The Life of Maria Lewellin - Chapter 16

A smile came out of Ains’ lips the moment he recalled Maria’s face. He patted Glick’s neck as they sat under the tree and continued his thoughts.

“My name is Maria Lewellin. I’m here to cure the leopard.”

He didn’t really have faith in Maria at first. Thousands of people had already came to see the leopard so far, but no one has figured out why he’s sick.

Many even backed out as soon as they saw Glick in the cage. After consulting with his bookkeeper and reliable subordinate, Tyr, they decided to only allow people in Glick’s room only if they passed the test.

Then Maria appeared. He already knew that the reason Tyr have brought her in the room is because she passed the first test, but he still couldn’t believe it when he first saw her.

‘This girl is going to cure Glick?’

The girl, who’s reflected in Ains’ eyes, seemed very fragile. Base on her appearance, she look like she’ll already faint with just the sight of Glick, let alone, cure him.

But the girl was very confident.

“I’m confident. So trust me and leave it to me.”

To speak with such confidence, and even asked the royal family to swear by the name of the Lord, Ains laughed inwardly.

He was even absolutely dumbfounded when she asked him say thank you, but he accepted it in a spur of the moment.

He watched the girl do nothing. She just sat in front of Glick for quite a long time, until she finally demanded that the cage door be opened.

Ains was quite surprised internally at that time.

In fact, Glick was by no means a jolly fellow. He had always been calm ever since he was young and even when he was growing up, and he was very smart and he can recognize his owner.

But on the surface, he still looks like a full grown beast, but the girl spoke to Glick casually. She even went one step closer and stroked his back.

Glick’s behavior towards her was also amazing. Glick, who often ignores the servant who has been feeding him meat for several years, somehow seemed to be okay being next to her.

And Glick indeed became completely better, and as promised, Ains asked a girl named Maria what she wishes for.

He was inwardly curious. She even mentioned the name of the god so he was wondering what kind of wish she would make.

But the result was disappointing. As soon as he heard her say that she wanted to be his concubine, the good image that he secretly had for her broke and shattered.

(t/n: so he really has a positive impression towards her lols)

Because of his status as the First Prince and Crown Prince, Ains was often surrounded by esteemed ladies of similar age who wanted to get his attention at parties. By the time of the coming-of-age ceremony, it was simply at its peak.

He’s not really interested in anyone and he doesn’t really care about them, but he eventually got sick and wary of them because of the strong smell of their perfume and they were always fighting among themselves.

That’s why when he heard her say that she wanted to be a concubine, he could not help but thought ‘Is that all?’ He was disappointed and wondered what he even expected.

…..but that was then.

“It’s not what I meant at all! If I knew it meant that, I would have asked for more money, but I would never have asked for land. I’m telling you.”

“Then, can I ask for it now? Not everything, I don’t need the land, just a building. Instead, give me more money.”

Turns out it was his own misunderstanding. He didn’t think the word “give me land” meant anything other than that at all.

Her face didn’t seem to tell a lie. Far from that, she looked at him with a face that seemed like she would cry right away if he didn’t back down, and he had to scolded himself for holding back a hint of laughter.

The displeasure pressing heavily on his chest disappeared in a moment.

In fact, he could just give her everything she wished for

But if he grant her wish, it would be the last time he’ll ever see Maria again since she told her herself that her dream is to live freely.

It was a pity to think so, so Ains suggested a different opinion.

“Why don’t you try working for me?”

“…under Your Highness?”

She asked once more while blinking her eyes, and he laughed again.

Again, he was not wrong. From the way she speak, to whatever she says or how she do things, if Maria was with him, he would surely laugh a lot for any reason.

(t/n: I know he’s being cheesy but I can’t help it sksksks! congrats Maria! you just got appointed as the crown prince’s personal clown 🤡)

“Isn’t that right, Glick?”

With a smile on his face, he repeatedly swept Glick’s neck.

It was indeed a pleasant and cool, windy afternoon.

“Well then, have a good rest.”

The maids bowed, leaving a polite greeting. I jumped on the bed with my arms open.

Umfp, so soft.

“…..”

I hugged the pillow and rolled around and enjoyed the happiness inside me.

On second thought, the conditions presented by Ains was extremely good. All I have to do is take care of Glick, lead an elegant life and make money.

And after a year, I could get out of the palace. Is there something better than this?

“What did I do to deserve this luck?”

Then, Maria’s parents suddenly came to my mind as I got lost in daydreaming about a happy rosy future.

I jumped up and sat with two legs.

Come to think of it, those two still expects Maria to come back after a long journey….

When I thought of Aunt Mary and Uncle Jacqueline, Boraeng-i’s face naturally rose in my mind as well.

I wonder how my only friend is doing?

I know that uncle and auntie are taking good care of him since he was originally raised by them after all, but I can’t help but miss him very much when I recalled the time I spent with him.

‘If I had known, I would have said I’d sign the contract once I got home.’

I was too distracted by unconventional conditions at that time so had no chance of doing so.

“…I can’t.”

Thinking that I should negotiate with Ains soon, I lied down again and went to bed.

On the morning of that day, I sat in front of my desk and asked Marilyn to help me.

“Can I borrow a paper and a pen?”

“I’ll bring it.”

The other maid next to her moved sensibly. After a while I began to write a letter.

[…I’m going to stay in Hardel for a while because I’ve got a job in a good family.]

*scribble**scribble*

Every time the quill pen moved, the paper was filled with a unique sound. Write a few letters, pause for a moment, and then move your hand several times.

[Then I’ll send you another letter next time.

With regards,
Maria ]

It’s done!

With the last greeting, I finally finished writing a letter. I put down my pen with a smile and waited for the ink to dry, then I put the letter paper inside the envelope.

Marilyn, who was watching the figure from the side, asked me.

“Are you going to mail a letter?”

“Yes”

Just in time, I turned and looked at her.

“I’m sending it far away. Do you know anyone who can send it? “

Marilyn seemed to be pondering for a moment, then replied:

“Then how about using the guild?”

“Guild?”

Then came a very kind explanation.

“There are a lot of guilds specializing in general referral at Granlottea Square.”

Is it similar to a errand center?

When asked if they could also deliver goods, Marilyn replied yes. Having given me the name of a famous guild, I decided to follow her suggestion.

The carriage was already there when I came down to the first floor. I climbed into the carriage, and the maids saw me off, then I looked out the window with a bag of money on my lap.

When I passed through the gate of the Imperial City, the landscape changed. I can already hear the noisy square filled with busy people from afar. The carriage carrying me passed into a small alley.

The carriage stopped a moment later and the door opened. When I stepped to the ground, I saw a guild entrance right in front of me.

“Here you go.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

When I opened the door and entered, a neat-looking girl greeted me.

She guided me to the seat and a young man came and sat on the sofa opposite me.

“What brings you here?”

“I’d like to send this to Adella.”

I handed out the bag and letter to the man then he gave me a pen and asked me to fill in the informations ask on the yellow parchment.

The contract was concluded quickly. Before I left, I looked at the man and asked.

“I’ll drop by again in ten days. If you have a reply, please take good care of it.”

“Of course”

Leaving behind a reliable confirmation, I finally came out of the guild.

Although my work was over, I did not intend to return to the Imperial Palace immediately. The carriage stopped once more in the square that I had just passed by.

I have to live in Hardel for at least a year, so I had to learn the suburbs since I have to go out of the palace every once in a while.

I looked around in wonder. The squate felt more lively than when I saw it from the carriage window.

Based on where I stood, the left side was the center of the square. There were many passers-by and the road was wide, making it look very complicated at a glance.

On the other hand, the right side was relatively less crowded. There was a small flower shop with an orange roof and a shade, and right next to it was a stone staircase that I didn’t know where to go.

‘Shall I go over there?’

I soon moved towards the stone stair. I happened to see a girl coming down, so I approached her and asked.

“Excuse me. Can anyone climb this staircase?”

“Of course. There’s Tenar Hill up to the end, and the view from there is very beautiful.”

“I see. Thank you.”

After saying my gratitude with a smile, I looked at the steps again.

‘Tenar Hill….’

‘All right. Let’s go up there.’

I soon stepped up the bumpy stone steps.

I didn’t notice it from down there, but the stairs were longer than I thought. I was a little breathless. And open space finally came into sight.

There was green grass on the ground, and a low stone wall resembling a fence, stretched sideways.

It was not long before a cool breeze came. The moment I reached the stone wall, I could not help but admire it.

“Uwa… “

I could see the sea from here. It was so wide that I could not see the end of it.

There were also some birds, flying vigorously in the sky, and on the far right was a row of sailing ships.

The sky looks so blue, and the waves are sparkling. It was a wonderful view where you can see a city near the sea.

‘I’m glad you came up here.’

I put my arms up against the stone wall and propped my chin down in it with an indistinctly smile.

Everyone was busy working so there was no one on the hill so I liked it even more.

It’s quiet, the scenery is wonderful, and the wind feels good on my skin. I’ll definitely visit this place often in the future.

I was busy admiring the entire place when I heard a small sound from somewhere.

[………please]

“Huh? “

I turned away from the sea and looked at the side.

But there was no one. There was only a tree with lush leaves and a small handcart full of straws.

‘Is it just my imagination?’

I looked forward again while scratching my head. Before long, I heard another small sound.

[………please]

This is creepy. I’m getting goosebumps. I rubbed my arms at the same time and look around.

But I still didn’t see anyone. Am I hearing things because I’m tired or something? That can’t.

But then…

“….. !”

I noticed a very slight movement of the straws in the cart.

◆◈◆◈◆◈◆

Maria just went from being a vet, to a concubine, then finally to a clown. I mean, yeah, I can be a clown for 300 gold too lmao .

But the fact that he made her stay because she makes him happy is kyot but I dont like the fact that Boraengi have to wait longer for Maria to come home!