Chapter 8

<I want to do something for the people here. Even if it’s just a small gesture, I’d like to host a party and show them some appreciation… Can you assist me with this, oppa?>

After pondering for a solid ten days, I still hadn’t come up with a concrete plan. The only idea that kept resurfacing was to somehow persuade Blair to step out temporarily and then proceed to organize a ‘treat’ for those who have been toiling away, both filling their stomachs and lining their pockets.

<I’ve always dreamt of hosting a gathering where people could laugh and have fun together. With you around, it feels possible. And considering all the hardships these people have endured because of me, wouldn’t they be happy if I prepared a surprise party?>

<Wow, you’ve grown up, having such commendable thoughts. Alright, let’s do it. But this place is short-handed, and the nearby villages don’t offer much in terms of supplies or libations. It seems we’ll have to make a trip to Anatolia, the closest major city.>

Unlike your typical noble entourage, Blair didn’t have a retinue of servants. Here, he had brought only a single servant, a squire, and a lone knight for protection.

<“Since there’s no one else available, I’ll have to make the journey myself. I’m acquainted with the lord of Anatolia, and besides, Adolf is staying there, so I had intended to pay a brief visit anyway.>

<Keep the party plans a secret from everyone. It’s meant to be a surprise, so it would be best if we could make arrangements without anyone catching wind of it.>

And so, Blair set off for the nearby city of Anatolia, leaving a message for the servants claiming urgent business at the duke’s estate. The servants, believing his ruse, reverted to their true nature as soon as he departed.

As I surveyed the ashen faces of the servants, a chilling satisfaction bloomed in my chest.  Among them, Adella’s eyes bore into mine with a quiet intensity, like a flickering flame silently admonishing me for orchestrating this from the shadows.

“That room,” Adella began, “was transformed by Miss Odelliana herself. Whenever food was delivered, she would create chaos, spilling everything, and even resorting to aggression towards the servants tasked with cleanup. Managing her care, dressing her, ensuring timely meals, and tidying up after her were all daunting tasks.”

“Odelliana turned to violence? Yet none of you appear to be injured. It seems she’s the one in need of medical attention,” Blair retorted.

“Miss has a history of self-harm, particularly during her episodes. When unable to direct her violence towards us, she would harm herself,” another servant added.

In a sense, there was a grain of truth to their assertions. The scars crisscrossing my body were the result of relentless practice in walking, borne out of an aversion to idleness. The repeated falls and subsequent rises had left their mark, lending credence to the notion of self-inflicted harm.

However, there was little merit in dwelling on this point, so I held my tongue.

“Master, please remember that Miss is afflicted with madness. She is not in her right mind. We beseech your understanding of the challenges we’ve endured in serving her for decades,” Adelle implored.

No leniency for the deranged, I thought bitterly.

Indeed, being branded as mentally unstable in this body was damning. What purpose would it serve to assert my sanity when the label of lunacy had already been affixed? Instead of futile arguments, I simply met Blair’s gaze in silent appeal.

Blair shifted his gaze between Adella and Odelliana, a faint chuckle escaping his lips. “Nevertheless, neglecting a patient in such a manner constitutes a grave breach of duty on your part. Are our parents aware of these circumstances?”

“…The master and mistress are unaware of any specific instances of isolation,” Adella responded, her tone betraying a hint of unease.

Crossing his legs, Blair tapped the table’s edge with his long fingers, his discomfort palpable. “Regardless of whether Odelliana has indeed engaged in violent acts, we will ascertain the truth during a probationary period.”

“Adella, you asserted Odelliana’s propensity for fits and violence, deeming it an unavoidable measure. I will assess the validity of your claim during my extended stay here. Observing Odelliana’s episodes and behavior will be crucial,” Blair declared, his voice firm.

“…Young master, Miss Odelliana maintains composure only in your presence.” 

“Is that so? Then, at the very least, Odelliana demonstrates the ability to discern individuals properly. Can such behavior truly be classified as madness? Are you suggesting that a lunatic can regulate their conduct at will?” 

Adella faltered, unable to offer a response. Her once-assured demeanor had faltered, revealing her vulnerability.

“Blair von Grüsewald is not to be underestimated.” From the outset, within the Grüsewald ducal lineage, his intellect surpassed even that of the eldest son. It would be folly to disregard someone destined for success in the world of business.

To Adella, now in her middle years, it was clear that she regarded him as nothing more than a pampered child.

Blair’s decision to institute a one-month probationary period felt like a death sentence to them all. As their expressions darkened, I could sense their despair.

Yet, I remained convinced. Lady Odelliana had never been afflicted with madness. If she truly experienced fits of aggression as Adella claimed, there would be no need for such despair.

Why did they do this to Odelliana? Perhaps there were elaborate justifications for their actions. After all, human relationships are complex and subjective, influenced by individual chircumstances.

But regardless, I refused to be swayed. Even if there were valid reasons for Odelliana’s suffering, I had no intention of enduring it. One life of misery was more than enough.

***

Under Blair’s scrutinizing gaze, the once arrogant and reckless behavior of the servants came to an abrupt halt. The annex where she had been confined was sealed off, and after a thorough examination of the estate’s finances, Blair stripped Adella of all authority, assuming management himself. The family doctor faced dismissal, and during the financial review, a significant sum of money was found to have funneled into his pockets.

Once the veil of corruption began to lift, revelations poured forth like unraveled sausage links. Unable to withstand Blair’s relentless pressure, the family doctor confessed to embezzlement and falsifying medical records.

Blair wasted no time in dispatching word to the lord of Anatolia, urging the recruitment of a trustworthy replacement to assess Odelliana’s condition.

“Physically, she is frail, with congenital leg disabilities being the primary concern,” the new doctor reported.

“Are you certain?” Blair pressed.

“Yes, although her weakened state is exacerbated by malnutrition. It will be imperative to bolster her strength with nourishing meals and basic exercise to enhance stamina.”

“And regarding her mental state?” Blair inquired further.

“She does not exhibit signs of lunacy. However, the memory loss you mentioned appears to be genuine. It seems she has suffered some degree of amnesia.”

“Can the cause be determined?” Blair inquired with a furrowed brow.

“It is suspected to stem from prolonged psychological trauma resulting from sustained abuse, although it’s difficult to pinpoint with certainty. Mental illness remains a complex and elusive diagnosis,” the doctor concluded solemnly.

Under Blair’s command, the once reversed hierarchy found its proper order. Now, she lived like any noble lady: a plush bed, cozy blankets, and an array of delectable dishes to satisfy my palate. Yet, beneath this veneer of luxury, a persistent problem lurked.

Blair’s presence was temporary; new servants would inevitably arrive, potentially perpetuating the cycle of abuse once supervision waned. Dealing with the illness was daunting, and without genuine compassion, enduring it would prove challenging. The stress of their duties would likely be vented onto someone weaker – namely, the unfortunate lady who struggled to walk unaided.

A solution was imperative. Blair needed a successor, someone to take up the mantle of protection. A familiar voice echoed in her mind.

“Remember this feeling, Teacher.”

A cool hand enveloped hers.

“The hand you should have held first belonged to your disciple.”

“…Matthias.”

Suddenly, she snapped back to reality. Seven years ago, she wasn’t alone here. Alongside her stood the future heroine, destined to play a pivotal role in overthrowing the throne of Jocelyn. An untamed spirit, awaiting guidance.