Unshakeable Hawthorn (4)
I couldnt tell how long I held Louise in my arms, comforting her as she cried more than I ever realized she could. After all, she was usually always smiling.
Are you feeling better now?
Mhm
She buried her face in my chest, seemingly too embarrassed to look up.
I guess you really didnt like liking him that much.
I teased her gently, and she snuggled even closer as if to say that she was sorry and silently asked not to say any more about it.
She was unexpectedly cute. Though it was Louise who usually sought comfort from , her actions strangely reminded of my younger siblings.
When would we get another mont like this? But pushing her further might make her cry more, so I should leave it at that.
But you know, getting angry with wont change anything. The decision isnt mine to make.
I felt compelled to add that. Even if Louise hated the idea, hating wouldnt change the situation since Lady Marghetta was the pri candidate for the first wife. If Louise wanted to be with oppa, shed have to plead her case to the lady.
Louise didnt even know multiple marriages were possible, let alone how crucial the first wifes approval was.
I already have seniors approval.
Hearing Louise mumble that within my arms made doubt my ears. Senior?
If we were talking about the sa person, it could only an the lady. Louise had the ladys approval?
Really? You an Lady Marghetta?
Yes, she told to give it my best. She said shed support
I beca speechless. While I was thinking that we were at a dead end, Louise had already cleared the biggest hurdle.
And it wasnt just any approval; it was practically an endorsent.
Already?
It was astounding. The lady had beco closer to oppa during the break, and it hadnt even been half a year since school resud. The montum Louise had gained by securing the ladys approval was unbelievable.
And why did she use that montum on ? With the ladys approval, my feelings should seem trivial in comparison.
Feeling almost deceived, I hugged Louise tighter. Was Louise, who had already been granted permission, keeping , who didnt have it yet, in check?
Despite Louises squirming, I didnt let go. Just a little longer.
***
Class was almost starting, so we decided to et again during the break. Louises jealousy subsided quickly, but I still had questions for her.
Tell .
H-huh?
I pulled Louise aside for a heart-to-heart, or rather, an interrogation, as soon as break ti started. The suspense had been killing .
How did you get the ladys permission?
I thought it would be difficult. The lady and oppas relationship had already been confird, so why would she allow another wife?
I figured itd be easier to create a good relationship with oppa than to seek the ladys approval.
I was wrong.
Soone who had negotiated with the lady before even dealing with oppa was right here. Whats going on?
I looked at Louise eagerly, and she avoided my eyes. Louise, I trust you. I believe in our friendship and that youd share it with .
The truth is, I dont really know.
At those words, I began to doubt if our friendship was that shallow.
No, I an it! Senior ca to first!
She mustve sensed my frustration because she quickly added.
Hearing that the lady sought her out for a conversation raised my eyebrows. I couldnt picture Louise initiating a eting with the lady, but the reverse seed equally strange.
A chill ran down my spine as I thought of the lady warning soone who could be eyeing her position. But the idea that she would willingly accept them if her position was respected made my heart race.
So, it wasnt about being the only wife, but being the first?
The lady didnt desire to be the sole wife; she wanted to be the first.
Then, there should be no problem. I would never dream of surpassing the lady even in my wildest dreams.
I felt a spark of hope. I thought the door was firmly locked, but the key was here all along.
Hey, Irina.
Yes? What is it?
A smile naturally spread across my face as my mood improved, and my smile widened even more when I realized that I wouldnt have known the good news if it werent for Louise.
Louise really was my best friend. Ive always had faith in our friendship.
Would you like to go see senior with ?
She was truly the best friend anyone could ask for.
***
We decided it would be rude to just drop in on such an important matter without notice, so we agreed to make an appointnt first.
Even if the lady was open to the idea of sharing her husband, showing up unannounced to say, Lets share your husband! was out of the question. If I were her, Id tell soone off imdiately for suggesting such a thing.
Ill arrange the eting. You should go see oppa.
Go see oppa?
Yes. Oppa is currently under probation.
It took a mont to grasp what that ant. Probation? In the academy?
Wow
And when I finally understood, I couldnt help but sigh in amazent. The world of civil servants was a tough one, and it was definitely not for . I made a ntal note never to get involved.
Since hes under probation, you can at least offer him so comfort.
I nodded at that. I had seriously considered visiting him after school hours if I couldnt et him during club ti.
But a student visiting the Prosecutors quarters without a proper reason would be difficult to justify, especially considering the dignity of a noble lady. However, the pretext of visiting an acquaintance under probation, would eliminate those two obstacles.
It wont be strange at all.
I could confidently visit oppa. For the first ti since the sester started, I would have a chance to see him alone.
Its rare to get a mont alone with him, so you might as well take this opportunity.
Louise
I felt tears of gratitude forming. She must want to spend ti with him, too.
Does this make up for earlier?
Louises giggles made nod repeatedly. I wasnt really angry, but I decided to forgive her anyway.
***
I never understood people who grew plants instead of animals before. But lately, I understood.
It gives peace of mind.
Watching my children grow so lushly filled with pride. They didnt talk back, didnt cause headaches, and thrived on their own if left alone. Besides, all I needed to do was to ensure that they got enough water and sunlight.
Where else could you find such perfect companions? It only took minimum effort for maximum joy.
Theyre beautiful.
The hawthorn and lilies looked even more beautiful next to each other. The fact that they were both white made feel like I was being purified.
I gently touched the petals of both plants. While I didnt expect the lilies to co with the hawthorn, it was a cherished gift nonetheless. Lets stick together until graduation, away from this corrupt academy and to the Prosecutors Office
Well, the Prosecutors Office was no less corrupt. Was there really no more place where corruption didnt exist?
Im sorry that you got such a lousy owner.
My poor children deserved a better place to thrive in. And yet here they were, stuck with a civil servant for an owner.
As I was bonding with my plants, I heard a knock at the door. It was about ti for Louise to arrive, and she was as punctual as ever.
The doors open. Co in.
I always left the door unlocked whenever I was expecting Louise. After all, no one else would visit except for Marghetta or Louise.
But as the door opened, a peek of blonde hair appeared through the gap.
Hello, oppa.
Irina?
My bad. There was soone else who visited.
My gaze briefly shifted to the hawthorn. Was it because of its presence that Irina ca to my room imdiately?
Maybe its a totem.
The idea that it could attract people was intriguing. I thought it was just pretty, but this plant seed to be extraordinary.
Its been a while. How have you been?
Although I was curious, I redirected my attention back to Irina. It would be rude not to properly engage with a guest who made an effort to visit.
Ive been fine. I ca after hearing news about you.
Embarrassing news, that is.
I couldnt help but let out a chuckle at Irinas words. She probably heard about my probation from Louise or Erich and decided to offer so consolation.
Regardless, I felt grateful. Considering how Irina used to avoid , this was significant progress.
But wheres Louise?
I told her it was alright to co, so it worried not to see her when she was usually around. I hope nothing serious has happened.
Oh, she had other matters to attend to. Its nothing serious.
Thats good then.
Irina spoke nonchalantly, but her bright deanor was obvious to anyone passing by.
I guess it really wasnt anything serious.
***
An unexpected visitor arrived.
Oh, Lady Louise?
This was strange. Louise usually visited Carl at this ti, didnt she? I heard from Carl himself that she visited him morning and evening.
Hello, senior. Im sorry for coming unannounced.
Thats alright. Oh, please sit. Would you like so tea?
Yes, thank you.
I got up to prepare the tea. Well, she mustve co for sothing important. Louise wasnt one to act without purpose.
As I was brewing the tea, I heard Lady Louises voice from behind.
I have sothing to ask you, senior.
But I hadnt expected her to get straight to the point.
Yes, go ahead.
Still, I preferred directness to beating around the bush.
Lady Louise was fidgeting with her fingers when I turned around, seemingly mustering up the courage to speak.
Would it be alright to have three?
What?
Her unexpected question caught off guard. Three what?
Is she talking about children?
Well, I suppose having at least three would be nice.
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