Chapter 25: Zephir's Back
As the daughter of the heiress to the Viscount of Belka, I had learned how to run the estate. However, as one would expect, the Varshe Territory is large and there are many people working in the castle. She could not learn it all at once.
However, I tried to walk around the castle every day and greet people as much as possible. Even those who were awkward at first began to relax their cheeks as I approached them.
I am impressed by your good-naturedness,...," said Daymond.
Oh, no, I don't think I'm a good-natured man.
I am very happy to say that it has been most effective for Master Ludwig, and this morning he asked me to tailor a matching outfit for the two of you. ...
"Daymond! Next time, show us the stables!
Oh, yes, of course.
Daymond is a very nice man, but when it comes to Master Ludwig, he never stops talking. The stories about his childhood were very interesting and I could see how much he was loved growing up. However, after the death of the previous lord and his mother, and after he was cursed by a witch, it was tough for him.
Even so, Daymond continues to support Mr. Ludvik behind the scenes and in the sun. He is probably the most dependable person in the castle.
But I didn't know she was so knowledgeable," he said. She can even read the accounting documents.
It was a small estate in the countryside, but I was the heiress until about a year ago. I only learned it from my father.
In those days, I used to ride on horseback to ask about the territory. All the people in the fief called me "princess" and loved me. Daymond raises his eyebrows when I tell him of my fond memories.
'Well, ... I heard you were playing around in King's Landing,...?
What's wrong?"
Oh, no, nothing, sir."
He exhales a breath of relief after a moment of dread, as if to reassure himself from the bottom of his heart.
Truly, the castle is much brighter now that you are here, Mistress.
Is that so?"
Yes, the workers at the castle are especially happy to see Master Ludwig's face light up. Everyone is very impressed with how wonderful marriage is.
It's ... simply because I've gotten rid of his curse,... but it makes me happy to hear him say so.
I'm so glad to hear that, because until now I'd inevitably put fear in them. Now the children are smiling and waving at me, and they are puzzled.
The effect of the curse on his face was terrible. It must have been really hard for him to have made people afraid of him.
But come to think of it, the first night I broke the curse that was on my lower body, ... I wonder what kind of curse that was. I haven't heard anything from Master Ludvik.
As we were walking together, wondering, a familiar figure comes from the front. It was Zephir, son of Daymond and close associate of Mr. Ludvik.
Where have you been all this time? Master Ludvik is worried about you.
Daymond, who had the face of a father, called out to him. Zephir looked paler than before, and his eyes were dimpled. He had always been unfriendly to me, but now he was even more so," he said.
'No, I was only moving as ordered. ... where are your father and the others going now?"
'I am about to show Lady Alyce the stables.
I'm about to give a tour of the stables to Alicia and her family.
Then, on behalf of my father, I will show you around. You can ask me anything about horses.
Well, ..., that's..."
I had not expected him to show me around.
But he is Ludvik's closest confidant. I wanted to ask him why Zephir did not like me.
Shall I use the time to go to the stables and ask him?
I understand, I'll leave it to Zephir to show me around. Thank you for your help, Daymond. Have a little rest."
I thank you for your consideration, Mistress .... Zephir, you're in charge now.
Ah."
Daymond looks relieved to see his son. He is still of age, after all, and should not be forced to do too much.
He walks along with Zephir, following at his back. He is not as tall as Ludwig, but he too is quite tall. Like Daymond, he has long, thin silver hair that is tied back in a knot.
As a close aide, he also works out regularly and used to serve in the military.
He is trustworthy and important, Master Ludvik said. But he is also stubborn, just like Daymond.
As we spend the night together, Master Ludwig tells me important things in small talk. I was so happy that he seemed to be opening up to me that I devoted myself to listening to him.
There were many nights when he would just hold me in his arms without a word. He was a zetzlin after all.
This is the stables. I'm sure you saw it once."
Yes, I wanted to see the girl I rode when we went to the lake. I wonder if she is here.
If it is the horse, he was injured and has moved to another place. Would you like to go see her at ...?
Zephir turned and stopped. I was worried when I heard that the horse had been injured. A horse's injury, even a small one, could be a drag if it was not fixed properly.
With my hands, I might be able to heal a small injury. I wanted to do something about it before it became fatal.
'Will you take me to that girl?
I will.
Zephir was as unsociable as ever, and I couldn't find a chance to talk to him. He walked towards the main gate, following the back of the crowd.
I'm going to go to the school! Where are you going? I have been told by Ludwig that I am not allowed to go outside the castle.
Oh, that's all right then. I'll go with you.
"Is that so?"
Yes, the horse is at another house on the outskirts of the city, and Master Ludvik said it would be a good idea to take him out for a tour of the city.
Oh, I hope that won't be a problem.
The most important thing to remember is that you can't just take a chance on the market and expect to be able to get a good deal on a product or service. The most important thing to remember is that the best way to get the most out of your money is to be prepared to pay for it.
Without question, I climbed into the carriage he had prepared for me. I heard that the escort would be accompanied by a horse, so I sat down with peace of mind.
I sit back and enjoy the scenery I can see from the carriage window.
◆◆◆
I wonder if we're going a little too far ....
The carriage does not stop after a tick. It has already passed through the town and is running alongside the street. It is a single road surrounded by fields.
Zephir! Where are you going?
I open the communication window and call out to him as he sits in the driver's seat, but he doesn't answer me. I wonder, but I can't jump out of the speeding carriage.
I look out the window to see if there are any guards, but they are not there, as they should be. I wonder how long they have been away from me, and I am alone with Zephir.
I pounded hard on the door, but the carriage didn't stop.
It's funny ..., isn't it?
I was a bit suspicious about this situation. But there is nothing I can do about it. I don't know what Zephir is thinking, but I'm sure he'll get somewhere.
All I can do is to wait patiently for that time. My chest aches with worry and nervousness, but it is at times like this that I need to calm down.
Eventually, the carriage slows down and stops in front of a mansion with a high ivy-twined wall under a sky covered with clouds.
"Alicia, please get off."
Where are we?
'You will find out when you come inside.
Zephir took my hand without expression and helped me down the stairs. I remained silent and shrank back into the cool air.
His hand was cold and I could not shake it free.
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