Rose gave me an embroidered handkerchief. I’d had a hunch she’d remembered the promise she had made while drifting off to sleep. No one would’ve criticized her for reneging on such foul play, but she had still faithfully fulfilled my request. I took my hat off to her sincerity.
Although I felt guilty for coercing Rose to embroider me a handkerchief when she insisted she was awful at needlework, I was more happy than anything else. When I imagined the love of my life pouring her heart into each stitch for my sake, I was so thrilled that I felt a bit exasperated at myself.
“I’ve also prepared a flower for you. Will you accept it once we get home?” I asked.
Surprise took Rose’s face first, and then her lips curved into a bashful smile. “Of course! With pleasure.”
When we arrived at our residence, our servants welcomed us home. I signaled our butler with my eyes, and he retrieved the items I’d entrusted to him. There was no turning back now. I was starting to feel a bit skittish.
I’d spent the day patrolling the festival grounds, and I’d witnessed many confessions. I had found the sight of nervous youths holding out flowers to their sweethearts to be innocent and heartwarming. However, now that I was in the hot seat, I realized this: If I’m this nervous when I know that my wife reciprocates my affections, then those young men must’ve summoned all of their courage to do the same. After all, they didn’t know whether their affections would be returned. I commend them.
“Master,” said the butler upon his swift return.
“Thank you.” I took the bouquet from him. Nine roses gleamed with life, as though they’d been freshly picked, and their pure-white petals were spotless. I must thank our outstanding gardener and butler later.
“Rose.” I held out the bouquet wrapped in blue paper and white ribbons.
A shy red dusted her cheeks, and she gently accepted it. She buried her face in the roses as if she were trying to hide from the surrounding gazes. The tips of her dainty ears peeking out of her platinum-blonde hair were also pink.
“I don’t know why, but I feel extremely embarrassed,” she said.
“Me too. The formal act makes me shy for some reason.” I scratched the back of my neck to hide my awkwardness. We’ve been married for over a year now, and there’s even a child in Rose’s belly, so what in the world are we doing?
The gazes of our servants, who were watching over us from a short distance away, felt somewhat tepid. Rose and I looked at each other and then smiled.
“Thank you, Leon. I’m over the moon,” she said.
“Oh, um...” Sensing that the conversation was about to end, I panicked. There was still something I hadn’t given to her yet, but I hesitated, unsure how to bring it up.
Seeing me enter a pathetic tizzy, Rose asked, “Is something the matter?” She tilted her head to the side, perplexed.
“Actually...there’s one more thing I’d like to give you,” I said.
“There is?”
I took an accessory case from the butler and handed it to Rose.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“Open it,” I said.
Rose passed the bouquet to her maid and opened the box. Inside was a raden hair accessory crafted into a three-dimensional rose. Depending on the angle, its petals changed colors from blue to green. Despite its delicate appearance, it had a certain impact to it that took your breath away. Even a layman would recognize that it was a stunning masterpiece.
Rose’s eyes gradually widened as she marveled at the accessory. Her lips parted slightly, but no sound came from them. She held the deep-blue velvet accessory case in her hands and gazed at the hair ornament from many different angles.
“It’s beautiful,” she murmured after a long period of silence, her voice thick with admiration.
The moment I heard those words, relief filled my heart. Though I knew Rose would like Miss Ayame’s work, I had still been on pins and needles, anxious that a flower-shaped accessory wouldn’t be received with the same joy that she might show for real flowers.
“I’m beyond happy.” Rose carefully hugged the accessory case to her chest and beamed at me. “Thank you, Leon. I’ll treasure this.”
She smiled with such sincerity that my heart pounded.
✦ ✦ ✦
“I’ll wear it immediately starting tomorrow. Or should I save it for important occasions? Gosh, what should I do? I can’t decide.” Rose’s childlike excitement conveyed her joy, and it made me feel a little self-conscious.
“If you’re that fond of it, then it was worth giving to you,” I said with a nonchalant expression. This is bad. The thought drifted through my mind offhandedly, like it was someone else’s problem. I’m going to get addicted to this.
I had given Rose presents in the past, but she didn’t like expensive items. Or more accurately put, she felt guilty when given something expensive. Hence, I only gave her modest gifts outside of special occasions, mainly flowers or food with an occasional small sundry or stationery set mixed in.
Actually, I’m particular about the quality of the stationery I buy her, so it usually ends up costing as much as a jewel, but it’s fine—Rose doesn’t know that. I digress. I don’t believe the price of a gift corresponds to the depth of one’s love. And I think it’s sweet that Rose is delighted to receive cheap presents too.
However, this and that are separate matters. I still wish to give my beloved the finest things in the world. When Rose decided she’d attend a soiree, I was elated and thought, “Now’s my chance,” but my in-laws beat me to the punch. They did it to erase the unsavory rumors surrounding Rose, so I acquiesced, but I swore I wouldn’t concede next time.
It may not hold a candle to the royal treasury, but I have amassed quite a fortune myself. I’ve been saving since my days as captain of the royal guard... Well, mainly due to the fact that I lack hobbies and have nothing to spend on, but as a result, I’ve hoarded a hefty sum. I could form connections with a tailor if I asked my mother or Lord Julius for a favor. I don’t have any sense for fashion, but I could pick a design by discussing it with Rose. I’m sure she’d enjoy collaborating with me to pick out a style and colors that would look good on her.
“I can’t wait,” I muttered to myself.
Rose gave me a confused look, but she quickly concluded that I was referring to the hair ornament. “Hmm? You’re right, I can’t wait for tomorrow.” She jubilantly gazed at the accessory. It was clear she wouldn’t tire of it anytime soon.
Part of me wants to shower Rose with so many presents that the floors are completely covered with them, just like the king and queen did. However, if I actually did that, she would probably feel troubled. Besides, if I only focus on quantity, it would diminish the significance of each one. I would be inconsolable if I couldn’t see the way she jumps for joy and treasures a single gift from the bottom of her heart.
So, I’ll prioritize quality over quantity. I’ll gather materials of the highest quality and commission only the most skilled tailors while referencing the latest trends to create a dress that matches Rose’s preferences. The price tag will soar in leaps and bounds the more fastidious I am, but I have plenty of coin saved up. In the unlikely event that I get concerned about my finances, I simply need to earn more.
Rose will worry if my gifts are exorbitant, but it shouldn’t be a problem if I never mention it. I proved that much when I gave her that stationery. Opportunities will be rare, so I hope she’ll forgive me for being a little selfish.
Oblivious to my self-indulgent fantasizing, my wife was eagerly chatting with her maids. They seemed to be discussing how to style her hair tomorrow.
She’ll probably scold me if she discovers my schemes, I mused as I watched my exuberant wife.