Silent Wave
When the weekend came, the duke returned. Recently, the Duke has been on frequent business trips due to trade with the Kingdom of Britain.
Among the nobles, Duke Agafel read the trend of the times faster and expanded his business.
Thanks to that, he has become a godfather of a level that cannot be ignored.
The Agafel family, which had all their honor, power, wealth and power, could not do anything to the royal family.
Stella, who went with the Duke on a business trip, said as she unpacked her things.
“Ellie, how is this? Isn't it really pretty?
She asked in an excited voice, showing off the accessories and dress she had bought from the Kingdom of Britain. Elizabeth's eyes widened more than expected.
“With what money did you buy so much? I don't even have space in my closet."
At Elizabeth's scolding, Stella pursed her lips.
"Don't say too much. I bought yours too, is it going to be like that?
He seemed to think that Elizabeth was complaining because she didn't buy hers.
I felt sorry for giving a sad look. Elizabeth let out a deep breath.
"That's not what I mean, Mom."
“Anyway, it's too much. Scolding my mother who came after a long time. I thought of you, so I bought you a present.
"Yes, I'm sorry. Show me again Oh, that looks good on you.”
When Elizabeth complimented the scarlet dress, Stella jumped up and stood in front of me, smiling sheepishly.
"Right? I like this one too. It's what the duke chose."
"Did you go with the duke?"
When Elizabeth asked in surprise, Stella answered casually.
"Yeah. Wait a minute on the way. I stopped at the clothing store for a while because my shirt was dirty."
"Right."
“The kingdom of Brittany is so sophisticated. I wish you would have gone too.
"What am I doing there?"
"Anyway, I gave birth to a daughter with a stomach ache, so how can it be so boring?"
Stella lost interest and began to organize her suitcase. Looking at the things she bought, it seemed like she had gone on a trip somewhere instead of following her like a bridesmaid.
Stella likes to run with straws, so it wasn't something she couldn't understand.
Elizabeth helps unpack, but Stella scolds this time.
“Your face looks like me and it's pretty, but what are you doing so slow? I don't know if I'm going to have a good relationship."
"What is love? I just like living next to my mother like this now."
“Don't be like that, just pay attention now. Why did I put you on Ingrid? It's all about knowing men well, right?
"mother."
Elizabeth frowned, as if telling her to stop, but Stella didn't stop.
"If I were you, I would have jumped at the chance and snatched it up."
"I am not interested."
“Don't do that, do your best at the return banquet. What are you going to do with a pretty face?
As a courtesy, Stella put the scarlet dress on Elizabeth. It was a gesture that he would let her wear new clothes first for the sake of his daughter's love story.
Elizabeth lightly touched her hand. No one who came to the banquet would make her heart tremble.
Because her heart was already full of just one person, and she couldn't even afford to bring anyone else.
"If it's that good, mommy does it."
"It's not fun anyway."
Stella snorted and tried very hard to pack her way. Even when he said quietly, "Tell me every time you change your mind," Elizabeth didn't reply.
* * *
When the anniversary of the duchess's death came, the atmosphere in Agafel's castle was gloomy. The Duke and Kiern paid their respects at the site of the Duchess's headstone.
Elizabeth and Stella stood back and watched him in silence. Thinking of the doting duchess made the tip of his nose frown.
Even so, he wanted her to know that many people remembered her every year.
The grass on the grave seemed to cover the mound so that the lady in the grave would not be dazzled by the sunlight.
Colorful flowers were placed on well-maintained graves. Elizabeth prayed over the red rose she loved in life.
Then I heard a moan next to me. Stella was wiping her eyes with a handkerchief, perhaps missing her presence.
I felt sorry for her slightly trembling shoulders. It was when Elizabeth tried to comfort her.
"My wife will not be sad because of you."
Duke Agafel patted Stella on the shoulder. Just as a husband who lost his wife sympathizes with a woman who lost a friend.
Elizabeth watched him without thinking. Then suddenly, she saw Kiern, who was standing beside her, clenching her fists.
Elizabeth, who rarely showed emotion in front of the duchess's grave, was a bit perplexed.
The tomb was finished quietly. As soon as the visit to the tomb was over, the duke came out saying that he was busy with work. Stella also went out on an errand.
Elizabeth missed the duchess and moved to the place where the tree liked to feel the afterglow.
As we approached the tree, Elizabeth knew that I wasn't the only one who missed her.
