Chapter 30

The grand duke and the princess, though seemingly close, maintained an air of formality in their addresses to each other. Their titles echoed with a weight that created a certain distance, setting them apart from everyone else. Yet, despite this apparent separation, there was no sign of conflict between them.

“Did they truly uphold such formality even in their private moments?” Sobeul pondered silently, his curiosity threatening to consume him. Duke Rezette Kyrstan, a master of reserve, had little patience for idle chatter.

“Yes, Your Highness. I shall also relay the message to Alfred and Lady Petinsson,” Sobeul replied, suppressing his overwhelming inquisitiveness.

“Very well. I shall make my way to the office after visiting the military site. Wait for me there,” Rezette commanded.

Rezette tugged on the reins, directing his horse’s course. As he rode away, a flicker of discomfort passed fleetingly across his face. Perhaps it was just a misunderstanding, Sobeul mused, refusing to believe it stemmed from the princess’s dismissal or anything more severe.

“They say ‘probably’ catches nobody. Ah, well, still, probably,” he muttered to himself, a wry smile tugging at his lips. With a deep bow, Sobeul bid farewell to his departing master, leading the knights and soldiers. Concealing the bitter amusement etched on his face required a measure of effort.

***

The main tower of Rotiara Castle stood tall and proud, a testament to the prosperity of the land. Despite its sturdy stone construction, the tower exuded an elegant allure, thanks to the refined touch of white marble and plaster.

Elise explored the castle’s various chambers—the warehouse where food and wine were stored, the bustling kitchen, the dining room reserved for esteemed guests, and the grand hall where lavish banquets were held.

“The second floor houses the tapestry exhibition hall, showcasing the rich history of Rotiara and Van Yela. Normally, when Your Highness summons the knights of Rotiara, they await you there,” Alfredo informed her as he led her through the corridor.

“Follow this path, and you’ll reach Your Highness’s office. It’s where most of the time is spent. If you open the inner door of the office and use the spiral staircase, you can ascend directly from the study to the top floor, which is connected to the bedroom. So, if you have any business in the office, that entrance comes in handy. Currently, the door is blocked, as we can’t rearrange the furniture without permission. However, we plan to open it soon,” he explained.

The grand duke’s office exuded simplicity, adorned with a red mahogany desk, plush velvet sofas, and low bookshelves. A sizable map showcasing the northern region of Grandel graced one of the walls. Everything was meticulously arranged, adhering to a minimalist aesthetic, devoid of any unnecessary clutter.

“Here we are,” Alfredo declared, gesturing toward the office. Elise’s eyes briefly scanned the space before she hastily retreated. A strange mix of intruding upon a man’s private domain and an insatiable curiosity lingered within her.

Adjacent to it stood the conference room, with more rooms unfolding like a series of interconnected spaces. Each room boasted a generous square footage, yet the uniformity of their shapes brought a sense of monotony. Countless sculptures and exquisite frescoes adorned the walls, lending an air of artistic opulence.

While it couldn’t rival the grandeur of the Argan Imperial Palace, the castle exuded a remarkable luxury on its own scale. Above all, it was evident that meticulous care and management were given to every nook and cranny, leaving no detail neglected.

As Elise’s eyes shimmered with admiration, Alfredo puffed out his chest with pride.

“Most of the castle’s decorations are gifts bestowed upon us by His Majesty the Emperor. His favor runs deep, to the extent that carriages laden with treasures—gold, silver, and whatnot—make a grand entrance every month,” he shared, a note of awe in his voice.

Naturally, among the lavish offerings, there were a few underwhelming “gifts” included. Since they were bestowed by the Emperor himself, it was impossible to simply return them, leaving those less impressive trinkets to quietly linger within the castle’s walls.

“His Majesty mustn’t know about this. It would surely displease him,” Alfredo cautioned, his words laced with a hint of apprehension.

Lady Petisson would keep an eye on the maids. Meanwhile, Alfredo diligently carried out his duties, cleaning and organizing the castle. Spotting Elise, he motioned for a few maids to greet her before dismissing them with a wave.

From that point on, Elise continued her exploration of the castle, guided by Alfredo’s knowledgeable presence.

The magnificence of Rotiara Castle was undeniable, with its imposing stature and towering height. The grandeur was further accentuated by the presence of monumental staircases that stretched skyward from different points of the castle.

Of particular note was the staircase that led to the bedroom atop the main tower. In Elise’s eyes, it resembled the rugged, untamed mountains that dominated the northern region of Grandel—a formidable path to conquer.

“I could use a brief respite,” Elise declared, feeling the heat building up within her body. She removed her hood and wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. Ivetsa, equally flustered, dabbed at her neck with a handkerchief.

“We’ll prepare a bath once we reach the top,” Ivetsa suggested.

“Take your time. Enjoy the view as we ascend,” Elise replied, her voice filled with anticipation.

Beyond the window, a breathtaking vista unfurled, with the Grenthern Mountains and verdant forests stretching as far as the eye could see. Elise paused on the staircase, taking in the invigorating scent of the mountains, filling her lungs with its freshness.

Truly, it was a place of exquisite beauty and tranquility, deserving of its moniker, the Blessed Land. Here, she had found a haven free from the menacing claws of wild beasts, the shadow of gallows, and the harshness that pervaded the northern region.

“But I must remain vigilant,” Elise reminded herself, her resolve firm. She was no longer the innocent child naively believing in an endlessly beautiful world beyond the castle walls. The day the walls of Argan crumbled had shattered her sense of security. Whether this place would be a sanctuary or yet another battleground remained uncertain.

Elise took in slow, deep breaths, hoping to quell the restlessness in her heart. How many breaths had she counted? She could discern the subtle sound of footsteps steadily ascending the staircase behind her.

“Ah, the familiar sound of footsteps,” Elise mused, recognizing the approaching presence without even turning around. Alfredo, Ivetsa, and the other servants all simultaneously bowed their heads, their gaze fixed behind her. From above, a voice resonated, its tone not much different from an hour ago.

“It would be wise for you to refrain from further exploring this area,” the voice advised.

Before Elise could react, her body lifted off the ground. In an instant, she found herself enfolded in someone’s embrace. She didn’t need to lift her head to know it was the duke.

“You’ve returned already?” she questioned, a mixture of surprise and relief in her voice.

“I was worried, so I came back,” he replied.

Oh no. It seemed he had once again set aside his work for her sake. Elise felt a pang of guilt, knowing she had inconvenienced him.

Rezette swiftly interjected, as if preemptively silencing any objections she might have.

“I have a packed schedule today, just as you mentioned. However, if Your Highness’s condition worsens, my focus will be compromised due to worry. So please, remain still and avoid any unnecessary movements,” he insisted.

“I had no intentions of moving this time,” Elise assured him, nodding in compliance. She settled herself comfortably within his embrace, finding a position that suited her well. Above her head, she caught snippets of his murmurs, almost as if he was muttering something peculiar.

“It seems you’ve been feeling fatigued,” he remarked, taking her aback slightly. Nevertheless, she dismissed it as a minor matter, unworthy of dwelling upon.

With a remarkable swiftness, he ascended the stairs, outpacing her own pace effortlessly. Elise leaned her head closer to his familiar embrace, finding solace in its embrace. Finally, she could breathe freely, the constricted breaths now alleviated.

The restlessness that had previously consumed her, tossing her about like seagrass in the relentless waves, now subsided quietly.

***

Rezette, determined to underscore the legitimacy of his claim regarding his workload, swiftly carried her up to the top before promptly descending to his office. Waiting by the bedroom of the castle’s central tower was Lady Petisson, ready to take over as Elise’s guide.

“This is the designated area for the lord and lady of Rotiara. I will show you around from here,” Lady Petisson explained, her presence commanding despite her age. With white hair and a wrinkled face, she stood taller than Elise, her straight posture exuding an air of determination. Her tightly coiled hair and round spectacles added a touch of stubbornness to her dry countenance.

“This is the shared living room for the both of you. Inside, you’ll find the bedroom, alongside a bathroom and a dressing room,” she continued, leading Elise through the carefully appointed rooms. Every space within the castle held immense significance, displaying the authority and opulence befitting its owners. The bedroom, in particular, was adorned in such luxury that Elise momentarily felt a sense of confusion, momentarily reminiscent of the grandeur she had witnessed within the halls of the Argan Palace. She made a conscious effort not to direct her gaze towards the bed, its canopy draped in a rich shade of dark blue.

Upon completing their circuit of the interior and returning to the living room, Elise was greeted by a gathering of more than a dozen maids. Lady Petisson proceeded to introduce them to Elise.

“These are the maids who will attend to Your Highness,” Lady Petisson announced. Elise couldn’t help but question their status, sensing that they were more than mere ordinary maidservants.

“Surely, they’re not all just ordinary maidservants?” Elise inquired.

“You are correct. These individuals have undergone extensive training to serve the princess with the utmost proximity and skill. You will find their service to be impeccable,” Lady Petisson reassured her.

Elise suppressed her perplexity, withdrawing her hand and relinquishing her objections. She had never been accompanied by such a sizable entourage, not even within the walls of Argan Palace.

“There’s no need for so many people. Aside from Ivetsa, one more person is sufficient,” Elise insisted.

“Two individuals won’t be enough, naturally,” Lady Petisson countered gently, dismissing Elise’s suggestion. Startled, Elise turned her head, only to be met with a gaze as sharp and piercing as that of a predatory bird.

Elise’s lips sealed gradually, her words fading away. Lady Petisson tugged at the corners of her mouth, fashioning a graceful smile.

“As the ruler of Rotiara now, you should understand that His Grace is not an ordinary lord. As such, this old woman couldn’t help but worry upon receiving the news,” Lady Petisson explained, her voice filled with a sense of concern.

“Above all, I wondered if you would arrive in Rotiara unharmed. To see you here, safe and sound, puts my heart at ease,” Lady Petisson admitted, expressing her gratitude.

“Thank you for your concern. There’s no need to worry; everything is proceeding as expected,” Elise responded, attempting to assuage any lingering anxieties.

“No, that’s not entirely true. While one worry may have been alleviated, the true challenges lie ahead,” Lady Petisson revealed, gesturing towards the entrance as someone politely made their way in. It was a middle-aged physician.

“His Grace has instructed us to promptly evaluate Your Highness’s condition once you are in the bedroom,” Lady Petisson informed her.

“And?” Elise inquired.

“The physician who accompanied us from the capital is presently settling in the designated room. Therefore, the resident physician of Rotiara Castle will be responsible for examining Your Highness,” Lady Petisson explained.

Elise was caught off guard. A new physician? The individual seemed oblivious to the fact that she was not pregnant.