Chapter 23

The carriage glided silently along the quiet road. The journey to the capital was uneventful, though any long travel promises its share of mishaps.

Even marauding bandits gave the caravan a wide berth. The glittering gold and the power of the lion emblem, sigil of House Grüsewald, commanded such respect that these outlaws wouldn’t even dare a robbery, treating them with utmost deference even during rest stops.

Their week-long journey culminated in an unchallenged passage through the notorious capital checkpoint. Arriving at the ducal residence, they bypassed the long queue of waiting carriages and any intrusive searches.

“There you are, Odeliana,” a voice announced.

The Duke’s Grandeur. The magnificent mansion of the Duke of Grüsewald, Lord of the North and High Lord of Reveln, rose before them. This ancient residence, the color of the sea, stood amidst vast, landscaped gardens. Its ethereal hues and the luxurious texture of its smoothly worked stone created an extraordinary sight. Fountains adorned with lion statues, the Grüsewald family symbol, graced the expansive gardens. Beautifully landscaped trees and a cluster of outbuildings rivaling a regular mansion completed the estate’s grandeur.

Sun-dappled gardens, the faint scent of flowers, the sweet scent of grass, and the melody of chirping birds exuded an air of peaceful beauty, reminiscent of a luxurious royal palace. It felt like yesterday that she was a humble queen, a facade of glamour masking a poor woman in need. 

Never did I imagine I’d walk the earth again, inhabiting another’s body.

…This is my new home. 

The second act had begun – a daring play set in the heart of enemy territory, a place I never expected to find myself.

***

“Welcome, Lord Blair, Miss Odelliana,” the servant greeted with composed movements and refined speech. Their inscrutable expressions, masking their thoughts, mirrored the dignity of palace maids, if not exceeding it.

“It’s been a while, Mrs. Magdalene,” Blair replied.

“Indeed,” the older woman acknowledged. “I knew of your return from studying abroad, but it seems you skipped your own home and came straight for the young lady.” A hint of disappointment colored her voice.

Blair chuckled. “Haha, were you hoping for a visit, then?”

“Perhaps a touch,” Mrs. Magdalene admitted.

Much older than Odelliana, Mrs. Magdalene had served as nanny to the Duchess’s sons and even Odette herself, filling the void left by the Duchess’s neurotic, sensitive, and frail nature. This explained Blair’s respectful demeanor towards a servant.

As Blair continued his conversation, his gaze drifted to Odelliana. A flicker of sympathy danced in his eyes, a hint he couldn’t quite suppress.

“My, my,” Mrs. Magdalene remarked, “how you’ve grown…”

Blair cut in, “Madam, as you may be aware, Odelliana suffers from memory loss. Past events, even those involving you, might be beyond her grasp.”

“Yes, I understand,” Mrs. Magdalene replied with a touch of sadness.

Odelliana, ever the noblewoman, offered the elderly lady a respectful greeting.

“Miss Odelliana, I presume? I’m Mrs. Magdalene, and I oversee the household.”

“Where is Father?” Odelliana asked directly.

“Both the master and mistress are expecting you upstairs. I’ll be attending to your needs from now on, if you’ll follow me.”

“…Shouldn’t they greet us personally?” a hint of disappointment crept into Odelliana’s voice.

“Indeed,” Mrs. Magdalene confirmed. “Your parents instructed me to show you to your accommodations first.”

Blair sighed, his expression perplexed. “Seems things haven’t changed a bit.”

“Let’s head upstairs first, Miss,” Mrs. Magdalene urged, gesturing for them to follow. “I’ll show you the way.”

Ultimately, it was a clear dismissal. Sensing Odelliana’s disappointment, Blair offered a sympathetic pat on her shoulder.

“It’s alright,” Odelliana reassured him. “I knew what to expect.”

“So, this is the benefactor who rescued the young lady,” Mrs. Magdalene addressed Matthias. 

Matthias responded with a reluctant nod, his awkward demeanor suggesting a disdain for formalities.

Magdalene expressed her gratitude to Matthias for rescuing the lady. She then issued instructions to the lower servants regarding Matthias’s education. Under Magdalene’s orders, other servants escorted Matthias away, while Magdalene herself guided Odelliana to her quarters.

“The young man you brought will be provided with new clothes and instructed in the proper conduct of this household. Upon completion of his training, he’ll be assigned solely to your service. Please, fret not.”

“I never expected Father to permit Matthias to remain by my side,” Odelliana admitted, surprised.

“Ordinarily, we wouldn’t keep outsiders as servants,” Magdalene explained. “However, Lord Blair’s letter mentioned the boy’s bravery in saving your life, which warranted an exception.”

This is all so confusing, Odelliana thought. Without even a glance at his injured daughter, they make an allowance for the boy who saved her?

Magdalene opened the door leading outside and crossed through the main house.

Surely they’re not planning to isolate me in some forgotten corner of the estate? she worried.

They continued further away from the main house. As she had anticipated, a coachman awaited them discreetly. They rode in a carriage and arrived at a small annex situated at the far end of the marquis’s estate wall.

“This will be your residence from now on,” Magdalene announced.

“It’s a rather simple yet peaceful place,” Odelliana observed.

Magdalene offered Odelliana a gentle pat on the shoulder, as if in sympathy. “…Even within the estate grounds, it’s likely not much different from your previous living conditions. Perhaps Master believed a secluded location would be more conducive to your recovery.”

Magdalene’s words were masterfully crafted. She skillfully presented the situation in a way that seemed reasonable.

Magdalene explained, “The Duke’s main mansion sees frequent visitors, creating a noisy environment unsuitable for recovery. Therefore…”

Odelliana interrupted, “There’s no need for such elaborate measures. I understand why I’m here. Will meals be served separately?”

“Yes,” Magdalene replied. “Meals with medication will be provided at 7 AM, noon, and 6 PM. Additionally, medical check-ups are scheduled between 2 and 3 PM. Please be available during that time. After 4 PM is designated for your walks. While you’re out, the annex will be cleaned, and your bedding will be changed.”

Upon entering the annex and listening to the housekeeper’s explanation, Odelliana noticed armed soldiers standing guard. Their stoic expressions hinted at their battlefield readiness.

“Who are they?” she inquired.

“They are elite knights assigned for your protection and the security of this place,” Magdalene assured her.

“Knights?” Odelliana echoed, surprised.

“The master hand-picked them to ensure your safety. They will maintain a round-the-clock guard around the location.”

Guard? More like constant surveillance, Odelliana thought cynically.

Inside, five maids and a male servant awaited Odelliana. Magdalene introduced them, saying, “These are your assigned attendants. The young man here will assist the one you brought with you.”

The room assigned to her was spacious yet oddly empty, most furniture slots remaining bare. Only a bed, table, and chairs stood amidst the gloom. Even sunlight seemed reluctant to penetrate the dimness, drawing a humorless laugh from Odelliana.

Adella was right, she thought. Ultimately, she wasn’t here for recovery. This remote annex at the edge of the Duke’s estate was a gilded cage, intended to keep her out of sight. It was painfully clear – her parents didn’t want her.

Confined within these walls, her supposed “guards” were nothing more than watchful eyes, tasked with reporting her every move. A bitter chuckle escaped her lips as she stood alone in the stark room.

The suffocating reality settled in – this new life wouldn’t be any easier.