I retreated quickly to my quarters after dinner, leaving Konrad and Allen to discuss things related to the Church and of why my brother kept his mouth shut regarding my memory loss.

I know I should be there to defend Allen but I have more pressing matters to attend to.

After changing into a comfortable nightwear, I sat down by my desk and pulled out the diary from the drawer I stashed it into.

Flipping through each page carefully, I touched each raised dots to read the contents.

It's surprising that the previous Aine diligently jotted down every tiny thing that happened in her life.

A bitter smile graced my lips every time I finished each entry.

Little Aine had hidden all of her anxieties and worries, to reassure her family that she's well and fine, until that feeling became numb and lay buried behind a gentle smile that she described as 'a healing smile for her loved ones'.

It resonated with me to a certain degree, as I also grew up that way, minus the cringe healing smile.

After wallowing for a moment on that depressing memory, I continued on to study this Aine's life up until I took over.

☆☆☆

Two weeks have passed since my arrival.

It would be great if it continued like this forever.

"Good morning, Your Grace."

"Have you had a pleasant rest, Your Grace?"

"Your Grace, the forget-me-nots are now in full bloom. Aren't they beautiful?"

I smiled at each of the servants in one of the gardens I have taken a liking to have my morning walk in.

"I've mostly recovered now, as seeing the beautiful plants in this garden has truly helped me relax." I told them, making them laugh sheepishly.

I am not a morning person, nor do I like walking this early.

However, that damn Konrad still hasn't returned back to the royal palace and instead, is having his unplanned vacation here at our residence. He's been pestering me for walks and tea times, even bothering me when I'm having my reading time.

I had to make do on avoiding him for the meantime, since I already gleaned enough information from him for the past weeks. Thankfully, his mornings are occupied by the work that Allen had somehow brought over quickly from the royal palace.

Protective older brothers are wonderful to have.

I've also regained at least thirty percent of this Holy Maiden's abilities, giving me a sense of relief now that I no longer have to fear that I'd be exposed as a fake even if the Church comes knocking to demand and see me.

"Your Grace, would you be having tea in this garden?" Robbe asked.

I looked around carefully, in case there's a blond prince lurking about.

"I think this place is perfect. The flowers here are refreshing to the eyes."

I stayed by one of the forget-me-nots bushes as they set the tea table up in a small pavilion by the corner, touching the small petals idly.

Once settled in the pavilion for my tea time, I sighed contentedly.

It's nice to live without much worry about work deadlines or how I'll be able to scrounge up enough to pay the bills.

Being a freelancer is tough.

Well, I still have other worries but having lived paycheck to paycheck has slightly warped my senses.

I enjoyed my tea time quietly and spacing out, staring at nothing.

There's no perks to me being the original creator of this world, so I can't rely on the planned scenarios that I could remember.

However, there's two important perks of being a member of House Carran alone: money and influence.

I have to make use of those wisely.

Setting the teacup down with a loud clack, I let out a low hum.

I need to establish a covert intelligence group if I want to be on top of things, seeing that I cannot rely on Allen or Konrad to share sensitive information with me.

Serving as a barrier maiden has its pros and cons: I can sense any unnatural movements in the ether within the kingdom and can track down specific ether signatures, but I won't really know the important happenings, nor can I learn what's going on outside the kingdom.

"Is something the matter, Your Grace?" Robbe asked with a frown.

"Is it possible for me to go out of the estate for a few days?"

Robbe was stunned at my question, while Marie, who was about to return with fresh new cookies, only stopped on her tracks with a flustered expression.

"May I ask why, Your Grace?"

"Is there a reason why I couldn't go? I've been staying within these walls for so many years, isn't it natural to be curious about the world outside our home?"

Robbe and Marie glanced at one another with obvious unease.

"Robbe, is it not possible for me to travel for leisure?" I asked pointedly.

Robbe only bowed his head. "I'm sorry, Your Grace. I cannot give a proper answer to your question."

"Why is that?"

"His Grace Allen holds the decision for it."

I closed my eyes at that.

Protective older brothers are not fun to have, it seems.