Chapter 32

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 32

Chapter Title: He Triumphed

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For a while, Erna was gripped by the terror from those threatening noises, but she quickly lost herself in the fireworks.

Streams of light rising from behind the palace bloomed into fireworks upon reaching the sky. The ever-changing spectacle of colorful lights was far more splendid and beautiful than anything Erna could have imagined.

“Wow...”

Erna let out innocent gasps of admiration each time the fireworks burst. With a new scene unfolding every time she blinked, she could hardly tear her eyes away from the night sky.

“Is this your first time seeing fireworks?”

As golden lights resembling a waterfall began to cascade across the night sky, still dotted with the afterimages of dandelion-fluff-like sparks, Prince Biern suddenly asked. Only then did Erna remember the prince sharing the boat with her.

“Yes.”

Erna smiled, surrendering to the revelry. It was a smile as bright as the weight of the debt she had shaken off.

“It's my first time.”

No sooner had she shyly added those words than Erna turned her gaze back to the night sky. It was just the moment a fresh burst of green fireworks bloomed.

Watching the woman act as if she had completely forgotten his presence, Prince Biern let out a somewhat hollow laugh. The demure lady who had been sitting so primly had vanished, replaced by an excited child.

Nineteen, was it?

She was younger than Princess Luise, but at an age when most in high society were either engaged or preparing for marriage. Come to think of it, Princess Gladys had been the same age as this woman when they held their wedding.

Prince Biern gazed at the fireworks-embroidered night sky, unexpectedly reminiscing about that memory. Four years ago, on that night, he had been with Gladys. Neither of them particularly enjoyed such spectacles, but showing the image of a loving newlywed couple was a major duty imposed on them, so they had boarded the boat together.

As always, the night of the river that year glittered with brilliant lights. Princess Gladys, who had looked unwell since the rowing competition during the day, seemed especially fatigued on the boat. By the time the fireworks began, her face had gone as pale as a patient's.

Yet Gladys held her position until the very end, repaying the love and cheers poured upon the crown princess. It was a demeanor worthy of acclaim as an exemplary crown princess. That was the biggest reason Prince Biern had accepted the marriage to her without protest.

The reason for the crown princess's poor condition on the summer festival day was revealed a week later. She was pregnant.

Congratulations, Your Highness. You will soon be a father.

The royal physician delivered the joyous news with emotion. It took Prince Biern quite some time before he could muster an appropriate response. It felt like being a frog trapped in a pot slowly coming to a boil—an oppressively hot and strange afternoon.

Prince Biern turned his gaze from the now-boring fireworks back to Erna. She was smiling in a way that made him feel like he was watching a flower in full bloom.

Could she really escape her father?

Her story didn't seem fabricated, but he hesitated to believe this woman possessed such boldness. She might falter at some point and end up as an autumn bride, sold off to wherever her father pushed her.

Prince Biern didn't trust appearances. Rumors, reputations, or outward facades—they were mostly elaborate lies.

So where was the truth?

He had once agonized desperately over it, but those sentimental days were long past. Once he stopped clinging to such meaningless ideals, life became lighter and fresher.

Just like that, without faith or doubt. Flowing like the current. Or flickering like a momentary light.

Prince Biern loved such superficial, carefree days. The thought alone made everything feel simple in an instant.

Before him was a beautiful woman, the festival night was enjoyable, and he had triumphed.

Thanks to her, he had pocketed stakes several times the value of the trophy she had lost—a thoroughly satisfying deal. In a few years, he might recall Erna as indifferently as he did Gladys. A woman who brought great amusement with her pretty face and quirky antics. A seasonal diversion and a useful card that secured his victory in the bet.

As it reached its finale, the fireworks grew even more dazzling.

Erna, completely absorbed, tilted her head back fully and only realized belatedly that her hat had fallen off. Perched precariously on the boat's railing, the hat slipped into the water just as her hand reached for it.

Startled, Erna leaned out over the side, stretching her arm as far as she could. The hat taunted her, staying just out of reach.

“Stay still.”

Prince Biern grabbed her shoulder firmly, fearing she might really plunge into the river. As their combined weight shifted to one side, the boat tilted dangerously. Even the unguarded prince lost his balance along with it. Caught between the railing and his body, Erna flailed in panic, rapidly worsening the situation.

“Oh my God! Look over there!”

A lady who had been glancing their way repeatedly let out a shrill scream that echoed amid the booming fireworks. Eyes from surrounding boats turned toward them only after the prince's boat had half capsized.

“There's been an accident! An accident!”

As cries for help spread from boat to boat, the largest and most beautiful finale fireworks bloomed high in the sky. Entwined together, Prince Biern and Erna plunged with a splash into the river reflecting the light.

The festival's finale was adorned with screams spreading along the current.

The world plunged into instant darkness, and all sound vanished.

Erna thrashed in that absolute silence and blackness. The more she struggled to breathe, the more intense the pain felt as water filled her lungs.

Save me!

Even her voiceless screams faded as her body was seized by something solid and lifted upward.

You're okay.

She seemed to hear an urgent, rough voice that nonetheless brought a strange sense of relief. You're okay. It's alright. It was far more effective than the mantra she repeated to herself.

I see.

Erna blankly accepted it. Despite the lingering fear and pain, it truly felt like everything would be alright. The spell remained vivid even as her flickering senses began to awaken one by one.

“Miss Hardy!”

That voice, just like the one from her memory, came through clearly amid the sudden onslaught of worldly noises.

With each repetition of her name, her consciousness sharpened. The sound of footsteps on wooden planks. Lantern light. Murmuring crowds. The serene night sky where the dreamlike fireworks had vanished. And that man, Prince Biern.

“Are you coming to?”

To the prince's question as he looked down at her, Erna nodded weakly. Unfortunately, a fit of coughing erupted right then.

Erna spat out river water laced with prayers amid violent coughs. The pain made her whole body tremble and tears stream, but her shame was even greater.

“You're fine.”

Prince Biern turned her face to prevent water from entering her windpipe. As the coughing subsided, the spasms racking her huddled body gradually calmed.

“Everything's alright now.”

Looking down at the limp Erna, he let out a long sigh of relief. Water dripping from their soaked bodies spread dark stains across the deck's wooden planks.

It was an absurd accident, but they were lucky.

A large boat carrying ladies and children had been nearby, and people who heard the news quickly came to their aid.

Prince Biern slumped down beside the prone Erna and brushed back his wet hair. His other hand still cradled her pale cheek.

A chuckle escaped amid his ragged breaths. The more he thought about it, the more ridiculous it was—laugh all he wanted. It was the first accident since, years ago, a drunken fool had jumped into the river on his own, turning the festival night upside down.

And all over a mere hat.

Prince Biern firmly gripped Erna's chin as she tried to turn her face away. Immobilized, she had no choice but to meet his gaze.

If she had just stayed still when he tried to help, the boat wouldn't have capsized. Recalling how she had flailed like she was fending off a molester, his sigh mingled even more deeply with laughter.

Well, even on that night she stole the trophy, she had been the same.

Whether it was the fussiness of an innocent country miss or vile pretense, there was no telling—but she was clearly a headache in every way. Though now that everything was over, it hardly mattered.

Releasing the woman he had gripped as if to crush her, Prince Biern stood up. Only then did the onlookers, who had been watching cautiously, swarm toward them. As the ladies fussed over Erna, he shrugged off his drenched jacket.

“I'm fine.”

He stopped an overzealous attendant holding out his jacket with a laugh in his voice. Brushing past the startled man who retreated to a proper distance, Prince Biern leaned against the bow railing and caught his breath.

The boat had already neared the dock. Seeing the crowds who had gathered on the rumors chattering away made his ears itch already. Among them were Gladys, the Hardys, and even his own mother and father.

A lady who made a spectacular entrance and an equally thrilling exit.

Prince Biern gave Erna, who had gifted him such a dramatic start and finish, a brief glance. He had been dragged into a rather annoying mess and looked ridiculous, but considering it payment for using her in the bet, he had no cause for grievance.

Just then, as Erna turned to look at him, Prince Biern tilted his head in a final farewell. Whether she succeeded in her midnight flight as planned or resigned herself to staying in the city, their paths ended here. They had used each other just enough—it was a pretty decent arrangement.

Prince Biern strode off the docked boat. He never once looked back as he pushed through the outpouring concern and attention.

“What the hell! Are you okay? What about Miss Hardy?”

Peter and Leonard, who had heard the news late, came rushing up just as he was about to board his waiting carriage, panting heavily. They reeked of strong liquor from their drinking binge.

“Bring me my money.”

To Leonard, who held the stakes, Prince Biern whispered calmly without fanfare. The two stared blankly at him as he boarded the carriage, then almost simultaneously clicked their tongues and shook their heads.

The carriage carrying the soaked prince sped away, leaving the chaotic dock behind. Prince Biern drew the curtains to block out the disorder and closed his eyes.

The festival was over. It was time for everything to return to its place.