The One Who Won't Be Abandoned - Chapter 43

Instead of scolding me for leaving early two days in a row, Lady Judith expressed concern. She even apologized, assuming my condition had worsened from tending to the princess while unwell. Rather than correcting her misunderstanding, I simply thanked her and left her office.

Unfortunately, I ran into Baron Shenton in the hallway just as he was coming to see Lady Judith. Lacking the energy for conversation, I simply bowed my head to him.

“Jeanne, you don’t look well. Are you feeling unwell?”

“I’ll be fine after some rest at home. Thank you for your concern.”

“If you need care, don’t hesitate to send a letter. I’ll send Lewis to look after you.”

I barely registered Baron Shenton’s unexpected words. Instead, I just thanked him and excused myself.

I felt completely drained.

I wanted nothing more than to collapse onto my bed and stay there for days.

But, unfortunately, before I could even leave the castle, someone else stopped me.

“Jeanne! My dear, wait a moment!”

It was Aunt Amber, Snique’s aunt. She hurried toward me, carrying a basket under her arm.

“Are you heading home? Oh, perfect timing! You live on Longta Street, right? Stop by Snique’s place on your way.”

Before I could respond, she shoved the basket into my arms.

Her pushy attitude irritated me.

“I packed up some food left over from yesterday’s banquet. I made too much, so these dishes never even made it to the dining hall. No one has touched them. Could you take these to Snique? I’m worried she’s not eating properly after giving birth.”

My rising annoyance quickly subsided.

For a brief moment, I had almost snapped at innocent Aunt Amber, and I felt ashamed of myself. My face grew warm with embarrassment.

“I’ll take it to her. Don’t worry.”

“Oh, thank you, dear. I have to run now. Get home safely.”

“Yes, take care.”

I watched Aunt Amber scurry away before turning toward the castle gates.

The thought of seeing Snique again after so long lifted my spirits just a little.

Although Snique’s home was in the bustling heart of Glunan Village, I had never visited her after she gave birth. It would have been impolite to drop by unannounced.

But now, as I finally headed to her house, even the familiar streets felt different.

Luckily, Snique welcomed my unexpected visit with open arms.

“Jeanne! Come in, sit down. How have you been? How’s everyone else? Are they doing well?”

Snique was so delighted to see me that she bombarded me with questions.

Her cheerful energy was contagious, and I found myself feeling lighter as well.

“Everyone’s doing fine. Here, take this. Aunt Amber asked me to bring it to you.”

“Wow, meat! It smells amazing!”

The basket, covered with clean muslin, was filled with seasoned grilled meat and fresh fruit.

Snique’s eyes lit up.

“It’s been so long since I’ve had a meal I didn’t cook myself.”

“Thank Aunt Amber, not me. I was just the delivery girl.”

“Still, carrying it all the way here must’ve been tiring. Sit down—I’ll make some tea.”

Snique bustled about, filling the kettle with water.

“Where’s the baby?”

“Sleeping, but he should wake up soon. You’ll get to see him.”

“Good.”

I was excited.

I rarely had the chance to see newborns, and the thought of meeting her baby filled me with anticipation.

Just then, a soft, high-pitched cry rang out from somewhere inside the house.

I flinched in surprise and looked at Snique.

“Sounds like he’s awake!”

“It seems so. One moment.”

Snique had just set the kettle on the fireplace when the crying stopped.

Her husband, Dwil, appeared, holding the baby in his arms.

Snique beamed.

“Dwil, look who’s here. Jeanne brought this for us.”

“Jeanne! It’s been a while. Have you been well?”

“Yes, I have. And you? More importantly… may I see the baby?”

Dwil chuckled.

“Of course. Say hello. His name is Luxon.”

I stood up and stepped closer, peering carefully at the baby cradled in Dwil’s arms.

“He’s so adorable. His name is Luxon?”

“Yes, we named him after my great-grandfather.”

Bravely, Luxon didn’t cry even when faced with a stranger. I was overwhelmed by how precious this tiny life was.

“He’s so cute. I think he has your eyes, Snique.”

“Of course he does! I carried him for nine months—he better look like me!”

Snique shouted back while checking on the kettle, which had begun to boil. Both Dwil and I burst into laughter at her response.

“I’ll take care of it.”

Dwil handed the baby back to Snique and took the timing kettle instead.

Just watching the way he naturally cared for her made it clear what a thoughtful husband he was.

“So, I heard the princess arrived at D’Hel Castle. Jeanne, did you know in advance that the young master was engaged to her? I was completely shocked when I found out! The person I used to serve is going to marry royalty! She’s still staying at the castle, right?”

It seemed Snique hadn’t yet heard about the full scandal surrounding the tragedy at the Kaiman estate.

I smiled vaguely.

“The princess is leaving for the Ferrier estate tomorrow. She’ll be staying there for a few days. That’s where Baron Tim Ferrier, her uncle, rules.”

“Then maybe I’ll get to see her from a distance one day? I’ve never seen a member of the royal family before.”

“It’s my first time seeing one too… Hmm, well, she really is beautiful. Long golden hair down to her waist, pale skin, a small face…”

Recalling the princess and describing her appearance left a bitter taste in my mouth.

But I didn’t want to disappoint Snique during our long-overdue reunion.

“Are her eyes really purple? Like violets?”

“Yes. Like transparent violets, almost jewel-like.”

Snique sighed, saying that if she had given birth just a month later, she might have been able to see the princess too.

But inwardly, I was relieved she hadn’t.

It was better that she never met that madwoman.

Dwil came over with a tray, placing a teacup in front of each of us.

“Snique, let me take the baby so you can chat comfortably.”

“Thanks, Dwil.”

Before taking the baby, Dwil gently kissed Snique on the forehead.

She smiled up at him, looking genuinely happy.

Watching them, I felt a pang of envy.

A loving husband, a kind wife, and an adorable child who looked just like them.

It was exactly the kind of family I longed to have someday.

A sharp ache pierced my heart, and I swallowed back the lump in my throat.

I raised my teacup, pretending to cool the hot liquid, and blinked away the tears that threatened to spill.

Just then, a loud noise echoed from somewhere inside the house, as if something had fallen to the floor.

“Mother must be awake. You should go check on her.”

“Alright. Here, take the baby.”

Dwil carefully handed the baby back to Snique and quickly left in the direction of the noise.

“I’m so sorry, Jeanne. I think you’ll have to leave now. My mother doesn’t like having guests over… I didn’t expect her to wake up so suddenly. She usually naps for much longer.”

Seeing Snique’s apologetic expression, I set my teacup down and shook my head.

“You don’t have to apologize. I got to see the baby, and that’s enough. I’ll be going now.”

As I stood up and adjusted my coat, Snique hesitated before speaking again.

“Jeanne… Aunt Amber told me. About the money the castle servants gathered for me… Almost half of it came from you, didn’t it? Thank you. I know it’s shameless, but we’re using it well. Our finances have been difficult lately…”

“Snique.”

She couldn’t even meet my eyes as she spoke.

I stepped closer and carefully wrapped my arms around her.

It was an awkward hug, since she was still holding the baby, but I didn’t care.

“If anything, I’m sorry I couldn’t do more. But seeing you happy puts me at ease.”

“I am happy, Jeanne. So, so happy.”

Snique’s face lit up with genuine happiness, her eyes welling with tears. She looked so beautiful in that moment—so radiant that I felt both sympathy and a twinge of envy.

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