Chapter 3 – Exploration (Part 6)

After the dining room tour, the butler began explaining the main building and led Elysia to the second-floor corridor. The second floor of the main building housed the bedrooms of the Ducal family.

However, something caught Elysia’s eye in the second-floor corridor. Even within the predominantly dark Ducal estate, it was a particularly ominous-looking fabric decoration.

A curtain, about the width of two doors, hung perfectly from ceiling to floor. In the center of the curtain, two snakes intertwined to appear as one two-headed snake were embroidered in a dark color barely distinguishable from the fabric.

‘What is that creepy piece of fabric?’

Elysia approached the curtain, curious about its presence, which exuded an unusually unpleasant aura even in the dark Ducal estate.

“You must not approach.”

At that moment, the butler stepped in front of the curtain. He had been explaining how even the corners of the corridor had stories due to the mansion’s history, yet he had somehow noticed her approaching the curtain. Feeling like a child scolded for touching an exhibit in a museum, Elysia withdrew her hand.

“Madam. The curtain is specially reinforced with various alchemical treatments, so it’s best not to touch it.”

Curious as to why a curtain reinforced with alchemy was oddly hung in a corridor corner, Elysia answered cautiously, noting Pedro’s displeased expression.

“I see. I’ll be careful in the future.”

“This curtain was installed during the time of the previous Duke. As the lady of this house, you are free to go anywhere and handle anything, but I ask that you refrain from uncovering this. And I apologize for not being able to provide further details.”

The butler, while explaining, seemed anxious that Elysia might inquire about the contents of the curtain. Realizing that the curtain held a significant secret, Elysia responded firmly.

“Yes, don’t worry. I’m not curious about why it’s there, and I won’t come near it in the future. I don’t plan to ask the Duke about it either. I’ll pretend I never saw this curtain.”

Pedro seemed rather taken aback by Elysia’s unexpectedly firm response. However, seeing Elysia turn away from the curtain and move on, he soon composed himself and followed her, continuing to explain the decorations in the corridor.

On the outside, he seemed to have regained his composure, but Pedro’s inner thoughts were like this.

‘The Madam is as upright as the Duke. She doesn’t trouble the staff or show excessive curiosity. Truly a fitting lady chosen by the Duke.’

It wasn’t that Elysia wasn’t curious about the secret of the curtain. However, her desire for safety outweighed her curiosity.

In many novels Elysia had read, the protagonist was often given such a secret. When the protagonist unveiled the curtain of secrets, events would occur, and solving them could lead to rewards. Conversely, some protagonists, unable to resist their curiosity, would unearth secrets they shouldn’t and meet horrific and tragic ends. Regardless of the conclusion, the important thing was that the protagonist had to diligently uncover secrets and resolve events to reach the end.

‘I’m not that diligent. And judging by the atmosphere of the Ducal estate, unveiling this curtain would lead to a terrible end, not a reward, like the wife in ‘Bluebeard.’ So, I won’t be curious or unveil it. No, I won’t even step foot in this main building!’

Although she was here to become the Duchess for her family, Elysia’s goal of living quietly, long, and comfortably remained unchanged. Reflecting once more on her life philosophy, Elysia moved on. Pedro, wanting to expose Madam to bright sunlight and fresh air as soon as possible, quickly finished the tour of the windowless second-floor corridor of the main building and led Elysia outside.

Once outside the mansion, the sight of a clear blue sky dotted with white clouds greeted them. However, even such a backdrop couldn’t soften the gloominess of the dark Ducal estate building.

Pedro began explaining the exterior of the Ducal estate. He said it was made of reinforced stone, making it resistant to fire, water, pollution, and other damage.

“So, the dark color of the Ducal estate is because the materials are limited due to using alchemically reinforced types.”

Elysia thought this was understandable and asked in return. However, Pedro hesitated slightly before answering.

“…That is due to the preference of the head of the Grendel family when the Ducal estate was first built. Since ground magic stones are mixed into the building materials, the exterior couldn’t be any desired color.”

It seemed a preference for gloomy and dark colors ran through the Grendel Ducal family’s blood. Elysia was at a loss for words.

The garden of the Ducal estate was composed of neatly trimmed, lined-up trees, encompassing the massive mansion. The butler explained that due to the guards patrolling the area frequently, it was as safe as an impregnable fortress.

Hearing this explanation, Elysia thought it was a perfect excuse to escape the butler. Finally, she had a reason to be free.

“Then I suppose I can look around the garden by myself.”

The butler couldn’t hide his dismay.

“It’s dangerous to be alone…”

“I’m very reassured to hear it’s as safe as an impregnable fortress.”

“If you were to trip while walking…”

“Do you think my gait is that unsteady?”

Startled, Pedro strongly denied it.

“Not at all. You walk very nobly, elegantly, and gracefully.”

“Then there’s no need to worry. The Ducal estate is safe, and there’s nothing wrong with my walking.”

Having explained the Ducal estate as a very safe place himself, Pedro could no longer insist on assigning maids or guards and had to leave Elysia alone in the garden and return to the mansion.

Finally, Elysia could escape the never-ending history lecture of the butler and be alone. She walked along the path paved with garden stones surrounding the mansion, letting out a weary sigh.

***

Butler Pedro headed to the servants’ entrance of the mansion. There, Ronan Hass, Aaron Hass’s older brother and manager of the Haas Trading Company, had just arrived with workers for a delivery.

Ronan, unlike usual, was dressed in a very neat black suit. This accentuated his handsome face, sleek physique, and broad shoulders.

“Butler Pedro, it’s been a long time, and you look much younger than before. Have you had some good fortune lately? Share your secret to staying young with me.”

Today’s Ronan, with his slightly reddish-blond hair neatly combed back, looked like a high-ranking noble attending a gathering. Despite his appearance, his conduct was the same as ever, smiling and making flattering remarks.

“Mr. Hass, you’ve come in person today. Is there something going on?”

“Not at all. I came to ensure that sending only workers hasn’t caused any offense and to check if there are any issues that haven’t been communicated to me. Is the Duke in?”

The butler explained with a troubled expression that the Duke often left the house and that an appointment would be necessary if he wanted to meet. Ronan smiled lightly and replied regretfully.

In fact, Ronan already knew that the Duke would be absent around this time. Therefore, he chose this time to avoid interference with his purpose.

“Oh, I also brought a congratulatory gift. I heard about the engagement. Since the Duke isn’t here, please make sure to deliver it to Duke Grendel personally. And I’d like to formally greet the future Duchess as well.”

Pedro’s expression hardened upon hearing this. Knowing Ronan’s reputation as a notorious flirt and the rumors about him that spread, he didn’t want him meeting Elysia.

‘There’s no need to meet so soon, especially with someone like him wanting to meet Madam. Absolutely not.’

Pedro answered firmly.

“She’s currently resting, so it won’t be possible.”

“Oh, what a pity. Then I’ll meet her another time.”

Seeing the butler visibly wary, Ronan thought of him as a perceptive old man and took a step back. Soon, the workers asked where to place the goods, and Pedro told them to follow him, leaving Ronan behind.

Left alone, Ronan soon spotted Millie passing by near the warehouse. He already knew through Aaron that Millie had become Elysia’s exclusive maid. Ronan naturally approached Millie and struck up a conversation.

“Well, if it isn’t Miss Millie? I heard the future Madam is resting, yet here you are, taking a leisurely stroll alone. By the way, resting at this hour, the new lady of the house must be quite lazy.”

Ronan knew well that even someone who wouldn’t normally speak honestly might inadvertently reveal the truth to correct a false criticism. As expected, Millie flared up.

“I’m not a young lady. And Madam isn’t being lazy; she’s taking a walk in the garden, enjoying some alone time. Please refrain from speaking disrespectfully about our Madam.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I acted carelessly because I’m so hungry. I rushed here to the Ducal estate and haven’t had a meal all day. If you could forgive me, would you be able to bring me some tea and sandwiches?”

Wielding his greatest weapon, his charming smile, Ronan asked Millie. Feeling guilty for having just flared up at someone who was hungry, and further swayed by Ronan’s charm, Millie blushed even more. In the end, she grumbled about being tasked with a bothersome chore but told Ronan to wait a moment and headed to the kitchen.

Having easily rid himself of surveillance, Ronan hummed a tune as he briskly made his way to the garden.