Chapter 009 — Stela, Bela, and Rosa
Ash and Rowt had finally resigned themselves to Atthy's firm decision.
She was not the type of girl who would whimper or beg. Atthy had received a proper upbringing—first from her mother, Laura, before her untimely passing, and then from her father, Ash, ever since.
Raised as a commoner, far from the life of luxury, Atthy nonetheless possessed knowledge and refinement far beyond most noble girls her age. As a noblewoman, she carried herself with a grace that could not be overlooked—and Ash knew this all too well. There was a deep sense of guilt in his gaze every time he looked at her, especially when he recalled how patiently Laura had guided and educated Atthy, molding her to become a dignified Lady. Laura had always believed that one day, Atthy would live the life of nobility she deserved.
Ash had only known the privileges of noble life thanks to the King's favor toward his father, who came from humble origins. Laura's story was different—she had been born into nobility, from a family with a long-standing title.
Her family had opposed her marriage to Ash, despite him being the son of a minor baron without lands to his name. Though not wealthy, Laura's family upheld the values and pride of old nobility, believing strongly in politically beneficial marriages. To them, Laura's marriage to Ash brought neither power nor prosperity, especially given how Rowt had already fallen into ruin, cast out from Nauruan's central territories.
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"Sir, I'm ready. We can leave now!" Atthy called out firmly, her voice urgent as she addressed Billy.
"Very well... Baron, thank you for your cooperation," Billy replied curtly, not even bothering to bow to Rowt.
"Father, Grandfather... you must stay well. I'm counting on you both," Atthy said, her gaze intense yet rushed, as if time had run out.
"Gaff, don't be naughty. Watch your health! I won't be around to remind you anymore, so grow up, be a good child, and don't cause trouble for your family. Stay healthy and be happy!" she said, speaking to her young twin siblings with heartfelt care, though sorrow lingered in her tone.
"Dimi, take care of your sister. You must become a man we can all be proud of. Understand?" Atthy gently patted Dimi's head, her eyes glistening. Though she fought hard to hold them back, her tears had already begun to form.
"I'm leaving now... Take care of yourselves. Live well. Stay healthy and happy, just as we always have..." Her voice cracked slightly, hurried and hoarse. She blinked away her tears with sheer will.
The farewell was abrupt, leaving little room for the grief to fully surface. Atthy could only manage a few words. They had no strength to respond, merely held her tightly, silent tears falling in a stillness that seemed to press down on them all.
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Three days after departing from Anga in Caihina, the party escorting Atthy finally reached the center of Nauruan. They arrived at a shabby, neglected inn. The soldiers accompanying them took rest in the rooms that had been prepared.
"Young Lady, we'll wait here for the envoy from Alpen," Billy declared firmly.
"Aren't you the envoy from Alpen?!" Atthy asked, puzzled, suspicion in her voice.
"Young Lady, I was only assigned to fetch you," Billy replied indifferently, barely turning his face toward her. "I have other business in Nauruan. Another envoy from His Grace the Grand Duke will escort you to Alpen. I hope you'll wait quietly. Please don't add to my burdens." His tone was unpleasant, a forced smile stretching across his face.
"What is this?!" Atthy gasped under her breath. "This is strange..." she thought, unease settling in.
Left alone in a cramped room, Atthy remained still. ''What's with him? So disrespectful... Is he so sure his master won't accept me as a wife? That would actually be a relief for me... But still, if there's even a chance his master would marry me, shouldn't a mere servant like him be more cautious in how he treats me...?''
She let out a breath. ''And what is this?! A Grand Duke of such power, yet he sends his future bride to stay in a place like this? Is he truly a Grand Duke? Even if he dislikes me, shouldn't he at least maintain his dignity as a noble? This makes no sense!''
Suspicion clawed at her chest. ''Why wait for another envoy? And why in such a rundown inn?''
Though a poor noblewoman, Atthy knew she didn't deserve to be treated this way—especially not by a common servant who should know his place. Billy's harsh words had stung. After all, she was meant to be the bride of the man he served—not someone to be treated with disdain.
Still, Atthy knew she had to endure. For now, she would stay silent and follow orders. But her heart was far from calm. She would need to study the situation closely before making her next move.
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Two days passed. Atthy, still confined in that dismal inn, grew more unsettled by the day.
Then, without warning, everything changed. She was taken to a lavish mansion in central Nauruan—more palace than house, its halls glittering with luxury. There, she was dressed in an extravagant gown, adorned with heavy jewelry that made her feel like she was being forced into someone else's skin.
"Do I have to wear all this?" she asked quietly, discomfort clear in her expression.
The gown was elegant, yes—but overwhelming. Ostentatious, as if trying to proclaim something loud and desperate. The necklace around her neck felt like a shackle.
"Yes, my lady. These are gifts from His Grace the Grand Duke," answered Stela, the senior among the three women who had come to attend her.
"And who are you?" Atthy asked with a frown, unsettled by their presence.
She had assumed they were simply there to help her dress. But when everything was done, they didn't leave. Instead, they hovered, watching her, following her every move.
"From today onward, we'll be your attendants, my lady," said Stela in a flat tone, without warmth.
"I don't need any!" Atthy snapped, her voice rising.
Their demeanor mirrored Billy's—forced, unnatural, and disturbingly insincere. Their behavior was unlike any proper noble servant. Well-trained attendants should have known to introduce themselves and observe proper decorum. Instead, their presence only deepened Atthy's unease.
"Forgive us, my lady, but it is not fitting for a noblewoman to go without attendants," Stela replied, her tone laced with subtle threat.
Atthy knew she was right. As a noble, she couldn't reject them outright, no matter how uneasy she felt. Her mother had taught her etiquette, and her father had raised her with discipline. She might have grown up like a commoner, but she understood what was expected of a noblewoman. Still, she had never lived in such luxury—and it felt more like a trap than a gift.
"Then why three of you? One would be more than enough," she said defiantly.
"Our apologies, my lady. We are merely following orders," Stela answered coolly, showing no sign of remorse.
"Very well," Atthy replied at last, defeated—but her heart sank further.
If these women were anything like Billy, Atthy had no doubt they would use the Grand Duke's name to intimidate her whenever they pleased.
"Thank you. We'll begin preparing your appearance now," said Rosa, the youngest of the three, her smile as forced as it was false.
Hours passed. When the preparations were complete, Atthy was almost unrecognizable. The gaudy gown and heavy jewels robbed her of any comfort. Her deep brown skin and striking red hair should have shone on their own—but the outfit only made her feel more like a doll than a person. Her emerald eyes sparkled with resolve, but the garish luxury only made her fierceness stand out more.
By typical standards, Atthy might not be called beautiful. But she was far from plain. Her features were soft and sincere, with a charm that lingered. The crimson hair and sharp green eyes gave her a charisma rare among women.
She wasn't seductive—but there was something deeply compelling about her. Everything about her, from her raw honesty to her fire, drew the eye. And now, that spirit was wrapped in silk and gold—but it hadn't dimmed.
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