episode_0089

This year, the Goddess of Spring seemed particularly mischievous in her final farewells, playing tricks here and there.

The cloudless sky that had been sunny suddenly began to cloud over. From the gathering storm clouds, raindrops fell with quite a grandeur under the name of spring showers. And then, just like a lie, the weather cleared up neatly at one point.

With such extreme fickleness in the weather right before a grand festival, the people of the capital were not just a little worried.

Those who were most distressed were the merchants preparing for the event. But even ordinary folks, though not as dependent on it for their livelihood, awaited the National Foundation Day with nervous anticipation.

While the National Foundation Day was more of a noble-centric celebration compared to the autumn Harvest Festival, nonetheless, as befitting a festival, there was something for everyone to enjoy, including commoners.

Moreover, as part of recent movements for commoner rights, both the royal family and the government had taken various measures for their benefit.

Thus, regardless of social status, all the people in the capital were hoping for nothing but clear skies for the upcoming National Foundation Day.

And perhaps the Goddess of Spring heard their wishes.

Fortunately, there was no unexpected downpour ruining the National Foundation Day from its very start.

Galatea’s National Foundation Day lasted for four days.

In anticipation of the grand festival, the streets of the capital, Lutetis, were filled with various events and street vendors, halting the footsteps of passersby.

However, there were specific events that naturally drew people’s attention.

On the first and second days of the festival, skilled individuals from each division dispatched throughout Galatea gathered to showcase their prowess in martial arts tournaments, staking their unit’s and their own honor. The people of the capital were both amazed by the participants’ skills and even placed bets on the outcomes.

On the third day, a grand parade was held along the main avenue stretching from the central station of the capital to the entrance of the Imperial Palace, reenacting the coronation ceremony of the invited Emperor.

The splendid and majestic procession included exotic animals rarely seen in the capital and even taxidermied horses, attracting a considerable number of spectators who came from afar to witness the parade.

And finally, the much-anticipated last day.

Despite efforts to provide entertainment for commoners, the National Foundation Day ultimately remained an event for the nobility. After all, it was the Galatean Royal Family and the nobles who established Galatea.

The palace opened its doors for the nobles, hosting evening banquets and balls. For those unable to attend, even expensive fireworks displays were arranged.

Entering a new season that reached down to the very soul, the festival atmosphere blended seamlessly with the unique ambiance brought by the impending summer.

At this moment, Lutetis was boiling over like a pot on a stove, immersed beyond the boiling point.

However, this is merely the tale of Lutetis.

A bit removed from the bustling city center, in the quiet suburbs of Beaurne, the townhouse belonging to the Beaurne family sat calmly, welcoming the National Foundation Day in its usual serene manner.

“Allow the staff to take turns resting, excluding security personnel and essential staff.”

“You’ve all worked hard in many ways. Take some rest, go into the city, and enjoy yourselves.”

Before the National Foundation Day commenced, the owners of the estate, Albrice and Eleanor, summoned their steward, Geoffrey, and housekeeper, Manuela, to the study to give these instructions.

The recent series of events had not only stressed those bearing the name of Beaurne but also left the household staff on edge due to the successive major incidents.

So, this time, the national holiday was a perfect timing to give the servants a break.

Using Eleanor’s kidnapping incident as an excuse, Albrice declined attending the banquet and ball on behalf of Beorn at the imperial palace, stating that he needed to take care of his younger sister staying there.

In other words, the siblings decided to confine themselves to the mansion throughout the national holiday.

Although one might think that having the owners confined in the mansion would lead to more work, Albrice and Eleanor were individuals who couldn’t stay idle.

Following the master’s instructions, Manuella and Geoffrey divided shifts to grant the servants some time off.

And so it was.

Eleanor absentmindedly held a teacup in her hand, lost in thought.

“Today feels oddly peaceful.”

Amidst the fragrant aroma of the steaming black tea rising from the round cup, Eleanor’s soft voice blended in.

The serene atmosphere of the estate where leisure flowed.

Still not quite accustomed to the taste of black tea, Eleanor sat on the terrace, savoring the fragrance rather than the bitterness, while gazing at the scenery before her.

Suddenly struck by a thought, Eleanor tightly grasped Eugenie’s hand, who had been quietly reading a book beside her.

“Eugenie, let’s go for a walk in the garden!”

“A walk?”

“Yes. Slowly, around the garden.”

Even with the suddenness of the young lady’s voice, Eugenie smiled broadly. Like a cute puppy being urged to go outside, she tucked a sophisticated bookmark between the pages of her hardcover book, capturing the comfortable moment.

—

In truth, Eleanor had been quite pleased with the capricious weather of late.

Along with a newly arrived dress came a long box. Wrapped in elegant packaging, the rectangular wooden box contained a sky-blue parasol cum umbrella resembling her own eyes.

─ Thank you for always using our dressing room. We send this small gift to help Eleanor recover. Please consider it kindly.

The gift Olivier sent as a service for a regular customer greatly pleased Eleanor.

Compared to her other belongings, the parasol cum umbrella wasn’t overly adorned with lace or patterns. However, it didn’t lack elegance or sophistication compared to the rest.

The pastel shade of sky blue brought a refreshing feeling even amidst the cloudy, somber atmosphere. Most of all, Eleanor loved the color resembling her eyes. The light, spring sky blue complemented her noble platinum blonde hair exceptionally well.

Thanks to it, even on rainy days of late, Eleanor found herself idly wandering beyond the mansion’s entrance with her umbrella in hand, occasionally dirtying her white shoes and hem, thus adding to Sophie’s workload.

Of course, Eleanor was well aware that when it rained, the servants at the mansion suffered more than usual.

Yet, under the falling raindrops, Eleanor couldn’t help but harbor thoughts like, “I wish it would rain more,” nurturing such mischievous ideas in her mind.

It was definitely like that.

“Truly, the heart of a woman.”

Beneath the scorching sun, Eleanor leaned on her sky-blue umbrella resting on her shoulder.

Not just amidst the somber atmosphere, even under the sunny sky, the platinum-haired lady holding her new umbrella looked incredibly beautiful.

However, such admiration didn’t last long.

“Sigh… I used to be a man, getting moved by things like this….”

Eventually, a deep sigh that didn’t quite match her previous demeanor escaped Eleanor.

Reflected in the living room window next to the entrance, Eleanor couldn’t help but feel a sense of self-disgust when she met the excited face of the young lady under the sky-blue umbrella.

Perhaps it was a faint gesture of affection from the man’s lingering feelings in her heart towards her.

As Eleanor sighed to herself, lost in thought, preparing for a walk beside her, Eugenie quietly approached her side.

“Elli? Why are you acting so suddenly?”

“Oh, it’s nothing… Just feeling a bit… sigh. Like my beliefs have been shattered…”

“Huh? What do you mean by that?”

Eugenie cocked her head in confusion at Eleanor’s incomprehensible words. Eleanor, with a smile, said, “Don’t worry about it,” and then quickly changed her expression, smiling broadly. She then took Eugenie’s arm into hers and linked her other arm through the one without an umbrella.

The season of summer had transformed the once vibrant garden into rolling waves of energetic greenery. The grass swayed in the warm breeze, reflecting the shining sun like ripples on a calm lake.

Eleanor and Eugenie started walking down the path together.

Their shoulders close, their ivory-colored hair swayed rhythmically with each step. Glancing at her profile, Eleanor spoke softly.

“You know, Eugenie, have you ever gone out to the city before?”

“Huh? To the city?”

At Eleanor’s suggestion, Eugenie’s pitiful eyebrows arched slightly. With her lilac eyes widened, she met Eleanor’s subtle smile.

“You must have spent your whole life stuck in the rural corners of the West, just like me. Aren’t you curious? About the capital’s founding festival.”

Of course, Eugenie wasn’t curious.

Before turning back time, Eugenie had experienced the capital’s founding festival several times. If asked to predict this year’s martial arts tournament winner, she could do so accurately. Perhaps she thought she could earn a lot of money if she bet on it.

So.

Without a second thought, Eugenie shook her head. Eleanor, gazing blankly at Eugenie’s swaying ivory hair, spoke.

“I find being with you more fun, Elli.”

“Geez. What’s that supposed to mean! You think of something nice and then say it so beautifully again!”

Eugenie sent a bright smile towards Eleanor, who pouted. Even though she faced the laughter of a beautiful woman, Eleanor’s heart didn’t race as before. There was just an indescribable warmth and tickle that enveloped her.

Eleanor pulled Eugenie’s linked arm closer to her chest. Even though Eugenie’s arm touched her chest, she paid no mind. The two awkward lumps on her chest were now recognized as her own.

“Hey, hey! Elli! If you pull me like that, I’ll fall over!”

“Elli, you’re so impudent! In front of my maid, too!”

“Oh, come on, you told me to call you that!”

Laughing heartily, the two women remained intertwined, walking through the vast garden, laughing and chatting as they strolled.