NIYTR 27

Chapter 27

Nickname

Madame Teresa was indirectly suggesting that the anonymous tip to the newspaper might have come from Rosemary, especially now that the paper had gone to print.

“Are you certain it was someone from the Boniel Times?”

“Of course. I had a bad run-in with them before, so I remember the face clearly. It was definitely someone from the Boniel Times.”

‘So careless to leave evidence, Rosemary.’

Edelweiss gave Anna a glance toward the jewelry box.

Catching on immediately, Anna took out an aquamarine bracelet—not rare to find, but still quite valuable.

“Please accept this, Madame Teresa.”

“What? Oh, no—I couldn’t possibly. The marquis has already paid quite handsomely for the dress. This bracelet is far too precious.”

She declined out of courtesy, but her eyes were clearly glued to the aquamarine bracelet.

“I need a favor, Madame Teresa. I’m fairly certain it was my sister who submitted the anonymous tip to get me in trouble.”

“Oh… You must be so upset. I’m sorry I brought it up.”

“Not at all. Madame Teresa, I just need you to spread what you told me earlier—just as you saw it—to the clients at the Shubrets boutique.”

Shubrets boutique was frequented by a wide range of young ladies and noblewomen.

‘Judging by how talkative Madame Teresa is, she’s perfect for spreading the word.’

Edelweiss couldn’t let this slide.

Even if time would sort it out eventually, having proof meant it was better to act quickly.

“I can’t confront my sister directly and ask if she made the tip, so I thought I’d spread this rumor first and deal with the fallout later. That’s why I need your help.”

“Oh dear… what should I do?”

“Of course, I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble either. Just say you heard it somewhere—don’t say you saw it yourself.”

When Edelweiss expressed concern, Madame Teresa looked touched and gratefully accepted the aquamarine bracelet.

“Just leave it to me, Lady of the Marquis of Blossomweaver.”

After sending Madame Teresa off and heading down to the dining room, Edelweiss saw the Marquis of Blossomweaver furiously reading the Boniel paper.

“How dare they publish such a thing based on this kind of tip? What do they even know about Blossomweaver!”

“Uncle—”

“Ahem. Did you sleep well, Edel?”

He cleared his throat awkwardly when he noticed Edelweiss.

Sitting beside him, the Marchioness of Blossomweaver spoke in an indifferent tone.

“Edelweiss, this will resolve itself. Don’t waste your emotions on something so worthless. Cesare, you too.”

“How can I just sit back when my child’s name is being dragged through the mud? We should pressure Boniel into action immediately.”

“Even so, we can’t take back all the newspapers that have already been distributed, nor silence every mouth. There’s only a month left until the coming-of-age ceremony. Just hold on a little longer.”

Convinced by her reasoning, the Marquis begrudgingly nodded.

“Still, it’s probably a good idea for you and Prince Damian to be seen together on good terms. Set up a meeting soon.”

“Yes, I’ll do that.”

At the suggestion to display a good relationship with Damian, the marquis sighed and went out for a walk, saying he needed some air. He was also planning to check in on Princess Charlotte.

Ezoic

After breakfast, Edelweiss sent a letter to Damian, asking for permission to visit the Calliope Palace.

Damian replied that she could visit in two days.

Two days would be enough time to find a suitable gift for Princess Charlotte.

‘Something edible could be risky if she reacts badly to it,’

Edelweiss murmured, tapping the table as she thought. Anna asked cautiously,

“Miss, are you worried about Madame Teresa?”

“No, I’m trying to choose a gift for a child, but nothing seems right.”

“How about a parrot? They’re small and cute, and they mimic speech—it’d be fun to train.”

“A parrot?”

Anna’s suggestion made sense. For the frail princess who rarely went outside and had to spend time alone when Damian was busy, it was ideal.

“Thank you. But can we get one in two days? It can’t be too wild if it’s for Her Highness.”

Ezoic

“My younger sister raises parrots. One of the babies just hatched—it’s adorable.”

“Really? Then, may I ask you for help, Anna?”

“Miss Edelweiss, you’re my mistress—this isn’t a request, it’s an order.”

Though Anna spoke playfully, she still maintained proper decorum.

Edelweiss didn’t completely trust her yet, but the discomfort was starting to fade.

Two days later, Edelweiss entered the palace with the baby parrot that Anna had brought.

According to Anna’s younger sister, if raised well, this species could live a long life. It mirrored Edelweiss’s hope that Princess Charlotte would also enjoy lasting health.

When she arrived in front of Calliope Palace, a tall man stood waiting like a tower.

“Your Highness Damian?” It was Damian.

Edelweiss hadn’t expected him to come out to greet her in person, so she looked up at him in surprise. He was always so tall it made her neck stiff just to meet his gaze.

“Charlotte made such a fuss when she heard you were coming, demanding I wait outside for you.”

“I see. How is Princess Charlotte doing?”

As expected, it wasn’t entirely Damian’s idea.

“Since she ate the blue rose you gave her, she’s been much healthier. Her seizures have definitely decreased.” Perhaps because Charlotte’s condition had improved, Damian’s usual sharp demeanor felt more relaxed than usual.

“What’s that?”

He motioned to the baby parrot Edelweiss was holding in her arms.

“A baby parrot.”

“I can see that it’s a bird. I have eyes too.”

“It’s a gift for Her Highness. I thought she might get bored staying in her room all the time, so I figured she’d enjoy having someone to talk to. Do you think she’ll be afraid of it?”

“If anything, the bird should be afraid of Charlotte. Don’t worry about that. But seriously, as if raising that little colt wasn’t enough, now I have to raise a bird too?”

Damian twisted his shoulder with a sigh, already looking tired.

“Sister!”

As they entered the bedroom, Princess Charlotte sprang up from where she had been sprawled out on the carpet.

“Charlotte, mind your manners in front of our guest.”

“Waaah, what’s this?”

Ignoring Damian completely, Charlotte ran straight to Edelweiss and beamed like a full moon when she saw the baby parrot.

“Your Highness, it’s a gift. It’s a baby parrot—would you like to raise it, if it’s alright?”

“Yes! I love it! It’s so cute. Thank you so much, Sister!”

Princess Charlotte gently cradled the baby bird in her arms.

“Hello, I’m Charlotte.”

Seeing her carefully stroke the tiny creature in her small hands filled Edelweiss with pride.

“When it gets a bit older, you can try teaching it simple words. It’ll mimic you.”

“Really?”

“And just who does this little colt think she’s teaching now…”

“Eek! I told you not to call me colt!”

Princess Charlotte gently set the baby parrot down on her bed, then charged at Damian, waving her arms. Damian blocked her easily by pressing a hand against her forehead.

“Your Highness, you ought to let your little sister win now and then.”

“Ha, do you know how often I let her win already? Just not throwing this bird out is already me showing incredible mercy.”

“Unbelievable… Anyway, shall we come up with a name for the parrot?”

sighed Edelweiss, watching the siblings bicker. She turned to distract Charlotte.

“Say, since it’s a gift from you, can I name it after you?”

“Of course.”

“Hehe, I’m so excited. Then how about Elba?”

Elba. A name that could be considered a nickname for Edelweiss.

“Elba. That’s cute.”

It warmed Edelweiss to feel how close Charlotte was growing to her.

“It’s awful,”

Damian chimed in with his usual snide tone, ruining the cheerful mood.

“Be quiet, Brother.”

Princess Charlotte paid no mind to Damian’s opinion.

“I want to show Elba my greenhouse garden. Come with me, Sister!” She placed the baby bird in a basket full of fluffy cotton.

“I really, really like you, Sister!”

Charlotte took Edelweiss’s hand without hesitation as they strolled together.

“Sister. Don’t call me Princess—just call me Shasha.”

“I’m honored to receive a nickname, Lady Shasha.”

Damian followed behind at a leisurely pace, indifferent.

“By the way, Brother’s nickname is Didi!”

Didi.

A ridiculously cutesy nickname that didn’t suit Damian at all.