Entering Odelle City (3)

Mikael's strange dream had started to fade from his memory, making way for something else that now held his gaze in astonishment. He was captivated by the incredible display of wealth that seemed to fill every corner of the room.

He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, his bare feet landing soundlessly onto the bear fur carpet beneath. He paused momentarily, taking in the luxury that surrounded him, allowing it to seep into his senses.

'Oh, that's right.'

He now remembered that it was his first morning in Odelle City. They had arrived late the previous evening, but the details of how he had ended up in this room were a blur in his mind. 

All he could recall was a sense of desperation for something to rest on after the exhausting journey.

Releasing a sigh, Mikael walked, and inched closer to the painting that had piqued his interest earlier. It showed a desert landscape, with an emerald palm tree reaching high and casting shadows over a crystalline pool. Above this desert oasis, the sky was a wide, beautiful stretch of bright blue that seemed to go on forever.

'I have never... seen anything like this. Is it an island?'

He heard there were islands and different landscapes, far across the seas and oceans. 

Almost unconsciously, his hand moved on its own, reaching out as if it could not resist the inviting water and tracing the lines of the palm fronds.

And it felt real under his touch. Although, of course, Mikael knew it was just a painting, a masterful creation by an artistic genius.

He moved on, swaying gently on the soles of his feet. His footsteps carried him toward the windows, his form still on his nightgown.

As he approached the window, Mikael's eyes fixed on the estate grounds stretched before him. From the second floor, he had a commanding view, overlooking the bustling port of the city and the vast expanse of the sea beyond.

Through the clear glass, he watched a group of fishermen go about their work. Their figures stood against the sparkling waters below. They hauled in their catch, the nets bursting with dancing fishes desperate to escape.

Mikael's eyes then wandered to the city that sprawled beyond the estate's concrete walls. He could only see a portion of it from this angle, but the cityscape was a mosaic of buildings, streets, and people going about their daily lives. 

His eyes followed the activity, noting the market and catching a glimpse of the city center with a rostrum, which Mikael presumed to be used for public speech. If only he could see that it was a scaffold for inhumane punishment to display the consequences of crimes to the public.

His eyes roamed, catching sight of a distant cliff with what appeared to be a vacation mansion. He wondered if it was owned by Nicolaus, too.

As he contemplated, a soft knock at the door brought his attention back inside.

"Good morning, my lo, er, lady," Beth greeted warmly. "I hope you rested well."

"You can't stutter around like that here, Beth," Mikael reminded her before reassuringly smiling. "But I did get some good rest."

"I'm sorry, my lady," Beth apologized. She, then, continued, "Also, it seems the Marquess will be away from the estate for a few days. He told me before he left this dawn."

"This dawn? Did he sleep here?" Mikael's brows lifted, and his mouth hung open slightly like he was about to speak but seemed lost for words.

It was a bit of a silly question if he would think about it, really. After all, they had been sharing a bed since marriage.

"Er, yes," Beth confirmed, "and he said he has urgent business matters to attend to in the city."

Mikael's cheeks warmed, his fingers instinctively grazing his lips. He searched for any lingering trace of their kiss, his mind caught in a whirlwind of confusion.

Was last night a dream, or had it been real? He prayed it was the former because the thought of it being the latter made his heart race in ways he couldn't comprehend.

Beth continued, her voice gentle. "While he's away, it might be a good time to familiarize yourself with the estate, my lady. Secretary Cade said he would be happy to tour you if you'd like."

Mikael considered her suggestion as he was still trying to take the remnants of his thoughts away from his head. "Oh, ye, yeah! You're right, Beth! I think looking around is a great idea."

Beth nodded enthusiastically. "You know what, my lady?" she began, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "This place is amazing! It's not just a mansion; it's practically a castle!"

Mikael couldn't help but agree as he looked again over the window, at the fortress-like walls surrounding the estate that created a castle-like atmosphere.

As his mind wandered empty, he was reminded of something important that needed urgent attention.

"Beth, I suppose I should work on that letter to Sir Remus. I must have my family business records delivered here so I can work on them," Mikael said. "If you could fetch me some parchment and ink, I'd appreciate it."

Beth nodded and followed the order, but she paused by the door and turned back before leaving. "Is there anything else you'd like, my lady?" she inquired. "Shall I fetch your breakfast as well?"

Mikael's stomach only protested with a rumble like it had understood. With a bashful chuckle, he agreed with a nod and watched Beth exit the master room.

...

They strolled through the corridors, Mikael and Beth trailing behind Secretary Cade, who was leading the way.

Secretary Cade first took them away from the east wing, a part of the estate with little interest in their present exploration. It comprised a private study room, the very master bedroom, and a generously sized bathroom that whispered of luxury.

After leaving the eastern wing, they stepped into the central area, where a striking difference awaited them. While the east wing's passageways were simple, the main corridors were embellished with a display of expensive decor.

Mikael's eyes wandered, absorbing the display. Despite the absence of paintings in the hallway, there were twisted columns with porcelain vases atop them, each cradling blooming flora and plants.

Mikael couldn't help but wonder how he had missed these details last night when he had walked through here. Maybe he had been so exhausted that he could not pay any attention.