From a distance, a small child was staring intently at Sophie’s food. Judging by their clothing, the child seemed to be from a poor family.
Sophie approached the child and handed over her untouched skewer. “Here you go.”
The child stared at it for a moment, then took it and ran off, possibly to share it with family or siblings nearby.
“Do you think that was pointless?” Sophie asked.
“No.”
Sophie watched the corner where the child had disappeared, her gaze lingering. Sadly, even in this kingdom, many people still struggled to make ends meet.
Lorenz held out his half-eaten skewer. “Here.”
“Are you sure?”
“It might not be proper manners, but you don’t care about that, do you? I already took a bite, but if you don’t mind, go ahead.”
Sophie accepted it and took a bite with a cheerful smile. “Half and half, then.”
Sophie began selling her dresses, jewelry, and personal belongings to raise funds for the church. She made arrangements to ensure the money would be used to build shelters and orphanages.
“That’s something the government should handle. You don’t have to do it,” Lorenz said.
“But it would take time if left to the government. Besides, I can’t take jewels to heaven, and I don’t need them anymore.”
“Still…”
“And honestly, dresses worn by someone who’s passed away might feel ominous, don’t you think? Better to sell them now.”
Sophie clenched her fists with determination. Lorenz, seeing this rarely-seen assertive side of her, chuckled again.
“Also, I’m sure the dresses would prefer to be out in the sun rather than sleeping in the closet. This is for the best.”
“I see.”
By the sixth month, Sophie started having more bad days. The curse was undoubtedly eating away at her body. Despite that, she filled her days with activities—going to plays and concerts, riding horses, painting while covered in colors, and even gardening with soil-stained hands. To Sophie’s surprise, Lorenz accompanied her for most of it.
One day, they visited the sea. Waves crashed rhythmically as they stood at the shoreline, letting the water lap at their feet.
“It’s cold,” Sophie said.
“It’s autumn now. Don’t stay too long, or you’ll catch a cold.”
In the past, Sophie would have been scolded for stepping into the water barefoot—it would have been considered improper. But here, there was no one to reprimand her. She enjoyed the peculiar sensation of sand slipping between her toes. After a while, the two of them sat side by side on the beach.
“The sound of the waves is somehow soothing, isn’t it?” Sophie remarked.
“Yes, it is,” Lorenz agreed.
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