(41) I will prove my worth. (2)
The bathroom, floored in white marble, was spacious and luxurious.
The large windows were stained glass in dazzling hues of green, red, and gold. Though the interior was hidden from view, sunlight streamed in, bathing the white marble bathroom in a dazzling light.
The warm water in the large bathtub smelled as if a few drops of perfume had been added. A plate of cookies and a glass of refreshing grape juice sat on a trolley next to the bathtub.
Having traveled with Cyrus and his party, the journey had been comfortable, but the accumulated fatigue from the long journey was unavoidable.
Soaking in the warm water relieved the tension, and the tiredness she'd been holding back surged back. The urge to fall asleep was palpable, but Ariana held back.
"How magnificent."
Ariana opened her eyes, which were constantly closed from exhaustion, and looked around the bathroom.
'Yes, the East is actually more powerful than the West. That's why the Western Duke was wary of the Eastern Duke.'
The Northern and Eastern regions were allowed to raise strong armies to deal with Paganus, who was located in the northeast. The East, originally located in a place with a good climate and abundant resources, became so powerful that it rivaled the Empire in military power. The Western Duke, who dreamed of becoming an imperial relative one day, was wary of the East growing too large. So she sent Rachel to use several tricks to sow discord between the Emperor and the Eastern Duke. The already suspicious Emperor turned his back on the Eastern Duke at this small act of discord.
The bathroom, floored in white marble, was spacious and luxurious.
The large windows were stained glass in dazzling hues of green, red, and gold. Though the interior was hidden from view, sunlight streamed in, bathing the white marble bathroom in a dazzling light.
The warm water in the large bathtub smelled as if a few drops of perfume had been added. A plate of cookies and a glass of refreshing grape juice sat on a trolley next to the bathtub.
Having traveled with Cyrus and his party, the journey had been comfortable, but the accumulated fatigue from the long journey was unavoidable.
Soaking in the warm water relieved the tension, and the tiredness she'd been holding back surged back. The urge to fall asleep was palpable, but Ariana held back.
"How magnificent."
Ariana opened her eyes, which were constantly closed from exhaustion, and looked around the bathroom.
'Yes, the East is actually more powerful than the West. That's why the Western Duke was wary of the Eastern Duke.'
The Northern and Eastern regions were allowed to raise strong armies to deal with Paganus, who was located in the northeast. The East, originally located in a place with a good climate and abundant resources, became so powerful that it rivaled the Empire in military power. The Western Duke, who dreamed of becoming an imperial relative one day, was wary of the East growing too large. So she sent Rachel to use several tricks to sow discord between the Emperor and the Eastern Duke. The already suspicious Emperor turned his back on the Eastern Duke at this small act of discord.
If the remnants of Paganus had not yet remained, the Emperor would have crushed the Eastern Duke and rooted him out. However, the Emperor needed a force to check Paganus in the east, so he had no choice but to leave them alone.
However, when necessary, he took away the military command that could command the Imperial Army. Therefore, the East had to hold off Paganus solely with its own strength.
Because of Paganus, who worshipped a false god and practiced strange tricks, the eastern border of the East was always under heavy security. With war on the horizon, they expected the atmosphere there to be heavy, but it seemed surprisingly peaceful.
'So this is what the Duke lived in.'
To survive, Ariana had to watch everyone's every move, being used, abused, and enduring all manner of humiliation. She had to smile at those who tried to manipulate her for their own gain and sacrifice her body to their will.
And then she died.
While she lived and died in such fierce and desperate circumstances, the Eastern Duke lived in such a beautiful and peaceful place.
She barely suppressed the resentment that welled up in her.
Instead of screaming in anger and sorrow, she grabbed a cookie from the side and stuffed it into her mouth. The cookie was sweet, but her heart was bitter.
Ariana rose from the bathtub only after eating the entire cookie, which was as big as her face.
The kind-hearted head maid introduced herself as Countess Ephrin Roman.
“Everyone, please wait in the dining room.”
A warm bath had left her feeling so tired she felt like she might collapse at any moment, but Ariana steeled herself and headed to the dining room with the head maid.
Chase Castle had several dining rooms, but they led her to one of the smaller ones. The old lady had been considerate enough to have them dine together at a small table, but Ariana found it uncomfortable to have to sit so close to the table. Still, she didn’t show it and sat down in a chair the servant brought out for her. She was seated next to the Duke. Across from her sat the former Duchess and her husband.
Ariana sat upright, unfazed, and met their scrutinizing gazes.
However, when necessary, he took away the military command that could command the Imperial Army. Therefore, the East had to hold off Paganus solely with its own strength.
Because of Paganus, who worshipped a false god and practiced strange tricks, the eastern border of the East was always under heavy security. With war on the horizon, they expected the atmosphere there to be heavy, but it seemed surprisingly peaceful.
'So this is what the Duke lived in.'
To survive, Ariana had to watch everyone's every move, being used, abused, and enduring all manner of humiliation. She had to smile at those who tried to manipulate her for their own gain and sacrifice her body to their will.
And then she died.
While she lived and died in such fierce and desperate circumstances, the Eastern Duke lived in such a beautiful and peaceful place.
She barely suppressed the resentment that welled up in her.
Instead of screaming in anger and sorrow, she grabbed a cookie from the side and stuffed it into her mouth. The cookie was sweet, but her heart was bitter.
Ariana rose from the bathtub only after eating the entire cookie, which was as big as her face.
***
The kind-hearted head maid introduced herself as Countess Ephrin Roman.
“Everyone, please wait in the dining room.”
A warm bath had left her feeling so tired she felt like she might collapse at any moment, but Ariana steeled herself and headed to the dining room with the head maid.
Chase Castle had several dining rooms, but they led her to one of the smaller ones. The old lady had been considerate enough to have them dine together at a small table, but Ariana found it uncomfortable to have to sit so close to the table. Still, she didn’t show it and sat down in a chair the servant brought out for her. She was seated next to the Duke. Across from her sat the former Duchess and her husband.
Ariana sat upright, unfazed, and met their scrutinizing gazes.
“I don’t know if you have a favorite dish. I’ve prepared some for our children.”
Said the former Duchess Carradine. Only then did Ariana look at the food before her. The food, beautifully presented and surprisingly prepared in such a short time, looked delicious.
“I am grateful for anything, Your Excellency, please rest assured. I am simply grateful that you treated me to such a precious meal despite my sudden visit.”
Russell frowned at Ariana’s excessive expression of gratitude, even though he had nothing prepared. She considered this a precious meal, as if she had been living in poverty. Theodore said,
“My dear. Eat quickly.”
“I will eat with gratitude.”
Ariana picked up her fork and began eating calmly. Slowly, gracefully, but not too slowly. With the same dignity she had when she ate in front of the Empress. Theodore inwardly clicked his tongue at her impeccable manner. How much must a young person have been aware of others to be so cautious even when eating? Ariana’s behavior seemed noble, like that of a royal, but it was not the dignity expected of a girl who had not even had a debutante. He could imagine what Ariana’s life must have been like, having to learn such etiquette at such a young age.
Under the gazes of the adults, heartbroken and unable to lift a fork, Ariana finished her meal feeling as if she were being tested. She even ate the sorbet that was served for dessert, with impeccable manners.
Carradine asked,
"Is it lacking?"
"Yes, it was not lacking at all, thanks to your careful attention. It was delicious."
Having been thoroughly cleaned and fed, she wondered how the White family would react.
Will they kick her out, or will they make her prove her worth?
She braced herself for either scenario, but Theodore spoke.
"Then you should go inside and rest. You must be tired from the long journey."
"Yes?"
This was unexpected.
Rest without asking any questions. Giving her a room so easily?
She couldn't shake off her suspicions, suspecting some other ulterior motive. Then Carradine stood up, approached Ariana, and offered her her hand. Unsure of what to do, Ariana simply stared at the old woman's hand.
Carradine's palms were calloused. Hands that had long held a sword.
Suddenly, she remembered what Cyrus said: that even the women of House White were warriors.
"Baby?"
At Carradine's coaxing voice, Ariana shifted her gaze from her palms to Carradine's face. She spoke with a firm yet polite tone.
"I'm sorry. I'm not yet familiar with the culture of the East, so I don't know what Your Excellency the First Lady wants."
In that moment, Carradine's face contorted, and Ariana realized she'd made a grave mistake, though she couldn't quite grasp it. She quickly stood up and tried to apologize, but before she could, Carradine gripped Ariana's hand tightly.
Under the gazes of the adults, heartbroken and unable to lift a fork, Ariana finished her meal feeling as if she were being tested. She even ate the sorbet that was served for dessert, with impeccable manners.
Carradine asked,
"Is it lacking?"
"Yes, it was not lacking at all, thanks to your careful attention. It was delicious."
Having been thoroughly cleaned and fed, she wondered how the White family would react.
Will they kick her out, or will they make her prove her worth?
She braced herself for either scenario, but Theodore spoke.
"Then you should go inside and rest. You must be tired from the long journey."
"Yes?"
This was unexpected.
Rest without asking any questions. Giving her a room so easily?
She couldn't shake off her suspicions, suspecting some other ulterior motive. Then Carradine stood up, approached Ariana, and offered her her hand. Unsure of what to do, Ariana simply stared at the old woman's hand.
Carradine's palms were calloused. Hands that had long held a sword.
Suddenly, she remembered what Cyrus said: that even the women of House White were warriors.
"Baby?"
At Carradine's coaxing voice, Ariana shifted her gaze from her palms to Carradine's face. She spoke with a firm yet polite tone.
"I'm sorry. I'm not yet familiar with the culture of the East, so I don't know what Your Excellency the First Lady wants."
In that moment, Carradine's face contorted, and Ariana realized she'd made a grave mistake, though she couldn't quite grasp it. She quickly stood up and tried to apologize, but before she could, Carradine gripped Ariana's hand tightly.
“This old lady."
Carradine said, suppressing the emotions welling up in her voice.
"I wanted to hold your hand."
Ariana looked up at Carradine, her eyes wide. She couldn't understand the sadness emanating from the face of what must have been a beautiful old woman.
However, she could tell that the hand holding Ariana's small hand, though rough with calluses, was incredibly warm.
As she was led out of the restaurant by Carradine, Ariana couldn't hide her embarrassment.
"Hands..."
Of course, she knew that parents held their children's hands like this when they walked. Even the Duke and Duchess of Bronte always walked like this with Helena and Victoria when they were young.
What most children took for granted was never granted to Ariana. Even when Ariana was too young to walk properly, no one held her hand and walked slowly. She had to walk and run alone. Even getting up when she fell was Ariana's responsibility.
Because it was something she had to do alone, she never felt greedy. She never envied Helena and Victoria, who walked hand in hand with Rachel.
When something she had never wished for became reality, an indescribable emotion welled up in her chest. But she didn't know how to express it, so she just kept her lips tightly shut and followed Carradine.
Carradine climbed the central staircase to the third floor and walked down the left hallway. Carradine stopped in front of a large door.
As the maids who followed opened the door, Carradine held Ariana's hand tightly and led her inside.
Entering the room, Ariana's lips parted involuntarily, astonished by its splendor.
A spacious drawing room, two bedrooms, a dressing room, and a bathroom. Large windows let in ample sunlight, warming the air, and a subtle, pleasant scent filled the room.
Every single piece of furniture in the drawing room was luxurious, and there was even a large fireplace.
Even Victoria and Helena hadn't had such a spacious and splendid room.
So Ariana assumed this room must have belonged to the previous Duchess. While the colors of the furniture and decorations were a bit subtle, she hadn't even dreamed it was hers.
"Your room, Ariana."
So when Carradine said that, she was startled.
"My room?"
“Yes. I always had your room ready, just in case you came to visit the East someday.”
She didn’t know how to respond to the unexpected question. Tiredness and surprise clouded her mind, making it difficult to find the right words.
“My room...”
“I’d love to show you around, but you must be very tired. Get some rest, and when you wake up, you can talk to this old lady and show you around your room. Yes?”
Carradine led Ariana to her bedroom and watched her lie down on the bed.
Ariana had never been on such a soft, large, and pleasantly scented bed in her life, so she wondered if she would be able to sleep in a place like this.
Contrary to her worries, the accumulated tiredness completely absorbed the fluffy, sunlight-scented blanket, sending her into a deep sleep.
Carradine looked down at Ariana, who had fallen asleep the moment her head touched the pillow.
“Are you asleep?”
Russell, following a step behind her, asked in a small voice, afraid Ariana might be frightened.
“She might even try to hold my hand.”
Carradine’s voice was damp with moisture. Russell bowed his head sadly, taking in his tiny daughter. Her unforgettable light blue hair, even in his dreams, lay disheveled on the pillow. While awake, she had been flawless, leaving no room for a moment, but asleep, she looked like a child.
However, even in sleep, the distorted face broke Russell’s heart.
“It’s okay, it’s okay now.”
With that thought in his heart, he withdrew his hand from stroking his daughter’s cheek. Fearing it might shatter, fearing she might wake up and look at him with that wary, tense gaze.
What kind of life had this little girl lived that allowed her to be so perfect at every moment?
Only then did Russell realize how little he knew about his daughter as a father. His excuses—
Rachel's refusal to show him, his difficulty setting foot on the West, would all sound like excuses to the child. It sounded that way to him, too.
"It's time for her to understand,"
Russell's voice thickened.
"A child needs to hold her parents' hands when walking."
"I wanted to hold your hand."
Ariana looked up at Carradine, her eyes wide. She couldn't understand the sadness emanating from the face of what must have been a beautiful old woman.
However, she could tell that the hand holding Ariana's small hand, though rough with calluses, was incredibly warm.
As she was led out of the restaurant by Carradine, Ariana couldn't hide her embarrassment.
"Hands..."
Of course, she knew that parents held their children's hands like this when they walked. Even the Duke and Duchess of Bronte always walked like this with Helena and Victoria when they were young.
What most children took for granted was never granted to Ariana. Even when Ariana was too young to walk properly, no one held her hand and walked slowly. She had to walk and run alone. Even getting up when she fell was Ariana's responsibility.
Because it was something she had to do alone, she never felt greedy. She never envied Helena and Victoria, who walked hand in hand with Rachel.
When something she had never wished for became reality, an indescribable emotion welled up in her chest. But she didn't know how to express it, so she just kept her lips tightly shut and followed Carradine.
Carradine climbed the central staircase to the third floor and walked down the left hallway. Carradine stopped in front of a large door.
As the maids who followed opened the door, Carradine held Ariana's hand tightly and led her inside.
Entering the room, Ariana's lips parted involuntarily, astonished by its splendor.
A spacious drawing room, two bedrooms, a dressing room, and a bathroom. Large windows let in ample sunlight, warming the air, and a subtle, pleasant scent filled the room.
Every single piece of furniture in the drawing room was luxurious, and there was even a large fireplace.
Even Victoria and Helena hadn't had such a spacious and splendid room.
So Ariana assumed this room must have belonged to the previous Duchess. While the colors of the furniture and decorations were a bit subtle, she hadn't even dreamed it was hers.
"Your room, Ariana."
So when Carradine said that, she was startled.
"My room?"
“Yes. I always had your room ready, just in case you came to visit the East someday.”
She didn’t know how to respond to the unexpected question. Tiredness and surprise clouded her mind, making it difficult to find the right words.
“My room...”
“I’d love to show you around, but you must be very tired. Get some rest, and when you wake up, you can talk to this old lady and show you around your room. Yes?”
Carradine led Ariana to her bedroom and watched her lie down on the bed.
Ariana had never been on such a soft, large, and pleasantly scented bed in her life, so she wondered if she would be able to sleep in a place like this.
Contrary to her worries, the accumulated tiredness completely absorbed the fluffy, sunlight-scented blanket, sending her into a deep sleep.
Carradine looked down at Ariana, who had fallen asleep the moment her head touched the pillow.
“Are you asleep?”
Russell, following a step behind her, asked in a small voice, afraid Ariana might be frightened.
“She might even try to hold my hand.”
Carradine’s voice was damp with moisture. Russell bowed his head sadly, taking in his tiny daughter. Her unforgettable light blue hair, even in his dreams, lay disheveled on the pillow. While awake, she had been flawless, leaving no room for a moment, but asleep, she looked like a child.
However, even in sleep, the distorted face broke Russell’s heart.
“It’s okay, it’s okay now.”
With that thought in his heart, he withdrew his hand from stroking his daughter’s cheek. Fearing it might shatter, fearing she might wake up and look at him with that wary, tense gaze.
What kind of life had this little girl lived that allowed her to be so perfect at every moment?
Only then did Russell realize how little he knew about his daughter as a father. His excuses—
Rachel's refusal to show him, his difficulty setting foot on the West, would all sound like excuses to the child. It sounded that way to him, too.
"It's time for her to understand,"
Russell's voice thickened.
"A child needs to hold her parents' hands when walking."
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