Chapter 52

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 52

Chapter Title: The Rival is a Cane

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Schwerin Harbor was chaotic with crowds of people and piles of luggage.

Cruise ships on long voyages always drew bigger crowds than usual on departure day, but today the port was packed with twice the normal number of spectators. It was all thanks to the gawkers who had flocked to catch a glimpse of the Grand Duke and his new bride heading off on their honeymoon.

It was shocking enough that the shameless man was taking a second honeymoon to his ex-wife's homeland, but for that ex-wife to board the same ship? Even those who usually ignored gossip couldn't help but perk up at such juicy news.

"The more I think about it, the more that princess is way out of line. Wow, too much, just too much."

Lisa boarded with a loud chatter designed to stick in the ears of the other maids. Most shot her annoyed glares, but she paid them no mind.

Let them come at her if they dared. She'd yank out every last strand of their hair.

Sensing her fighting spirit, the maids mostly gossiped behind her back and rarely confronted her directly. Especially after they'd witnessed one maid who had badmouthed the Grand Duchess in front of Lisa by comparing her to Princess Gladys end up in quite a sorry state.

"Even so, there's no reason she had to board the same ship, right? Ugh, poor thing."

When passing a maid who was particularly protective of Princess Gladys, Lisa made sure to raise her voice a notch higher.

During her two weeks at the Grand Duke's residence, Lisa had learned that most people in Lechen, including the servants at Schwerin Palace, sided with Princess Gladys. Not a few of them treated the drop in the lady of the house's status—from the continent's flower, the princess of Lars, to the failed noble's daughter laden with scandals—as a personal disgrace.

Every time those cursed mouths tore into Erna, Lisa made a point of cursing Princess Gladys in return. Once, she too had loved and admired the princess, but payback was payback.

Trailing right behind Erna, Lisa shot a glare at the prince who was the root cause of all this. Towering over others and sleekly built, he stood out anywhere, and with his devastating beauty, he was like a poisonous mushroom that bewitched the eyes.

No wonder our Grand Duchess couldn't resist.

Suddenly feeling uneasy, Lisa glanced at the lady who had gone ahead and gobbled up that mushroom. The Grand Duchess, every inch the dignified noblewoman, shyly flicked her sparkling eyes toward her husband every few steps. She was clearly trying not to show it, but anyone could see she looked like a girl in the throes of first love.

Maybe I should pass on Grandma's wisdom about not living off men's faces.

She pondered it briefly but decided against it. With a face like that, she could live off it for a thousand years. If Grandma had laid eyes on that prince, she'd change her tune for sure. Besides, he was a married man now. What was wrong with a wife loving her husband, whether she devoured his face or slathered it on?

Lisa's gaze, which had innocently passed over the unsuspecting Grand Duchess, turned back to the problem—the prince. He escorted his wife with impeccable courtesy, without a single flaw. At a glance, he seemed the perfect husband, but that very perfection grated on Lisa's nerves.

He couldn't possibly be unaware of his wife's feelings, plain as day to everyone. Yet he acted utterly indifferent, fulfilling only his duties as a husband with a decidedly cold detachment. What was it? He treated his wife like the gentleman's cane in his hand—elegantly formal, utterly heartless.

For our Grand Duchess's rival to be that pathetic stick.

Outraged, Lisa glared at the guilty prince, one hand on his cane, the other on his wife. Sensing her fierce stare, Prince Biern glanced back while crossing the first-class deck. Even his indifferent gaze, like looking at an insect, made Lisa's heart sink. In that moment, she deeply understood the maids who clipped out his magazine photos and poor Erna, helplessly smitten with her husband.

Fortunately, loyalty quickly restored her wits, and Lisa stared at the prince even more fervently. Look at Your Highness. Isn't she gorgeous? Surely this would win him over. She poured all the words she couldn't say into her eyes.

Truth be told, Erna wasn't the type of lady defined solely by her beauty, but against this opponent, looks would likely have the biggest impact.

Fine then. She'd make Erna the most beautiful lady in the world.

Lisa resolved, worked hard, and achieved brilliant results like this. So why didn't the prince appreciate it?

Prince Biern, looking at pleading Lisa like she was deranged, mercilessly turned away and hurried on.

This prince is way too much.

Lisa ground her teeth in humiliation. Even dolled up this stunningly and dumped on him—a beauty who became Grand Duchess on her looks alone—and it wasn't enough? Were his eyes on top of his head?

Go ahead, look all around. There's no one to rival Your Highness anyw……here?

"Damn it."

Glancing absentmindedly at the opposite deck, Lisa muttered a low curse under her breath.

Her forgotten rival—Princess Gladys.

Impressive.

That was Prince Biern's impression upon encountering Gladys.

Holding out in Lechen this long was impressive enough, but actually boarding this ship? It bordered on awe-inspiring. Knowing the rival who once upended his life was such a formidable woman brought him some small comfort.

"Long time no see, Biern."

Even in this awkward situation, Gladys greeted him calmly. Biern nodded coolly in response.

"I know I'm late, but congratulations on your marriage."

Impressive indeed.

Biern marveled again at Gladys delivering wedding felicitations with clear hurt on her face. With another woman, he'd scoff at the worn-out ploy, but Gladys had a destructive power in doing it with pure sincerity and her own brand of goodwill, rubbing it in like this.

With one final wistful look like the heroine of a tragic romance, yet never losing her ingrained poise, Gladys led her entourage into the cabins. The frozen onlookers finally exhaled in relief and exchanged wary glances.

"Erna."

Biern quietly called his dazed wife's name. Erna's eyes trembled at him like the feathers and flowers adorning her hat.

Once she had calmed a bit, Biern nodded toward the end of the deck—their stage to display the happy honeymooning Grand Ducal couple. Thankfully, she hadn't forgotten her role and followed his lead obediently.

There, waving to the crowd the whole time, Erna never lost her radiant smile. It was a marked improvement from the wedding day, when she'd flustered over where to look amid the throng.

Biern quite liked his quick-learning, clever bride. Her stoic refusal to mention Gladys by name pleased him too. Rumors of that formidable princess boarding the ship had set the whole city abuzz, but Erna never brought it up in front of her husband.

A gentle, quiet woman, undemanding.

That was Biern's conclusion after the past fortnight. She occasionally bounced off like a rubber ball in odd directions, but nothing too grating.

Quietly. Beautifully. Harmlessly.

She perfectly met his expectations, and Biern was satisfied. Of course, it was too soon for certainty.

After the greetings, they followed the crew to their cabins. The doll-like quiet Erna began to stir when the door to their suite opened.

"How can a ship have something like this?"

Erna gaped at the room in wide-eyed shock. It was impossibly luxurious for a ship. Centered on a vast parlor were two bedrooms, a bathroom, and even a small sunroom bursting with palm trees and potted plants—it felt more like a mansion than a cabin.

"It even has a fireplace."

Erna spoke in considerable astonishment, but Biern just chuckled lightly.

"Lunch will be served at..."

"I'll follow His Highness's wishes."

Biern cut off the maid's question with a curt reply. Erna looked up at her husband in surprise.

"Aren't you having lunch?"

Instead of answering, Biern nodded and entered his room, leaving Erna behind.

Standing awkwardly amid the busy Grand Ducal servants unpacking, Erna cautiously followed him. Biern had shed his coat and jacket and flopped onto the sofa. The servants paused and withdrew, soon leaving the bedroom to just the two of them.

"I need some rest, Erna."

As Erna mustered her courage to speak, Biern beat her to it.

"I just don't feel like doing anything for a while."

When their eyes met, he gave a weary, languid smile.

"...All right."

A bit flustered, Erna acquiesced.

Even on the eve of departure, Biern had met palace guests and engaged in heated discussions. Facing ministers far stricter than Mrs. Fitz day after day must have exhausted him terribly.

I know.

Erna chided herself. She knew, so begging to do things together would be too childish.

"Shall we have tea then? Here, together."

She was dying to see the ship's restaurant, but settled for a reasonable compromise. Regrettably, her husband showed no interest in negotiating.

"Dinner together."

Biern checked the time and replied flatly.

Erna stared dazedly at the desk clock he'd just glanced at. Barely past ten. Meaning she'd spend the entire first half of their honeymoon day alone.

"Go do whatever you want, Erna."

Biern tossed his loosened tie onto the table with a smile.

"Anything."

With that gentle whisper, he closed his eyes.

Downcast, Erna left his bedroom with dragging steps. Before shutting the door, she glanced back hopefully, but he remained sprawled on the sofa, eyes shut.

"Where shall we start? They say the restaurant here is splendid—how about tea time there first?"

Erna managed an awkward smile at Lisa's eager question. Recalling last night's excited planning with Lisa about all the ship's attractions—said to be as big as a town—made her cheeks heat up.

"Let's have tea, Lisa. At that splendid restaurant."

Erna quickly changed the subject with a bright smile.

"Us? Why me on your honeymoon..."

Damn it.

Lisa cursed again, this time deep in her chest where it wouldn't show.

Putting her on the same ship as the ex-wife and dragging her to the ex-wife's homeland wasn't enough—now this snub!

"...Yes, Your Highness!"

Forcing down the harsh words rising in her throat, Lisa nodded.

"Just say the word! I'll do anything!"

Unlike some people.

Instead of voicing that, she clenched her fist tight.

Erna, watching Lisa silently, beamed happily. The Grand Duchess's smile, defeated by a mere cane, was so beautiful that Lisa grew even more depressed.