The dried fruit tea in the teacup was steaming. But the Ridsdel couple sitting around the table were not touching their tea and were absorbed in Mrs. Dunst's words. The three of them were gathered in the basement study and talking like last time.
“Then Angie will go to the capital too? But... I wonder if she will actually go. She will be quite shocked when she finds out about the young master’s marriage.”
Laura looked back at her husband, Patrick. He looked just as worried as his wife.
“If the Master has recovered to the point where he doesn’t need remedies and has ordered that Angie not be disposed of, wouldn’t it be better for her to remain on the island?”
Mrs. Dunst sighed softly. The couple had strayed far from their original roles as second helpers. They had become too empathetic as if they were real parents. The second helpers outside the dukedom were only aware of Remedy's role and acted as their parents, but were ignorant of Eternity's ultimate purpose.
Well, it can't be helped that Laura is a human being and becomes attached to her as if she were her own daughter. Elliot, who died while trying to go out to sea before... The Hawkins couple who took care of that child were like that too.
Mrs. Dunst remembers that the Hawkins couple had a hard time recovering from the shock after Elliot died, perhaps because the affection they had for him was too great. So she injected the Hawkins couple and their neighbors with amnesia drugs so that they would lose their memories of Elliot. To prevent such unnecessary emotional waste in the future, she thought that some kind of preventive measure was needed for the second helpers.
“Of course, I think that’s better too. But it’s still too early to feel completely at ease.”
“Are you saying that the young master might need Remedy’s blood again? Then our Angie...”
“I can’t say for sure that it’s completely impossible. But there are other remedies, so Angie will be fine. Don’t worry about that.”
Louis Dunst smiled fakely. In fact, it would have been the cleanest thing to do if Angie had been eliminated according to the rules. Although not as much as Angie, Leticia had also been confirmed to be a good match for the young master's constitution, and other remedies were to be tested from time to time. It was a natural measure for her, who always had to prepare countermeasures.
However, the young master was too obsessed with Angie. Even so, isn’t love itself a feeling that will eventually fade? She believed that it would fade as soon as he got used to the capital, or at the latest, within a few years. In Edward’s case, he lost his wife before his love for her had even cooled down, so he must have missed her until the very end.
Louis didn't reveal that she wanted the lord to take Angie to the capital. She wasn't sure what would be best. She would just wait and see what happened and it wouldn't be too late to take action.
“There are still about three weeks left before the ship sets sail, so let’s wait and see. Besides, you said that there’s almost no medicine left that you used as a substitute for rose tea, right?”
“Yes. That’s why I wanted to ask you more while I was here today. Fortunately, it seems to have worked, because these days, she doesn’t talk about dreams or say anything strange at all.”
“How about taking a break for a while? If... things don’t go well, it might be better to reset.”
“Reset...!”
Patrick blinked. The couple looked at each other as if they had made a promise. Mrs. Dunst continued calmly.
“Maybe that’s the best option. The young master leaves for the capital and settles down there, and Angie completely forgets about him and continues to live comfortably under her parents’ care. That’s what the two of you ultimately want. Isn’t that right?”
“The reset drug... If that forgetfulness drug is really safe, then yes. I think it’s better than that child being unhappy.”
“Then, as I said before, let’s stop all medications for a while and take a break. The reset is most effective when you are in a clean state. However, as you know, there is a possibility of side effects, so it would be best to just get through it like this.”
And Mrs. Dunst added quietly.
“Of course, I have to make sure that the young master doesn’t know. I’ll take care of that part. You two, just pretend you don’t know anything and act as usual.”
The couple looked back at each other and nodded, even though they were anxious. Angie was like their own daughter to them. They had raised her in the same house for nine long years since she was ten years old when she was brought to the island right after the war.
Angie was such a lovely and affectionate child. Her pure and innocent heart was not inferior to her angelic appearance, and she had a selfless personality that cared for others more than herself. When they were first assigned to be Angie's parents, they had no idea that they would be this sincere.
Michael Randle sat with one knee bent on the uneven floor and one cheek against the wall, and he stood up. He was in the corner of a spiral passage leading to the wine cellar. Beyond the passage, behind a slanted wall, were the study and the pantry.
It was the time when the workers at the Duke's residence were taking a short break and nap, so there was no one in the hallway. Michael leaned against the wall for a moment as if he were going over the conversation he had just heard.
As he walked out onto the ground, he saw maids heading somewhere. The attendant Yasmine, who was hurriedly walking to the servants' hall, noticed him and waved to him.
“Michael! You didn’t forget the farewell party, did you?”
“Ah, now is the time. I’ll go right away.”
Today was Angie's farewell party for her temporary maid. Since they would always meet in the village anyway, there was no such thing as a farewell party. However, Mrs. Dunst had prepared tea time as a way of expressing her gratitude for her hard work. She gave Angie a box containing various gifts, including wine, herbal tea, and scented candles made at the Duke's residence.
“Thank you, Mrs. Dunst. I’ll enjoy the drinks with my family.”
“Isn’t there quite a lot to load on the wagon? I’ll call one of the servant boys. Mr. Zachary is here, but it would be better if we had one more person to help...”
“I’ll help you. Is that okay?”
Michael readily stepped forward. There was no reason to refuse. Angie nodded in gratitude. Michael, who was always affectionate and considerate, was extremely kind to the end.
At the same time, Kyle Rodan Blackwell leaned against the attic window on the third floor of the mansion, looking out over the Generalife gardens. Workers were busily moving around the annex building behind the greenhouses, busy with maintenance work.
After standing there for a while, the sound of a bird's wings flapping could be heard from the sloping roof. Kyle came to his senses at the sound of a bird flying away and sat down at the desk by the window.
The paper for the letter had already been prepared a long time ago. Jerome was also waiting downstairs to receive the letter. He finally seemed to have made up his mind and picked up the pen and wrote quickly. It was a short letter, but it was a few lines that contained a heavier agony than ever before.
[My dear Angie.
I wish I could see you off in person and tell you in words, but I regret that I can't. No matter what you hear about my situation in the future, don't be shaken. Trust me. I'll reveal all the truth when I get to the capital. Every decision I make is only to protect you, so don't doubt my feelings for you for even a moment. As always, I love only you, Angie. Now, forever, and always.
From your Kai]
The sound of the crows' wings flapping again as if they had returned to the roof, was heard again. This time, they were making a loud noise. As if to punish that eerie sound, the hand that was stamping the envelope gained strength.
Just before Angie got into the carriage, she looked back toward the outbuildings farther away from the main house in Blackwell Heights. Beyond the ridge of maple trees, she could see the arched entrance to the Generalife gardens.
She has a strange feeling. As if this is the last time.
But that wasn't going to happen. In three days, the annex will be renovated. Then, as planned, she can meet the young master again. Without a single doubt about that belief, Angie turned to the waiting carriage.
When she arrived at her parents' farm, her mother Laura welcomed her warmly. Maria, Emma, and Stephanie from the embroidery group happened to be there too. She was relieved that Leticia and her followers were not there. If they had come, it would have been uncomfortable for everyone, since they disliked Angie.
It was when Michael and the coachman Zachary were all sitting together and sharing refreshments. When Zachary stood up, saying he had to go, he scratched the back of his head as if he had forgotten.
“Oops! I forgot to bring the trunk, Angie. Jerome asked me to give you a present. Hold on, I’ll get it right away.”
“Uncle Jerome...?”
Jerome was the attendant and servant who served the late Edward. He was now assisting Lord Kyle. The item Jerome had asked him to deliver must have been an order from Lord Kai. Angie tried not to show her excitement and followed Zachary.
“Sir, I’ll get it.”
“It might be heavy, so I’ll carry it, Angie. Just stay there.”
Michael quickly got up and went out of the house with Zachary.
“Then Angie will go to the capital too? But... I wonder if she will actually go. She will be quite shocked when she finds out about the young master’s marriage.”
Laura looked back at her husband, Patrick. He looked just as worried as his wife.
“If the Master has recovered to the point where he doesn’t need remedies and has ordered that Angie not be disposed of, wouldn’t it be better for her to remain on the island?”
Mrs. Dunst sighed softly. The couple had strayed far from their original roles as second helpers. They had become too empathetic as if they were real parents. The second helpers outside the dukedom were only aware of Remedy's role and acted as their parents, but were ignorant of Eternity's ultimate purpose.
Well, it can't be helped that Laura is a human being and becomes attached to her as if she were her own daughter. Elliot, who died while trying to go out to sea before... The Hawkins couple who took care of that child were like that too.
Mrs. Dunst remembers that the Hawkins couple had a hard time recovering from the shock after Elliot died, perhaps because the affection they had for him was too great. So she injected the Hawkins couple and their neighbors with amnesia drugs so that they would lose their memories of Elliot. To prevent such unnecessary emotional waste in the future, she thought that some kind of preventive measure was needed for the second helpers.
“Of course, I think that’s better too. But it’s still too early to feel completely at ease.”
“Are you saying that the young master might need Remedy’s blood again? Then our Angie...”
“I can’t say for sure that it’s completely impossible. But there are other remedies, so Angie will be fine. Don’t worry about that.”
Louis Dunst smiled fakely. In fact, it would have been the cleanest thing to do if Angie had been eliminated according to the rules. Although not as much as Angie, Leticia had also been confirmed to be a good match for the young master's constitution, and other remedies were to be tested from time to time. It was a natural measure for her, who always had to prepare countermeasures.
However, the young master was too obsessed with Angie. Even so, isn’t love itself a feeling that will eventually fade? She believed that it would fade as soon as he got used to the capital, or at the latest, within a few years. In Edward’s case, he lost his wife before his love for her had even cooled down, so he must have missed her until the very end.
Louis didn't reveal that she wanted the lord to take Angie to the capital. She wasn't sure what would be best. She would just wait and see what happened and it wouldn't be too late to take action.
“There are still about three weeks left before the ship sets sail, so let’s wait and see. Besides, you said that there’s almost no medicine left that you used as a substitute for rose tea, right?”
“Yes. That’s why I wanted to ask you more while I was here today. Fortunately, it seems to have worked, because these days, she doesn’t talk about dreams or say anything strange at all.”
“How about taking a break for a while? If... things don’t go well, it might be better to reset.”
“Reset...!”
Patrick blinked. The couple looked at each other as if they had made a promise. Mrs. Dunst continued calmly.
“Maybe that’s the best option. The young master leaves for the capital and settles down there, and Angie completely forgets about him and continues to live comfortably under her parents’ care. That’s what the two of you ultimately want. Isn’t that right?”
“The reset drug... If that forgetfulness drug is really safe, then yes. I think it’s better than that child being unhappy.”
“Then, as I said before, let’s stop all medications for a while and take a break. The reset is most effective when you are in a clean state. However, as you know, there is a possibility of side effects, so it would be best to just get through it like this.”
And Mrs. Dunst added quietly.
“Of course, I have to make sure that the young master doesn’t know. I’ll take care of that part. You two, just pretend you don’t know anything and act as usual.”
The couple looked back at each other and nodded, even though they were anxious. Angie was like their own daughter to them. They had raised her in the same house for nine long years since she was ten years old when she was brought to the island right after the war.
Angie was such a lovely and affectionate child. Her pure and innocent heart was not inferior to her angelic appearance, and she had a selfless personality that cared for others more than herself. When they were first assigned to be Angie's parents, they had no idea that they would be this sincere.
***
Michael Randle sat with one knee bent on the uneven floor and one cheek against the wall, and he stood up. He was in the corner of a spiral passage leading to the wine cellar. Beyond the passage, behind a slanted wall, were the study and the pantry.
It was the time when the workers at the Duke's residence were taking a short break and nap, so there was no one in the hallway. Michael leaned against the wall for a moment as if he were going over the conversation he had just heard.
As he walked out onto the ground, he saw maids heading somewhere. The attendant Yasmine, who was hurriedly walking to the servants' hall, noticed him and waved to him.
“Michael! You didn’t forget the farewell party, did you?”
“Ah, now is the time. I’ll go right away.”
Today was Angie's farewell party for her temporary maid. Since they would always meet in the village anyway, there was no such thing as a farewell party. However, Mrs. Dunst had prepared tea time as a way of expressing her gratitude for her hard work. She gave Angie a box containing various gifts, including wine, herbal tea, and scented candles made at the Duke's residence.
“Thank you, Mrs. Dunst. I’ll enjoy the drinks with my family.”
“Isn’t there quite a lot to load on the wagon? I’ll call one of the servant boys. Mr. Zachary is here, but it would be better if we had one more person to help...”
“I’ll help you. Is that okay?”
Michael readily stepped forward. There was no reason to refuse. Angie nodded in gratitude. Michael, who was always affectionate and considerate, was extremely kind to the end.
At the same time, Kyle Rodan Blackwell leaned against the attic window on the third floor of the mansion, looking out over the Generalife gardens. Workers were busily moving around the annex building behind the greenhouses, busy with maintenance work.
After standing there for a while, the sound of a bird's wings flapping could be heard from the sloping roof. Kyle came to his senses at the sound of a bird flying away and sat down at the desk by the window.
The paper for the letter had already been prepared a long time ago. Jerome was also waiting downstairs to receive the letter. He finally seemed to have made up his mind and picked up the pen and wrote quickly. It was a short letter, but it was a few lines that contained a heavier agony than ever before.
[My dear Angie.
I wish I could see you off in person and tell you in words, but I regret that I can't. No matter what you hear about my situation in the future, don't be shaken. Trust me. I'll reveal all the truth when I get to the capital. Every decision I make is only to protect you, so don't doubt my feelings for you for even a moment. As always, I love only you, Angie. Now, forever, and always.
From your Kai]
The sound of the crows' wings flapping again as if they had returned to the roof, was heard again. This time, they were making a loud noise. As if to punish that eerie sound, the hand that was stamping the envelope gained strength.
***
Just before Angie got into the carriage, she looked back toward the outbuildings farther away from the main house in Blackwell Heights. Beyond the ridge of maple trees, she could see the arched entrance to the Generalife gardens.
She has a strange feeling. As if this is the last time.
But that wasn't going to happen. In three days, the annex will be renovated. Then, as planned, she can meet the young master again. Without a single doubt about that belief, Angie turned to the waiting carriage.
When she arrived at her parents' farm, her mother Laura welcomed her warmly. Maria, Emma, and Stephanie from the embroidery group happened to be there too. She was relieved that Leticia and her followers were not there. If they had come, it would have been uncomfortable for everyone, since they disliked Angie.
It was when Michael and the coachman Zachary were all sitting together and sharing refreshments. When Zachary stood up, saying he had to go, he scratched the back of his head as if he had forgotten.
“Oops! I forgot to bring the trunk, Angie. Jerome asked me to give you a present. Hold on, I’ll get it right away.”
“Uncle Jerome...?”
Jerome was the attendant and servant who served the late Edward. He was now assisting Lord Kyle. The item Jerome had asked him to deliver must have been an order from Lord Kai. Angie tried not to show her excitement and followed Zachary.
“Sir, I’ll get it.”
“It might be heavy, so I’ll carry it, Angie. Just stay there.”
Michael quickly got up and went out of the house with Zachary.
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