Chapter 173
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
“She’s still so young, maybe she doesn’t understand the world yet. She probably can’t even accept that it’s over, so she’s throwing a tantrum.”
Leah glared venomously at the court members discussing her.
“Did you say I’ve been abandoned? I am the cousin of His Majesty the King! How could I be abandoned? That makes no sense!”
“Lady Chevron, do you really think that? It seems you’ve already forgotten how the King rose to his position.”
The current King Adrian had murdered his father and brother to claim the throne.
So, there was no reason for him to spare her, his cousin.
❖ ❖ ❖
Emilia took the bouquet of flowers in her arms.
“There’s so many.”
“It seems you’re quite excited about planting flowers in that barren Duke’s estate.”
The man, who had lightly tipped his hat, said with a smile. The woman writing down the flowers Emilia had ordered looked thrilled, even from behind.
“Flowers in the Duke’s estate! I never thought this day would come. My goodness, it feels like a dream. And it’s not from some other flower shop, but from our own!”
“Entha, calm down. You’re surprising the Madam.”
“Oops, sorry! But I’m just so excited. I can’t help it. You know, this is such an honor!”
Entha’s husband, Ribbliss, who owned the flower shop, shrugged his shoulders with a smile.
“I don’t think I can stop my wife. Sorry about that.”
“It’s fine, don’t worry. I’m enjoying watching it, so I’m happy too.”
Entha couldn’t hide her smile at her husband’s words. Seeing her so thrilled made Emilia feel uplifted too.
Boestin was right.
Just the thought of planting flowers made her so happy—how wonderful it would be to actually plant them with her own hands.
It would also clear her mind of unnecessary thoughts.
Emilia entered a flower shop she was drawn to in the city. People immediately recognized her once they saw her red hair.
They seemed to even know all about the Duke’s estate’s landscaping.
“Is the rumor about Duke Heinrich’s estate’s landscaping so widespread?”
“A garden without flowers isn’t that common.”
The flower shop owner chuckled.
“If there’s a flower that the gardener can’t handle, just let me know. I’ll go and help.”
The flower shop owner was now filled with a sense of mission. It seemed like he believed that the estate absolutely had to have flowers planted and blooming.
“I’ll make sure of it.”
Emilia smiled brightly at the couple’s enthusiasm.
“Mom!”
A small child, about the height of her thigh, rushed toward Entha. The boy clung to her leg, wide-eyed, staring at Emilia.
“Ruthia, it’s rude to stare like that. Apologize to the Duchess.”
“But she’s so beautiful, I couldn’t stop looking. I’ve never seen someone so pretty. She’s even more beautiful than any of the flowers in our shop…”
The boy, named Ruthia, blushed and hid behind Entha. Emilia widened her eyes at the boy’s confession.
“Thank you for saying that. Is your name Ruthia?”
The boy nodded.
“Ruthia, your words have made me even happier. What makes you happy, Ruthia?”
Emilia wanted to share happiness with the little boy in return.
“…Mom?”
Ruthia gripped Entha’s skirt tightly and looked up. Emilia leaned forward slightly to meet his gaze.
“It’s okay, tell me.”
“I want to go on a picnic with my parents! They’re always so busy, we’ve never had a chance to go together.”
Entha looked troubled as she responded.
“Ruthia, we can’t close the flower shop for even a day. Some people come to our shop to give happiness to others, and some come to buy happiness for themselves. It’s our job to share that happiness every day.”
“I know! We’re like a fairy of happiness. But still…”
Ruthia’s expression grew downcast. Emilia looked around the flower shop.
“If all the flowers are sold, won’t you have to close the shop?”
“Of course, but… Oh, my! Even if you want to buy them all, we can’t sell them. Some people really need the flowers, how could we sell everything to just one person?”
Entha waved her hands. Even though she likely thought Emilia’s offer was a great idea, this time was different. It made Emilia feel even more moved.
“I’ll buy all these flowers.”
“Madam, please don’t do that.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to give the flowers to those who want them but can’t afford them, rather than selling to people who can buy them?”
“…You mean you want to buy all these flowers and give them away?”
“Today, I’ve gained happiness, and I want to share it with others. Would that be alright?”
The couple hesitated at her words.
“Let’s send them to places like orphanages or poorhouses where flowers aren’t often seen. After that, you and Ruthia can go on your picnic.”
Emilia gladly paid for all the flowers in the shop.
“Mom, I think I saw a fairy today! I’m so happy!”
Ruthia beamed at Emilia. The flower-scented shop was something Emilia would never forget.
Even as she got into the carriage, the smile on her face didn’t fade.
It felt like she had come to buy flowers and ended up buying happiness as well.
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