The Capital (2)

After the bath, the maids dressed me in a medieval-like dress. It's a similar dress to what the countess usually wears, although it's a simpler version. How can she wear this type of clothing every day? It's heavy, and it's stuffy inside.

"The countess wanted to buy Milady a new dress, but she couldn't since you were bedridden. In the meantime, Milady can wear the countess' old dress when she is of marriageable age. Is it comfortable, Milady?" Haren asked.

I just nodded in response while they fixed the ribbon on my chest. As I finished dressing, the mansion's butler immediately escorted me to the dining area. I haven't explored the estate since I was focused on recuperating, but damn—This mansion is massive!

Although it's similar to my family's residences in Switzerland and the Philippines, the interior design of this mansion left me mesmerized. The ambiance feels homey, and I feel like a princess walking in the hallways.

"This way, Milady. The countess and the young master are waiting inside. Enjoy your meal."

I entered the dining room and faced a long table with different kinds of cuisine on it. Some dishes seem familiar, but other than that, all of them look appetizing. Just staring at the food is enough for me to drool over it.

"Big sister Adel! You're here!" Beau shouted and ran in my direction.

I welcomed him with wide open arms, and he slumped onto my dress.

I heard him giggle in excitement and plead, "Sister, Play with me later!"

I chuckled at his cuteness. "I don't think I would be able to, Beau. Your mother and I have plans later."

He pouted. "No! I want to play with you!"

He didn't let go of me and kept on throwing tantrums.

"Beau, what have I told you about running? If you keep doing that, you'll eventually get hurt," the countess cautioned, bringing Beau back to his seat. "Adel may not be able to play with you, but you can come with us to the capital, okay?"

Beau just nodded. Damn, the countess knows how to handle her child's fit—not like the mother I had. My past with my mother is an unsightly memory now that I can joke about it, but the pain is still there. Nothing is more comforting for me than using my misery as a joke.

I sat in front of the countess, and we started eating peacefully. Everything is delectable and savory, but the atmosphere around us could be more relaxed. I can only hear the sound of the utensils clacking, and it makes me uneasy.

Is not having a conversation while dining part of noble etiquette? I don't want to initiate a conversation because I feel like all eyes will be on me, and they may think I'm disrespectful toward the countess. She has done a lot for me, so I don't want her to find me ungrateful.

"Is the food not up to your liking, Adel?" the countess asked.

I choked on my food when she suddenly spoke to me. I wiped my mouth with a cloth before facing her.

"The food is delicious, countess. I'm not just used to this kind of treatment—that's all," I said shyly. It's not like I lied, right?

Why am I so clumsy? I'm glad I didn't spit my food at her.

She sincerely smiled and added, "You don't have to put your guard up towards me, Adel. I want you to be comfortable here in my residence. I know it's difficult for you, but I hope you treat us like your family. I apologize if I sometimes go overboard since I always wanted a daughter but ended up with two troublesome sons."

"I'll do my best to feel at ease, countess," I answered.

She continued to reassure me with her sweet gestures, and Beau was also sharing about his moments with his family. While looking at them happily bonding as mother and son, I wondered if I were a boy, would my mother also smile happily like that? It's a useless thought knowing that my mother was a lunatic, but I couldn't help but think about it.

I shrugged off my thoughts, and we finished eating after that.

*****

"Safe travels, countess," said the butler respectfully, and the servants bowed before the carriage started moving.

I'm astonished at how this mode of transportation is widely used in this world. I haven't tried it before, but this excites me!

"Do you remember going to the capital, Adel?"

I shook my head. "No, countess. I don't remember—I can't even remember where I came from."

Now that I think about it, the countess and Averon haven't asked me how Adelaide's body became in that poor state. After I learned about my transmigration, they haven't said how they found my body lying under a cliff or even asked for information on who did those hideous things.

They only asked about my identity, which I couldn't remember because only fragments from Adelaide's past and recent events are the only ones I can remember.

"Well, maybe you can remember if we visit some stores that you might have frequented before, and besides that," She paused, handing me a small ring. "You should wear this. It can alter your appearance so you won't stand out since you're going into a public place. Just imagine the appearance you want to have to blend with us."

"Although this ring doesn't make you stand out, your disguise wears off if someone recognizes you despite your changed appearance, so be careful with it."

I nodded. I didn't question her request and just imagined the appearance of my past self. I looked at my reflection in the window, and I did look like my past self. I haven't noticed it before, but Adelaide and I are similar in appearance.

"You look pretty with brown hair and brown eyes," the countess complimented.

I just smiled in response, and we traveled for about half an hour before arriving in the capital. The guards checked our identities first before we were allowed inside. I'm still astounded that I can only see this scene in movies. It's like I'm an actress playing a role in medieval times!

You can see a lot of vendors, stores, and boutiques upon entering the capital. Of course, there are a lot of nobles and commoners! The streets are bustling with people. It's my first time seeing other people after arriving in this world, and they are all dressed like the countess. Without knowing this is a different world, a person will think this is just a set for a historical movie!

The carriage stopped, and the coachman opened the door for us. We were escorted inside a sparkly and lavish boutique.

"Oh, Countess Elspeth! Welcome!"

A woman with an unbelievable amount of jewelry in her dress welcomed us. She's sparkly, like the boutique—she must be the owner.

"Good afternoon to you, Grace. I want to order new dresses for me and this lovely young woman over here."

"How lovely! You know me, countess. My boutique is always ready for your orders!"

Several dresses were shown to us, and all of them were elegant looking.

"From there to there, I'll buy all of them for Adel," the countess instructed without hesitation.

"Right away, countess! In the meantime, please enjoy some tea," Grace chirped.

My eyes widened, shocked by the countess' impulsiveness. "But, countess! I only need one dress for the celebration."

"I want you to have all of these, Adel. Can I pamper you just this once? Please? I've always wanted to do this with my daughter," she pleaded. "What do you think, Beau? Would Big Sister Adel be gorgeous once she wears these dresses?"

Beau nodded. "Yes! Pretty Sister!"

I sighed. "I'll accept it greatly, countess. But I've been wondering." I hesitated, clenching my first to garner the courage to continue. "Why are you so nice to me? You never asked me anything, even after I caused an uproar in the mansion."

"I don't want you to feel burdened, Adel. We want you to feel at home, and there's a feeling deep within me that I could keep my guard around you, so I asked Averon not to ask you anything unless you talked to us about it first. I was concerned about what happened left you with a haunting trauma," she explained.

"I'm fine, countess. I also want those people who did this to me to rot in prison," I carefully whispered, not to disturb Beau, who was tired from waiting.

Maybe if I meet those people who did this to Adelaide, I can remember some of her memories.

"I agree. I also want them executed in the worst ways possible." She smiled. "By the way, you're going to have to stay in a new room since the one you have was a torture room."

I choked while drinking my tea. Why are you saying that with a smile on your face? Is that why there are no windows in that room? That just gave me chills.

"I apologize if I made you uncomfortable with that, but there is a valid reason why we let you stay in that room, Adel." She affectionately caressed Beau's hair. "We didn't trust you at first, but we eventually found out that you're not one of his servants—in fact, you're a victim of one of his crimes. So, may I ask for a favor?"

She suddenly looked so serious, and it made me nervous. Does the countess know the people behind Adelaide's death?

"What is it, countess?"

She held Beau's hand and enjoined, "After the celebration ends, I want you to take Beau and leave the mansion with Rupert."

"There will be a bloodbath in the celebration of my husband's return, and I want you to protect my children."

Wait, what?! Bloodbath?! I don't even know how to use my powers! Do I even have one? Averon only taught me how to circulate my mana and receive pure mana from nature regularly.

Why is she asking me to do the impossible?