Amelia was so surprised that her mouth inadvertently opened wide after hearing that he asked for a favor. A favor, a word that seemed so ill-fitted for him. To think that Raphael Lloyd Siegfried was asking for a favor.

“I had no choice but to agree because he asked so earnestly.”

More than that, he asked earnestly. The more she heard, the more out of character it seemed for him, and she tightly closed her eyes. It’s probably better to pretend she hadn’t heard it.

“Is it possible to start our lessons today, given the lack of time?”

“Yes, I understand.”

Considering the marchioness’s age, it was inevitable to speak formally to her as a student. After all, her aura and everything about her were quite intense.

Her first impression of her being tough was spot on. In fact, it might have been even more severe. The marchioness was in such good health that it was hard to believe her age. She was so intimidating and loud that it naturally made one feel intimidated.

“You must not underestimate your first founding festival.”

My first founding festival. Amelia had never participated before. It was a whole different level compared to her shallow self-study. Madam Blake was fierce, and it was only later that she understood why he had personally requested her.

“There’s no time, so you must learn the basic knowledge within three days. It won’t be enough to apply it in practice.”

“Yes…”

Madam Blake’s position in the social circle was big. It wasn’t without reason that she was called a madam. Even when she took a break from social activities due to her health, people sought after her. Desperate to somehow connect their daughters and wives with her. So much so that falling out of favor with Madam Blake could ruin one’s social season for the year.

But no amount of flattery or requests worked on the madam of the social circle. The fact that Madam Blake would personally teach and support her meant she was openly backing her.

“If that’s the case, why didn’t she do this sooner?”

If so, the original Amelia would have adapted well in noble society. Unfortunately, the madam had been bedridden for over six years. The reason was the death of her oldest son. Even the Iron Lady couldn’t withstand the death of her child. All that was left was a bloodline left by her son. Thanks to that, the madam still maintained her position as the marchioness.

“The timing is too perfect.”

Nevertheless, it was strange for Emila to jump into the scene, especially not as a chaperone for a lady who’s debuting but as an assistant for an older woman. Edward had endlessly praised Emila, fearing she wouldn’t trust her.

“Mother?”

“Oh, Leonel.”

Leonel was the only one who could comfort her when she quickly became exhausted from the whirlwind of lessons. Stroking his fluffy hair and pinching his cheeks brought peace to the world. This was happiness and healing.

“Are you having a hard time?”

“No… I’m fine.”

She held back her words, knowing Leonel was attending even more difficult lessons compared to her. She couldn’t throw a tantrum as an adult. By now, she was angry with the emperor. How could he contact them just a week before the founding festival?

“But… you’ve been going through a lot lately.”

It couldn’t be helped, since the madam was a perfect teacher. The word ‘half-hearted’ didn’t exist in her vocabulary. Amelia lived a busier life than anyone, stuffing her head with information about various nobles and the imperial family, not to mention, learning the nobles’ roundabout way of speaking was torture.

Can I really live this diligently, not knowing when I’ll die? But she couldn’t give up on meeting Aaron, either. Because of her, many futures were twisted. She had to muster strength for Leonel’s sake in front of her.

“Mom is okay.”

“Yes…”

Leonel was still too cute; his ears turned red whenever she said ‘mom.’ Amelia hugged Leonel and rubbed her face against his. The scent characteristic of a child brought her peace of mind. Although the madam said they would only study theory for three days, she also corrected her posture. If she didn’t straighten her back and chest properly, she would immediately feel a hand on her spine.

“Speaking of which, practical training starts tomorrow…”

The information provided by the madam didn’t help her much. While it could save her from embarrassment, it wasn’t enough to achieve her goals. What she wanted to know wasn’t among them. She could predict that practical training would be even harder than theoretical education.

Preparing for the founding festival wasn’t only hard for her. Leonel was also preparing a lot for his first banquet appearance. The problem was that Raphael was conspicuously absent from all this. Leonel was quickly taken away again. Left behind by a child who didn’t want to go, all she could do was wave her hand.

She wasn’t in a much different situation herself.

“I can’t just stay like this.”

If things continued this way, she would be caught up in Raphael’s plans and stuck with the madam until the founding festival.

***

Now was the perfect time, when no one was paying attention to her. Ann and Jane thought she was just resting. They said she could do whatever she wanted if it was her wish, but the reality was different. Since the kidnapping incident at midnight, her range of movement had been restricted. Did they think she wouldn’t notice that she was being watched closely, trying not to draw attention?

Of course, the madam was originally strict and a perfectionist, but there had to be more reasons for assigning the madam to her than just her reputation. It was a way to keep her confined within the castle.

“Could it be… because of a man?”

It made no sense that Raphael was overprotective of her for her safety. She was still eating tasteless stew and receiving examinations… Or perhaps he still needed her alive for now.

“Your Highness? Where are you going?”

“To Chester Merchantry.”

There were more than a few concerns. She hadn’t heard from the Master. It wasn’t like him not to contact her… unless someone was intercepting it in between.

“Are you going alone without an escort?”

“They can’t enter anyway. Let’s leave quickly.”

Amelia finally let down the shawl that had been wrapping her face. She slipped out while everyone thought she was resting and let their guard down. It felt like Raphael was manipulating things from behind.

“…”

“They’ll follow on their own.”

They would soon realize she had taken the carriage and left. It wasn’t exactly meant to be completely hidden. Her goal was to arrive at the merchantry faster than Raphael could find out.

“Understood.”

Urged by her, the coachman drove the horses quickly. There was no reason for the Master not to contact her. Click-clack, Click-clack. Amelia anxiously chewed on her nails.

“We’ve arrived.”

“Wait here until I come out.”

The merchantry wasn’t far away, so it didn’t take long.

“Grand…. Grand Duchess, what brings you here without notice?”

Riding in a carriage bearing the grand ducal family’s emblem, a manager rushed out from the entrance. Amelia nodded slightly at his overly respectful bow, with a posture as if his head might touch the ground.

“I’ve come to see him.”

She had to hurry, in case Raphael himself might come looking. She couldn’t just say she came looking for the Master, so she had to beat around the bush, which made Howard’s face turn pale.

“Howard?”

“I will guide you for now.”

There was a certain solemnity in the way he led her with a stern face.

“You’ll find him inside.”

She naturally thought she would be directly guided to the master’s office again. But as soon as she opened the door, all she saw was pitch darkness.

“Is this… a cave?”

She had been to this place once before. It was where she had first met the Master, where she was tested to see if she was worthy of his trust. Why was she guided here? She hadn’t been to this place since that day.

She was always guided directly to the office, where the Master was. Hadn’t she already passed?

“Master?”

She called out as if she had just arrived, but there was no answer in the cave. Just like at that time, only the large brown door shone.

“What is this…?”

Click.

She had turned the doorknob, thinking it obviously wouldn’t open, but contrary to her expectations, it turned too easily.

“Ma…”

As soon as she opened the door, she was hit by a bright light before she could adjust, and she saw flickering eyes right in front of her.