Chapter 45
It has been few days since the incident of the greenhouse. Alice is now sitting in the deepest corner of library on the third floor, desperately trying to read the book she is holding.
"Hit. Hit. Hit."
"Yahoooooo."
"hahahahahahaha."
Though she could hear these voices, she still tried her best to concentrate. It was difficult at first, but Alice worked hard to do the only thing she has. And now she is able to concentrate a bit as she slowly started to get used to them.
As she read, she could hear the door of library open. She first thought it was Emma, but when she saw a designer skirt halted in front of her, she slowly looked up and found her grandmother standing in front of her with a smile.
"Hello Alice. Are you busy?" Countess Ashaxe asked.
"No" Alice said, "please sit grandma."
Countess sat on the empty chair across her.
"Grandma, do you finally have time to play with me?" Alice initiated the conversation.
"Ah… I have been quite busy lately. When I visited previously, we would go to a family trip twice a week" Countess said remembering the happy times.
Well. It was true. Since her father is unwell, Count Ashaxe has been fulfilling the responsibilities of the duke. Meanwhile, Countess Ashaxe is looking at the mansion in the place of the duchess. Normally, they can function without the need of Duke and the Duchess. But the huge project left behind by the current duke and the guests from North are making things difficult.
"Yeah" Alice said with a smile.
"Alice, can you do me a favor?" Countess asked.
"Yes. I will" Alice replied sincerely.
"Can you take the son of Duke Fogriever for the tour of the town?" Countess asked.
Alice looked at her with the questioning gaze.
"He asked for your guidance. Duke Fogriever said it will be good if young people can spend time together. And I think he is right" Countess Ashaxe tried to explain.
"But he is a man and I am a woman" Alice reminded.
Unlike in her past life, the people of this world still have orthodox thinking. Noble ladies of this world would get engaged at an early age and sticks to it. If they are caught alone with a man, they are labelled as characterless.
"Oh, come on. I and Duke Fogriever are open minded people. We won't mind if you hang out together. It will improve your friendship and who knows you might…." Countess Ashaxe stopped when she felt curios eyes watching her mouth.
"You might become good friends" she said with a confident smile.
"What if I reject?" Alice asked straight.
"It is requested by Duke Fogriever personally. If you reject it without any valid reason, it will be like insulting him. Please Alice. Do me this one favor" Countess requested.
Alice sighed.
"Fine" she said.
"Good decision Alice. I will go and inform them now. And Alice, your trip with Sir Fogriever is tomorrow" Countess said happily as she got up from the chair.
"Tomorrow. But…"
"I know you are busy taking care of your sick father." Countess Ashaxe interrupted her granddaughter, "But you should try to take some fresh air. It is good for the body and mind. Don't you think?"
"Yes. But tomorrow…"
"I am leaving then. You continue reading" Countess again interrupted Alice and turned.
"But. Listen to me." Alice pleaded.
But Countess Ashaxe did not. She just left the library with a broad smile. Soon after the Countess left the library, Emma entered the library slowly. She walked towards Alice. Alice, who was holding her with her hand, noticed her maid's arrival.
"Emma, at least you bring me good news" Alice said.
"I am sorry, milady. But it seems your father's temperature increased today" Emma said.
"What?" Alice asked worriedly, "I hope he gets well soon."
Under Alice's request, Emma enquired about the servant taking care of her father's food. She contacted him with a bribe and he accepted easily. Since then, he has been reporting Emma her father's health status daily.
"Was his name Marcus?" Alice asked about the servant.
"Yes, milady" Emma replied.
"Enquire about him. He is very good at work" Alice said.
"Fine" Emma said
Though it has been more then a week, Maria still hadn't got the wind of her spying. And he looks like a person who can do anything for money. Of all the people, Alice really like people who do the given task perfectly without caring about the morals.
"Ah… I am going to town tomorrow with Lord Fogriever" Alice notified.
"Oh. No wonder Countess Ashaxe came here to visit you. Is it to say this?" Emma asked.
"Yes. She is just like mother. Pushing others do what they want even though they don't want to" Alice said.
"Then I will go and prepare things needed for your trip" Emma said.
She bowed and left the room, leaving her master alone with her books.