Making a fuss one moment, then immediately becoming dejected.

Lucilia’s attitude, which had been full of life as she insisted on going to the temple, changed as quickly as flipping a palm.

Karen noticed but pretended not to, responding dryly.

“I’ll call a physician.”

“No, that’s not necessary. I’ll be fine after lying down for a while.”

“Should I bring you some medicine?”

“That’s fine too.”

“Please call me anytime if you’re feeling unwell. It’s my duty to look after the lady’s health and safety.”

Karen pushed her glasses, which had slid down to the bridge of her nose, back up and bowed politely.

The empty words entered one ear and exited through the other. Instead of going to the temple, Lucilia pondered how to fill her boredom.

Though she had intended to stay cooped up in her room, it seemed acceptable to engage in activities within permissible boundaries.

“I have something to ask.”

“Please speak freely.”

“Would it be alright if I went out for a walk later? If there are any forbidden areas, I won’t go there.”

“The castle’s inner courtyard… and the western greenhouse should be accessible for strolling.”

Unable to define the exact boundaries, Karen suggested places that wouldn’t incur the Baron’s wrath.

Rather than explaining forbidden zones, she was essentially informing Lucilia of the limited spaces allowed to her.

Understanding the implication, Lucilia smiled awkwardly.

“I see.”

Though Karen was clearly her inferior in terms of status, Lucilia couldn’t help feeling intimidated.

She felt like an outsider cautiously reading the atmosphere in front of territorial locals.

With nothing particular to say, Lucilia spoke whatever came to mind.

“What is the young lord doing today? I suppose he’ll be attending mass?”

“Yes. Since praying to God for the estate’s peace is also a main duty, he must certainly go.”

“Will he return before noon?”

As the conversation continued, it might have seemed like she was desperately waiting for Aaron.

Honestly, it was true that Aaron was the only person she could rely on in Tudra. Despite his cold demeanor, she felt somewhat comfortable with him since she had seen him occasionally since childhood.

It would be nice if they could become a little closer during her stay here.

“After returning from the temple, he will likely attend to official duties. Since he’s been away from the estate for a long time, there’s accumulated work to handle.”

Karen’s tone lacked any warmth, as if reproaching Lucilia for having such comfortable thoughts.

It sounded like she was saying not to bother him as he was struggling without a day’s rest.

Karen’s attitude was definitely cold.

Though she didn’t openly show contempt, everything felt as barren as dried clay.

Sensing Karen’s discomfort at being in the same space, Lucilia quickly responded.

“I understand.”

Today seemed like it would be a very long day.

Suddenly, she thought that with time to spare, she should write a letter.

Lucilia called out to Karen, who had turned to leave.

“I have a favor to ask.”

Karen turned around, lowered her eyes, and bowed her head.

Her silent action revealed a strict impression. She seemed ready to furrow her brow depending on the nature of the request.

“Please bring me parchment and a pen. I need to send a letter to my father.”

“A letter? …Understood.”

Though she seemed to hesitate, Karen promptly brought the items.

As soon as the door closed, Lucilia pulled out a chair and sat down.

The quill pen on the table wrapped around her white fingers.

How many thoughts had she accumulated until now?

She expected them to burst out uncontrollably once she opened the floodgates.

But overwhelmed with emotion, she couldn’t write anything for a while.

“Haaah…”

After several deep breaths, she finally managed to organize her scattered emotions. Lucilia took another deep breath and adjusted her grip on the pen.

As she placed the pen tip down to write the first letter, black ink spread, and simultaneously, tears burst forth.

No matter how hard she tried to be strong, she couldn’t fully harden herself. She had to repeatedly face disappointment, confirming her weak will each time.

Perhaps if her heart became as hard as a stone, she could suppress the turbulent waves.

Only after sobbing for a long time did strength finally enter her trembling fingers.

The pen tip scratched across the surface.

She wrote asking about the circumstances that had driven her to this worst-case scenario and suggested discussing her future residence.

She also subtly conveyed her desire to return home.

The end of the carefully written letter was adorned with feelings she hadn’t been able to express until now.

I miss you so much. I pray that God’s grace remains with Teneri forever.

Due to a lack of intimacy between father and daughter, they had remained distant until now.

Having moved to the monastery immediately after being appointed as a saint, combined with her father’s naturally strict temperament and reluctance to express emotions, was the reason.

There had been almost no emotional exchange, making even writing a letter awkward.

However, she courageously put her true feelings into words.

Even if saying “I miss you” felt embarrassing, family was the only ray of hope she could hold onto now.

“Father… I know you tried to save me. So please help me once more.”

She sealed the envelope with desperate feelings.

Since she wasn’t yet a member of the Artnal family, she couldn’t use their seal.

Instead, she wrote the first letter of her name on the outside.

“I hope it reaches Father’s hands without being intercepted.”

Even to herself, her current situation seemed pathetic.

She had only ever empathized with and felt sorry for others in poor circumstances, never thinking to reflect on herself.

There had been no need to.

Though she had aimed for a frugal life, she had never lacked for food or clothing, and fame and respect had come as bonuses.

As if to awaken her to the fallen reality, her stomach clock noisily protested.

Lucilia clutched her growling stomach and stared at the door.

“Should I ask them to bring meals to my room today…”

Just then, as if by perfect timing, Bessie’s voice came through the door crack from outside.

“I’ve brought your breakfast.”

Lucilia instantly knew this was the head maid’s instruction.

Karen wasn’t soft-hearted enough to consider this an act of consideration for Lucilia’s unrecovered health.

It seemed to imply that since today was a holy day, they couldn’t allow someone called a witch to roam freely.

She had already planned to have her meals in her room, but separately from that, Karen’s heartless arrangement left a bitter taste.

“Come in.”

At least Bessie didn’t irritate her further.

She quietly lowered her eyes and placed the tray on the table with measured movements.

Her stride and volume were appropriate, as if she had received hasty training.

Perhaps she had revealed to Karen that Lucilia had used her divine power to confront her.

After she left quietly without provocation, Lucilia burst into a belated, hollow laugh.

“Indeed, the longer I stay, the more uncomfortable everyone becomes.”

After eating, Lucilia spent time in her bedroom. She stayed mostly by the window to alleviate her boredom.

She watched birds taking flight and leaves falling in the desolate wind, then familiarized herself with the faces of passing servants.

While meaninglessly collecting fragments of scenery that caught her eye, she noticed a group leaving through the mansion’s exit.

Aaron was among them.

Lucilia instinctively traced him with her gaze.

He was an enigmatic person no matter when she saw him.

The dignity of nobility coexisted with the wildness of a savage. He was as serene as morning mist yet as vibrant as a rapid stream.

He possessed a charm that captured people’s attention, making it impossible to withdraw interest at will.

The gap between them pushed her even further away.

Though she hadn’t intended to spy, she felt guilty and quickly hid behind the curtain.

Everyone seemed to be heading to the temple.

Thinking about it, her regret grew as large as a house.

The sadness she had barely suppressed surfaced, bringing a wave of depression.

To avoid being consumed by sorrow, Lucilia hummed a hymn.

After singing about three melancholy songs, she realized there was no one in the front yard.

“Sigh… I suppose I can go outside now?”

No maid followed her as she descended the stairs to the first floor and reached the entrance.

More precisely, though servants noticed Lucilia as they passed by, they merely showed respect without paying her any attention.

One might expect them to compete for the mistress’s favor, but as expected, no one ventured to take that risk.

Of course they wouldn’t want to be with her.

If they associated with a witch, they might be ostracized by their peers for being impure.

Lucilia carefully held her skirt to avoid irritating her still-healing knee as she headed toward the front yard.

Unaware that Aaron was returning in her direction.