I leaned back on the chair in my office. My gaze was fixed on the door as if waiting for someone to come through.
But who would come here? the maids that still don't trust the new mistress? The children who still see me as nothing more than a betrayer? or the Dusk Wardens, also known as the Korvaldt knight order, who don't know what to do in the absence of their lord?
Ah... There is a saying that goes like this: once a slave, always a slave as long as they live. Seeing it in action feels nothing but irritating.
I mean, yeah. I was brought by the master. Nobody knows of my actual origin, nor do I.
So what?
Do I really have to prove all over why I was given this much authority?
I am well aware that this is the era when a woman is seen as a fool or just a pretty doll in some cases.
Even after seven years... no, almost eight years since I entered this place, but still I'm deemed untrustworthy just because of my low origin.
Even in my previous life, I had to work so hard to reach the top. Yet people would go around gossiping about how even my parents abandoned me. I was a genius, so it must be easy. While still looking down on me.
Must I always put on the mask of an unbothered lady?
Just because I'm fine being alone doesn't mean I don't have feelings, just because you can't see them...
I sighed softly as thoughts filled my mind until evening felt like a blur.
Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I took one of the papers on the desk and scanned through it. Years of my days as a lawyer really come in handy.
Because no matter what place or world it is. Official paperwork is official paperwork. The language and the layout may be different, but there are more similarities than people may think.
I leaned forward on the desk, resting my arm on hardwood. Suddenly a soft knock on the door caught my attention.
"Come in." I didn't even bother looking up. Maybe it's Lilith or someone.
The person entered with steady steps as if not to disrupt me. After a few minutes of silence, I sat straight and looked up.
"Alaric?" My eyes widen slightly in surprise.
"Greetings, your grace." His tone was polite but cold on the edge as always.
"Uhh... You are departing for the academy tomorrow morning, aren't you?"
"Yes."
I hesitate for a moment before continuing, "Is there anything you need or want to ask of me?"
"..."
"Speak your mind, Alaric." I looked down on the papers again, waiting for him to speak.
He opened his mouth to say something but then looked away, his gaze distant and cold.
"Never mind... Just take care of Kas and Leo." He paused, then lowered his tone a little. "I hope you will fulfill the will conditions."
"Alaric... I thought you would know better than anyone." I looked up at him, studying his hard-to-read expression.
"What is yours would stay yours; you don't have to worry about me running off with your wealth." My voice came out quieter than I intended.
"If there is anything you need or want, let me know."
He just looked at me with those eyes full of distance and something I can't name... maybe it was anger, resentment, or uncertainty.
After what felt like hours, he left.
I put down the paper and leaned back on the chair, then looked at the polished old wood ceiling that has flowers and leaves carved in it.
There is so much I want to say to Alaric... But as the saying goes, sometimes somethings are better unsaid.
Either way, he isn't ready to acknowledge what he might already know. He is intelligent; I know that.
All I can hope is that one day when he is ready to understand, he will ask me. Have a proper conversation besides the very small talks we have now.
Hours blurred together as I focused on the documents I had to deal with.
The Dukedom is going through a hard time due to the weather change. While in the north, it is common for harsh winters and snowstorms. And the last snowstorm was eight days ago; due to that, all the trading routes have been blocked.
. Being unable to grow crops and vegetables In winter the people of Korvayne have food shortages and heavily rely on the food that comes from the east and west regions through those trading routes.
If this problem isn't solved in a week, it will create a food hazard.
But not only is there a problem with the roads and food shortage... There are also beasts that are awake only during the winter.
And the ironic thing is many of the trading routes are in the Eldusk forest, where most of these beasts live.
Though the only good thing is that those beasts don't come to the villages nearby.
Well, that might have been another issue...
To solve this problem the snow must be removed quickly, and if there is more damage to the routes we'll need immediate replacements.
I sat up straight and reached for the bell and gently gave it a tug. It made the familiar ring it does, and soon a maid knocked on the door.
"Come in."
She slowly opened the door and stepped inside. "Is there something you need, Your Grace?" Her voice was soft and polite.
"Yes, please immediately summon Commander Malen and Vice Commander Daren. Tell them it's urgent."
She nodded and quickly left.
Only if this matter had reached me a few days earlier… it would have been solved. Why was this report delayed?
Ooh, I see. We have pests inside the mansion, huh...
Soon there is another knock.
"Come in."
Two pairs of heavy but steady steps stepped inside, closing the door behind.
Both spoke at the same time, "Greetings, Your Grace."
"Yes. Sir Malen and Sir Daren... I am aware this might be a little sudden... but we have a change of plans." I paused slightly, looking back at those papers.
. "We are going to depart for the inspection tomorrow evening. I have already been told to have things prepared beforehand. So, I hope by tomorrow evening everything will be in place. And I just got a report about the trading paths being blocked by a snowstorm that was eight days ago."
I looked up at them. "First we need to deal with the block and the estimated damage." I let out a low sigh. "There seems to be a pest we also need to deal with when we get back."
They both nodded, understanding the situation.
Sir Daren spoke, his voice a little rough, probably due to the daily knightly training. "I'll get everything sorted out by tomorrow evening and depart, and as for Lord Alaric, Cedric, and Lady Isolde, they would have a safe journey to the academy by the east magic gate. I already made sure of that."
I smiled at his last statement. He knows what I'll say next before I actually have to say it out loud.
"You may leave now."
They nodded and left.
Starting tomorrow I'll have no break for a while.
I need some tea...