Chapter 20

Haste fueled their preparations to leave Anatolia. The lord, seemingly invigorated by their imminent departure, regained his vitality.

“Forgive me,” he implored. “Leaving the Köbeck area a haven for criminals was a grave oversight that endangered you. I shall rectify this immediately and ensure its cleanup.”

His apologies continued unabated until their very last moments in his domain. Moreover, a lavish convoy of gifts, entirely at his own expense, awaited them. Five carriages overflowed with a meticulously curated selection of luxury items – fine fabrics, clothing, and accessories alongside precious metals, medicinal herbs, rare oils, and exquisite tea leaves.

An unexpected windfall, Odelliana thought. Refusal wasn’t an option, not in her current state of destitution. Even the most meager items, readily convertible to coin, held immense value. Moreover, denying his sincerity would undoubtedly cause him further shame.

The fabrics promised a year’s worth of clothing for Matthias. The jewels, herbs, and similar treasures, once sold, would establish a much-needed emergency fund. With her family offering no support, these apologetic gifts, arriving amidst financial hardship, felt as welcome as rain during a drought.

As Odelliana dined, she noticed the carriages, laden with goods, lined up at the castle gate, signaling the completion of loading. Over ten carriages stood ready, accompanied by guards for safe passage.

“Odelliana,” Blair called out, “board the carriage first. I have a few matters to discuss with the lord.”

“Very well,” she replied.

Odelliana climbed into the carriage and promptly opened the window. Soon, Matthias joined her, feigning an inability to ride a horse. While Odelliana knew this to be a lie, she chose to overlook it. After all, traveling comfortably by carriage would be far preferable to any discomfort he might experience on horseback.

“Just a heads-up,” she began, “our new home won’t be as luxurious as you might expect. It won’t be the opulent life most nobles enjoy.”

“As long as it’s an improvement over the streets, I’m content,” Matthias replied.

“And what if it’s worse?” she pressed, a hint of worry creeping into her voice. “Would you run away?”

“Are you hoping that your disciple will abandon you and run away?” he countered, a touch of amusement in his voice. 

“Of course not. I went through so much trouble to bring you here.”

Despite his reassurances, a knot of worry persisted in Odelliana’s stomach. She hadn’t revealed her true circumstances, her lack of power and wealth, to lure him in. But the truth would come out soon. He would learn the insignificance of the woman he followed and the indignities she endured.

Returning to the mansion, she planned to replace most of the maids. However, Adella, the head maid, held a special position due to her closeness to Blair’s mother, the Duchess. Dismissively removing her wouldn’t be a straightforward matter.

Once Blair left, Adella would likely reclaim her control of the household, and there was no guarantee of peaceful coexistence. While Adella remained outwardly respectful in Blair’s presence, Odelliana knew the claws would come out once she was gone.

“Master,” a voice startled Odelliana. A long, large finger landed squarely between her brows. It was Matthias.

His gentle touch smoothed the furrow in her brow. “Are you troubled?”

Odelliana offered a weak smile. “I’m afraid of the beating you might give me for leading you astray.”

“How could a disciple lay a hand on their master?”

“But you might be disappointed,” she confessed. “Despite boldly claiming responsibility for your well-being, the truth is… I have many personal issues to sort through first. My situation isn’t ideal, and I fear I may not be the reliable leader you deserve.”

“Your current situation holds no sway over my loyalty, Master.”

“Right now,” she continued, a note of worry creeping into her voice, “I can’t even guarantee your basic needs. I can’t provide the food, clothing, or comfortable life you might desire.”

Matthias let out a chuckle, as if her concerns were absurd. Leaning back against the carriage wall, he crossed his legs, striking a noble pose. Shabby clothes aside, there was no denying the lingering aura of his knight commander days.

“Do you even know what I truly desire?” he asked.

“Wealth, power… success? Perhaps a peaceful life?” she ventured.

A wry smile played on Matthias’s lips as another chuckle escaped him. “You seem to have a rather shallow perception of me.”

“But that’s what I promised, wasn’t it?” Odelliana countered.

“What I desired wasn’t wealth, power, or success. It was your leadership, your responsibility for me.”

“Which ultimately leads to wealth and power,” she persisted. 

“And you’d be by my side through it all,” said Matthais. “What I want is a person.”

Odelliana blinked, a dawning realization washing over her. She pulled him into a hug, patting his shoulder gently.

“You’re right,” she admitted. “There’s nothing more valuable than the warmth and affection of another person.”

A heavy silence followed.

“You’ve been alone for a long time, haven’t you?” she asked softly, her voice filled with empathy. She understood the weight of solitude all too well.

A single, choked laugh escaped Matthias. “Hah.” His amusement grew, causing Odelliana to pull back slightly in confusion.

“Why are you laughing?” she inquired.

“It’s enough that I’m happy, even if you don’t understand everything,” he replied.

The silence returned, broken only by a sigh. “Yes,” he finally admitted, “I’ve been incredibly lonely. A hermit for far too long.” He burrowed deeper into her embrace. “Promise me you’ll never leave my side. Don’t abandon me.”

“And I promise the same,” Odelliana replied. “Unless, of course, you abandon me first.”

“A disciple abandon their master? Impossible,” he scoffed.

Odelliana squeezed him tighter. “Right. Let’s hope that sentiment never changes. I hope I am always your priority..”

Odelliana pulled back from Matthias as she sensed someone approaching. A hint of regret flickered across his face just as Blair entered the carriage, pushing open the previously closed door.

The carriage retraced its path, thankfully without encountering any bandits that could have jeopardized their newly acquired gifts. However, Matthias’s earlier warmth towards Odelliana vanished the moment Blair joined them.

An awkward silence filled the air. Blair made no attempt to initiate conversation, and Matthias’s responses were curt. It was astonishing how a mere change in atmosphere, achieved through pursed lips and serious expressions, could be so suffocating. Despite no apparent reason for hostility, the tension between the two men lingered until they arrived back at the mansion in Anatolia.

As the carriage rolled to a stop, Odelliana almost let out a sigh of relief. However, their respite was short-lived. Adella greeted them with a bombshell.

“Young Master Blair, Miss Odelliana,” she began apologetically, “I understand this news isn’t ideal after your journey, but you must prepare to depart immediately.”

“Leave?” Blair echoed, confusion lacing his voice. “Where to?”

“The master has issued an urgent order for both of you to return to the main estate.”