Marlena had done everything she could to surprise Eileen, even asking for advice and buying snacks.
But despite her best efforts, all attempts to surprise her friend had failed, causing Marlena to lose her temper.
"For God's sake! What kind of dessert haven't you tried yet?!"
Eileen, still eating her fruit pudding, widened her eyes at her irritation.
"Ah, that... Someone I know often gives me things like that. "
Apparently, this person was quite wealthy. Given Eileen's reputation as a talented pharmacist, it wouldn't be surprising if she had at least one affluent client.
Marlena sniffled as she ate her pudding. Then, a sudden realization hit her.
“…”
A month had already passed.
Slowly, Marlena put down the spoon and looked at Eileen. Eileen smiled innocently and commented:
"Despite everything, thanks to you, I've been having fun lately."
Seeing that innocent expression stirred a storm of emotions in Marlena. She stood up abruptly, overcome by indescribable feelings—only to sit down again.
It took her another month to admit her true feelings. She didn't want to die. She wanted to live.
“… What nonsense.”
She grumbled to herself and quickly shoved the pudding into her mouth, then grabbed Eileen's portion and devoured it as well. Tears welled in her eyes as she accused Eileen of deceiving her, before storming off. Even so, days later, she returned, bringing snacks as an apology.
Eileen and Marlena continued to meet occasionally, sharing desserts and conversations. Because they avoided talking about the past, this facilitated the connection between them.
Then, one day, Marlena had an idea. She wanted to give Eileen a "makeover," starting by cutting her bangs and changing her glasses.
"Stay quiet."
Marlena took off Eileen's glasses and tried to cut her bangs with scissors. However, on the first cut, Eileen began to tremble.
"Oh, no. Lena…"
Feeling sorry for her, Marlena sighed, put the scissors aside, and clipped Eileen's bangs back with a bobby pin.
"Eileen, promise you'll never show your face again? Please?"
Marlena had never seen such beauty. It was like the face of a forest nymph, mesmerizing. Even so, she couldn't feel any joy.
A cold sweat ran down her spine at the thought. For a woman without wealth or influence, Eileen's beauty would be more of a curse than a blessing.
Marlena had already suffered from this type of curse. That's why she insisted that Eileen never, under any circumstances, reveal her face.
Eileen was oblivious to her own beauty, that much was obvious. Perhaps a life dedicated to tending plants would actually be safer, Marlena thought.
Eileen followed Marlena's advice. It was a blessing, until, a few days ago, Marlena saw her in a tavern on Fiore Street, her face completely exposed.
And when Marlena saw Archduke Erzet next to Eileen, she immediately sensed trouble.
If Eileen had given him a new chance at life, Erzet was now offering him an opportunity for revenge.
During her time working for Cesare, Marlena learned firsthand how dangerous he could be.
To imagine Eileen involved with a man like that…
How could a mere pharmacist be connected to the Archduke? It was obvious that her beauty had been discovered and exploited. She must have fallen prey to Cesare's charms.
During the performance, Marlena couldn't shake the thought of Eileen ending up working at the bar. As soon as the show ended, she rushed to find Cesare. But a mere dancer wouldn't have easy access to the Archduke.
Marlena prepared for the worst. If Cesare refused to see her, she threatened to expose him.
Fortunately, Cesare was magnanimous and received her. He ordered his subordinate to let her in and even handed her a newspaper. There was an article announcing Eileen's marriage to the archduke.
— … That's why he came.
After hearing Marlena's story, Eileen nodded, a little stunned. She had never imagined that Marlena worked for Cesare, but after hearing everything, she had an idea.
'I think he found out about me.'
She told Cesare that she didn't know anyone named Marlena, and that his visit had been unexpected. Anxious about his possible reaction, Eileen could barely maintain appearances, lamenting that she had dug her own grave with her lies.
— Eileen — Marlena interrupted, her gaze sharp. — Tell me the truth. How did this happen? Did he force you?
Eileen remained silent.
Biting her lip with determination, Marlena kept her gaze fixed on her.
I'll help you with whatever you need.
But both knew it was futile. In Traon's Empire, no one dared challenge Cesare.
Some nobles on the council even tried, but their efforts were weakened after the approval of the Arch of Triumph and the Bloody Banquet incident.
There was no saving Eileen. It was impossible.
Furthermore, Eileen had already agreed to be the wife of Cesare, the Archduchess.
"His Grace saved my life. I broke the law, he saved me from the consequences and from my father's debt… In return, he needed an Archduchess, so he offered me the title."
Although embarrassed, Eileen spoke openly, with a shy smile.
— I decided on my own to become an Archduchess.
Marlena wasn't convinced. Instead of easing her doubts, Eileen's explanation only increased her anger.
'I've never met anyone as naive as Eileen.'
Marlena's breathing became heavy, her flawless eyelashes trembling violently.
Do you really believe that this was solely your decision? No, it was simply the result of his will.
Fear was evident in her piercing blue eyes.
— I've seen how he deals with his political enemies. He may be hiding his true nature from you, Eileen, but…
There was terror in his eyes.
"He has no human empathy ," Marlena said, sadness in her voice.
Eileen just chuckled weakly.
- I know.
"Then why?! " Marlena insisted.
It's simple. I love him.
He felt a sharp pain in his chest, finally revealing the foolish feelings he had kept hidden for so long.
Even knowing everything... I still love him.
Eileen lowered her eyes, unable to look at Marlena. Fidgeting with her fingers, she murmured:
"If I don't become the archduchess, I'll have to leave the country due to the circumstances. And I don't want that, so I chose to marry him."
Marlena remained silent for a long time, trying to speak several times, until she finally let out a bitter laugh.
What can I do? Emotions don't always obey logic. Eileen was always more about appearance than personality.
Gently cupping Eileen's face in her hands, Marlena gazed at her sadly.
I know you're going to be unhappy. And he's forcing you into this... He seems cruel.
Would Eileen be unhappy? It was likely. A loveless marriage, an unattainable partner. He was like the sun in the sky, she, like a weed on a wall.
If Eileen were to become the archduchess, she would have to deal with social circles and political disputes, things she knew little about.
But even with all these difficulties, nothing compared to the pain of being away from Cesare.
"If you change your mind, let me know. I think I can try something, at least once ," Marlena offered.
Eileen nodded silently as Marlena softened her expression and hugged her. They stayed like that for a while, until someone knocked on the door.
"I brought the groceries ," Michelle announced.
Marlena slowly released Eileen, squeezing her hand one last time.
To be continued…