''What do you mean? What is she doing outside the castle alone?!” Alwyn asked with a very serious face.
"Sorry... I'm sorry Mr. Gusev... We... We didn't know about that either... Only one of the guards said that he saw the Duchess walking towards the back gate" Stella said, frantically seeing the look on Alwyn's face.
They didn't have long to talk, and there was another knock on the door.
“Come in!” shouted Alwyn, the owner of the room.
“You?!... Aren't you a newly recruited guard?” Alwyn asked, surprised. How dare a new guard come to him in his office.
''Yes... I'm sorry, Mr. Gusev. I'm the guard at the back gate… Just now, the Duchess asked me to give this to Master…” The guard said as he handed a large envelope to Alwyn.
“Ah!...” the guard shrieked when he saw Helena, “Mrs. Whitmore, you too, the Duchess left this,” the guard said again as he handed Helena a smaller envelope.
“Wait!... Why is it on you? Why did you have to hand it over?!'' Helena asked with a surprised look on her face.
“I don't know madam, the Duchess just said that it should be handed over immediately” replied the guard.
“Then where is the Duchess?!” Helena exclaimed in a harsh tone.
''Duchess has gone'' replied the guard again.
“What?!... Go?!... Where? with who?'' Helena asked even more furiously, glaring at the new guard.
“Yes, madam… The Duchess is gone, alone… I don't know where Duchess is going… She didn't say anything… Thuh, sorry…''
The guard answered haltingly, seeing the uncomfortable situation in the room, not to mention hurling questions at him regarding the Duchess. The guard realized that he had made a mistake. He was very frightened now by it.
"What the hell?!... Why did you let the Duchess go alone?!" Helena shouted, rebuking the guard in anger.
“I'm sorry… I'm sorry Mrs. Helena… Sorry, I really don't know anything. The Duchess said, Your Majesty, the Duke already knows of her departure” replied the guard with a panicked expression.
''YOU FOOL!” exclaimed Alwyn suddenly, as he finished looking at the contents of the envelope in his hand.
They were all surprised by Alwyn's screams, especially now that there was anger on his always flat face.
"Master Gusev..." said the guard, with a more frightening face than before.
“You're a guard, don't you see it's weird to see a Duchess step out without any bodyguards?… Call all the guards, find the Duchess immediately!” Alwyn exclaimed, sternly ordering the new guard.
He immediately came out with a panicked face after saluting and saying goodbye, immediately carrying out Alwyn's orders. Not far from Alwyn, Helena was seen with a disappointed and regretful face when she read the letter Atthy had left the guard for her.
Dear Helena
A stern head maid who loves me dearly, thank you for everything you did for me. I'm sorry, Helena, for not being able to say goodbye to you.
Say goodbye from me to Lily and Miriam too. I really like them. Unfortunately, I only have a few days to be with them.
Helena, I returned all the clothes and accessories that your master gave me. I didn't have any of those things with me, nor did Stella, Bela, and Rosa. The three of them are the servants your Master gave me. To be honest, for three months they worked to serve me. I can't pay their wages. I don't have that money, Helena. Therefore, I entrust them to you, asking your master to pay their wages. Since I never asked to be given servants, your master himself sent them to me, so your master must be responsible for their wages.
I'm sorry Helena, I have to go this way because, seeing your attitude this morning, you will definitely continue to get in my way. I made a promise to your master, I must keep it. Thanks for everything, take care of your health, Helena.
PS. I love you so much, you are like my mother Helena.
In tears, Helena read the farewell letter from Atthy, besides Atthy's love for her. Helena barely knew half of the contents of Atthy's letter. Helena was still not aware of the In full. She still found it difficult to accept Atthy's decision to simply leave Skythia Castle.
''Mrs. Helena, what's wrong? What's in the letter?'' asked Alwyn with a curious expression.
''The Duchess's farewell to me... The Duchess has left this castle because she promised His Excellency my lord the Duke'' Helena replied in a curt tone and a look on her face, blaming Alwyn.
Alwyn could only rub his chest in his heart seeing Helena, who was no longer able to act professionally as a head maid. Helena's obvious anger towards Alwyn made her very uncomfortable. But, he could only helplessly respond to Helena. Once again, amidst the chaos in Alwyn's office, there was a knock on the door asking permission to enter.
"Master Alwyn! Ah... Mrs. Helena, are you here too?'' Doctor Sarah asked. She was surprised to see them all gathered in the room.
''Doctor Sarah?'' exclaimed Alwyn asked. He was surprised by her presence.
''Yes!... Why are you looking at me like that? Mr. Alwyn, you sent someone to me to come here immediately earlier ...'' said Doctor Sarah, answering the surprise of the two of them.
''Ah yes...'' Alwyn said, just remembering that this morning Helena asked him to call Doctor Sarah.
“Oh my... Right... Duchess, she's injured, her body isn't well. Alwyn, do something. Find the Duchess immediately... Alwyn! What if something happens to her...'' Helena exclaimed, who was also surprised, she had just remembered Atthy's physical condition.
''Ha?!... Yes... Alright, I know... I'm sorry doctor Sarah. But, can you wait a minute, I have to go soon...'' Alwyn said goodbye to Doctor Sarah. This time, it was clear that Alwyn was very worried.
"Hm?! Yes... All right...'' said Doctor Sarah, who was still confused by what happened.
Doctor Sarah was actually quite surprised, she saw a strange expression that she had never seen in the four months she had known Alwyn and Helena, who had always had a flat expression. Very professional as a servant, especially Alwyn.
''It turns out, he's also human, huh... I thought he couldn't possibly show a face like that'' Doctor Sarah muttered in her heart.
Chapter 017 Saihan Malaken and Count Kevin DravinaThe sound of hooves broke the silence of the forest. Duke Hugh Griffith’s entourage had left the Manor early in the morning, cutting through the mist that still hung over the valley. As the sun began to climb higher, the biting cold air grew sharper, slipping through every gap in their cloaks and clothing, as though testing their endurance. The rhythmic sound of hooves echoed through the silent forest, adding to the tension with every meter they traveled.Saihan, sitting beside Hugh, felt the oppressive silence begin to weigh on him. He tried to fill the empty space with light conversation, though his tone was far from serious.“Duke, isn’t it a shame?” he asked casually.“What do you mean?” Hugh responded without looking away, his attention still on the road ahead as he held his reins firmly.“Your beautiful wife, freshly made your wife, and now you leave her behind,” Saihan continued, purposely adding a touch of sarcasm to his words.
Chapter 016: New StatusDuke Hugh Ethan Griffith is the second son of three sons born to Grand Duke Griffith. Hugh was granted his dukedom at the age of 23, one year after he led his forces in a major war against the Kingdom of Targozar and Vuldrekh, successfully seizing control of the entire Skythia region. Skythia is a vast mountain range that has long been contested between the Kingdom of Xipil and the Kingdoms of Targozar and Vuldrekh, a region that is highly strategic and rich in natural resources.From the age of 12, Hugh was thrust into the battlefield alongside his elder brother. However, at the age of 15, after his brother’s death in battle, Hugh was entrusted with leading the army in an attempt to capture Skythia. In the nine bloody years of war, Hugh finally succeeded in driving Targozar and Vuldrekh out of Skythia.Skythia covers an area nearly as vast as the Alps, a region that has been under the Griffith dynasty’s control for over a century. Although only about 30% of Sky
Chapter 015: Alwyn and HelenaAlwyn was engrossed in a pile of documents in his office when the door was knocked. "Come in," he said without turning around.Helena entered, quietly closing the door behind her. She gave Alwyn a nod in greeting. She saw the exhaustion on Alwyn's face, but his eyes still radiated sharp attention. "Lady Helena, I need the latest report on the distribution of winter supplies."Helena glanced at him, offering a faint smile. "Certainly, Sir Alwyn. I’ve brought it." She handed over a folder she had been carrying but paused, eyeing Alwyn for a moment before handing it over."Is there something you wish to discuss?" Alwyn asked, his tone calm, though it hinted that he sensed something unusual in Helena’s behavior.Helena nodded slightly. "It’s about Lady Athaleyah."Alwyn’s expression shifted slightly, though he tried to remain composed. "What do you have to say?"Helena placed the folder on the desk, folding her hands in front of her. "I know you’re thinking th
Chapter 014 Duke Hugh Ethan GriffithAlwyn immediately gave a respectful greeting to the tall and imposing man before him. Without hesitation, he stood ready, like a loyal aide always alert in the presence of his superior."I apologize for my negligence, my Lord. I was careless and failed to anticipate everything..." Alwyn said in a low tone, trying to explain while holding back the anxiety weighing on his heart.However, the large man seemed completely uninterested in Alwyn's apology. With a firm tone and a voice that echoed in the room, he commanded, "Leave! Prepare the carriage!""Yes, my Lord," Alwyn replied shortly, before quickly turning and leaving the room, leaving Atthy alone with the man.Alwyn’s steps were hurried yet full of unease. Though his heart was heavy, he knew there was nothing he could do except follow orders. Atthy was now with her future husband, and as an employee, he could only sympathize, not empathize. The dilemma gnawed at Alwyn's mind, but in a situation li
Chapter 013: Doctor Sarah WindfoldHAHHHThe deep and heavy sigh from Alwyn caught Randy by surprise. He quickly turned to see his friend's face, filled with a rare expression of worry."Alwyn, what's wrong?" Randy asked, furrowing his brow, sensing an unusual tension in Alwyn's demeanor. "Your face... You look so worried. It's not like you, who’s usually so calm," he continued, bewildered."Lady Athaleyah... I don’t know what to do," Alwyn replied, his voice filled with frustration."Why?" Randy exclaimed, still puzzled. "Isn’t Lady usually trouble-free, except when she’s ill, but that’s not something we can control...""That’s the problem, Randy," Alwyn cut in, his expression darkening, his eyes filled with anxiety. "Lady has never complained, not even once! And it only makes me worry more seeing her condition become so confusing."Randy paused for a moment, trying to process his friend’s strange complaints. He hadn’t expected Alwyn, who had always appeared indifferent and unbothered
A few hours later, as Alwyn had said, they had arrived at the station and immediately entered the special carriage provided for them. Atthy was stunned to see the steam train in front of her. This was the first time in her life she had seen a steam train with her own eyes. So far she only knew about steam trains from the stories of her father or grandfather.Atthy could not hide her surprise and admiration for the Iron Snake that proudly stood before her matched by its jet-black color. Seeing Atthy's behavior, Alwyn and Randy again showed the same expression as when they met Atthy earlier. So did the guards. Even so, they still tried to be polite and not show their surprise too obviously, and still respected the lady who was almost trivial before them now.''Lady... Please'' said Alwyn, welcoming from inside the carriage specially provided for Atthy''Ah!... Alright, thank you...'' said Atthy in response while welcoming a helping hand from Randy. She was a little surprised because she
Ashton and Rowtag finally gave in. Atthy had made up her mind. Atthy wasn't the type of girl who could talk and be feminine, but Atthy had received a good education from her mother, Laura, as well as her father, Ashton, over the years. Atthy lived and was raised as a commoner girl all this time, but the knowledge that Atthy had to become a noble was very qualified. She had that quality, and Ashton understood it very well.Because of that, Ashton almost always felt guilty seeing Atthy, especially when Laura's mother was still around. He paid attention to how Laura trained and educated her to be able to live as a lady, because at that time, Laura believed that one-day Atthy would be able to live a better life, as a noble.If Ashton can enjoy life as a noble because his father, who is a commoner, received a gift from the King, it is different from Laura, his wife, who from the beginning was born of noble descent from generation to generation. Laura was against her family living with Asht
Finally, the day that Rowtag's family feared arrived, even ten days earlier than their expected arrival, making Rowtag and his family even more convinced that there was a plot planned from this marriage proposal. It was just that Rowtag couldn't understand what they could get out of the Rowtag family by doing all this, it just didn't make any sense.The bride's envoy had arrived in a horse-drawn carriage and several knights on horseback came that morning to Rowtag's residence. A man in the neatest and classiest suit in the group dismounted and immediately greeted Rowtag and Ashton.''Good morning Baron Romanov, I'm Billy Kutcher, envoy of my lord Grand Duke Drustan... We will take your daughter to the Alpen now'' greeted the head of the envoy who was present at that time.The head of the envoy who came did say hello to Rowtag and Ashton first, but the arrogance was clear from the look in his eyes and the way he spoke. Ashton already didn't like the first greeting given by the head of
**When Ashton and Aydan head downtown to do business and send a reply letter to Edna's proposal, there are too many scary rumors about the Grand Duke Drustan, who is known as cruel and cold-hearted. Because of that, he was able to conquer the Alps and become the ruler there.Aydan immediately rebelled against his father, Ashton, on the spot when he heard that his future brother-in-law was a cruel person when they were looking for information about The Grand Duke Drustan in downtown Nauruan a month ago."Father, I don't care about the position he has, even though he was a Grand Duke, I don't want my sister to be the wife of a selfish human who only cares about himself like that... Father, please refuse the proposal," Aydan said firmly and loudly to his father.''I understand your concern, Aydan. Before becoming your sister, she was my daughter in the first place. Do you think I want to have a son-in-law who is the same age as your grandfather, not to mention his authoritarian attitude