'That's like a... curse.'

"Yes, my lady. When the war ended and just before the master and his men arrived, they said that everyone who went to war that wasn't a part of Master Leon's order of knights or who didn't come from Vervin were all killed. Every single one that came from this island all returned home. With injuries, of course, but alive!" I felt the hairs all over my body stand up as a tingle run down my spine. I hugged myself and looked at the side where Leon—probably—slept. Gone was the thoughts of other women and babies.

"That's like a... curse," I couldn't help but whisper.

I knew Leon didn't want to inherit the throne, but why? He seemed to have a good eye for talented people and has the strongest army rallying behind him, why is he not the crown prince? As far as I know, as long as you have the family, the power and connections—money, you can get very, very far as a noble.

Maybe because he's an illegitimate child?

But was acknowledged by the emperor as his child before he was even born. I heard he's even his favorite, and after winning the war, who wouldn't see him in a different light? He's strong, handsome, a little indifferent and quiet… he has these men all willing to go to war with him and back; I'm sure he has enough money to throw around too.

"That's why since they came back, Master Leon has been very busy screening those that wanted to join his guild. They said that if another war breaks, there's no guarantee of life if they march behind a master other than ours."

"Isn't it because his men are just so capable that they all came back alive?" I mean, just look at Cosmo. He's like a one of those high-ranking war gods that descended from the Heavens. I haven't seen the rest of his men, but I knew that he won't let just anyone join his group.

"Well," Viola looked around then smiled, "that's true. But people can dream, right?" her eyes squinted a little when she let out a giggle.

"If it makes them feel a little secured when it's time to go to war..." I said faintly, playing on the tassel of a nearby curtain cord. Though I said that, I was a little conflicted because if that comes in the future, then Leon would have to leave too. What if they were just lucky last time and they used up all their luck already? I don't want to be a young widow with a title I didn't even expect I'd have. What if we had kids? I don't want them to grow up fatherless!

No, no, no! Isa, calm down. You're thinking too far ahead. I have to change topics, or I'll just brood about this the whole day.

"I brought some more… cakes to snack on. The chef saw me when I was having one of the kitchen help brew the tea. He said this new cake is a must-try." Marie placed the plate of pastry in the middle of the table before pouring me some tea. What would like to do for the rest of the day, my lady? I think we've managed to enter every other room in the castle."

"Yes, we have, haven't we?" I didn't notice that I started biting on my finger again. "Oh, right… I remembered receiving a letter from Reka the other day, so I think it's time for me to spend the day in my study. Please tell Jane and the butler that I want to meet them there later." I said, slicing through the cake.

A letter arrived from one of my store managers in Reka saying there was an influx of orders for the month because there's talk about a coming royal ball or something. Since I haven't seen my would-be-husband, and don't know when I'd see his shadow again, I don't have anyone close to the palace to confirm it. Since receiving it, I haven't penned a reply yet. To pass some time, maybe I should right one later.

When our stomach couldn't get any fuller, I stood from my seat and asked my maids to prepare the bath for me while I scan through my dresser for something nice to wear today—maybe something blue since the weather's nice today… or, maybe something red instead to make me feel powerful, boost my confidence?

I had maids back in Vlona, but I always made it a point to at least pick my own clothes to wear. However, as I pushed one hanged dress one after the other, I realized that the clothes I brought with me were all a bit too… capital-ish. When we passed through Ozryn, I noted that the women here are more conservative when it came to clothing. Even the maid's uniforms all had long sleeves and ankle-length skirts. My maids back home were allowed to wear half or short sleeves uniforms and they can cut their hairs short like a man if they wanted to.

"Viola," I called when I saw her heading for the divider to the bathroom, "is there a seamstress here in Vervin?"

"Hmm… we only have the local missuses, but they only have everyday fabrics for mending or work clothes." She smiled apologetically towards me then turned to face the door when it opened and male servants entered the room carrying buckets of hot water. "I will have someone call a well-known seamstress in Ozryn tomorrow so you can get fitted, my lady."

"Yes, please do," was my only reply. By the looks of it, I won't be leaving Vervin until I get those dresses. I don't want to disappoint anyone here by dressing improperly, plus I don't want to embarrass myself either. My pride won't let that happen.

When the water temperature was just right, Viola and Marie helped me bathe and get dressed before I head out to my study. There were still some things that needed organizing but another agenda I have today was to learn everything I have to know as the new mistress of the estate—that meant the first I'm looking into are the books and ledgers of the inventory and expenses made these past years. Especially ones where the Count's not around.

Money doesn't make the world go round, but I'm sure as heck that it makes the ride more fun. Some people just get so addicted to spending and left unsupervised for years, I'm sure there's bound to be some crumbs somewhere. I can't live with people who I can't trust with my own money.

What was the butler's name again? Alester? Alexander? I shook my head. I have to ask Viola about him later. He briefly greeted me when I arrived, but I've been here for four days and I haven't seen his shadow.

"Lady Isa," it was Marie who caught my attention. She's brushing my damp hair after she massaged my scalp to the tips of my hair with essential oil. "Viola said you'd like to have your lunch brought to you in your study?"

"If it can be arranged. Why not?" 

******** 

I was scanning through the opened boxes that my maids managed to pull from the many trunks that's still sitting at the corner of the room when a knock on the door sounded, followed by a familiar voice.

"Lady Isa, it's me Jane."

"You may enter."

Jane did a little curtsy while the butler only dipped his chin.

"We haven't met." I said, walking back to my seat. When I reached it, I sat down and placed the book I was holding onto the table. "I assume you're Leon's—Count Astor's—trusted butler, am I correct?" I said but I knew it too well that a person's loyalty depends on who he's giving it to. 

"My name is Alestair Berxley, my lady." I only nodded.

"Hello, Alestair. I'm Isadora Montcroix," I leaned towards the table with my hands clasped together and my most charming smile that I have given to almost everyone who looked down on me. "I apologize for the late introduction. I'm not used of long travels, and though I enjoyed the experience sleeping outdoors for the first time, my body thought otherwise. I had only been resting since I arrived and did not have the time to sit down and talk with you. You must be looking forward to today." My smile didn't break, neither did my voice shake nor my gaze faltered.

Though I mentioned resting, Jane had been visiting me at least twice a day to check up on me. It's not like I was holed up in our room for all this time. I went to the dining hall for my meals, and even roamed around the castle with my maids. He could've met me halfway and pretended to accompany me even if it's for show plus he can judge me closer that way. They did say to keep your enemies closer. But I'm not sure why he chose to see me as an invader when it was probably him who wrote up a list of marriageable ladies and gave it Leon, so I'm at a loss of where this faint air of hostility emanating from him was coming. 

"I..." Alestair was taken aback since someone above him apologized first. "I should be the one apologizing to you, my lady. I was preoccupied with the preparations for the coming wedding that I couldn't find the time to... visit." Hmm, I'd say that's a good reason not to visit me, so I'll let this one slide even if I still can't shake off the judgmental gaze he gave me from time to time.

"I see," I nodded before turning my attention to the book ledger that I grabbed from one of my boxes earlier. It's a ledger of all my current businesses in Reka. I need to pen a letter to my uncle soon to ask him how he's doing and if there were any updates regarding my businesses. I was only given a week to prepare before coming here so I wasn't able to leave instructions properly.

I told my staff that I will be vacationing in the east, and the only people who knew I'm getting married was Uncle Quinn and Ingrid. "By the way," I looked up, "I asked Viola to call for a seamstress and she said she'd inquire someone from Ozryn. But aside from that, I called you two here because I wanted to know how the castle and Vervin is being managed. I want to read up and study about it before actually being the mistress. It's the least I can do for now, don't you think?" I flashed a smile at the two before I stood up to transfer to the couch in front of my table. I then gestured to the them to sit opposite me. "Also, Alestair," the sudden mention of his name surprised the butler. He straightened himself and pulled his coat closer together. 

"Yes, my lady?" he said after clearing his throat.

"I'd like you to teach me royal etiquette. Or maybe find someone who can. I'm educated enough to pass as a noble, but I know that the royal etiquette is on another level. I will not let the Count's good name be tarnished by my inability to get along well with others of his status." He might tarnish his good name some other way, but that won't be coming from me. 

No, not me. And I expect him to reciprocate the same, so I need to come home soon so we could talk properly about the wedding despite the... dreams that kept on reoccurring in my mind.

"I came from the young master's mother's family and had been with him since he was a babe." Alestair straightened his back and lifted his chin. "I believe I will be enough to teach you royal etiquette. If there is something you wish to learn, please inform me and I will look for a proper teacher for you." His voice sounded lighter than it was earlier as the glimmer in his eyes became apparent. and it got me thinking that maybe he's not trying to be hostile towards me; rather, he might be gauging me as much as I did towards them.

I smiled at him, "Yes. Judging from Leon's manners, the attitude of the servants I've come across with, and the state of this castle, I can only say that you two have done more than enough of your fair share to uphold the Count's name. For that, I want to thank you both." I slightly bowed my head, "I hope to learn from you and pray that we get along in the coming days. I'm counting on you Alestair, Jane... just like how Leon trusted you all these years." My smile grew wider that my eyes were slightly squinting. Jane teared up, and Alestair cleared his throat, again, prideful.

My late father always told me that there are three things that made people stay; one, appropriate compensation, two, healthy environment, and three, heartfelt appreciation. Employers such as ourselves can't perfect this all the time, but they should practice at least two of these to retain talents and people. He also said that there are no bad staff; only bad employers who can't see below and beyond the monetary values.

As I look at how happy and proud these two in front of me had become just from those simple words of thanks and acknowledgements, I relaxed and leaned back. I smiled honestly this time. I'm sure with Leons' personality, they don't get acknowledged enough. I'm more surprise that they're still hanging around.

Before any of us became even more emotional over this matter, I cleared my throat and brought one leg over the other. I leaned closer to them, palms on my knee.

"Now that that's out of the way, I have another thing to discuss with you… money."