Timid and Shy - Chapter 39

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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39.

Even while traveling through the Central Region, Sophia continued to receive magazines and correspondence from the Capital.
Pina worked diligently on behalf of Sophia, who had suddenly become famous as the fiancée of Prince Robert. The number of newspapers and magazines featuring Sophia had increased considerably.
Helen clicked her tongue as she examined the numerous magazines that Pina sent along with letters from her friends.
“Mother scolds me and Ellie for being too fond of gossip and magazines. But honestly, it looks like she got it from her. Just look at this pile. And she’s even marked which ones she’s already read. She says it’s out of worry, but Mother is clearly enjoying herself.”
Sophia agreed. The volume of Pina’s letters and the magazines she sent were substantial. Thanks to them, the journey wasn’t dull, but there was far too much to get through while traveling.
Sophia’s betrothal was having considerable influence on those around her. The longer the engagement with Prince Robert lasted, the more far-reaching its effects would be.
It had been wise to restructure the terms so the engagement could be broken as quickly as possible. Likewise, securing payments during the betrothal period even if they never met had been a prudent move.
Over the course of two months traveling through the Central Region, Sophia was steadily earning money.
‘Two hundred gold coins for doing nothing whatsoever…’
Sophia was not a woman without conscience. During her travels, she’d searched for ways to support him as his fiancée.
With Helen’s help, she had researched and compiled a list of activities befitting an engaged couple. She also included romantic novel events that had resonated well and scenes that always seemed to appear, according to Helen’s preferences.
Sophia spoke as she was drawing up the list.
“Do you think such things will be too ordinary for a prince? Or perhaps too grand?”
Helen replied.
“I’m not sure. For now, just ask the Prince. But I think if it’s Prince Robert, he’ll follow along with whatever you suggest. Just like on your first date.”
Sophia swallowed a sigh. No matter how hard she tried to convince Helen, Helen would not be swayed. Helen said.
“Just try it all. It’s so wonderful. I’m jealous.”
Helen’s younger brother Sol shook his head as he watched the two of them and spoke.
“Why do you have to do all this? You’re already engaged. Why?”
Helen looked at Sol with a pitying expression. She scoffed openly and said.
“What would you know, Sol? They say you’re excellent at school, but when it comes to love, do you know anything at all? Listen carefully, Sol. Betrothal is a promise to marry in the future. It’s a commitment to spend a lifetime together. Is it wrong to confirm and reconfirm love before that? Will it be useless? No. The more you do it, the more both of you know that love is there. Growing love through that process is absolutely necessary.”
Sol spoke curtly.
“That makes no sense. Counting money over and over doesn’t make it increase.”
“You’re foolish. Foolish. It’s always the ones who are so cold toward love and romance who end up turning their heads around completely and doing all sorts of ridiculous things. I can see it coming with you too, Sol.”
“I will absolutely never do such foolish things. Just wait and see.”
“I’ll have to remind you of this later—the dumbest declaration Sol ever made at thirteen years old.”
Helen and Sol’s bickering happened frequently. But it was never serious, and it almost always ended with Sol mocking Helen and Helen mocking everything about Sol. There was neither winner nor loser.
Sophia studied the list seriously and wondered.
‘What if he thinks I’m just luxuriating on someone else’s coin? Will Prince Robert notice?’

***

After returning from her travels, Sophia planned to stay at Pina’s Residence for some time. She checked once more to make sure her presence wouldn’t be a burden to the household.
Sophia spoke to Pina with a worried expression.
“Because of me, many people’s attention will be drawn to Pina’s Residence. It won’t matter while things are going well, but what if my relationship with Prince Robert becomes difficult? Won’t that harm your business?”
Pina smiled reassuringly and spoke.
“As you say, business can be affected by political circumstances. However, I will not conduct business based on your situation or make direct use of your betrothal. Not to boast, but the business I’m currently engaged in is not something that would be easily shaken by the state of your relationship.”
Despite Pina’s self-commendation, Sophia’s worried expression remained. Pina continued with a smile.
“Of course, I understand your concerns. It is true that many people wish to meet me because of your situation. But it is manageable, so do not worry. In fact, I should be grateful. People who ordinarily would only grant me a meeting if I pestered them are now proposing meetings on their own. Since there is intangible benefit, there may be intangible harm if circumstances change. But I am prepared and making arrangements for it, so please do not worry too much.”
“Then I’m relieved. If any problems arise because of me or because of Prince Robert, please tell me. If anyone from House Wiscom or elsewhere applies pressure or causes trouble, it might be better to bring it to Prince Robert and Ariel rather than have you handle it as a businesswoman.”
“Ariel?”
“Not long after the betrothal with Prince Robert was announced, preparations had already begun for her promotion to Frontier Baron. I’m telling you this in advance just in case. Not to hide or bear everything for Ariel’s sake. Ariel may not be able to become Pina’s Residence’s strong backing, but when your household needs help, she won’t turn away. We are family, after all. If you face difficulties, please inform Ariel or tell me without hesitation.”
Pina shook her head and spoke.
“I appreciate your words. But I intend to avoid mentioning the Emperor, the Imperial Court, the Prince, or Ariel as much as possible. In times like these, feigning ignorance is best. There’s a risk of being blamed or receiving petitions later. I will keep business within the scope of what I can handle with my own hands. You need not be so concerned.”
“What about the commotion that will occur while I’m staying here? I may need to apologize to the neighbors.”
“We’ll worry about that after any disturbance happens. Later, we can smooth things over by inviting the neighbors in your name. I’ll mention it to my wife.”
“Thank you so much, Pina. I hope that while I’m staying here, I can minimize any trouble and perhaps be of some help.”
“The feeling is mutual, Miss Sophia. I hope you enjoy your stay at my residence as much as possible.”
The matter of Sophia staying at Pina’s Residence was settled with that conversation. The person most delighted by Sophia’s stay was undoubtedly Helen.
Helen spoke to Sophia.
“My friends keep asking if they can see you again. They won’t stop pestering me about making up for how I shut them down completely last time regarding the first date.”
“I’d like to see them too. Why not invite them over to the house?”
“Are you sure that’s all right?”
“Of course. It’s your home.”
“I thought that once you became the Prince’s fiancée, there would be formal reception procedures every time you met someone, or restrictions on whom you could see. Like people coming from the Imperial Court.”
“That happens when you’re preparing for marriage, I think. I’m not really sure either. Since Prince Robert hasn’t mentioned anything special about it, I suppose we can just relax and do as we please.”
“Then I’ll call on you tomorrow. You seemed to have so many questions. Would that be all right?”
“Of course. I should prepare myself thoroughly.”
Helen agreed with Sophia’s thinking. The wider a story spread, the more beautiful it needed to be. Especially since Robert was not well-known, and what little was known of him tended to be unfavorable.
Though Sophia’s novel had gained popularity, more people still believed in the portrayal of Robert in “The Language of White Roses” than in reality. His betrothal to Sophia was also an opportunity to wash away that image.

***

Helen’s friends visited Pina’s Residence at the most opportune moment the following day. A long procession stood before the house—gifts that Robert was sending to his betrothed, Sophia, had arrived.
They came from the jewelers and dressmakers who held exclusive contracts with the Imperial Court. The staff began laying out their wares in the Reception Room. Sophia examined the items they had brought along with Helen and her friends.
What they presented to Sophia was not merely of the highest quality but also reflected the latest fashions suited to her age. Everything from dresses and hair ornaments to gloves and shoes had been tailored to perfection from head to toe.
Sophia, like Helen and her friends, marveled at it all while delighting in the spectacle. Even Pina looked visibly excited.
A young man stepped forward among the displays and spoke.
“Good day to you, Young Noblewoman Sophia. I am Asher, an attendant in service to Robert. You need only select what pleases you. As for the dresses, once you choose a design, a new one will be crafted to your measurements. If you wish, it is also possible to purchase the design itself—should you desire only one gown of its kind to exist in the world.”
Sophia smiled. Beyond mere wealth, the position of the prince’s betrothed came with many privileges to enjoy. Delighted by this unexpected bounty, Sophia beamed, and the girls watching beside her squealed with excitement.
Helen spoke.
“Is that the fabric from Madame Porche’s atelier—the one everyone said was nearly impossible to obtain? I’d heard that an atelier holding an exclusive contract with the Imperial Court truly operates on a different level….”
Sophia looked at the fabric Helen had pointed out. It was a peculiar material that shifted through countless hues depending on how the light struck it. Pina remarked.
“The fabric is so rare that I’ve only ever seen it used as trim on dresses. This is the first time I’ve seen an entire gown made from it.”
Sallin, Elis, and Helen’s other friends began displaying their own knowledge, sharing observations about the latest fashions with Sophia. Elis gestured toward the jewelry and spoke.
“Hair ornaments these days often feature flowers or floral designs. They suit the season, and I’ve seen beautiful arrangements where flowers are pinned into upswept hair like a floral display. I think such a style would suit you well, Sophia.”
The merchant displaying the jewelry opened another case, and at once revealed several flower-shaped ornaments of the sort Elis had just described.
Helen and her friends lifted Sophia’s hair and began trying on each ornament in turn, selecting their favorites. The merchant, with discerning courtesy, also allowed Helen and her friends each to try on pieces.
The atmosphere became naturally festive, and even those showing the goods seemed to enjoy themselves. When conducting business with the Imperial Court, one naturally had to be cautious in the presence of such elevated personages. Now, amid the chatter of young ladies, it was harder to maintain composure—yet this informality actually made the work easier for those conducting it.
Of course, not everyone shared that view. There were certainly those watching from one corner who scoffed at what they deemed a lack of decorum.
Sophia selected several items based on the staff’s recommendations and the opinions of Helen and the others, then saw them off. After passing through that hectic day, the following day Sophia visited the Imperial Palace at Robert’s invitation.

***

Robert, who came to receive Sophia in person, appeared to be in good health. Sophia spoke.
“It has been a while. I trust you have been well, Your Highness?”
“Perfectly well. Did you enjoy your travels?”
“Yes, very much. Since it was my first journey to the Central Region, the trip itself was fascinating and delightful.”
“You must have enjoyed yourself. I should have noticed when Ariel altered the contract terms.”
Sophia brushed past Robert’s remark lightly and drew out an object, which she handed to him.
“A gift in commemoration of my travels. I know it pales greatly in comparison to the gifts you have sent, but please accept it as an earnest token of my gratitude.”
What Sophia presented was a terrarium—a glass vessel containing a plant within. She continued.
“Is it not remarkable? That a plant can flourish in such an enclosed space, given only sunlight?”
“Indeed.”
Robert answered pleasantly and led Sophia deeper into the Imperial Palace. He said.
“Today’s schedule was originally meant to show you the Garden and the Greenhouse, but there has been a slight change of plans.”
“Are we to meet His Imperial Majesty? I have worried whether we should announce the betrothal without an audience with him first.”
“You’ve guessed correctly.”
“Does His Majesty already know? Or would it be all right if I explained matters to him directly?”
“He knows. However, I would not recommend being entirely forthright with him. The Emperor prefers not to know such things explicitly. Even if he is already aware that this is a false betrothal, it will not make matters any easier.”
“So even a woman he will soon part with must meet his standards? Or would he be displeased with me?”
Robert heard Sophia’s words and nearly laughed, but he held it back.
‘Displeased? Suspicious at most.’
Robert said.
“Do not think of the Emperor as an ordinary father. The Emperor is the apex of power and power itself. It is not a matter that ends with simple displeasure.”
“Is there anything I should be careful about?”
“There is no need to worry overmuch. I shall remain at your side throughout. Now then, with all those gold coins you received so generously, your travels must have been quite luxurious.”
“Hardly. Rather, from that distant place, I planned and prepared something with the constant wish that you would prosper. So that you would not regret the gold coins you spent on me.”
Vian, who had been following Robert and Sophia, was startled to see Robert asking questions about her travels in such a careful manner, clearly attempting to ease her nerves. He hastily composed his expression.
Vian, mindful of the eyes of others, rationalized that Robert was simply being cordial toward Sophia for appearances’ sake, and he steadied his anxious heart once more.
‘This is all because of that absurd comment Maeub made.’

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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