𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟔: 𝐀𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

The carriage gradually moved away from the sea, journeying through a forest ensconced by thick trees.

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“I wonder if it would have been better to stop by at the capital on our way to grandmother’s mansion?”

“No, it’s fine to continue on this path.”

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The capital of Binemöer was several times livelier than the port city, which was bustling yet peaceful. For myself and Florenci, who wished for quiet, we were grateful for the Marchioness’ mansion located in the suburbs.

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After a two-hour carriage ride from the port town, we arrived at the Marquis’ residence.

The mansion was in the middle of a forest, a naturally rich place that allowed you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city.

The mansion was so large that the carriage could reach right up to the front entrance. I had never seen a residence of such scale other than a majestic dwelling.

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I reunited with Florenci after two hours. He seemed to have had a fun time and was in high spirits.

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“Ren, you must behave well in front of the Marchioness.”

“Yes, I understand.”

ㅤ

There’s probably no need to worry, but I’ll mention it just in case.

Rachael’s servant opened the door, but no one came to greet us. It seems like this is usual.

Everyone is fully occupied with their assigned work and does not have the time to prepare for visitors.

ㅤ

“Besides, grandmother does not welcome visitors, so she has instructed us to leave anyone who comes alone.”

“Isn’t it dangerous to not even lock the doors? What will you do if someone bad barges in?”

“I’ve pointed that out before, but she said if such a situation occurs, she will accept her fate.”

“Really!”

ㅤ

Such a statement suggests a life devoid of hope.

Perhaps the loss of her beloved granddaughter has led her to become so reckless.

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“I consulted grandfather about it, but he advised me to do as grandmother says. So, I’ve been doing as instructed, but I’m always worried.”

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There was a time when Rachael considered living with her, but she says she was rejected.

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“I was criticized for wanting to live with the elderly instead of practicing to be a bride, especially since I’m about to get married. Irma has been living together all this time, it’s unfair.”

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Probably, the Marchioness does not have the energy to live with anyone else.

It may sound harsh and pushing away, but perhaps she said so to not burden Rachael.

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“Grandmother usually stays in the greenhouse inside the mansion during this season. This way.”

ㅤ

We moved through the mansion, which was enveloped in silence and where we didn’t cross paths with a single servant.

The destination was a glass room on the south side of the mansion, where soft sunlight poured in.

Apparently, tropical fruits and flowers are grown in the conservatory.

The conservatory wasn’t locked either, the maid simply turned the doorknob and it opened.

The inside was fragrant with flowers and trees, creating a refreshing space.

The beautiful glass was without a speck of cloudiness, perhaps due to careful maintenance.

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“The conservatory is maintained by a gardener once every three days.”

“I see. It’s very beautiful.”

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The ceiling was dome-shaped, and the inside was warm from the sunlight.

It must be an ideal place in the chilly season.

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After a short walk, we spotted a person.

A dignified lady with her back straight, sitting on a chair ― likely the Marchioness.

Rachael called out to her.

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“Grandmother, it’s Rachael. It’s been a while.”

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Even when spoken to, the Marchioness did not respond or even turn around.

Her misanthropy seemed more severe than I had thought.

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“I brought the lady-in-waiting I mentioned in the letter.”

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As soon as she said that, the Marchioness turned to us.

The woman with beautifully styled white hair and stern eyes fixed her gaze on me, almost glaring.

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“Grandmother, this is Lara・Dosa-san from Vulcano.”

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Trying to appear as graceful as possible, I carefully folded my knee.

The tense atmosphere made me shiver. I could feel something akin to hostility towards me.

“I wrote in the letter I sent you that there’s no need for a lady-in――”

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The Marchioness seemed to have noticed Florenci, her face suddenly registering surprise.

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“Who is this child?”

“He is Lara-san’s son. His name is Ren.”

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Florenci performs a bow of impeccable manners, a perfect example of courtesy.

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“If you’ve come all the way to Binemöer with a child, there must be quite a reason.”

“Yes, indeed. . . . . .”

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Rachael responds with a somber demeanor.

At this point, the Marchioness commands Rachael’s maid to take Florenci to another room.

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After Florenci was removed from the conservatory, the Marchioness turned to ask with a sigh,

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“What in the world happened that brought you all the way here?”

“It might be a little hard for you to hear, grandmother.”

“Tell me anyway.”

ㅤ

Rachael gently taps my back. Perhaps she’s suggesting that I explain for myself.

I step forward and explain why we came here.

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“The truth is, not only has my husband accrued massive debt, but he has also started resorting to violence. . . . . .If it was only me, I could still bear it, but when I considered that he might do something awful to Ren as well, I couldn’t stand it anymore, and we fled all the way to Binemöer.”

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Having encountered Rachael in such circumstances, I explained that we sought her help.

Rachael approaches the Marchioness forcefully, making her case with clenched fists.

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“Grandmother, Lara-san has no family or friends to rely on, no place to go, she is a very unfortunate woman. Could you please allow her to stay with us?”

“But this is. . . . . .”

“If you abandon her, she and her young son will end up homeless!”

“She could stay with you.”

“We can’t hire servants without a letter of introduction in our house. Grandmother, please, I beg you!!”

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Rachael’s passionate acting leaves me speechless. I had not expected her to go this far.

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It appears that the Marchioness is overwhelmed by her intensity, physically recoiling.

But her expression remained stern.

Perhaps she might refuse. If that happens, as Rachael says, we’ll end up homeless.

Only despair rushes in at the thought of a bleak future.

ㅤ

“Grandmother!!”

“. . . . . .Alright. Do as you please.”

“Thank you!!”

“T, Thank you.”

ㅤ

When I tried to approach the Marchioness, she glared at me sharply.

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“However, you don’t need to serve me as a companion. Leave me alone.”

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Her dismissive words caused me to feel deflated.

It seems my future will be fraught with difficulties.

For now, it’s good enough that I’ve been allowed to stay here.