Chapter 47
In truth, even he was conflicted for some time. He had no voice in the nobility and didn't know how to help Linnea.
Although Idel offered little help with the knowledge she possessed, it made a huge difference for Linnea.
After Camille's party, Linnea seemed noticeably brighter and more cheerful. Her improved mood meant she no longer lashed out at the servants, and even when she was annoyed, she quickly put it aside.
Thanks to this, the palace has been very quiet lately.
“I only came to ask you to continue to care about things as you used to.”
“Of course, that’s my responsibility.”
“Of course, this doesn’t always happen as it should. I know you’ll try your best, perhaps stubbornly, but still.”
He was late, unusually hesitant.
He ran his hand through his hair, avoiding Idell's gaze, and said:
“Linya has nothing to do with the things I’ve done. She didn’t choose to be born as the sister of someone like me. Even if you hate me, I ask you not to…”
“I don’t hate you, Count! And I certainly don’t hate Linnea either! I don’t understand why you’re so worried.”
Surprised, Idell shook her head quickly.
It seemed as though he was afraid that Linnea would mistreat him out of spite!
Only after Idil vehemently denied it did his eyes return to hers.
“This is convenient. If you need anything, come and tell me – money, anything. I mean it sincerely.”
"Thank you. I will remember that."
He nodded slightly, but with a hint of nervousness. After glancing back at Idyll's room, he left.
As Idil stared quietly at the closed door, she couldn't understand one thing.
"Why does he think I hate him? I even thanked him for saving me last time..."
She tilted her head in confusion but decided to stop overthinking. She changed out of her pajamas, thinking it might just be a misunderstanding on her part.
***
The weekend has arrived.
After helping Linnea get ready for a walk with Laszlo, Idil quickly changed her clothes.
Daisy had been ready for some time and was waiting on the first floor.
"Hello, my sister!"
"Sorry to make you wait."
“You’re welcome! It’s only been about ten minutes since Linnea left. Let’s go!”
Today was the day that Idil had promised to visit Portrait Street with Daisy.
In addition to completing the photoshoot, Edel also needed to buy some clothes and accessories. Now that she was able to go out, it seemed wise to prepare clothes, shoes, umbrellas, and hats.
Daisy also wanted to buy more yarn for her shawl and brought her bag with her.
But as soon as Edel reached the gate of the Crisis Royal Estate, she felt a little nervous.
'It's a strange feeling to go out again after so long...'
She had accidentally locked herself inside the palace for a while, but, in a way, the palace walls also protected her from the cold stares of the outside world.
The street they were heading to today was a smaller one in Beltis, a lively area inhabited by many middle-class citizens. It was known for its unique and beautiful wares, and it also attracted the nobility.
'What if I met someone I know...?'
Can she smile as if nothing has changed if her former friends point accusing fingers at her?
"Hey, sister? Are you okay? Did you forget something?"
When Edel hesitated at the entrance, Daisy came back and asked.
Daisy was standing in the bright March sunlight, looking lively and cheerful, like a small bud.
At that moment, Edel realized something. With someone as loving and kind as Daisy by her side, there was no need to dwell on past relationships.
'Yes, I'll be fine. I'm Edel, the Crisis family maid, and I'm happy with my life now.'
Therefore, even if these so-called friends, who only care about status, changed their attitudes and mocked her, that was their shame, not hers.
"I thought I'd forgotten something, but I hadn't. Let's go!"
Edel stepped out of the shadows and walked towards the sunlight where Daisy was standing waiting.
**
Before visiting Portrait Street, they spent time shopping for essentials.
Idil requested two outfits suitable for wearing outdoors, one in soft sky blue and the other in dark gray.
Although the dresses did not contain lace, she admired the elegant design: small pleats running along the buttons from the collar to the chest, modest sleeves that were not too puffy, and an overall simple but elegant look.
After submitting her application, she bought a white hoodie and a simple black umbrella.
Have you ever shopped with peace of mind before?
For the first time, Edel found shopping enjoyable. It was surprising; she enjoyed it now, with limited means, more than she had when she could afford more.
'At that time, buying things that would impress others was more important than buying things that I really liked.'
Every moment of her previous life was a test.
Now that there were no judges to evaluate all her moves, she felt more like herself than ever before.
"Which one do you prefer, sister?" Daisy asked.
As Daisy looked at the pre-made shoes on display, she turned to Idil and asked:
"Which one did you like best?"
Edel chose a pair of simple but comfortable-looking leather shoes. They were a far cry from the delicate silk shoes with intricate embellishments she had worn during her time as a noblewoman. But she liked these shoes much better.
After finishing their shopping, the two hurried towards Portrait Street.
Although it was called “the street,” the art market was actually located on a bridge spanning the River Robben. Along the wide bridge, artists displayed their work and set up easels in preparation for taking commissions from clients.
Just as Daisy mentioned, portrait art seemed to be the dominant trend, with the bridge teeming with people looking to get their portraits done.
“You have to wait at least an hour to get a picture of a famous artist.”
"Should we go for a walk and see if we can find someone whose style we like?"
"Yes!"
Daisy smiled, her cheeks flushing with excitement, and playfully clutched Idell's arm. She looked so beautiful, glancing curiously from side to side, that Idell felt like hugging her.
'I'm glad we got out today.'
Idil smiled warmly.
Although the selfies weren't cheap, and Daisy's limited budget made the idea of such a luxury seem daunting, Edel wanted her to enjoy the experience. For some, fifty ringgit might not even cover a single meal, but for others, it could be a month's allowance.
Edel knew that Daisy must have done some mental calculations, trying to figure out how to make the fifty ringgit work for her budget, even though she had enthusiastically agreed to the outing.
Daisy said cautiously:
“The pictures are rather expensive. Even the cheapest ones cost over fifty ringgit. Are you sure it’s okay?”
“I’ve saved enough, so it’s okay. I’m the one who wants to do this with you, so I’ll cover the cost.”
"Oh no! I have to pay too!"
Daisy objected.
“Think of it as a gift. All you have to do is look your best that day.”
The look of joy and gratitude on Daisy's face was something Edel knew she would never forget. She felt as though she was, in a way, repaying a debt she owed her friend.
The two were strolling down Portrait Street, chatting cheerfully and looking for an artist. With such perfect weather, even Idéal felt as cheerful as Daisy.
Then someone called out to her.
"Wait, is this... Edel Canyon?"
Idell turned to face the sound.
“Mrs. Lucille Arten…?”
She was the daughter of the Viscount Arten family, whom Idil knew briefly before her marriage. Judging by the wedding ring on Lucille's left hand, she has since married into another family and taken a new name.
Lucille once desperately tried to gain Idell's favor, showering her with such excessive flattery that Idell had to push her away. But that was a long time ago, when their social standings were very different.
Now, Edel was the one who held a lower position, and therefore he was obligated to show respect.
Idil lifted the hem of her skirt slightly and bowed politely.
"It's been a long time, ma'am. I hope you're well."
"Oh my God, oh my God! It really is you! Everyone, come here! It's Idyll Canyon!"
Lucille's sudden outburst took Idelle by surprise, and her face hardened before she could stop him.
Anxiety crept into her heart, not only because of her own situation but also because of Daisy, who was looking forward to the portrait outing. Yet Lucille seemed completely unconcerned by the embarrassment she was causing Idell.
A group of familiar faces quickly gathered around Lucille, friends of Idil whom she had met several times in the past. Despite her reluctance, she had no choice but to greet them as she had done before.
"Welcome"
She said, bending down again.
The women's eyes widened, as if they had found something unbelievable, and they burst into laughter.
"Oh my God! Imagine receiving a greeting from 'Idel Canyon'!"
“Look at her in her maid’s uniform! So the rumors were true, she really has become a maid for the Crisis family!”