When That Door Opens - Chapter 77
“Where are you going? Don’t forget to write to me as soon as you arrive.”
She wanted to continue the conversation, but the train was about to depart, billowing steam. Julieta waved to the publishing house employee and headed to her assigned seat.
Julieta’s first journey in her life began. It was a journey for a confession.
* * *
The journey was far from pleasant. The train was fast but frequently broke down. Living in close quarters with many people led to constant minor squabbles.
Her plan to write on the train seemed laughable as incidents kept occurring.
Contrary to her worries, however, the train arrived on time at its destination.
The capital of the Franz Kingdom, Helbert. The place where Verne was presumed to be living.
Julieta spent a considerable amount of money to find him. She had planned to pay off her debts first, but instead, she used her extra money on a detective agency. Her mother in heaven would lament her actions.
The detective agency, though expensive, found traces of Verne that even the publishing house president hadn’t been aware of. They uncovered his birthplace, which had been shrouded in mystery.
Upon hearing of his origin, Julieta understood where the lyrical descriptions in his novels and fairy tales came from.
He had an affection for Helbert. So, if she waited here, perhaps she could meet him at least once.
Julieta arrived in Helbert with vague hopes but found herself delighted just to be in the city where he had lived.
She headed to the bustling district to find a place to stay.
* * *
“No rooms available.”
From the start, she faced failure. Coincidentally, her visit coincided with the largest festival in the Franz Kingdom, leaving all the accommodations in the capital fully booked.
“Even a small room would be fine.”
“Sorry, even if we had a room under the stairs, I’d offer it, but there’s nothing available.”
At the second inn she tried, she still couldn’t find a room. The sun was already setting. If she didn’t find a place soon, she would end up spending the night on the streets.
“Do you have any rooms? Even for just one night… I’m willing to pay extra!”
At the third inn, Julieta hastily pulled out her wallet, ready to pay. The kind-looking innkeeper waved her hand, stopping her.
“Are you from out of town? Oh dear, there really isn’t any room around here. Don’t you have anyone you can ask for help?”
The innkeeper, who had a daughter about Julieta’s age, looked at her with sympathy.
“Have a seat for now.”
The innkeeper had her daughter make calls here and there, but after a while, she sighed.
“There really are no rooms. I’d offer my daughter’s room, but it’s already been taken.”
“Thank you so much for trying.”
Julieta bowed in gratitude. The kindness of strangers in this foreign land melted away some of her anxiety. She began to understand where the supporting characters in Verne’s writing came from.
“Mom! I heard the Duke of Davier is opening up their estate!”
“What! The Duke of Davier’s estate? That’s wonderful news. Miss, you should go there!”
The innkeeper excitedly explained about the Duke of Davier.
The Duke’s family was one of the most prestigious in the Franz Kingdom, known for their contributions to the community and their charitable efforts.
The Davier estate opened its doors during the festival as a service to travelers from afar.
“They haven’t opened the estate for some time.”
“Their son has returned.”
Julieta half-listened to the innkeeper’s words while taking the map they drew for her.
“Thank you. Please accept this small token of gratitude.”
Julieta offered money, but the innkeeper hid her hands behind her back.
“I didn’t do anything to deserve this. Save it and come back for a meal sometime.”
The innkeeper pushed Julieta out the door, warning her that if she went too late, there might not be any rooms left at the Davier estate.
“Hey, Balbo! Give this young lady a ride to the Duke of Davier’s estate!”
The innkeeper even introduced her to a carriage driver.
“He looks rough, but he drives a carriage like no other,” she whispered.
Julieta felt incredibly fortunate. A series of small blessings seemed to be leading her to a greater one—eventually meeting Verne.
She smiled.
* * *
The servants of the Duke of Davier’s household were in a frenzy. Since the heir had returned, they had resumed the practice of opening the estate, a task they hadn’t undertaken for a while. Though it might sound simple to offer up empty rooms, it was no small feat for the servants to prepare.
“Wow, look at all these guests.”
A maid sighed, watching dozens of people milling about the lobby.
“Here comes another one! Ugh, can’t they stop coming already?”
Just as she grumbled, a woman with a brown hat with a distinctive short brim entered the estate, carrying her suitcase. She removed her hat and held it to her chest, glancing around.
