Chapter 15
Both Lilian and the maid escorting her were surprised, with the latter taking a brief peek between Lilian and Henry before saying, “Yes, General.”
Once she left, Henry gestured openly, “After you, Ms. Kerr.”
With that, Lilian had no choice but to head to the palace gates in Henry’s company.
Somehow, the journey seemed to stretch on today, and Lilian would try to look ahead from time to time, but never seem to see the gates.
And as they walked, neither she nor Henry talked–there was only the sound of soles brushing against cobble.
That seemed to never happen before, as Henry remembered Lilian to be a chatterbox who never stopped talking.
As such, the present silence left him unsettled.
In the end, he spoke first, “I’ve heard about your brother. The emperor’s response was stern, but it was no big deal. You have nothing to worry about.”
Lilian was surprised Henry would tell her that.
What was that supposed to be?
Assurance? But she was never worried.
Keeping her eyes on her shoes, she stayed silent since she didn’t intend to speak at all.
Beside her, Henry waited.
Then, seeing that she was going to stay silent, she continued, “Consort Darling’s move was good for the marquis‘ household. If you think that’s unfair, think about Madam Lestrade.”
Lilian knew that much–it was unnecessary for Henry to tell her at all, when she didn’t feel grief yesterday anyway.
It really was insignificant compared to the past three years.
Still, even as the thought crossed her mind, Henry spoke behind her, “Lily.”
Lilian’s heart skipped a beat, surprised that she would hear Henry use her pet name again after three years.
Still, she promptly held back her flaring emotions–she shouldn’t feel that way, not when she was well aware that he was going to be her brother–in–law.
When she finally turned to look at Henry–who already stopped at some point, her gaze was placid.
Cheqer th
That only left Henry’s brows knitting so closely together, they almost seemed inseparable. ” When did you develop this habit of not talking?”
And he obviously disliked it.
Lillan used to respond to everything, but now, she never spoke a word aside from greeting
him.
In fact, she was a little confused, as if she just realized that she wasn’t talking.
She frowned too, but come to think of it, it must have started after she worked at the washhouse.
Since she didn’t have friends there, she did not have much reason to talk.
Moreover, the other walds would always complain to the madame after they bullied her, and since the madame never listened, she had even less reason to talk.
But what if she spoke more?
She had spoken out repeatedly that she didn’t break the princess‘ bowl. But did that change anything?
Since no one ever listened to her, she simply decided to stop talking.
Still, she had to speak up against the two siblings of the marquis‘ household, even though that was mostly pointless.
And with that in mind, she shook her head.
Henry was left narrowing his eyes at Lilian’s dainty figure as she stood there, looking so tiny compared to the towering walls on both sides–threatening to crush her.
He regretted asking just then–where else would she have learned not to talk? It was completely unnecessary!
Even so, he just couldn’t get used to her silence.
Taking a deep breath, he changed the subject, “It’s the fireworks festival at Andone Tower tonight. Same time, same place–do come with your brother.”
Fireworks party at the Andone Tower?
Lilian stared at Henry blankly for a moment, finally remembering that it was going to be New Year’s soon.
And there was always going to be a fireworks party, starting from nightfall until past midnight.
To claim the best spots to view the dazzling fireworks, the heirs of the rich and important in the imperial capital would book their places early.
+25 BONUS
every year they would book
Rupert and Henry were no biggest, most spacious room, hanging out by the afternoon before heading home when the fireworks show was over.
And Lilian used to tall both men like a lackey.
Now, however…
Henry was left watching as Lillan’s eyes lit up for a moment, but soon dulled after.
He really couldn’t tell what she wa
thinking, only that there was still an opportunity to fix
things if she was still interested in fireworks.
His tone turning soft, he smiled at her, “We’ve reserved your favorite drinks too…”
He mentioned another past interest of hers, hoping to catch a glimpse in her eyes… only for Lilian to lower her head and say quietly, “Thank you, General Stark.”
Her tone remained distant, but that was a yes, was it not?
Henry’s brow eased as he continued towards the palace gates, with Lilian following him, still keeping her head lowered.
Henry was never one who spoke much, so they continued in silence towards the palace gates.
Still, Lilian sighed in relief when she saw a carriage from the marquis‘ residence–she was really worried when Henry said he was going to escort her.
Before he got on, however, he called out, “Take this.”
It was a box of confectionery, and it looked like just the box she had seen in his carriage the other day.
Though surprised, Lilian took it anyway.
She stared at it on the way home, the pain she had been feeling in her chest extending…
Once she returned, however, she had a servant deliver the box to Cherryton, while she headed to Madam Lestrade’s pavilion.
Madam Lestrade was feeling well today, and was relieved to see Lilian. “Did you just return from the palace?”
“Yeah,” Lilian replied softly, sitting beside Madam Lestrade and massaging her thigh.
Then, seemingly remembering just then, Lilian added, “Consort Darling didn’t make things difficult for me.”
At those words, Madam Lestrade tousled her hair and sighed. “It’s good to be mature. And I heard you fell into a pond too, are you alright?”
Lilian nodded repeatedly. “I’m alright. Winter made me ginger broth, and got me a hot bath to dispel the chills.”
Chapter 15
She was long since used to the cold as well, which was why she didn’t fall sick.
Naturally, she wouldn’t tell Madam Lestrade that or it’d break her heart.
Still, Madam Lestrade asked, “Will you be going to the fireworks festival tonight?”
