It Turned Out She Wasn't a Favored Concubine - Episode 57

“The Kingdom of Jaren?”

The Kingdom of Jaren. That distant northern country had come up in conversation quite often. I never expected to hear it from Loki’s mouth.

“Yes! He told me in secret, and I felt relieved. That way, Philip and Rosa wouldn’t be ostracized.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Oh, Philip and Rosa’s mother was from the Kingdom of Jaren. When they first arrived at Rockfeld Orphanage, the other kids found out and kept their distance. You know how the Empire and the Kingdom of Jaren don’t get along. But here, there’s no need to worry about that.”

“I see…”

So even here, discrimination based on origin existed—even among children.

Still, it was surprising that most of the children at Del Orphanage were from the Kingdom of Jaren. This was the capital, the heart of the Empire. How did children from such a faraway northern kingdom end up here? Could it be the aftermath of war that pushed them this far?

“Lady Arne, you don’t dislike people from the Kingdom of Jaren, right? That’s why you received treatment from that doctor, isn’t it?”

“Huh? Doctor? Are you talking about Parsen, who just left?”

“Yes, that’s him. He caught me when I almost fell earlier. He even made house calls to the orphanage. I heard he’s with the Edelheit family, but I didn’t know he was such a skilled doctor who treats you personally. The kids said he’s also from the Kingdom of Jaren.”

“Parsen is from the Kingdom of Jaren?”

I felt like I kept repeating Loki’s words, but I couldn’t help it—I kept learning new things.

“Yes. Maybe because they’re from the same place, he got along especially well with the children from Jaren. He examined each child, but spent extra time with those kids. I overheard while waiting to play a game. When they were alone, they spoke informally to each other. They seemed like real friends, regardless of age—like me and Philip.”

“Loki, eavesdropping isn’t good.”

“Ah, I’m sorry.”

When I pointed it out, Loki scratched his head sheepishly.

“Your Highness, I’ll prepare refreshments.”

Just then, Louis appeared carrying Loki’s favorite cookies in both hands. Loki beamed with joy and stretched his neck in anticipation. Louis quickly served the cookies and tea.

“Thank you. Louis, have a seat. I was just hearing stories from Loki about his friends at Del Orphanage.”

“I see. With more children, I imagine Del Orphanage is quite lively now.”

“Yes, I’m glad they’re getting along. But is there discrimination here too, based on origin?”

“Why do you ask?”

“I heard the children who were originally at Del Orphanage are all from the Kingdom of Jaren.”

Louis’s eyes widened. I didn’t think Louis was someone who would discriminate against people from Jaren, but her reaction was too blatant.

“Louis? Are you okay?”

“It’s nothing, really.”

Louis stammered. Loki, noticing her awkwardness, innocently asked:

“Do you dislike people from the Kingdom of Jaren too, maid?”

Louis flinched and shook her head.

“Of course not. Absolutely not. I was just surprised, that’s all. Haha.”

She seemed quite shaken and didn’t sit down, nervously fidgeting with her hands. Then she suddenly looked at Loki.

“Um, should I take Loki to his room? He just arrived and must be tired.”

“Huh? But…”

I looked down at the cookies spread across the table. We had just served refreshments, and Loki was happily munching away.

“I’m fine! I still have lots to tell Lady Arne!”

“If Loki’s fine, don’t worry. Stop pacing and sit down.”

“Yes, yes…”

Louis reluctantly sat down.

“Where were we? Oh, the doctor.”

“Yes.”

I nodded and turned to Louis.

“I just heard Parsen is from the Kingdom of Jaren too. Did you know that?”

—Clatter.

Suddenly, Louis dropped the teacup she was holding. Crimson tea spread across the white tablecloth.

“Ah!”

Startled, Loki stood up and bumped the table, causing the plate full of cookies to crash to the floor. Chaos erupted.

“I’m so sorry!”

Loki panicked, stomping his feet. I was just as flustered. I stood up quickly, but tea splashed onto my skirt. Louis bowed her head.

“Lady Arne, it’s all my fault. I’m sorry.”

“No, let’s clean up first.”

Louis quickly began tidying. She sent Loki to his room and cleaned the mess with the other maids. Loki offered to help, but Louis gently declined and sent him off.

After everything was cleaned up, Louis apologized again.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt. But that wasn’t like you, Louis. Did something surprise you?”

Louis smiled like a painting and replied:

“What could possibly surprise me?”

“The Marquis has invited you to dinner. Should I prepare the table in the dining room or the garden?”

At Louis’s question, I paused mid-page. Dinner invitations from Giscal weren’t unusual. Since arriving at the mansion, I’d often dined with him and never refused.

But this time was different. I had discovered Arne’s secret. Since then, I’d been avoiding Giscal as much as possible. I didn’t know how to face him. After visiting Del Orphanage, I even stopped taking walks and mostly stayed in my room.

Yet a dinner invitation couldn’t be quietly dodged. I had to accept or decline. Louis clearly expected me to accept. Understandable—especially since I was returning to the palace in just one day. Torn by discomfort, I ended up saying something that shocked Louis.

“Um, I’m not feeling well today…”

“What?”

Louis immediately called for a doctor. Though it wasn’t Parsen, another physician from the Edelheit family rushed in. I had to put all my effort into faking illness.

Of course, the doctor found nothing wrong and looked puzzled. I clutched my head and pretended to be dizzy. I thought I’d successfully postponed dinner with Giscal.

“The Marquis has come to visit. He wishes to see you briefly.”

Louis’s cautious words made me forget I was pretending to be sick—I jumped to my feet. Of course, Giscal wouldn’t ignore his only sister being ill. I cursed my foolishness and sighed.

It was something I had to face eventually. I just needed to act normal and pretend I knew nothing. Besides, I had something to give him before leaving the mansion.

I dressed minimally and greeted him. Even if I was “sick”—though it was fake—I didn’t want to face him barefaced. Giscal entered the room, his expression tense as he saw me on the bed.

“I heard you weren’t feeling well. The doctor said it’s just fatigue, but couldn’t pinpoint the cause…”

His worried face made me feel guilty.

“He’s right. I guess I was just tired. I’m fine now. Really.”

“Was something uncomfortable at the mansion?”

“No, this is the most comfortable place I’ve been. I think I’m just restless because I’m returning to the palace soon.”

“Then how about staying a few more days? Louis said you prefer the mansion to the palace.”

Honestly, staying longer would be better for my mental health. But after discovering Arne’s secret, the mansion no longer felt peaceful. I gave a superficial excuse.

“There’s a big autumn hunt coming up. If I don’t attend, people will talk. I don’t want that. And the palace… is where I have to return anyway.”

Giscal didn’t press further and fell silent. Meanwhile, I reached for the pouch on the side table.

“I have something for you.”

Now was the time. I pulled out a bracelet stitched with a metal plate. I’d carved ancient scripture from the holy book into it during spare moments. After several tries, it looked decent.

“Remember the festival at the western plaza? I got the materials there. I made this for you. You’ll be attending the autumn hunt, right? It’s your first time, so I thought I’d make something to wish you victory.”

Despite Arne’s secret, I was determined to ask about the bracelet’s political implications. So I joked about winning and handed it over. Giscal stiffened as if receiving something unexpected.

“You’re giving this to me?”

His reaction was delayed, like a broken doll.

“Yeah, I’m not that skilled, so it’s not super fancy…”

I tried to explain, but Giscal quickly denied it.

“No, it’s well made.”

When I handed him the bracelet, he reached out and our fingers brushed.

“Thank you. I’ll win for sure.”

His declaration was full of resolve. I waved my hand.

“I was just joking about winning. Just come back safely.”

But Giscal didn’t take back his vow. He looked down at the red bracelet and read the inscription I had carefully carved:

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