Pen and Paper Translations

Marco looked at Lev, who sat there with a dull, ashen face, wearing an expression full of pity.

He worried Lev hadn’t slept after getting an earful from the Emperor last night.

“Sir Lev…”

Marco had been studying Lev’s complexion for a while when he cautiously opened his mouth.

“Marco, could you ask Jacques if I’m allowed to work?”

Lev spoke lightly, at odds with how tired he looked and the request itself was unexpected.

“Pardon? Jacques?”

Marco blinked, wondering if he’d heard right.

“Yeah. My hand’s fine now and sitting around doing nothing isn’t in my nature. People should work.”

“But His Majesty…”

“It’s fine.”

Since Lev said it so confidently, Marco wondered if he’d already gotten the Emperor’s permission. But thinking back to last night, it hadn’t felt like the kind of atmosphere where Lev could bring that up…

After hesitating, Marco nodded reluctantly. Lev had seemed so down lately, and after what happened with the Emperor yesterday, he was likely upset again. Telling him to stay cooped up in his room felt too cruel.

Marco went straight to see Jacques. To his surprise, Jacques readily agreed.

That was because there was a standing order from the chief attendant (more precisely, an imperial command) to let Lev work whenever he wished, but that wasn’t something Marco could have known.

At any rate, when Marco trudged back and reported that Jacques had given permission, Lev immediately changed into simple clothes and left the room.

When Lev arrived at the gardens, Jacques tipped his hat and greeted him with a warm smile.

“Sir Lev, it’s been a while.”

“Yes! Have you been well, Jacques?”

Lev fluttered his hand on purpose to show it was perfectly fine. Catching on, Jacques smiled even wider.

“Where would you like to start?”

“I’ve heard you visit the Water-Lily Garden often.”

It wasn’t often. It was just a handful of times but Lev nodded politely, giving Jacques a look that asked why he wanted to know. Jacques smiled and continued.

“Since you’ll likely be there frequently, how about taking charge of its upkeep?”

Take the Water-Lily Garden as his dedicated patch?

“Mm… that sounds good.”

After a brief thought, Lev nodded again. It was true the place still looked a bit untended. The approach was overgrown and messy. Just a little tidying had made it look much better.

When Lev agreed, a smile curved at Jacques’s lips. Still smiling, he offered Lev the pruning shears and a short sickle he’d brought.

“Well then. I’ll be counting on you.”

Lev snatched up the tools with a delighted face and cheerfully headed for the Water-Lily Garden.

Watching him go, Jacques lifted his eyes. There stood the Emperor, wearing an unreadable smile.

---

“Hey, Marco.”

Lev, snipping off a twig sticking out at an odd angle, called to Marco, who was trimming grass nearby.

“Yes, Sir Lev!”

Marco stopped at once and looked over. Seeing the “Do you need something?” in his eyes, Lev didn’t answer right away. He just moved the pruning shears to the side.

Marco didn’t press him. He waited quietly, then set the sickle moving again, cutting the tufts that stuck up. Truth be told, Lev had been like this for a while now.

He’d call Marco as if he had something to say, hesitate, and then say nothing at all.

‘What’s bothering him? Ah! Could it be—!’

After it happened a few times, Marco couldn’t help wondering. Suddenly a possibility popped into his mind.

“You’re worried about it after all, aren’t you!”

“Huh?”

“The marquis’s second young master!”

From Marco’s perspective, that was the only thing Lev had to agonize over right now.

‘That’s not exactly it. But it’s not entirely wrong, either.’

Seeing Marco’s certain gaze, Lev faltered with an “Uh, well.” It wasn’t untrue.

“Yeah, pretty much.”

Lev scratched his forehead, glanced around, and asked in a deliberately casual voice,

“So… how do you get someone to like you?”

In truth, what Lev had been trying to ask Marco several times now was for dating advice. Specifically, how to effectively bring the Emperor and Michel d’Albret together.

He needed help because he couldn’t think of anything on his own, and Marco was the only one he could ask.

“To like you?”

Marco’s eyes flew wide. He’d never imagined Lev would be pondering such a thing.

“The thing is…”

He began, swallowing a dry gulp.

‘What important thing is he about to say?’

Marco tensed up himself, fists clenched tight.

“I just… want something that could help move the relationship forward.”

‘Not mine but the Emperor’s and Michel d’Albret’s.’

Lev kept that part buried deep.

“Move the relationship forward… Ahh!”

Marco finally seemed to grasp what Lev wanted. Whether he truly understood was anyone’s guess, but Lev found himself quietly hoping to hear what he’d suggest.

“Well? The best method is to meet often, I think.”

You have to keep seeing each other and talking then interest grows. Marco started with the basics of romance.

That was obvious enough. Lev wanted something a little more advanced than that.

“Yeah, I know… I was wondering if there’s anything better.”

“True, there is that.”

Marco nodded again in agreement. The diligent attendant churned his brain, then clapped as if a good idea had struck.

“Gifts! Gifts! I don’t think there’s anything better for expressing your feelings to someone!”

Gifts, huh… Not a bad idea. One tried-and-true way to show interest was a barrage of thoughtful presents.

“That could work.”

He didn’t know the Emperor’s tastes. Fortunately, Lev knew what interested Michel: gardening. So flowers or a potted plant would make a good gift. How to procure it was the issue, but he could mull that part over.

If it came to it, well, he could “borrow” a little from this vast garden.

“Thanks, Marco.”

“Oh, it’s nothing! Sir Lev! You can do it! Don’t lose!”

Still thinking Lev was trying to impress the Emperor, Marco pumped his fists in encouragement. Lev only gave an awkward smile and looked away.

“Since we’re tidying here anyway, we could gather some nice flowers and arrange them prettily.”

A capable attendant offers a model answer. Lev had been thinking the same thing and grinned.

So Lev cleaned the Water-Lily Garden and, trimming flowers and fresh green leaves, made a rather pretty bouquet. He wasn’t planning to give it to anyone immediately. He thought he might stick it in his stark room.

“Wow, Sir Lev! You’re really skilled!”

Lev only shrugged in response.

“I’ve sold flowers before, actually.”

“Flowers?”

Marco looked amazed. Had Lev done that too?

“Yep.”

For a few months, even. He’d worked a dawn delivery part-time job at the flower market. He had done gift wrapping, too. These sort of experiences gave him some know-how.

So putting together a neat bouquet like this was nothing. Lev took pride in the Water-Lily Garden, now crisp and stylish.

Somehow, he felt he might grow very fond of this space. In this enormous palace, it would be the one place tended and grown by his own hands.

“There’s nothing you haven’t done, Sir Lev.”

“Well, um. I guess?”

Seeing Marco’s eyes shine even brighter than before, Lev waved the bouquet and laughed, feeling a little puffed up.

“Looks like we’re more or less done. Shall we go get lunch? I’m starting to get hungry.”

“Yes! Let’s go!”

---

A stiff awkwardness hung between the Emperor and Michel d’Albret as they ate on the terrace overlooking the fountain of three goddesses.

The Emperor felt no particular need to make conversation, and Michel had entered the palace under duress, so he had little enthusiasm naturally.

The Marquis had told him to meet the Emperor, but not to create a pleasant atmosphere. So thought Michel as he neatly set his knife and fork on the empty plate. He’d put in a reasonable amount of time. Perhaps he should rise now. Just as he thought that…

“What’s got him so pleased?”

The Emperor, silent until now, suddenly spoke.

Michel was more surprised by the tone than the words. It sounded far too informal for someone of his station.

Whether he noticed the reaction or not, the Emperor’s gaze never left Lev.

“Your Majesty?”

Michel’s eyes followed his, and he, too, spotted Lev.

‘Ah, Sir Lev!’

Michel rejoiced privately, so the Emperor wouldn’t see.

“Shall we wrap up? I have state business this afternoon, so I won’t be able to spend time with you.”

The Emperor rose abruptly as he said it.

“Pardon? Ah—yes, Your Majesty. Thank you for making time despite your busy schedule.”

Michel, who had also been thinking of ending things and heading back, smiled and offered thanks. But Guien gave him no attention at all and simply left the salon.

Walking down the broad, ornate hall, Guien glanced back at the chief attendant following him.

“He’s returned to eat lunch, I’m told.”

The chief attendant reported before the Emperor even asked, as if he already knew what would be said.

“Make sure they don’t run into each other.”

Guien turned away, sounding indifferent, and gave the offhand order. There was no subject, but the chief attendant understood at once.

“As you wish.”

“Chief attendant.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Do you think I’m cruel?”

The Emperor rested a hand on the banister and looked down at the chief attendant with calm, cool eyes.

“You are a sovereign second to none.”

The chief attendant shook his head firmly.

“Mm.”

Though the rightful heir, the Emperor had reached this position while facing countless threats. Since then, he’d shown a strong, unyielding hand which at times were rough, but decisive.

The chief attendant trusted this Emperor more than anyone. Guien Angoulême was certainly an excellent, powerful, and truly beautiful sovereign. And yet lately, he sometimes looked his age.

Like now… when he met someone.

“That shabby heap of flowers… He brought it for me, I assume?”

By now, the Emperor, who had been looking down on him with arrogant hauteur, was addressing his consort in a tone more suited to a street tough.

Lev, just entering the palace, scrunched his face like he’d bitten into a rotten apple.

‘He could’ve just kept walking.’

Why stand there and pick a fight?

“If that’s how you’re going to talk…”

“Such impudence.”

Even so, the Emperor’s mischievous expression didn’t fade. He held out his hand as if, naturally, the bouquet Lev carried would soon be his.

“Unfortunately, Your Majesty,”

Lev deliberately whisked the bouquet behind his back and went on,

“This isn’t for you.”

“Then?”

Then who for? The Emperor, the chief attendant, and Marco all bore questioning looks.

“It’s a secret.”

In truth, he hadn’t made it for anyone. He’d planned to decorate his barren room. But he said “secret” on purpose.

Guien narrowed his eyes at Lev’s feigned innocence and asked,

“It’s for me. You’re just embarrassed to admit it, aren’t you?”

Honestly, what kind of tone was that for an Emperor? Lev sighed and shook his head.

“No. It isn’t. So please, go on your way.”

Guien’s eyes thinned further. His gaze flicked between his brazenly smiling consort and the simple bouquet in his hand.

Rather than climb the stairs, he turned and came back down.

“Lunch?”

“I’m just about to eat. It’s a nice day, so I thought I’d go on a picnic. That’s all right, isn’t it?”

That idea had come to him on the spur of the moment. Of course, it was only possible if the Emperor allowed it.

“A picnic…”

The Emperor’s tone made it sound as though he might join them, so Lev hurried to add,

“Your Majesty must be busy. Please, don’t let me keep you.”

Guien eyed Lev, who was doing everything he could to shoo him away, through narrowed lids. That bouquet in his hand irked him a bit too.

Deliberately, Lev shifted his gaze to Marco, who was hovering and watching their uneasy air.

“Marco, will you go pack us a lunch?”

Marco, jittery in the tense atmosphere and secretly hopeful, looked to the Emperor. But Guien only twitched a brow, spun on his heel with a swish, and strode off first.

Lev watched him go, the sound of his steps receding sharply. He’d worried he might press further about the bouquet, but thankfully, he hadn’t.

‘Though “thankfully” is relative.’

Lev’s eyes dropped to the bouquet in his hand.

‘Since I was making one anyway, I should’ve made a second.’

He hesitated, then shook his head and cast the thought aside. No need to be thinking about the Emperor.

“Come to think of it, it’s funny.”

“What is, Sir?”

Lev was picturing the Emperor crooking his fingers as if assuming the bouquet was for him when a sudden voice made him start and turn.

“Sir Lev.”

Michel stood with the colonnade behind him, smiling brightly.

“…Master Michel.”

Just as yesterday, and again today… meeting him in an entirely unexpected place left Lev wide-eyed, unable to hide his surprise.

“I was going to be disappointed if I had to leave without seeing you, but what luck.”

“Oh, were you?”

When Lev answered like he truly hadn’t expected this, Michel immediately looked put out.

“I asked to see you again, but you didn’t answer then either… I guess you’re not happy to see me.”

Flustered by the petulant tone, Lev hurriedly waved his hands.

“N—no, not at all. Of course I wanted to see you.”

So he could think up ways to bring the Emperor and Michel Dalbre together. Not knowing that, Michel came closer with a sunny smile.

“Really? Then will you walk with me? That little garden we visited before was so lovely.”

“I’d like to, but it’ll have to be next time. I have work this afternoon.”

Turned down again right after he’d suggested it, Michel’s face fell a little.

When a beautiful person made that face, you couldn’t help feeling bad. Wearing an apologetic look, Lev held out the bouquet.

Michel’s eyes widened at the modest yet charming flowers.

“For me?”

“Uh—well… someone who’s fond of you asked me to pass it along.”

A quick glance confirmed no one was around, and Lev sprinkled on a tiny lie.

Ideally, he’d take it to mean that the admirer was the Emperor. If not—

‘I can always clarify later.’

Letting him wonder who it could be wasn’t bad either.

Thankfully, Michel d’Albret accepted the bouquet with a happy expression.

“Someone who’s fond of me… I wonder who. Thank you, Sir Lev.”

When the already beautiful face broke into a smile, it seemed to sparkle outright. Lev stared blankly for a moment, then cleared his throat.

“Then, I’ll see you next time.”

“Sir Lev, wait!”

Just as Lev tried to scamper off like yesterday, Michel caught his arm.

“Sir Lev!”

A lively voice rang out from somewhere. Lev’s head snapped that way. He saw Marco running up, a cloth-wrapped bundle in one hand.

At the same time, Michel looked that way too, a puzzled expression on his face and so did Marco, when he spotted Michel holding Lev’s arm.

He stopped dead, eyes confused and bewildered, unable to make sense of what he was seeing.

“Marco?”

Lev called to him, as he’d suddenly gone stiff. Marco, watching Michel as if wary, asked,

“Sir Lev, where is His Majesty?”

“He left.”

Lev answered, puzzled. He’d watched the Emperor go a moment ago, so why ask? Marco’s expression darkened.

‘What? What’s wrong?’

He’d looked so excited when he called out just now, so why the change?

“Master Michel, my companion is here, so I’ll have to go.”

Lev didn’t miss the chance to part ways with Michel naturally. He smiled and gently freed his arm.

Michel showed a hint of regret, but Lev pretended not to notice.

“All right. Next time, let’s dine together.”

Lev could only cover it this time, too, with an awkward smile. He needed permission even to step out. Who knew if dinner would be possible?

And if such an occasion did arise, it would most likely be when the Emperor was present.

‘Which I’d rather avoid even more.’

Judging by Michel’s reaction, he didn’t seem to know Lev was the Emperor’s consort. Lev preferred to keep it that way for now.

“See you next time.”

Instead, Lev did what he hadn’t last time and promised they’d meet again. Michel nodded with a bright smile.

“Yes, until next time.”

Lev returned the smile and, leading Marco, left first. Left alone, Michel quietly watched them go, then lowered his gaze.

The bouquet of summer blooms that neat and modest rather than flashy, was much like Lev. It felt simple and composed.

‘A gift for someone you like, is it?’

Recalling the face that had shyly offered the flowers, a fresh smile bloomed on his lips.

He thought that the next time they met, he’d ask who that person was.