Tour Of The Castle

"Well, I don't see any reason why not! It appears that you've grown more lively over these past few days, and your body is healing nicely, so..."

Bella leaned in closer to the princess, whispering into her ear as if divulging highly confidential information.

"His Grace doesn't appreciate when we deviate from his orders, but what he remains unaware of won't harm him, wouldn't you agree, Your Highness?"

Releasing a soft chuckle, Bella fixed her large eyes on Aideen's face, patiently awaiting her reaction. However, instead of the expected reciprocation, the young lady's features darkened slightly, perhaps out of fear that her venture outside her room violated the rules. 

The maid awkwardly cleared her throat, silently cursing herself for making a daring joke. She continued, 

"Please, do not fret, Your Highness. I assure you that leaving your room should be perfectly fine. If His Grace has any issues, I will take full responsibility. I promise!"

Aideen remained skeptical; trusting a maid's word was never a wise idea, particularly for someone like her. Throughout her life, she had been nothing but an object of ridicule, even to the help.

However, after spending half a week confined to a single room and memorizing every detail within it, she felt a desperate longing to explore more, even if it only meant exercising her other senses.

"Alright... Thank you, Bella."

"Let us proceed, then, My Lady." 

Bella meticulously draped a newly knitted shawl over the princess's shoulders, delicately taking Aideen's hand in hers as she guided her out of the bedroom.

The moment Aideen stepped beyond the threshold of her room, a surprising realization struck her – the space outside was noticeably colder than the cocoon of warmth she had just left. As they leisurely walked the lengthy hallway, the princess couldn't help but ponder whether her bedroom possessed some magical ability to gather warmth from the entire castle.

"Excuse me, Bella..." Aideen began, choosing her words carefully, "Why is it so much colder out here?"

The maid promptly halted, her hands frantically adjusting the young woman's shawl as she nervously responded,

"Are you feeling cold, Your Highness? Goodness, we should have dressed you in a warmer gown! Come, let's return and change your attire!" 

She was on the verge of turning around and retracing her steps, but Aideen intervened, shaking her head.

"N-No! I'm not cold; I was merely curious, that's all. I'm sorry for causing you trouble, Bella."

"Why are you apologizing, My Lady? Heavens, such a fragile heart! Well,"

Bella released a protracted sigh and resumed their unhurried stroll, providing an explanation as they moved,

"It is typically warmer inside the rooms than in the hallways because the castle lacks fireplaces outside the rooms. His Grace might have considered hiring a mage to magically warm these walls, but alas! No one was willing to come here and stay."

"A mage?"

Aideen arched her eyebrows in disbelief.

"Isn't it expensive to hire a mage for such purposes?"

The princess possessed limited knowledge about magic, but she understood that mages were independent individuals who never offered their services for free. The cost of any form of magic was exorbitant – so high that only the most esteemed noblemen could afford such extravagant expenses.

However, the notion of hiring a mage for continuous magical services was something only royalty could entertain.

The maid, on the other hand, responded to Aideen's question with an air of nonchalance and a casual shrug of her broad shoulders, 

"It is indeed expensive, but His Grace has never been known to be a stingy man. On the contrary, when it comes to spending money on those around him, his pockets seem to have no bottom!" Bella explained, emphasizing the generous nature of their benevolent ruler.

Aideen was struck with awe. The Mad Dog of Valentines, a generous person who cared about those around him? It did not quite align with her preconceived notions of Tillian, yet her understanding of him was about to face even more challenges.

As they leisurely moved through the castle, Bella continued providing detailed descriptions of everything they encountered along the way.

To Aideen's astonishment, the maid exhibited remarkable patience. In stark contrast to the maids at Count Constantine's mansion, who often treated her like a ragdoll—dragging her around, shouting, and scolding for taking her time or bumping into things—Bella allowed Aideen the freedom to stop and explore at her own pace. She answered every question and described objects with vivid detail, creating a stark contrast to the restrictive and demeaning atmosphere Aideen was accustomed to.

"Now, let's descend to the first floor and explore what lies there! While it mainly houses kitchens and the maids' quarters, the hallways are more spacious, allowing for a more comfortable stroll!"

With this enthusiastic declaration, Bella took the lead down the stairs, guiding Aideen while attentively monitoring each step. Holding onto the maid's hands as she descended, Aideen couldn't help but ponder,

'She truly possesses a kind heart. Is it possible to maintain such positivity and warmth while residing in this desolate and cold place, under the rule of a heartless man succumbing to madness? I wonder if this place holds more secrets than the rumors suggest...'

True to Bella's promise, the first floor of the castle held little of significance for the princess to explore. In fact, Aideen couldn't help but suspect that the first floor was a mere replica of the second, distinguished only by its broader hallways and increased room occupancy.

Their tour concluded at the back entrance of the castle, where the two women stood before a large, towering window and a staircase descending to a hefty wooden door securely locked from the outside.

Aideen, using her keen hearing, directed her attention to the expansive window, noticing the calm and quiet air outside. Turning to Bella, she said,

"It doesn't sound like it's snowing anymore..."

The maid, possibly attuned to the young lady's musings, released another long sigh and responded with a hint of sadness in her voice,

"The storm has passed, Your Highness, but it remains rather perilous to venture outside as the harsh winds might still make a return. Soon, the storm will progress to the border, and then the temperature will rise. I am confident that His Grace will permit you to go out then."

As Bella concluded her sentence, Aideen discerned the unmistakable sounds of horses and men, their resonant yet subdued voices creating a stark contrast against the hush of the winter air. Somewhat eager to experience a more varied symphony of sounds, the princess inquired with newfound confidence,

"Are there more people and animals outside?"

"Horses, yes," Bella confirmed. "And as for the people, they are the Raven Knights!"