Cain's Wedding — Final Part —

I arrived back at the secluded manor slightly earlier than scheduled.

The household steward and maids, who had known me since long ago, greeted me upon my sudden return.

Upon seeing me, still soiled, they immediately began preparations for a bath.

Indeed, our household staff are most capable. And they possess the thoughtfulness and kindness to ask no questions about what had transpired.

I handed over my soiled accessories to the steward, explaining briefly that I had accidentally spilled drink upon them during the ceremony.

The warmth of the bath, the first in many days, felt soothing; as the stench of the day washed from my hair and skin, it seemed also to carry away the darker emotions within me.

After rising from the bath, I was offered fruit water and a light meal.

Ah, I thought, this is how it has always been—each time there was a gathering, I was tended to in this way. The memory of such moments felt close, almost within reach.

At the moment I had just settled, the steward arrived with the cleansed accessories. I have known this gentleman since childhood; his name is Weaver. Though he is twenty years older than my father, and though he is a steward, he is a gentleman who, even at such a late hour, refrains from entering a lady’s chamber without first opening the door—respectful, considerate, and discreet.

"Miss Spica, the jewelry bears a blemish—there are discolorations along the core thread, and portions of the weave have lost their luster," she is told. "Yes…" I reply briefly, gazing at the piece handed to me.

At first glance, one might not notice, but upon closer inspection, a faint blush of violet-red appears along the thread that binds the pearls. The sheen—something she had not realized herself—must be true, for he said so.

Excuse me, but is this an item borrowed from Her Highness, the Great Harem Lady?

She begins to speak, as if to say, “You’re surprised, but actually…”

“I have served in this manor since the time this item belonged to its original owner. So I am aware, of course, that it is quite old, and that it once came into the hands of Her Highness, the Great Harem Lady,” she says, her voice bright with a gentle smile.

“This time, because Her Ladyship acted so promptly, we were spared greater trouble. Please do not trouble yourself… Pearls, unlike other gems, are living things. As they age, they inevitably weaken. And Her Highness does not allow herself to be moved by such matters.”

“Thank you, Weaver… I shall write to Grandmother at once, to inform her.”

Indeed, that is well. A warm, approving smile greets her. The faint weight in her heart lifts, just slightly.

With a quiet bow, he retreats from the room, murmuring, “Please rest well now.”

Alone in the chamber, she reaches for the writing desk to compose her letter.

The room, originally a guest chamber, contained the expected: a glass pen and inkwell, and a letter set with a plant design pressed along the edges, resembling the room’s furnishings.

As I reached for it, the next guest knocked at the door. I gently slid the drawer closed and said, “Come in.” No one from the family had returned from the hall yet, so I wondered who it might be—then the door opened hesitantly, revealing Alyssa. Behind her stood a girl in a similar style of dress, slightly younger. Her name was Anna, I believed.

“What is it, both of you? You should be preparing for the elder sister and elder brother’s return soon…”

Their expressions were rigid. Then, abruptly, Anna fell to her knees.

“I beg your pardon! I… I gave the young lady’s precious dress to Stella, miss…”

I hurriedly restrained her, lifting her face from the floor until her head was no longer bowed to the ground.

“No apology is necessary,” I said. “Please, look up. But may I hear your story?” She began to speak of the day’s events.

When Cain Elder and Stella Lady returned from the parade, they ordered the housekeeper to bring out a white dress upon entering the manor. Alyssa had realized, at once, that the Debutante’s white dress had not been abandoned.

When a white dress was produced, Cain Elder shook his head at every one. He said there were no more white gowns left. At that moment, Aine had taken out my Debutante dress, which had been kept deepest in the closet.

I was told that I was then instructed to work on the front bodice, sewing lace onto the embroidered fabric.

Incidentally, it is said that the dress Stella-sama wore this morning was swiftly rejected by Elder Brother. Alyssa appears quite indignant, saying, “You should have worn that one—it was made especially for today!”

“Indeed, your actions were reckless. That dress was my treasure…” An expression of despair crosses An’s face.

“But I cannot blame you. After all, one cannot refuse an order from the next heir.”

An asked me if I would not punish her, but I could not bring myself to strike someone who had already beaten herself so thoroughly.

Moreover, according to Alyssa, Stella-sama had been concerned about my debutante dress from the beginning, and it was she who had instructed me to retrieve it.

When I told An I forgave her, she let out a tear, as if relieved. It seems she had come to apologize, perhaps even prepared to accept dismissal.

Instead, I made an agreement with Alyssa: she would help me remove the stains from the dress I would return soiled today, and if I remained in the manor, she would assist me when her hands were free.

It was indeed difficult to prepare alone...

After sending Alyssa back, she asked me about today’s events. If the master returned soiled, there is no servant who would not be concerned. There was nothing to do but speak. I, too, longed to share it with someone.

When I had recounted everything, my heart felt lighter. Alyssa’s anger on my behalf was a comfort. Knowing someone was angry for me gave me strength.

Then Alyssa said she would prepare hot milk for me, as if pampering me.

“Shall I make it sweet?” she asked. I smiled and replied, “With plenty of honey?” and she laughed.

Just as I brought the milk to my lips, the manor began to stir with noise. Someone had returned.

I finished the sweet milk and slipped into bed alone. I would not go to greet them… the long-awaited return to social life had left me weary… there had been too many troubles… as soon as I closed my eyes, darkness drew me into dreams.

I awoke slightly earlier than usual the next morning.

And just as promised yesterday, An brought water for washing and helped me change.

Then I made my way to breakfast.

The polished table now held one extra seat. I was glad—my stepmother was now accepted as a member of the family.

I took my place at the seat nearest the designated entrance.

A little while later, Fret Elder, Father, Mother, Alex Elder, and Stella entered in that order. All bore the gentle traces of last night’s fatigue.

Cain Elder and Lady Melujene were together for the first time last night.

Since they are not here, I shall not inquire.

“Last night, Spica returned first, and I was lonely. I heard it was due to an urgent matter—there was nothing to be done, but next time at the evening gathering, I would like to see you both dancing together, Stella.”

Mother speaks with genuine regret, her tone filled with anticipation for the next event.

“Yes, I only danced one song, so I look forward to dancing with you, elder sister, at the next gathering,” I reply, carefully neutral.

“Mother! Even if she has improved, there is still a difference in skill between Spica and Stella… What if we’re made to dance together and compared? And Spica, surely she understands this already? Why have you become so cruel?”

I do not know how to reply to Fret Elder’s words… If I were to answer, perhaps something like “dancing together…,” I would be accused of lacking regard for my sister and mother…

“I don’t mind at all! I know Spica is praised as a perfect lady. So next time, let us stand together on the floor, shall we?”

The sudden lifeline came from my elder sister. “Yes, gladly,” I replied, and thus we could speak of last night’s events.

“Still, I am sorry about last night… I was so flustered, overwhelmed by shame at having made such a mistake at Cain Elder’s wedding… Forgive me?” She tilted her head slightly.

“I do not scold you, elder sister. That was an accident. Please do not trouble yourself over it.”

I wanted to apologize about the dress too! Cain elder brother said I should wear a white dress for my debutante ball, since it was such a rare occasion, and though I politely declined at first, he insisted it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment and urged me forward. Even Mary elder sister said it was a good idea, and when the household staff suggested a white dress, they brought one forth without hesitation… I was truly surprised to hear later that it was the very dress Spica had cherished. Spica did wear such a splendid gown for her debut, didn’t she? And her partner was Arthur-sama, wasn’t it? I can’t help but feel envious.

At the same moment I falter for a reply, Father clears his throat.

“That matter—I have already spoken with the royal family. Though it was our oversight, they granted an exception, saying that if she is a miracle-born lady, then it may be permitted. So neither Stella nor Spica need concern yourselves. But Spica, please refrain from wearing that dress henceforth. It has been designated for Stella. The first and most important garment, entrusted to her as a token of the elder sister’s exclusion from society—this is merely a convenience for the family, but you understand, do you not?”

Having been told thus by Father, I could only reply with a quiet “Yes…”

Father sighed, as though even Cain had become a burden.

Another cherished keepsake had slipped from my hands…

I had intended to store it carefully once it had been cleaned and restored, the stain entirely removed. Still, I had to struggle not to let my disappointment show in my expression or posture…

As the family conversation turned to talk of last night’s elder sister, I continued eating as though chewing on sand.

By the time we had nearly finished our final tea, the dining hall door opened, and one who should not have come entered—Cain Elder.

“Brother, what’s the matter? Last night was your first night, wasn’t it… You shouldn’t be here so early, should you?” Alex Elder asked, his voice tinged with embarrassment. The others, too, wondered the same, but none spoke aloud.

“Mary is still resting. I came here alone for breakfast. It’s nothing for you to concern yourself with.”

The sharpness in his voice gave no hint of the happiness one might expect from a newly married man—only irritation was clear.

Indeed, the brother who usually moved with such refined grace now seated himself with a deliberate, audible thud.

“Father, Mother, and all of you—thank you for yesterday. Personally, I believe the ceremony went well.”

Though his manner was ill-tempered, his voice carried its usual calm. It was surprising.

"Yes, my brother looked splendid too, and my sister was lovely! And the parade was so much fun!"

The elder brothers relaxed their cheeks at their sister’s unselfconscious sincerity.

"Ah, yes. I was proud to introduce Stella to everyone," Cain Elder said, eyes narrowing slightly.

"Yet you, Spica, caused trouble on your brother’s departure! You neglected to arrange Stella’s attire before the ceremony, then berated her, deliberately sat in the lowest seat during the wedding ceremony, and left the reception early. Did you think you’d steal my brother away from Melujene? Are you satisfied with nothing but shame?"

The unprovoked rebuke left me unable to remain silent.

"Though I speak with your own words, Elder Brother, it was my sister herself who arranged the dress, and should it have been unsuitable, it is only the kindness born of family that would point it out. As for the matter of the familial seating, I too had questioned the arrangement when informed. I did not choose that seat deliberately—I was directed there. And though I regret having left so soon, I had no choice; the timing of my departure was not a matter of negligence, but of whether I could return to my place in time after attending to my appearance. I hold no greater desire than to bless you and my sister-in-law. I am certain of that."

When I finish speaking, Cain Elder looks as though he cannot believe my words.

Then, barely audible, he murmurs, "Then why is she weeping so bitterly?"

She—most likely Melujene sister-in-law…

I see… So it is either that your sister-in-law weeps bitterly on her first night, or that she rejects you outright. And you came to blame me for that, I suppose…

“I apologize, Spica. The seating arrangement was adjusted to suit the other party. You know, the countess is a second wife, do you not? And the youngest brother of Lady Melujene is the child of her current husband’s previous marriage, adopted by the count, though not entitled to inherit the family estate. Thus, yesterday’s seating placed him at the foot of the table. In kind, we placed you—being an adopted daughter—at the foot as well, to show respect. I regret the delay in explaining this….”

My father speaks, his voice strained with discomfort.

I simply forgot to mention it, so busy…

The room grows still, hollowed out. Yet I am glad—only Elder Brother had questioned yesterday’s seating arrangement. It eased my mind to know I was being watched over. No one else had noticed the matter yesterday, and I had inwardly grieved at the thought that no one cared at all.

“Still, Cain… you were far too attentive to Stella yesterday, weren’t you? If you spoil her so much, the bride will pout, and I’ll have no right to complain. Did I raise my daughter wrong?”

From what I hear, after I left, Elder Brother danced with my sister, introduced her to other noble houses, and tended to her every need…

“That’s right, Cain… and you had to hand over Spica’s dress to Stella on a whim. Now I had to apologize to Her Majesty and the chief lady-in-waiting.”

A debutante’s first dress must be white—there is no other possibility for a young woman of her age! To wear anything else would be nothing short of a lifelong disgrace. And I did not bring that dress forward, Father.

“Mm, true enough—her first dress did not suit her at all… and that enormous ribbon—lacking in taste, even in sense.”

Stella-sama narrows her eyes at me slightly, her lips drawn into a straight line…

“I could barely see it clearly, but was it truly so terrible? In contrast, Spica’s debutante dress—aside from the embroidery—was flawless, beyond reproach from anyone. So in the end, she avoided becoming a laughingstock. That is what matters, is it not?”

Stella-sama clenches her lips tighter than before… as if salt has been rubbed into an old wound.

“That is precisely it! The very tale of Spica dressing the miracle maiden in a gown at the emperor’s rebuke—how noble, how heartwarming, it has become!”

Mother beams with delight.

I do not wish to hear another word about that dress from the past, and so I ponder quietly.

“Rather, Cain Elder must mend his sister’s displeasure. The tulips are in bloom in the garden—would a bouquet not be fitting?”

Cain Elder’s face flushes with color before my eyes.

“I shall… Spica… I… I am sorry.”

With that, he departs the dining hall.

Tulips bear many meanings, shifting with hue and number—“confession of love,” “faithful affection,” “eternal love.”

How many of what color Elder Brother took, I cannot say.

It should be noted that it was one week before the two of them appeared together at the breakfast table.