Even If You Tear Me Apart - Chapter 22
The chapters are split like this so that the TL can update more consistently over time (✿ ＞◡❛)
“Oh no, I feel terrible about that.”
“It’s fine. Henri is often unwell and usually eats in his room anyway.”
Iris responded flatly.
Étienne nodded as if to say, Is that so.
In any case, since the lady of the house had made the decision, it wouldn’t be polite for a guest to look too embarrassed about it.
“Let’s say grace. Oh, by the way, which gods do you two worship?”
Missus Babbin, about to lead a prayer at the table, paused and asked cheerfully.
Étienne smiled broadly.
“I pray to Adelia of the Water. My younger brother hasn’t chosen a god yet.”
In Murenas, when people come of age, they undergo a rite at a temple and choose a god to follow for life. They then pray to that god before meals.
The imperial family was no exception. Étienne had only recently chosen Adelia—the goddess of water, compassion, and justice—as his patron.
Missus Babbin smiled.
“We believe in Udal—god of storms, thunder, and truth! Since Adelia and Udal are close allies among the seven gods, why don’t we have our guest lead the prayer tonight?”
“Would that be alright?”
Étienne grinned and offered a playful prayer.
“Dear Adelia, I think you must’ve saved me and my brother through a friend. Thank you for this meal! We’re grateful in the name of the Seven Gods! I’m starving, so I’ll end it there for today!”
“Oh my!”
Missus Babbin burst into delighted laughter at the casual blessing. Iris also smiled as she picked up her spoon.
A household so particular about formalities wouldn’t have servants and masters eating at the same table in the first place.
Perhaps it was hunger, or perhaps they were chilled from the cold, but the stew tasted exceptionally good.
Both princes cleaned their bowls. That’s when Missus Babbin gave them a subtle look.
“Sorry, but would you mind washing the dishes? I need to bring dinner to Young Master Henri.”
Attendant knights were expected to assist with meals—including washing dishes. So she likely assumed they were used to it. Ezekiel instinctively took the wooden bowls.
The problem was that Ezekiel had never done such a thing before.
Étienne asked quietly,
“Want help?”
Unfortunately, Étienne had never washed dishes either. And if they both fumbled around together, it would only draw attention.
Ezekiel sighed.
“I’ll manage somehow.”
He figured he could just put the bowls in water and scrub them however he could.
Though he’d never washed dishes, he had, for the sake of his future role, practiced sword maintenance and caring for horses.
But washing dishes was fundamentally different from cleaning swords. Ezekiel hit his first obstacle in the courtyard.
‘Do I have to draw water from the well? Or is there a designated spot for this sort of thing…?’
Since Missus Babbin hadn’t said anything when he took the bowls outside, it must’ve been the norm to wash dishes outdoors.
After thinking it over, Ezekiel headed to the well.
But he hit another wall there.
Even drawing water wasn’t easy.
After splashing around several times with the bucket attached to the well, he finally managed to retrieve a measly trickle of water.
‘Now what? Do I pour it directly onto the bowls?’
As Ezekiel stood there hesitating…
“I knew this would happen.”
The voice came from beside him. Iris had appeared without him noticing and was looking down at him.
Startled, Ezekiel quickly turned his head, face flushing red. He’d been awkwardly scrubbing the bowls with his palm. Iris clicked her tongue.
“Just admit it. You’re not a squire, are you?”
“……”
He couldn’t say yes or no.
Iris, seeing Ezekiel at a loss and blushing, took the bowl from his hand.
“Give it here.”
Her cold fingertips brushed his before quickly pulling away.
She placed the bowls on a small waterway beside the well and drew water with practiced ease.
Unconsciously, Ezekiel leaned in, watching her movements.
The same bucket that had barely filled for him was now full in an instant.
With a soft grunt, Iris hauled it up. Ezekiel rushed to help.
“Allow me to do it. W-Wait—”
SPLASH.
The bucket, which had come up just fine, slipped back into the well.
Iris stared quietly at Ezekiel standing beside her. There was no reproach or disdain in her gaze, but Ezekiel felt like dying from embarrassment.
