Tramp, tramp, tramp…
Lucas returned to the castle with Amelia, Euphy, Lucy, Jones, and Catherine in tow.
"You've all had a long journey. Go freshen up, and then we'll have dinner," Lucas said, scanning the group. He turned to Annie and instructed, "Arrange the accommodations."
"Yes, My Lord," Annie nodded.
"Alright, I have some administrative matters to attend to," Lucas said warmly. He led Amelia and Mina toward the study; he needed to begin preparations for the upcoming meeting with the various City Lords.
"He's so remarkable," Catherine murmured, her eyes fixed on Lucas's retreating back, a smile spreading across her lips.
"Stop daydreaming, everyone is looking at you," Lucy rolled her eyes, poking Catherine in the ribs. She lowered her voice. "Where is your maidenly poise?"
"Ahem, cough..." Catherine's face instantly flushed. She turned to see the knowing, playful grins on the faces of Annie and the others, causing her to lower her head in embarrassment. It was an involuntary reaction; she couldn't help it.
"Mr. Durin, the rear courtyard is the women's living area. Please follow me to the front courtyard," Ben spoke up. He managed the front and middle sections of the castle, while the rear was Nicole's domain.
"Of course," Durin nodded quickly. He patted Euphy on the head and whispered, "Don't be headstrong. Listen to Her Highness's arrangements."
"I will," Euphy replied softly.
"Alright, everyone, please follow me," Annie said, turning toward the rear courtyard as she mentally calculated the room assignments.
"Annie, where is Dahlia? I haven't seen her," Catherine asked curiously as she looked around while following behind. "Does she know we're here?"
"She's away on a mission and probably won't be back for another two days," Annie said, her eyes blinking. Dahlia was currently out on a large ship exploring new markets and laying the groundwork for the Naval Port Project.
"Oh," Catherine replied, sounding a bit dejected. Her best friend's absence was a small blow to her mood. Girls were often like that—subject to various shifting emotions that come and go quickly; it all depended on self-control, without which princess syndrome often set in.
Tramp, tramp, tramp...
The group passed through the hallway lined with dinosaur fossils, their eyes widening in shock. After a moment of awe, they arrived at the rear courtyard, where the fox-eared girl began assigning rooms.
"Elisa, Euphy will stay with you," Annie said, turning to the elf.
"No problem," Elisa chuckled, placing a friendly hand on Euphy's shoulder.
"Lucy and Jones, you two will share a room. Is that alright?" Annie asked.
"That's fine," Lucy nodded quickly; this was exactly what she wanted.
"Mm," Jones added with a cool nod.
"Catherine, you'll stay in Dahlia's room—the same one you used last time," Annie finished.
"Got it," Catherine stretched lazily. "I'm going to go wash up then." She was starting to liven up; the wonderful life of Sedona City was beginning again. No more loss of freedom, no more worrying about being traded away like a piece of cargo.
"I'll have someone bring you fresh clothes shortly," Annie said, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at Lucy. She felt a twinge of pressure. A human princess compared to a beastkin princess like herself—the former held a significant advantage in this world.
"Thank you, we appreciate the trouble," Lucy said politely.
"If you need anything, just inform the maids," Annie gave a polite smile and turned to leave.
Lucy watched Annie walk away, then shrugged and said softly, "It seems I've caused a misunderstanding."
"Who knows what the future holds?" Elisa chimed in, her eyes looking at Lucy with a complex expression. During her time in Sedona City, she had realized just how attractive Lord Lucas was—his talent, his mystery, and his character were all top-tier.
"What? Elisa, do you also think I'll threaten their positions?" Lucy rolled her eyes. Was she really the type to steal someone else's man? She could sense Annie's slight coldness toward her. As a writer of romance novels, it didn't take much thought to realize why.
"Heehee... we'll see," Elisa laughed softly, pulling the confused Euphy into her room.
"What is it with everyone? So mysterious," Lucy pouted, turning to Jones. "Jones, do you really think I'd fall for that Lucas?"
"..." Jones glanced at her but refused to answer such a tedious question.
"Honestly, I'd never fall for a womanizer," Lucy wrinkled her nose. There were far too many women around Lucas. She shook her head to clear away the stray thoughts. Right now, her priority was revenge—destroying everything Lucia possessed.
Creak!
Jones pushed the door open and entered, leaving the pondering Lucy behind.
"Hey!" Lucy looked at the empty hallway, now occupied only by a few maids. She rolled her eyes and hurried into the room.
"Whoa! This room is even more striking than the ones in the Royal Palace," Lucy said in amazement as she looked around. It was her first time staying in the castle; during her last visit, she had stayed at the Drunken Night. Everything in the room was arranged with such aesthetic precision that it felt as though every object was exactly where it belonged.
"There are no candles," Jones noted, scanning the room. It was around five in the afternoon, the sun was setting, and the room was growing dim.
"I'll ask a maid to get some." Lucy looked around and confirmed the lack of candles. She stepped back into the hallway and said politely to a maid, "Our room doesn't have any candles. Could you bring us some?"
"Honored guest, do you require candles for light?" The maid asked softly.
"Uh..." Lucy's eye twitched. If not for light, what else would she use candles for?
"Please wait a moment," The maid said with a smile. She entered the room and reached for a small plastic switch on the wall near the door.
Click!
Suddenly, the entire room was bathed in a warm, bright glow.
"Ah!" Lucy jumped back, startled. "What... What happened? Where did the fire come from?"
She looked up at the ceiling and saw a round, glowing object. It wasn't fire—it was just... light. Pure, steady light.
"This is an electric lamp," The maid explained with a hint of pride. "The Master says it uses 'electricity' to provide light. It's much cleaner and brighter than candles."
"Electricity?" Lucy repeated the strange word, her eyes wide with wonder. Jones had also walked over, staring at the glowing bulb on the ceiling with an unreadable expression.
In the Royal Palace, they used the finest beeswax candles, yet the light was always flickering and accompanied by a faint scent of smoke. Here, the light was as steady as the sun.
"Is there anything else you need?" The maid asked.
"No... no, thank you," Lucy stammered.
The maid bowed and left. Lucy stood in the middle of the room, looking at the smooth walls, the comfortable-looking bed, and the brilliant light above. She felt like a country girl entering the city for the first time.
"Jones... I think I understand now why Catherine didn't want to leave this place," Lucy whispered.
Jones didn't respond, but she reached out and touched the wall switch, turning the light off and then back on again. A rare glint of curiosity appeared in her eyes.
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