Sarah was busy every day. She had to deal with the nobles who clung to her every whim, desperate for even a little bit of her income. She also had a lot to worry about with her ongoing business.
"Sarah, don't try to carry everything by yourself. You'll probably collapse if you keep doing this."
Namjoon worried every single day. If he'd known it would turn out like this, he wouldn't have made her the temporary head of the household. Of course, Sera was doing remarkably well.
Although she was doing everything smoothly, as if she were sitting still, I was extremely worried about Sarah, who was in poor health. I didn't want to see her collapse again.
"I'm fine."
"Sarah, come here."
Namjoon sat Sarah down on the sofa, as she was busy with her work even while talking to him.
"I'm busy, but... "
"Let's stop."
" yes? "
"You're an adult now. You're only 20. And I feel like I'm ruining you..."
"What is that...!"
"I want you to live an ordinary life like everyone else. I hope you'll be happy from now on..."
"What's so unusual about this? This is the Karna family's..."
"Why are you so blind?"
"Didn't I tell you? I will have my revenge. I must show everyone that our family, the royal family and the great noble family, is not falling apart."
"I'm proud of you. You're a better kid than me. I don't want you to throw yourself into something like this. It's such a waste for you."
"This is my job. Didn't I get hurt? Why..."
Sera couldn't understand Namjoon's words. Perhaps these very thoughts about upholding family tradition, honor, and dignity were poisonous to her.
"Brother, wake up. We are Karna. We have to show you what kind of people we are."
Sarah's venomous gaze was chilling.
" ...okay. "
"I'm going to go now. I'm sure Uncle is busy too."
"Yeah, thanks for your hard work."
Namjoon got up from his seat. And then
"Your appearance now reminds me of my father in the past."
He was blinded by his family and wasted his youth on work. He was cold and always seemed lonely and desolate. He seemed like someone who lived without a single happy memory...
I can't bear to see you end up like that. I'll do whatever it takes to get you out of here.
Click -
Namjoon left. Sera stared at the door. "I, who bears no resemblance to my father, am reminding him of me?"
Sera couldn't understand Namjoon. Isn't this normal? I really don't know what the problem is that makes him act like this.
Smart -
"Come in."
"Your Highness, I hear there's a palace meeting tomorrow."
"I think it would be good to enter the palace this evening."
"I will prepare."
" okay. "
The Imperial Palace Conference. This is a crucial meeting that only happens a few times a year and can change many things.
This is my chance to show it properly.
Sea vowed to set an example.
"I'm a little nervous."
Nothing should happen...
A carriage was waiting in front of the main gate. I had taken care of all the urgent matters and left the rest to my older brother, Namjoon.
"I'll be back."
"You have to be careful. That's the palace."
"Don't worry. I'm here."
Taehyung, a knight, decided to escort Sera. As a palace knight, he had to go to the palace anyway, and having at least one family member with him would make Sera feel more at ease.
Of course, Namjoon's worries will lessen too. Well, he still seems worried.
"I'm fine. Don't worry too much."
"...Yeah. I believe you can overcome it."
"I'll be back."
"Take care on your way back."
After exchanging a brief greeting with Sarah, he boarded the carriage. Taehyung, riding on horseback, nodded toward Namjoon. It was a signal to Namjoon.
.
.
.
.
"Meet Grand Duchess Kim Se-ah."
"I'm tired. Come on, show me the way."
"Follow me."
Arriving at the palace, Sea behaved naturally, imitating her father's every move.
"For the time being, these court ladies will serve the Grand Duke."
The court ladies introduced themselves. Everyone couldn't take their eyes off Se-ah.
"Okay, I'll call it a day. See you tomorrow."
"Yes, I understand. Please rest comfortably."
After everyone left, Sea settled comfortably on the sofa. Perhaps it was the sheer number of things she had to worry about all at once that gave her a severe headache.
"Let's hold on a little longer. There's only a month left."
Even when she was tired or in pain, Sea didn't show it. She didn't want anyone to see her weakness.
Because my father was like that too
.
.
.
.
I vaguely remember. When I was young, there was a day when the maids didn't even bother to feed me a single meal, even though my family didn't know about it. Hungry, I snuck out of my room at dawn to go to the kitchen.
Stealthily
Don't let them catch you... Be as quiet as possible...
I quietly walked barefoot down the long hallway and up the stairs to the first floor. But,
"Whew..."
" ...! "
My father's study door was slightly open. I lowered myself and tried to pass quietly.
"Ugh..."
Stop
My steps naturally stopped. Knowing I shouldn't be doing this, I quietly approached the study. I must have been about ten years old at the time.
I could see my father through the gap in the slightly open door. He was sitting at his desk, clutching his head with both hands, struggling.
He looked so miserable that I almost ran in and asked if he was okay.
Up until this point, there was no sign of pain at all...
From the young Sea's perspective, it was incomprehensible. Her father had always been tough, cold, and aloof... but now,
"I guess I'm not that strong either."
He looked exhausted. The words he spoke in a pitiful voice as he gazed at his mother's portrait startled me.
Outside the large window, a full moon illuminated the dark study. The sight of moonlight shining on my father pierced my heart.
You look lonely...
Sea, who knew all too well how painful loneliness can be, was saddened. Even though her father didn't care about her, she couldn't hate him for the fact that he was suffering in his own way...
Don't be sick. Your mother will be sad...
Sea quietly returned to her room. She placed the flower-shaped paper she had folded in her pajama pocket in front of the door.
That's when it started. She started acting overly cute and flirting around in front of Seokjin.
It was the young Se-ah's heart that wanted to let Seok-jin know that there was no one left by his side.
You were a very strong person.
____
Seokjji... 🥺