'I hope it’s not about the wedding'

The day has finally come. It's not Amelia's birthday yet but it's also something to be celebrated just as jovial.

Constance's wedding.

"I can't believe you're leaving when there's only three days before your birthday." Christa arrived to bring news of her mother's approval to become the duchess' lady-in-waiting. She came with her luggage and some other things since she thought it best if she accustomed herself before Amelia's hectic winter schedule started.

"I've never really celebrated my birthday since… you know, it's also my parents' and sibling's death anniversary." Amelia showed a curt smile, and the lady looked to the side with a flushed face. "Oh, you shouldn't feel bad about it. I know I don't. I already got used to that fact, so there's really nothing to worry about."

"I still have a lot of things I don't know about you. I apologize beforehand if I ever bring you discomfort, or I dig up some unpleasant emotions in the future. Maybe having me around wouldn't be so helpful after all."

"Oh, shush it!" the duchess turned to face her new anxious lady-in-waiting and placed her hands on her shoulders. "Where's the headstrong Christa who accompanied me to Aclador? I thought you'd be more like another Arabella. Turns out you're a lot more like Laila." Amelia walked towards the mirror to examine herself. She managed to dress well alone since Arabella was called back by her father, and Laila went to Fayburgh with her mother to check on the developments at the greenhouses.

The three of them agreed to meet at Constance's hometown where the wedding would be held. And right after, Amelia's set to travel to Fayburgh to check the situation there. Then she'll return to the palace and attend a mass meant for her family at the church.

Though it looked like a busy schedule with little time to spare for some rest, Amelia has gotten used to it. She barely even had enough sleep since she came back from the Capital. There were so many things to do, and so many to decide on. Still, this winter's a tad kinder than the previous.

"Let's go," Amelia said brimming. Constance had been a confidante and an older sister to the duchess. She's been waiting for this day since she gave her blessing to both of them.

At the foot of the stairs Ancel was already waiting and near the entrance was Vance talking to Sir Lewis who will be in charge of securing the palace in their absence. The duchess' knight greeted the ladies and then followed them out. Sir Lewis and a few of his men greeted them as well after the duchess greeted Mr. Vance.

With a light nod from the advisor, the commander of the Third Division stood in attention and saluted before making their way out.

"Your luggage has been brought to the carriage," the advisor said, "And welcome to the castle, Lady Christa." Christa curtsied low and thanked Vance.

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Three hours by carriage was all it took to reach Fedan. It's a charming little town near the mountains. Though it's quite far from Eblon, it's still one of the more established towns with inns converted to cater to citizens or tourists who wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of wherever they came from. And it's all thanks to Amelia.

When she first came to visit Constance on her way to Fayburgh. She was amazed by the different natural sights that would be hard to find elsewhere. Osmea's blessed with land, and the mountains are just as bountiful. Fedan specifically boasts Eltona with its pristine water and rich floras. The waterfall that can be found there is said to be home to the three beautiful goddesses that protect the mountains surrounding the duchy.

Since it's one of the places often visited by tourists, several specialty stores sprouted here and there. The most sought-after were sugarcoated peanuts that ranged from the size of a child's fist to as wide as they permit it to be.

And the lord that governs this flourished town was Constance's father, Count Garret Rosewall.

"Welcome to our humble estate, Duchess Florence," Garret walked towards the carriage as soon as Amelia stepped out. "I hope you had a pleasant travel," he took the hand offered by Amelia and kissed the back of it. After, he looked back and gestured to his wife, Countess Isabel.

Since Constance's her longest lady-in-waiting, Amelia used to visit here often when she came home. So, it wasn't a surprise when Constance's mother came to hug the Duchess instead.

"It's good to see you back here again, your grace," Isabel whispered as she tightened her embrace before stepping back.

"It's good to be back, as well, Isabel." Amelia beamed.

"Let us all wait inside," Garret mentioned after proper greetings were exchanged. "It's warmer there."

In the drawing room, only Amelia and her companions were there. The countess said she couldn't possibly let Amelia mingle into the crowd so early. She advised that they have some refreshments first and rest while they wait for Laila and Arabella to arrive.

"Madame Camellia made me another ridiculous dress again." Amelia leaned to murmur at Christa as she waited for Vance and Ancel to finish inspecting the food and beverage laid before them. "If Constance can see this, she would be so disheartened. There's no way my food would be poisoned. The countess adores me."

"Just because someone adores doesn't mean everyone around her does too."

"Sir Ancel! Watch your words." Christa reprimanded in a low voice. The knight was surprised to have been corrected that all he could do was blink in disbelief.

Amelia looked at both of them and let out a short and controlled laugh. "I didn't think that Ancel would be scolded by someone other than his sister." She placed a hand on Christa's arm and reassured her that it was alright. "Ancel was right. I've been poisoned once in my own home. It's not impossible for me to be poisoned at another."

"I'm ju-just following protocols set for the duchess," Ancel answered timidly, and Christa's face reddened. She quickly apologized and said that she has a lot to learn.

"That just shows that Ancel feels comfortable around you, Christa. He's usually not vocal when other people are present."

"Should I be happy about that, or do I need to prepare myself not to make needless comments the next time?"

"Needless comments are not a big deal. Arabella makes them all the time; even Laila from time to time."

"You'll have plenty of time to adjust. It's just your first day as a lady-in-waiting. Observe the others and learn from them. I'm sure you'll do just as good of a job as the others." It was the old advisor that spoke as he handed Amelia and Christa a cup of tea each. Christa looked up at him and nodded as if in a trance.

All this time, she must've been too nervous. Amelia thought that she needed to be warier of other people's feelings and thoughts so she wouldn't hurt their feelings. Rather than comparing her to Arabella and Laila, she should've said some uplifting things just like her advisor did.

After having their fill, the door opened after a series of familiar knocks. As the two newcomers pushed their hoods back, a smile cracked Amelia's face.

Arabella and Laila arrived.

Laila will accompany Amelia back to Fayburgh and Arabella will be coming home with her advisor. He said they had some things to decide on—probably about security—so Ancel will escort the ladies in their travel. Christa will be coming as well.

Another series of knocks interrupted their joyous reunion. When Vance heard the maid ask permission from the other side of the door, he opened it to see the stunned look on the poor girl standing by the door.

"Uhm… the lord and lady a-asked me to lead you to your rooms. Lu-lunch will be served an hour from now. I will…" the maid trailed off for a glance at the statue that stood close to her, "I will inform you once it's ready."

"Well, then." Amelia stood up and ran her palms down her skirt, "We shouldn't dilly-dally here. We should rest while we can. My dress has a lot of layers—not just a lot, but really a lot of layers." She emphasized and the others couldn't help but giggle. Even the maid cracked a short one, and the duchess winked at her as she passed by.

The guest rooms were on the second floor on the east side of Constance's family's estate. Through the winding stairs with fine marble balusters, on the opposing side, the door to what seemed to be the office of Count Rosewall was slightly opened. Amelia's eyes fell on it and saw the count with his hands in a tight fist, and the countess was waving hers violently as she paced back and forth in front of her husband. There must have been a problem of some sort.

When she couldn't see much anymore, Amelia hoped that it was not something related to the wedding. Any other drawbacks she could probably think of a solution, but the wedding—there's no fixing a ruined one.

"Why the long face?" Arabella's demanding tone forced the duchess to look her way.

"I think Count Rosewall is having a problem."

"Oh, I hope it's not about the wedding…" Laila joined in with a whisper.

"That's what I hope too. Everybody will be heartbroken if that's the case."

The duchess sighed, and so did the other two while Christa just looked at them, unsure whether to join the conversation or not. Arabella walked to her and said that she could be as open as she wanted to be around them. No one's judging. Upon hearing it, the new lady-in-waiting flashed a shy smile.

Once inside her room, Amelia went directly to the dresser and sat on the cushioned stool. She looked at herself in the mirror and took off her pieces of jewelry. She then untied her hair and massaged her scalp. She had tied it too tight earlier, so she's been dying to let it loose since her scalp was starting to get sore.

After placing her cloak on a nearby chair, Amelia proceeded to indulge herself in the comfort of her canopied bed which quickly lulled her to sleep.

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"I hope you all had a good rest," Lady Rosewall said as they wait for luncheon in the drawing room.

"I surely did." Amelia smiled and picked up the glass handed to her by Arabella, "If my ladies-in-waiting didn't wake me up, I would've slept through luncheon."

"Well, I am pleased that you've settled in just fine, duchess."

Amelia was about to ask if there's anything she could help with, or if there's any trouble that needed resolving but the gong for the luncheon sounded and their hosts stood up to guide them to the dining hall.

Tall golden candleholders lined up at the center of the long table which alternated with the arrangement of winter floras. The assortment of cutleries was in silver and silver-rimmed drink glasses were used. It was a highly considerate ensemble, given what the duchess has gone through these past few months.

At the head of the table sat Count Rosewall, while his wife sat on his right. Left of the Count was Amelia, followed by Christa, then Arabella and Laila. Beside the Countess was the duchess' old advisor. It was such an informal setting that suited Amelia better. She's not very good with luncheons at another's estate.

A few minutes more, a line of male servants passed through the door. Each of them handled a dish that they placed on a nearby buffet. After all of them were through, only a few remained to serve them. The Rosewall family butler was the one who personally served Amelia. From the appetizer to the main course, the dessert, and even up to her drinks.

"Is the food to your liking, duchess?" the butler asked.

"It is. Thank you, Henry." Amelia smiled curtly. The butler has been in service of the Rosewall's for decades. He could probably tell which one was walking through the halls just by hearing the sound of their heels.

Henry bowed his head and placed the glass of wine back at the buffet table. He then proceeded to walk back to his post near the door but not far from the duchess.

In the middle of the luncheon, Amelia went ahead and asked, "How are things going here in Fedan? I heard there's an increase in the number of laborers this time than the last."

Isabel looked stunned; her pie hung halfway to her mouth. She placed down her utensil and wiped her mouth gently.

"It's been—" She wasn't able to finish her sentence when the Count suddenly interrupted her.

"Everything is as it should be, duchess," he said with an awkward smile. He, too, wiped his mouth and placed the napkin on the table.

Amelia gave a glance to her advisor and then to the countess who lowered her head to avoid her. On the way back to the drawing-room earlier, the duchess managed to discreetly ask about the affairs going on in the estate and Marie was happy enough to share that the lack of hands downstairs was starting to affect the morale of the remaining few. Some took some time off to work on their farms, others took jobs posed by George Walton's company, and others involved themselves with the merchant guild.

The other two reasons were usual things that people go for in small towns like Fedan, but to involve themselves in the merchant guild was quite new.

"Merchant guilds needed people lately as they're trying to expand outside of Thuenia," Amelia noted, bringing a small cut of pie into her mouth. She then took a sip of wine before continuing, "Some other towns told me about it, and I know some of the families in my employ who tried their luck."

"Really? There were some from other towns too??" it was her ladyship.

"Of course. The time is changing. People would always want what's best for them and their families. If they think they'd earn more with a different job, then who am I to hinder them?"

"Well… you are right, duchess," Isabel said in a low voice.

"Are there townspeople here who also took jobs from the guild?" Amelia shifted her eyes to both of them. Isabel looked like she'll speak any second from now, but the duke was placid. He's harder to sway as usual. "Seems like there's only a few, maybe even less than a handful? Well, that's good. That means people here in Fedan are more satisfied with their work and their wage than in other towns. Say, Mr. Vance," Amelia turned her attention to the advisor, "Do remind me to allocate some funds and help hire extra hands for the towns who said needed some help—only temporarily though. I don't want the ones who said they'd be tending to their lands to lose their jobs entirely. Only until everything has been settled and this season pasts."

Vance looked confused but played along, nonetheless. Amelia thought he'd ask her what those towns were because if he did, her façade might've been found out.

"Duchess, the truth is…"

"Yes, Lady Isabel?"

"Isabel, stop it!" Count Rosewell warned her with a glare. Isabel stared at her husband apologetically and withdrew her hand from the table and onto her lap.

"We've been having trouble with the decreasing helpers in the estate. We are barely able to keep the remaining ones from leaving as well. Currently, no, it was as recent—but for the past few months, we could barely keep Fedan running. I was thankful to the merchant guilds for coming here. Since they arrived, the women have found a new source of livelihood. The townspeople were taught how to maximize the resources available here. The bounty the mountain and forest give us, and many other things."

Amelia's heart sank hearing it directly from the countess. She knew there was some trouble, but she didn't know it was to this extent. Once again, the duchess' was slapped in the face by the fact that Osmea's not a wealthy duchy. That Osmea only has enough to get by, and only a little to spare. A great number of funds have always been allocated to research and developing all sorts of machinery. There's financial assistance given to towns per year, but for the rest of it, they're practically on their own.

The duchess took a deep breath and sighed discreetly.

She felt like she failed them—no, she already has.

"Why didn't you report this to me?"

"We did. We were given additional funds as we've requested," Count Rosewall said with his head low and a tight grip on his spoon. "This is more of a personal matter, Duchess. Some of our businesses faced ruin this couple of months. But rest assured that the town treasury has not been used."

Amelia looked at her advisor and he replied with a nod. She might've signed the documents without carefully reading or asking what it was for. The past months have been a struggle not just for her but for everyone.

This just showed how marrying Alexander would somehow lift some of the burdens. He has all the financial capacity to support Osmea. But does she even have the courage to ask for help? If she did, he'd gladly do it without blinking. Where does her pride stand in all this? It's too much to ask—too much to accept.

"This year surely has been one hell of a fight for our duchy," Amelia started, unsure where her words would lead her, "I know it has been for me, and for you as well. This winter's more favorable to us than the previous one. I'll send some of my men to Fedan to help with security. As for your staff, I'll leave the recommendations to Mr. Vance and send them as soon as they can so you can focus your attention on balancing the workers for the fields and other areas. Would that somehow relieve your worries?"

Both the count and countess lifted their heads with a teary gaze. Isabel took his husband's hand and smiled at him, nodding. The count reciprocated, squeezing his wife's hand, and smiled back at her. Together, they faced Amelia with a smile.

"We are grateful for the help, Duchess. We've been carrying the burden since our last investment flunked. I wouldn't want to say this since he's part of your family—" Isabel dried an impending tear from her eyes.

"What do you mean? Who is?" Amelia's brows furrowed and her gaze went to Vance for clarifications but the advisor's just as confused as she was.

"Walton." The Count's former mellow tone turned hard. "He convinced us to put some investments into a new business he's come up with. It was supposed to feature the town so more would know about it. Money is an open topic in our family. We often talked about it during meals. Constance warned me about him, and I know the rumors about him too. But I chose to risk it. I know he's a businessman first, he'd want returns of his money. I waited for months for it, but he was always out of the empire and traveling. Then just a month ago I received a letter saying he was sorry for giving me bad news. The business didn't come through and there was no way for me to retrieve the money. It was my own fault for trusting him, so I didn't parade it across town and just accepted it."

"We will be careful with our investments this time. Constance was against it, so she doesn't know about this yet. She will be disappointed if she knows and will place the burden on herself. I hope this will only be between us." The countess' voice was low and pleading. Amelia then noted at the side of her eye that her advisor gave a meaningful glance at Arabella.

"I understand, Countess." Amelia flashed a soft smile. "Though he is not a direct family—and I don't think of him as one—he is still connected to my House. It's a shame what he has done to you. I hope that, in the future, if this happens again, please do tell me. Constance has been like a sister to me. Help is the least I can do for her and her family." The couple nodded and the duchess let out a sigh of relief.