Was there something in this room? As she was looking around, the butler called her.

“Madame, please come here.”