Leaving the Capital

The sun has yet to rise but people in the mansion are already awake, welcoming the arrival of the family doctor.

Mimi watched through the window as a man in his early fifties alighted the carriage escorted by the knights.

She thought the man looked her way but that is impossible as the room is dark, save for the lamp placed atop the bedside table.

Leone was sleeping on the bed, having trouble breathing due to her allergy. She clenched her fist, helpless as she was unable to alleviate her lady's suffering.

She could not medicate without the right herbs and shd could not sneak into the infirmary due to the confinement issue. All she could do is look after hef lady throughout the night and try her best to bring the fever down.

It was daylight when Mimi woke up again. Leone was already up, leaning against the headboard with a book on hand.

"My lady, why are you up already?"

"Good morning, Mimi. It's past eight, you see. Seems like you were tired so I didn't wake you up."

"I was still awake when the doctor arrived. I must have fallen asleep after."

"It's fine. I don't really mind if you overslept. You must have taken care of me all night."

Their conversation was interrupted by a series of knocks. Mimi opened the door and the maid from last night brought them a tray with breakfast.

"Thanks, Jessie."

Mimi accepted the tray then leaned closer to the girl and whispered. "Any news? What's happening?"

"I don't really know. It's prohibited to get near the Lord's room. Several knights stand guard and many more patrol the estate." Jessie whispered back.

"I see. Thanks."

Mimi placed the tray on the bedside table and helped Leone out of the bed.

Leone sat across Mimi as they share the tiny bedside table. Eating breakfast together like this is not unusual. They are friends before they are masters and servants.

Being confined didn't really change things or hurt her anymore. Several days locked in her room are simply similar to those days she felt like lazing around.

She considers the deal with her brother non-existent. It must have been the longest conversation they had. It's disappointing but she's glad he seems fine.

She also wonders about her father's situation. She's proud of being able to step up and help in terms of need but the anxiety she's feeling won't go away until she confirms that he regained consciousness. Hopefully, there would be good news soon with Dr. Dan's presence.

"My lady, is the food not to your liking?"

"Ah, no. It's delicious. I was just thinking of something."

Leone caught sight of the medium-sized notebook that Mimi usually carries around. She knows it contains information on different herbs but what amazes her are the illustrations drawn to describe each herb.

"Did you not consider changing profession, Mimi? You would be more than welcome to be a pharmacist or an assistant of one."

"Are you sending me away?"

"I'm not. It's just a waste of your ability. Though I would like it if you'll stay with me and later on become my personal doctor."

"I'm happy to be your maid, my lady. Though I look forward to that promotion."

She's still a bit feverish and cold so she stayed in bed again after having her breakfast. And perhaps due to the cold weather, she fell asleep once more.

It was dark when she woke up. Mimi was also sleeping on the couch. After a while, she heard knocks on the door.

She did not wake Mimi up as it seems the girl is having a good sleep. She put a shawl over her shoulders and opened the door herself. An unfamiliar knight stood outside.

"Good evening, my lady. The young master has called for you to the Study."

"Brother? I see. Give me a moment."

Leone closed the door and tidied herself. She also changed into something simple yet presentable, unlike the nightgown she wore.

She was guided to the study. The knight knocked on the door.

"Young master, the lady has arrived."

"Come in."

The knight opened the door. The room was wide and elegant. To the corner is a glass door leading to the veranda. Next to it was a desk with several piles of documents stacked on it.

Claude was seated behind it, Brix stood next to him, and Kiel to the side of the desk.

"Good evening, brother. You called for me?"

"I did. I hope you did not forget what you did last night."

"I won't forget. May I ask how Father is doing?"

"He is not in grave danger anymore. He will soon regain his consciousness."

"I see. That's a relief."

"I called you for another matter. Last night, we received word from the Hummingbird Division that the conquest of the west has ended. The Crown Prince will be coming back to the capital."

"The Crown Prince? I thought the Crown Prince..."

"... Don't pry too much into it. Anyway, Craig will also be coming along with the Crown Prince."

"Second brother? I am afraid I don't really remember him. I am also not acquainted with the Crown Prince so I don't understand why you're telling me this."

"Now that the first in line to the throne publicly announced their appearance, there would be conflicts arising between his faction and the second prince's. As the second prince's fiancée, you would inevitably be involved, but I would like to avoid incidents like what just happened to Father. I hope you understand my point, Leone."

The Astana Kingdom is ruled by the Astana royal family. The current king, Gustave Refuerzo Astana III is old and sickly.

The child born between him and the late Empress Elizabeth is the rumored, cursed Crown Prince, Zachary Refuerzo Astana.

Second in line to the throne is the second prince, Carlsen Refuerzo Astana, the child birthed by the King's second wife, Queen Veronica.

She would certainly be involved in the struggle for the throne as the second prince's fiancée who also basked in the fame 'Future Crown Princess' when the rightful heir is someone else.

There is also some discomfort that she dares not mention anymore.

"What do you intend to do, brother?"

"I decided to send you to our villa in Cebu for a short period of time. This is only while the father is still recovering and for the commotion soon to arise in the capital to first settle down before you appear to the society once more."

"... Alright, if brother says so. When will I be leaving?"

"The day after tomorrow."

"... I understand."

"Very well. That's all. You may leave."

Leone silently left the room and closed the door behind her. She refused the knight who offered to escort her back to her room. She's afraid he'll see the tears about to fall.

She hurriedly climbed the stairs to get out of the knights' sights and stopped on an inconspicuous corner and cried.

She was willing to accept confinement in her room even if it takes a month as long as she was in the mansion. She could hardly believe she was being thrown into a countryside villa.

She's painfully aware that Claude dislikes her but to what extent is something she could not determine until tonight.

The discomfort she was feeling earlier was more vivid. She wanted to ask something earlier but decided not to. However, she is certain something is going on. First, she wanted to confirm what's the relationship between Claude and Craig who seems to be supporting different princes, and what their fathers stand on this matter.

Leone wiped her tears away and went straight to her room.