Chapter 5: Preparing The Plan

The air in the dining room turned to ice. Selene's words fell with a chilling finality, leaving Vivian deathly pale and Damian stunned, as if he were only now seeing his wife for the first time.

"This… this isn't like you," Damian stammered.

Selene offered a thin smile—a curve of the lips that never reached her eyes. "I'm simply surprised you've only just started paying attention."

Vivian cut in sharply, her voice pitching high with agitation. "Have you no shame, speaking such things?"

Selene's gaze remained flat, piercing straight through her cousin. "I am merely adapting to the two of you. Why does it disturb you so much?"

Panic flared in Vivian's eyes as she stood abruptly and fled the room. Without a moment's hesitation, Damian followed, leaving Selene alone at the long, hollow table.

Selene took a long, stabilizing breath and smiled coldly. Finally, she could enjoy her meal without the presence of the two sinners.

"Ivan," Selene called out after finishing her final bite, calmly savoring a slice of peach.

"Yes, my lady," Ivan answered with a respectful, deep bow.

"Do you happen to know someone who can… smuggle people out?" she asked suddenly.

Ivan froze, a sudden tightness seizing his throat. "I beg your pardon?"

Selene's gaze was calm, yet it held a depth that brooked no argument. "We shall discuss this in my chambers."

Without waiting for a response, she rose. Ivan signaled the other servants to clear the table before following the Duchess to her chambers.

"Ivan, I am leaving," Selene stated firmly the moment the door clicked shut.

"My lady… but—" Ivan hesitated, the words dying on his tongue.

"Tell no one. You are the only one I am trusting with this." Selene gave him a sharp look, ensuring the secret was locked tight.

Ivan took a deep breath. Selene was a woman who rarely placed her trust in anyone. But this time, his heart was moved. He truly wanted her to find the happiness that had been denied for so long.

"You know my situation, Ivan. You know… that every one of my babies was lost because of the Duke, don't you?" Selene said softly, her voice carrying the weight of a grief she had carried in silence.

Ivan lowered his head, his face tensed.

"There is no need to deny it. I know you are aware. But this time… will you help me?" Her voice was gentle, but her eyes remained as sharp as a razor's edge.

Ivan closed his eyes for a moment, then exhaled with newfound resolve. "Where will you go, my lady?"

Selene offered a faint smile and handed him a document containing a map. Ivan opened it slowly. His eyes widened as he saw the markings for a territory located on the furthest reaches of the Empire.

"This is… a vast distance," he murmured.

"I must go as far as possible," Selene replied without a hint of doubt.

Ivan bowed low. "I understand. I shall do as you wish."

"You look relieved," Selene noted, arching an eyebrow.

A faint smile touched Ivan's lips, his eyes watery. "I only pray for your happiness, my lady."

His words were so sincere that they brought a flicker of warmth to Selene's heart. Letting go of everything was no easy feat, even for a servant as loyal as he.

"Is there anything I should prepare?" Ivan asked cautiously.

Selene shook her head. "No."

"But your personal allowance, my lady—there is still a significant amount untouched," Ivan reminded her.

"I will not take a single cent of the Leventis fortune," Selene declared firmly.

"...My lady." Ivan's voice caught again. He was well aware of the injustice within these walls. Vivian used all the money, while Selene, the rightful Duchess, rarely touched the funds that were her right.

"I wish to sell my shares in your brother's shop. Is that acceptable?"

Startled, Ivan quickly nodded. "Of course, my lady. I shall settle the matter immediately."

Selene smiled softly. "I hope that you find happiness as well, Ivan."

She looked down for a moment, struggling with emotion in her chest.

"When do you intend to depart?" Ivan asked finally.

"Five days from now."

"So soon?" Ivan gasped.

"Yes. The timing is precise." Selene did not elaborate further. In three days, war would erupt on the western border, and two days after that, Damian would lead his troops to the front. That was when the castle's security would be at its weakest.

Ivan clenched his fists. "I will ensure everything is prepared."

Selene nodded, trying to mask her sadness. Ivan bowed once more and withdrew, leaving her alone with her turbulent thoughts.

A few moments later, there was a soft knock at the door.

"Enter," Selene said.

Monica and Daisy stepped inside, their faces pale with tension. Without a word, they both dropped to their knees, bowing their heads until they touched the floor.

Selene stood up, startled. "What is the meaning of this?"

"My lady, please do not leave us behind…" Daisy's voice cracked with a sob.

Selene swallowed hard, fighting her own emotions. "You were eavesdropping?" she asked flatly, her tone heavy with meaning.

Both girls nodded slowly, tears streaming down their faces. Selene pulled them up and sat with them on the floor—an act of humility that only served to panic the maids further.

"I am not one to accuse without proof," Selene said gently. "Why don't you let me leave?"

"If you go, we want to go with you!" Daisy cried through her tears.

"Me too," Monica added, her voice trembling but resolute.

"I don't have much money to guarantee your futures," Selene warned.

"We don't need money. As long as we can be with you, we are willing to endure anything," Daisy replied instantly.

"And how about your families at the Count's estate?" Selene asked.

Monica bit her lip. "They only obey the Count. They would never help us."

Selene understood perfectly. These two girls were orphans, and they had no protector in this world but her.

"Very well," she said at last, resting her hands on their heads. "I leave in five days. Pack only the most essential things you can carry."

Their faces brightened instantly, a mixture of tears and joyous smiles.

"Thank you, my lady!" they exclaimed in unison.

Selene lifted one corner of her mouth, then added in a sharp tone, "Remember. If this plan fails and I am caught, you will both face the executioner."

The threat was real and terrifying, yet neither of them flinched. "We swear it on the names of our parents," Daisy insisted.

Selene watched them for a long time, then smiled thinly. Her heart felt a fraction warmer; their loyalty was simple, but in the hollow halls of this castle, it was the only thing that felt real.

"Then…" she whispered, her voice like a sacred secret. "We must begin our preparations."