CHAPTER 13
As we were talking, Maya interrupted us by standing behind the door with my meal, waiting for me to let her in. Tenebris vanished, and I gave Maya the go-ahead to enter the room. After eating to my satisfaction, I explored the Auror Mansion.
Although this mansion wasn't as grand and luxurious as the Ironhart mansion, it had a modest and elegant structure, unique decorations, and simple gardens. Being in this place and among these people made me feel calm and peaceful. After taking the tour, it was time for me to meet the headmaid of the mansion.
I calmly sat in my room, and the head maid entered with some documents in her hands. I was slightly surprised by the familiar face that appeared in front of me. How could I forget? I remembered seeing this face in Seraphina's memory.
The head maid bowed her head and greeted me, her face painted with an affectionate smile. "Welcome to the Auror estate, my lady. Raina is at your service."
"Thank you for your kind gesture. How are you, Nanny?" I replied with a soft smile, acknowledging her presence with warmth.
"Raian, you were my former nanny who was kicked out of the mansion one year ago. How did you end up here? I always thought that you were sent far away, and I never dreamed I would see you again," I questioned, a mix of surprise and curiosity coloring my tone.
"Oh, my lady, I am no longer your nanny," Raian chuckled with happiness, her eyes bright with joy.
"You are wrong. Even if you have changed your job, you will always be a loyal and caring nanny to me," I insisted, expressing my gratitude and appreciation for her unwavering support.
"You flatter me, my lady. I am nothing more than a mere servant," Raian replied modestly, though her face betrayed her true feelings as it lit up with happiness.
"But I am curious as to how you ended up here. Didn't my father dismiss you that day?" I inquired, seeking to unravel the mystery of her unexpected return to the Auror estate.
Raian was falsely accused of stealing Eveline's precious necklace and was dismissed from her job. That day was very traumatizing for Seraphina, who was still suffering from the loss of her mother and her father's ignorance. She was meek and sensitive at that time and was unable to go against her father's orders.
"His Grace didn't dismiss me from my job," Raian clarified, her tone filled with sincerity. "Instead, he instructed me to move here and take care of this Estate."
"Father?" I exclaimed, dumbfounded by the revelation. It felt as though scientists had declared that the Earth is actually flat.
"So, you're telling me that Father actually believed in you and, instead of firing you, he gave you a promotion?" I questioned, my expression a mix of disbelief and uncertainty.
"I'm not certain if he actually believed in my claims, but I know one reason why His Grace did that," Raian responded, meeting my gaze with a polite expression that hinted at the complexity of the situation.
"And what is that reason?" I inquired, slightly tilting my head as I awaited Raian's response.
"You... you're the reason, my lady," Raian answered softly, her voice carrying a note of sincerity. "His Grace was fully aware of how much you adored and cared for me. That's why he couldn't dismiss me. He knew how brokenhearted you would be."
As Raian spoke, a wave of realization washed over me, understanding the depth of my father's actions.
Raian was explaining to me and hinting at how much my so-called father cared for me, but was that love truly for me? If he loved his daughter, then why did he neglect her when she needed him the most? Where was he when his precious daughter died in her room, cold and alone?
The more I delved into the thought, the more my head hurt. I slightly shook my head to shake off these unnecessary thoughts. It didn't matter to me if he truly cared for me. I had already vowed to stay away from these family bonds, convinced that they only brought pain and disappointment.
I diverted my attention to Raina, who stood before me observing my expression. Time had left its mark on her, evident in the slight wrinkles that adorned her face. Yet, her light purple eyes shone the same brightness as before.
"Raina," I began, addressing her with a sense of determination, "I will be staying here for the foreseeable future. I trust that you will take care of me during my time at the estate."
Raina nodded solemnly, her eyes reflecting a sense of duty and loyalty. "Of course, my lady," she replied with a respectful bow. "But now that this estate belongs to you, I will personally oversee your well-being."
I felt a surge of gratitude towards Raina, knowing that I could rely on her unwavering support during this tumultuous time. "Thank you, Raina," I said sincerely, feeling a sense of reassurance wash over me.
However, as I contemplated the responsibilities that came with owning the estate, I realized that I would need assistance in managing its affairs. Turning to Raina once more, I made a request.
"Would you be willing to assist me with the management of the estate?" I asked, a hint of uncertainty creeping into my voice. "It will be my first time overseeing such a vast property, and I could use your guidance."
Raina's expression softened, and she nodded in understanding. "Of course, my lady," she replied, her tone filled with sincerity. "I am your loyal servant and I will do everything in my power to ensure that you are equipped to handle the responsibilities that come with owning the Auror estate."
"Thank you, Raina......i am happy to see you again", i conveyed my gratitude with sincerity.
After our initial discussion, Raina and I delved into a lengthy conversation about her life at the estate. She shared with me the intricacies of her daily routines and responsibilities, providing insight into the inner workings of the Auror estate that would soon become my domain.
As Raina recounted her experiences, I listened intently, absorbing every detail with a sense of earnest curiosity. From managing the household staff to overseeing the maintenance of the estate grounds, her role encompassed a wide array of tasks that required meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication.
In the days that followed, I immersed myself in the study of estate affairs, eager to familiarize myself with the intricacies of managing such a vast property. Raina proved to be an invaluable mentor, patiently guiding me through the process of handling documents, organizing schedules, and addressing any issues that arose within the estate.
Despite my newfound responsibilities, my focus solely remained on honing and growing my mana. While I dedicated myself to mastering the intricacies of estate management, I seized every opportunity to further develop my mana through meditation and training, under Tenebris's watchful guidance.
After two weeks, I found myself gradually gaining confidence in both my abilities as an estate owner and as a wielder of immense mana.
As I sat in my study, surrounded by stacks of documents and parchments, the soft rustle of the wavering curtains and the steady scratching of my pen against paper filled the room. The afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow upon the oak desk where I worked diligently.
A gentle knock on the door interrupted my concentration, and I looked up to see Raina, the head maid, entering the study with a solemn expression. "Good afternoon, my lady," she greeted me respectfully, her hands clasped together in front of her.
Returning her greeting with a weary smile, I watched as Raina carefully placed a pile of documents on the desk before me. The stack seemed to grow taller with each passing day, a testament to the ever-increasing demands of managing the estate.
Exhaling a sigh of exhaustion, I glanced at the mountain of paperwork before me and couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. "Why do these documents keep increasing?" I asked Raina, my voice tinged with frustration.
Raina's gaze softened with understanding as she took a seat across from me. "With the expansion of the estate and the influx of new tenants and resources, the volume of administrative tasks has naturally increased," she explained patiently.
"Why are people suddenly interested in this small estate?" I asked her, feeling a sense of confusion creeping in.
"As you're already aware, this estate is filled with landscapes and fertile lands. That's why farmers are especially interested in inhabiting the land in this estate," Raian explained, shedding light on the newfound interest in the estate.
"It's a sign of the estate's growth and prosperity, but I understand that it can be overwhelming at times."
Nodding in acknowledgment, I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of responsibility bearing down on me. Managing the affairs of the estate was no small feat, and the endless stream of paperwork seemed to be never-ending.
"Thank you, Raina," I murmured gratefully, realizing that I couldn't do this alone. "I appreciate your guidance and support more than you know..."
"You don't have to thank me it's my duty", Raina replied politely.