The Artful Gallery (1)

The corridor ran through the east gallery after taking the alternative stairs to get there rather than the main one.

"Marchioness," Secretary Cade pronounced with pride, his extended hand sweeping toward the paintings, "these are paintings that the former Master had collected."

As they entered the gallery, Mikael and Beth surrounded themselves with paintings featuring ships. They felt like travelers who had footed into a wonderland of awe.

Some paintings depicted serene sea voyages, with sails gently catching the wind, capturing where the horizon seemed to stretch out endlessly. Underneath the ship, the waves rolled and flowed in, while seagulls soared overhead in the distance.

However, the true gem, the masterpiece that dominated an ample space on the wall, showcased a portrayal of a ship confidently steering tumultuous waves, as though confronting the ocean's wrath.

The vessel appeared small and vulnerable against the expansive ocean, yet persevered stubbornly.

Mikael's eyes followed every detail of the ship, marveling at the artist's talent in making it come alive on the canvas. He could almost experience the wooden planks creaking and the waves crashing.

'I haven't had the chance to board a ship.'

Alongside these seafaring illustrations hung on the walls, a painting of Odelle's port showcased a massive ship anchored, its hulls towering like a giant against the cityscape.

The port stormed of sailors rushed about, actively involved in loading and unloading the cargoes. Meanwhile, some traders looked like they were engaged in negotiations over the goods.

"These paintings are incredible," Mikael whispered, his voice filled with admiration. Beth, standing beside him, nodded in agreement. 

"They truly are, my lady. Each one of them tells a story," replied Secretary Cade.

Mikael could not tear his eyes away from them, drawn in by their sheer beauty. He could, as if, feel the call of the sea in each stroke of the brush of the paintings.

As he studied the paintings more closely, Mikael suddenly realized that they all depicted a single massive ship.

With a quick glance down the hall to ensure no one was nearby, Mikael leaned closer to Secretary Cade. "Is this... the Wolfram's ship?"

Secretary Cade bobbed his head approvingly, equally entranced by the artwork just like Mikael. "Indeed, my lady. This ship was the pride of the Wolfram family, having faced countless storms and journeyed to distant lands in search of trade opportunities."

"Amazing," Mikael gasped, his fingertips coming close to the painted surface. "I never knew the Wolfram family had such a history on the sea."

Secretary Cade beamed warmly, and his eyes deeply appreciative. "Indeed, my lady. The former Master dedicated his entire life to growing the family's trading business. This ship was his pride and joy."

But Mikael caught Secretary Cade was looking sad. He asked, "What happened to the ship? Is it still sailing?"

Secretary Cade's expression turned somber. "I'm afraid not, my lady. It was lost at sea after a fierce storm many years ago."

Rather than staring at the painting, Mikael focused on Secretary Cade. It seemed something had gone on with the ship that caused devastating loss to the family.

After a sniff and a throat clearing, Secretary Cade proceeded with a forced cheerfulness, saying, "W, Well then, let's continue! I will show you to the library first, then the other rooms and halls. Then, I would show you to the greenhouse garden."

...

The head maid tapped her knuckles on the door, her tray holding a cup of tea emitting steam and a small medicine vial. Upon receiving a muffled acknowledgment from inside, she gently pushed it open and stepped into the room.

The mistress she served was standing by the window, her gaze fixed on the view outside.

"Madam Isabel," the head maid called her mistress' attention.

Having moved her focus from the window, Madam Isabel made eye contact with the head maid. "Oh, Celia, you can just put them on the table," she said, gesturing to a nearby wooden surface without much emotion.

The head maid adhered to the request, carefully placing the tray on the table. After arranging the cup and medicine vial, she took a step closer. "Madam Isabel, the family doctor advised you to rest more," she urged softly.

Madam Isabel's worn features revealed the marks of her age, her once jet-black hair now dotted with strands of gray, which shimmered in the sunlight.

Her deep-set eyes held the hue of hazelnuts, and she wore a modest yet elegant long nightgown in a muted shade of lavender that draped gracefully over her slender frame.

Madam Isabel continued to gaze outside, her delicate figure framed by the morning light. Her eyes were fixed on her beloved view of the greenhouse garden when she noticed figures approaching.

Among those figures, one stood out with distinguished silver hair glinting like polished steel in the morning sun. She was not difficult for the eye to catch attention.

"Did my son arrive last night?" Isabel inquired without taking her eyes off the garden. "Why have I not seen him?"

The head maid hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "The Marquess attempted to visit you late at night upon his arrival, but you were already asleep. Then, he left at dawn to supervise the matters at the port."

Madam Isabel's gaze remained fixed on the garden. Amidst the lush greenery, a flash of bright silver moved, darting about like a curious rabbit.

Gracefully, she pointed toward the figure through the clear glass window with her slender finger. "Her."

"Her?" the head maid asked, her brow furrowing in confusion, following the direction of her mistress' pointed finger. Slowly, understanding dawned on her.

Madam Isabel nodded in affirmation. "Is she my daughter-in-law?"

"Oh, yes! She came with the Marquess."

Madam Isabel's curiosity deepened. "Tell me more."

"Madam, the Marchioness is exceptionally stunning. I've never seen hair of such a unique color, a silver so dazzling. And her skin, Madam, is flawless and fair," Celia rumbled nonstop, adoring the Marchioness.

Listening to her loyal servant of many years, Isabel smiled and reached for the medicine vial. Her fingers trembled as she carefully uncorked the vial. With a twist, the vial opened, releasing a strong medicinal scent that filled the room.

Having downed the bitter concoction in a single gulp, the taste hardly fazed her. After all, she'd become quite accustomed to this medicine from numerous previous doses.

"I should throw a welcome party for the Marchioness," Isabel declared.

"Madam, you are not in the condition to exert too much energy," Celia cautioned. "You could simply ask Cade to handle it."

"Fine, then. I'll make a list of things to be done and have him take care of the physical preparations."

Celia sighed in resignation. She knew that when Madam Isabel set her mind to something, she could be quite stubborn. "I shall fetch your papers and ink."

Isabel gently set the empty medicine vial on the table, her attention returning to the petite lady in her greenhouse garden.

As she observed the lady, her thoughts drifted to her daughter, Aurel. It struck her that they were around the same age at that moment. Isabel wondered how it would be wonderful if they would get along. That way, the cute rabbit would not feel alone.

With a warm smile, she leaned in slightly on the window. "Oh, Celia," she began, "could you do me a favor and pass on a message to my daughter?"