Rei woke before sunrise and followed his usual routine. He made the bed, showered and got dressed in the new clothes the duke had provided. As much as he would like to refuse the duke's generosity out of pride, he knows not to push the bottom line. Nobles care for appearance, for them it means more than just looks. A poorly kept appearance could mean the loss of money and power. It could breed a sense of weakness that others might prey on.
The duke didn't just give him a new wardrobe because he's a philanthropist. What he gave him were the tools necessary to prove his status as a son-in-law. He can no longer look like the simple orphan wearing plain shirts and loose second-hand pants. Now he wears a three-piece suit, even on days when he's not partaking in social events with high society.
The first time Riell saw him dressed in a fitted suit with riding boots he laughed. Rei endured the embarrassment while his best friend rolled on the floor laughing at his stiff new look. Ayna was much kinder in reception, her cheeks were red but at least she didn't laugh out loud. The nuns and the other kids at the orphanage were stunned. They seemed confused about whether to call him lord or brother.
Thankfully lady Oya proved her steadfast character and stepped in on his behalf. She chastened Riell for his impolite behavior and assured the rest of the kids that nothing had changed. As always, she was right. Nothing has changed for him, though his style may have upgraded in price, inside he remains the same. He's still the first to put aside his fitted coat, roll up his sleeves and help with the chores.
He expects today will be no different, he'll go to volunteer at the church, then hurry back to hunt with Ariellia and Clad. The servants at the castle greet him on his way to the dining room. He's not surprised to be the first to arrive. Most mornings it's usually just him and the duke waiting for Ariellia. He sits down at the long table and reads the news to pass the time.
At some point, he'd read the entire paper, his breakfast had gone cold, and Ariellia still hadn't shown up. He sighs and puts away the paper, not being one to waste food even if it's gone cold, he begins to eat. He's noticed that whenever the duke isn't present his wife prefers to eat alone in her room. She oddly seems to avoid his presence when the duke's not there to act as a buffer.
In his heart he doesn't know whether to be thankful or spiteful. Last night it seemed like she truly matured, willing to accept his request for a divorce, and let him go. He kept his promise to hunt with her and thought they were turning over a new leaf, only for her to childishly avoid him the next day. Frowning, he quickly finishes his breakfast and makes his way to her room.
He intends to let her know of his plans to head out to the church before he leaves. He doesn't want her to feel disappointed if she comes out and finds him gone. There's still a lot he has to say. Last night's conversation left him feeling uncertain for reasons he can't even explain. Perhaps he would feel better if she could explain her sudden change of heart. His unease only doubles when he notices the line of servants standing around her door.
"What's the matter? Why are you all standing here?"
"My lord, have you seen our little miss?"
He frowns at the brunette's question, she should be Ariellia's personal maid Miranda.
"Is she not inside eating her breakfast?"
"No my lord, I came in to help her get dressed for the morning but there was no one in the room. Her bedding was untouched. I thought she may have snuck into your room last night by chance." The last part of her statement was too embarrassing to say out loud, so she mumbled it under her breath.
Rei sighs, if they're talking about the past Ariellia he knows she's more than capable of doing this. During his first few nights at the castle, he'd kept watch at night just to avoid that very scenario. It took a couple of sleepless nights before he was convinced that she wouldn't try to sneak into his room to forcefully consummate their fraudulent wedding.
"I have not seen her since last night."
"Oh dear, my poor miss!" Miranda is a very competent maid, her only flaw being her tendency to overreact about anything pertaining to Ariellia. She already looks ready to bawl out her eyes, nervously clutching onto her handkerchief. He can feel the weight of her desperate gaze searing into his soul.
"Let me take a look." To avoid her imploring stare, he squeezes past all the servants crowding the doorway to enter their marital chamber.
The room looks the same as it was last night. The fireplace had died down a long time ago, leaving the room eerily cold. There are no signs of a struggle, not a book out of place, and not a vase overturned. Slowly, he inspects the entire room. He's only been inside four times, each time he feels it's slowly changing to fit its owner's nature.
The first night it felt like being swept away by a tide of pinks and lilacs. Now there is less pink, more books, and elegant décor more pleasing to the eyes. Confused by the sudden turn of events, he picks up her grimoire off the bed. She wouldn't have left the castle without this. A grimoire is essential for an amateur mage; without it she wouldn't be able to channel her mana to cast a spell. The same could be said for her magic staff, which is still in its stand.
"Don't panic, tell the other servants to check the castle. She may have gone to the library, or maybe the…" It was only then with growing unease that he realized nothing else would come to mind. He never bothered to find out what she does when she's not stalking him. Stumped, he can only look at her grimoire in disbelief. At this moment he understood with bitter clarity that he didn't know where she would go.
When she suddenly decided to hunt monsters and raise her levels, he never put much thought into it. He never tried to get down to the bottom of why. Did someone threaten her? Why would the duke's daughter suddenly feel fearful enough to try to strengthen herself in a castle full of knights? Roughly running his hand through his raven locks, he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath to calm his rapidly beating heart.
'Where is my wife?'