Beneath the Surviving Princess's Joyful Facade - Chapter 171

Eirik then continued the conversation. “How have you both been?”

“Well, as I wrote in the letters, we inspected the new fief, and the chief butler will compile a report soon,” said great madam spoke while slicing the leg of the boiled boar. “We’re moving to a small castle in Kenemia. It’s a half-day’s journey from here, so it should be convenient.”

“Ah, it’s a nice place, peaceful as well.”

“And what else… Honestly, what I wrote in the letters is about it. Oh, right. Lately, I’ve started playing chess with your father.”

“Chess? Who usually wins between the two of you?”

Judging by the groan the great lord let out at Eirik’s question, the answer was clear.

“What is chess?” Miesa asked.

Eirik smiled as he explained, “It’s like a small war played on a board, moving pieces the size of your finger. Let’s play it together later.”

“Mother, please teach me after dinner.”

“Learn from your husband. I’m busy teaching mine.”

At the great madam’s words, Miesa looked down, embarrassed, prompting the great madam to shake her head, unable to resist.

“Other sons and daughters-in-law keep a good distance from their in-laws. Alright, let’s do it later.”

Miesa beamed and resumed eating. After dinner, the chess game began in the parlor.

As a result, the awkwardness between Miesa and the great lord only grew. Since she had only recently learned to play, it wasn’t hard for Miesa to defeat Eirik’s father multiple times.

“You must be tired. Let’s call it a night.”

Seeing her husband’s sour expression and repeated coughs, the great madam handed him a glass of liquor and changed the topic.

“Oh, by the way, we’ll have a welcoming banquet in a week. Do you have a dress for it, Miesa?”

“I have a couple of suitable dresses with me.”

The great madam wondered why her son was answering for her, but instead of teasing them, she hurriedly sent the couple upstairs to their bedroom.

“Alright, we’ll check tomorrow, but for now, go on up and rest.”

When they reached the bedroom, the attendants informed them that the bath was ready.

“My lord, you can use the bathroom in the next room.”

“Hmm? No, Eirik will use the bathroom in this room with me.”

“Pardon?”

The attendants looked startled, and Eirik’s face flushed. The attendants, who had watched him grow up, were left gaping, and Eirik felt awkward as well.

“Miesa. For now, just for now.”

Eirik, feeling embarrassed, gently patted Miesa’s back and tried to calm her down.

“Since it’s already prepared, I’ll use the other bathroom.”

“…Only for today.”

“Yes, only today.”

As Eirik made his firm promise, the attendants, who had been standing by, exchanged uneasy glances. Their lord, who had been like a walking rulebook, was clearly powerless before his wife, the former queen.

“Hurry up and bathe, then.”

“…Yes.”

With a wry smile, Eirik disappeared, and the two maids waiting nearby bowed deeply.

“Even if we serve you poorly, we ask for your understanding—”

“It’s fine. Let’s just get on with it.”

Before the maids could help her undress, Miesa had already started removing her clothes. One of the maids picked up the garments that had fallen to the floor, only to freeze in shock when she saw Miesa’s back.

“M-Madam.”

“What? Hurry up and help me wash my hair.”

Miesa gestured for her to come over as she settled into the bathtub. Realizing the scars on Miesa’s body were old, the startled maid quickly lowered her head and silently assisted. The other maid, who belatedly noticed, also tried to keep a composed expression but couldn’t help her trembling lips.

The two maids serving Miesa were the daughters of vassals, raised in martial families and known for their resilience. At first, they worried about the seemingly childlike lady they were to serve, wondering if she would struggle under the stern great madam, the stubborn great lord, and the stoic young lord.

But contrary to their concerns, the great madam seemed fond of her, the great lord appeared almost intimidated by the young madam, and the steadfast young lord seemed completely under her thumb.

And now, seeing these horrendous scars, they were left in awe. What kind of battles had she faced, and how much suffering had she endured? The daughters of knights exchanged glances, filled with admiration. Scars never lied.

“What’s this?”

Miesa began examining the small bottles lined up beside the bathtub, opening them one by one, prompting one of the maids to quickly answer.

“It’s aromatic oil, Madam. It’s been prescribed by the healer to help warm your body.”

“Yes, Madam. We prepared it because you tend to feel the cold.”

At their hurried replies, Miesa burst into laughter. “Your accent is so cute. ‘Because you tend to feel the cold.'”

“Ah…”

“It’s different from the Kazen accent, isn’t it?”

“Y-yes… If you can’t understand us, please let us know.”

“No, it’s fine. It’s just the intonation that’s different. Alright, I’m getting out now.”

Miesa, eager to finish, quickly ended her bath, and the two maids quietly exited after completing their duties.

Once the maids closed the door to the bridal chamber and stepped into the hallway, they were immediately surrounded by waiting attendants.

“What is the young madam like?”

“…She seems remarkable.”

The younger of the two maids spoke first, and the head maid shook her hand.

“Why do you all say the same thing? Tell us more. Even the cooks and the maids who’ve been with her since the capital won’t talk.”

They, too, had heard bits and pieces over time. Some of the servants who had accompanied Miesa years ago still remembered seeing her tear through the gardens at the capital, but they had stayed silent, only speaking up after she ascended to the throne, exclaiming that her act had been flawless beyond belief.

“Well… She seems very down-to-earth, but you can tell she’s different. She used to be the queen, after all.”

“Right. She doesn’t stand on ceremony, but there’s still something innate about her.”

The maids spoke with slightly bewildered expressions.

“Anyway, she’s truly remarkable.”

The impatient nanny, who had been straining to hear more, realized that they had nothing else to share and waved her hand dismissively.

“Oh well, we’ll figure her out gradually. I just hope she likes it here—there isn’t much fun to be had.”

“True. She was used to all the best things in the palace; she might not be satisfied here.”

While the head maid continued her needless worrying, night fell.

The following morning at breakfast, the great lord and his wife were again quiet. Miesa recalled what the great madam had said the previous day.

“Other sons and daughters-in-law keep a good distance from their in-laws.”

Was her mother-in-law burdened by her presence? It was clear she didn’t dislike Miesa, given how warmly she smiled whenever their eyes met.

However, having once held the throne, Miesa now understood that relationships could become naturally strained due to circumstances and positions. Even Gella, once accustomed to serving as a lady-in-waiting, had eventually kept her distance.

Noticing Miesa’s lack of appetite, Eirik spoke up, “Is the food not to your liking? It’s the same cook.”

“…No, I’m just a bit tired.”

“Really? I was going to suggest looking at dresses for the banquet, but we can do it later.”

Hearing the great madam’s concerned words, Miesa shook her head fervently. “No, if I move around a bit, I’ll enjoy lunch more.”

“Then perhaps you should go for a walk.”

Surprisingly, Eirik seemed to misunderstand her intentions, which made Miesa anxious.

“No, I want to try on the dresses. I haven’t done it yet.”

“Alright. Then why don’t you take your father for a walk around the castle? In the meantime, they’ve expanded the market, so take a look.”

Skillfully, the great madam managed to send the two men out of the castle.

After breakfast, Miesa and the great madam sat in the center of the parlor. The maids put up folding screens and opened boxes to take out dresses, bustling around.

“The yellow satin dress seems a bit thin for late autumn. Considering the season, the green dress would be better.”

“Shall I try it on?”

“Yes, how many dresses did you order in the capital again? When will the rest arrive?”

“I don’t know, but Eirik does.”

The great madam smiled and gestured, and the maids from yesterday helped Miesa change behind the screen.

The deep green velvet dress was elegant, with a luxurious fullness to its skirt. However, the unique way the back was tied caused the maids some trouble.

“I think the ribbon goes in here.”

“Madam, are you sure this is how the dress is supposed to be worn?”

“I don’t know. Eirik knows.”

“Goodness, Miesa. You can’t even dress yourself without your husband—”

Laughing, the great madam got up and stepped behind the screen, only to freeze. The deep scars on Miesa’s white back were visible in the bright sunlight.

“…What is this?”

The great madam’s face first turned pale, then flushed. When Miesa turned around, she saw the great madam’s forehead vein pulsing—just as Eirik’s did when he was extremely angry.

“Everyone, leave. This will be a long conversation.”

At the great madam’s words, the maids bowed deeply and quickly left the room. Seeing her back in the mirror, Miesa understood what was happening.

“Are you talking about the scars?”

“Was it Vermel who did this? Or… what exactly…”

The great madam’s voice was thick with rage as she continued, “That vile creature, he died too easily. I should have fed his flesh to the beasts, piece by piece.”

Hearing the great madam’s harsh words, Miesa shook her head calmly. “Mother, it’s all in the past for me now.”

“What exactly happened to you?”

“It’s a long story.”

Miesa climbed up onto the console, her back still exposed.

“It’s such a long story that you’d get hungry or sleepy listening to it all. I can tell you everything if you really want to know.”

The great madam seemed lost in thought for a moment.

“I don’t know how to treat you.”

After pacing the room for a while, seemingly organizing her thoughts, the great madam spoke with a sigh, “I once told Eirik that men’s affection is fleeting, and I wouldn’t expect anything different from my own son.”

The great madam straightened her back and continued slowly, “I thought it would be the same for me. I believed that I would eventually grow uncomfortable with my son’s wife, so I kept my distance. You’re clever, so I’m sure you noticed.”

“…Mother.”

“It’s not because I dislike you. I’m the problem. I was afraid that one day I might say something hurtful or force you to do something you didn’t want.”