Chapter 68
“I received a necklace my father made together with my mother as a birthday present the other day.”
Tiana took out the necklace she was wearing under her clothes.
“Oh my, how lovely. You’ve been wearing it faithfully, I see.”
“It’s so beautiful. I was so happy when I received it. Thank you very much.”
Tiana touched the magic stone on her necklace and gazed at it affectionately.
“Your father may have already told you this, but it’s a magic tool that protects you. You must keep it close to your skin at all times. That goes for you too, Ellie.”
“Yes!”
“Yes.”
Both girls answered firmly.
I was able to thank Father on my birthday, but not Mother. I’m glad I got the chance now.
“Since it’s just us ladies right now, why don’t we have a little tea time together?”
“Eh?”
“That sounds wonderful!”
Tiana was surprised, but Ellie agreed immediately.
Having tea time sounded nice, but… would Mother be okay staying awake for that long?
“Since it’s a special occasion, let’s go to the garden.”
The garden…? That’s outside. Even though it’s gotten warmer lately, it’s still chilly.
And Mother really shouldn’t spend too long outdoors.
“Mother, will it be alright for you to go outside?”
My sister must have thought the same—that it would be held indoors.
Being told suddenly that we’re going to the garden makes you worry about Mother’s condition, doesn’t it?
I agree with my sister.
“You might start feeling unwell…”
Tiana also voiced concern for Duchess Flora’s health.
The surrounding maids had worried looks on their faces too.
“Cough— You came all this way, so of course I want to talk with you. And lately I’ve been feeling better, so I’d like to spend some time with my daughters while I still can.”
Her smile now was different from before—it was tinged with sorrow.
The maids said nothing, perhaps out of respect for her wishes.
And that phrase—‘while I still can’—it meant she already foresaw that her condition would worsen again.
She could feel that her time was running out.
Mother always acted as if nothing were wrong, hiding how frail she really was. But in truth, even speaking must be difficult for her now.
If Mother says she wants to talk, then we must.
We have to.
“I want to go to the garden with you and Sister, Mother!”
“Tia… I—I want to go to the garden too.”
Sister must have understood Mother’s feelings as well. After a short silence, Ellie agreed.
“Thank you, both of you, for accepting my invitation.”
“Then, since it’s still chilly outside, we’ll prepare for the outing at once,” said Camilla, the maid who had guided them earlier.
“Tiana, Ellie—go on ahead to the garden.”
“Understood.”
Tiana and Ellie left the room first.
Just as the door closed behind them, they heard their mother’s painful cough echo softly from within.
