It was noon when Isabelle awoke from a restless night’s sleep, and as she took in the spacious and luxurious interior, she realized that she was in Richts’ mansion. Slowly, Isabelle pushed herself up and out of bed.

Her steps naturally led her down the stairs. Isabelle’s room was on the left on the third floor, while Richt’s room and study were on the right. The second floor had a drawing room, a library, and several other rooms, including guest rooms, all of which were empty.

Descending to the first floor, Isabelle sought out the housemaid she had greeted the previous day. Although the structure of the mansion was unfamiliar, a maid who was cleaning guided Isabelle to the kitchen, making it easy for her to meet Mrs. Mason.

She was busy preparing ingredients with deft movements. She was so focused on her work that she hadn’t yet noticed Isabelle’s arrival. Isabelle approached first and spoke.

“You’re Tanya Mason, right?”

“Yeah. Is there anything you need?”

Mrs. Mason put down the vegetables she was holding, wiping her hands on her apron.

“Can you make me a meal?”

“I was going to ask during breakfast time, but I didn’t want to wake you. You seemed tired from the long journey yesterday.”

Mrs. Mason spoke with a warm voice.

“Thank you. I’ve been sleeping a lot lately.”

“Please have a seat. I’ll have your meal ready in a moment.”

Isabelle sat at the dining table. Her morning sickness kept her from eating much, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t hungry. The problem was that whenever she tried to eat, her stomach churned uncomfortably.

The repetition of the symptoms was exhausting. Still, she made an effort not to stay idle. She needed to eat something to gather strength.

Isabelle sipped the tea Mrs. Mason had prepared and waited for the food to be served. The tea was lightly scented and went down smoothly. While she sipped her tea, Mrs. Mason quickly served the food. A row of neatly plated plates lined up on the table.

“It’s herb-seasoned steamed flounder, pork and tomato stew, and shrimp sauté with cream sauce. I made a variety since I didn’t know what you’d like. If it doesn’t suit your taste, please let me know.”

Even at a glance, it was clear that her cooking skills were exceptional.

“The Duke told me to take care of you, so I’ve prepared a variety.”

“That’s more than enough.”

Thinking about what to eat first, Isabelle skillfully cut the steamed flounder with a knife. The flesh of the perfectly cooked fish flakes easily.

When she took a piece with her fork and popped it into her mouth, the soft, cooked flesh crumbled in her mouth. The texture was good, not mushy. The problem was that as she chewed, the distinct smell of fish wafted up.

Isabelle quickly spit the food into a napkin and rinsed her mouth with water. It wasn’t to the point of vomiting, but to settle the queasiness, Isabelle pounded her chest with her fist.

“Are you all right?”

Mrs. Mason asked worriedly, looking surprised. She must have prepared for a long time, so Isabelle felt sorry for not being able to eat properly.

“Are there any herbs or spices you can’t eat? Let me know and I’ll be careful next time.”

“No, it’s fine. I’ve been a bit sensitive lately.”

Isabelle continued to soothe her chest, suppressing the nausea.

“I’ll prepare something else for you. Please tell me what you usually enjoy.”

“It’s okay.”

“Still, please feel free to tell me.”

After pondering for a moment, Isabelle spoke.

“Well, do you happen to have plums?”

In fact, she had been thinking about plums for a few days. The flavor of plums lingered in her mouth, even though she knew she’d probably throw up again if she ate them.

“I don’t have any plums. Since we’re close to the fruit market, I’ll quickly go and get some.”

“There’s no need for that.”

Mrs. Mason acted like she was going to leave at any moment, so Isabelle hastened to protest.

“Let’s go together.”

“Huh? You, ma’am?”

Mrs. Mason looked surprised as if she’d heard something she didn’t understand.

“It’s just that I’m feeling stuffy.”

It was a good thing, too, because she felt like she needed to be active. She wanted to explore the streets of Vehlin to get her mind off things.

“I’d like to take a look around, but I don’t know where to go, and I’m new to the capital, so I don’t know the lay of the land. It would be nice if you could take me for a walk. Would it be inconvenient for you?”

Mrs. Mason was taken aback for a moment, as she had never had a master who was so concerned. It was strange from the start. Isabelle addressed her using respectful language, unlike other noble ladies who would condescend.

“Of course not. Come with me, my lady. I’ll show you around.”

Isabelle changed into outdoor clothing and went outside with Tanya. Mrs. Mason offered to call the coachman and have a carriage ready, but Isabelle refused. From the sounds of it, the distance wasn’t far, and she didn’t want to bother Tanya.

Vehlin was vibrant, serving as a hub for trade, commerce, and transportation. The streets were colorful, and everything was a refreshing sight to Isabelle. When Mrs. Mason saw Isabelle looking around curiously, she spoke up.

“There’s plenty to see in Vechilin. Over there, across the street, is the largest opera house in the Empire, and there are many museums and art galleries.”

“Really?”

“Yes. It would be nice if you two could go somewhere nice together, but the Duke is so busy. Perhaps you could talk to him and arrange a time.”

In her eyes, Richt and her seemed like an ordinary couple, recommending famous landmarks one after another. She had no idea that they were headed for divorce. Well, she had no way of knowing.

“I won’t be staying here for long.”

“You’re not staying here forever?”

“Yes, I’ll be leaving soon.”

Mrs. Mason’s head tilted to the side. It was puzzling that the Duke had made it clear that Isabelle would be staying here for the foreseeable future, but she had said otherwise. But it was between them, so Mrs. Mason didn’t ask any more questions. Just as she was about to turn the conversation to another topic, Isabelle spoke up.

“How far is the fruit market?”

“Almost there. Perhaps I should have arranged for a carriage after all. Does your leg hurt?”

“I’m not that weak, but thank you for your concern.”

Isabelle thought Mrs. Mason and Mia had a lot in common. Although they differed in age and appearance, they had the same attentiveness to others and the same gentle way of speaking.

Not long after, a variety of fresh fruits lined up once the fruit market came into view, and Mrs. Mason picked plums on behalf of Isabelle.