The following morning, I was woken up by several knocks on my door. “Young master, we’re coming in” I could hear Gwendolyn’s voice calling out. 

“Morning Gwendolyn, Yvonne and Saiorse” I said my voice still hoarse from sleep. 

“Yes good morning young master Simuel. We’re here to help you get dressed. You’ll be going out with your father later this morning.” Right. Yesterday at dinner, Donellan offered me to accompany him to the Capital and I  agreed. Remembering my plans for today, I eagerly got out of bed and allowed my maids to help me get ready. Since we were going to be out for some time today and it was my first outing in awhile Gwendolyn wanted to make sure I looked extra nice today. The girls dressed me in a white blouse with silver detailing on the sleeves, a black and silver vest to go on top of the blouse, black dress shorts, an elegant broach as well as my ring. My hair was styled neatly and they finished off the look with black dress shoes. As I looked in the mirror, I couldn’t help but admire the reflexion looking back at me. My nice attire paired nicely with my youthful face giving me a slightly mature look. Seriously the men in this family are truly a sight for sore eyes. 

After getting dressed, I made my way to the dinning hall to eat. Since I couldn’t hold my excitement, I practically scarfed the food down and I could tell Gwendolyn wasn’t too happy about that. Shortly after, Emille came to let us know that Donellan was waiting for me by the entrance. As I made my way down, I came face to face with Donellan and noticed that our outfits were matching at least in terms of colour. The Grey family seems so only wear neutral colours such as black, white and grey. Not that I had any problem with that considering how I wasn’t all that into bright colours. “Good morning father.” I greeted Donellan with a smile. 

“Good morning, are you ready to go?” 

“Yes~” I replied back gleefully. 

Gwendolyn who was right behind me let out a small chuckled, Donellan only cleared his throat to that and made his way to the door, exiting the house. There was a carriage waiting for us outside and I noticed there were two knights, the same knights I saw previously waiting outside as well. One of the knights was a young women who looked no older than 24 adorned in a black and silver knights uniform, she had light pink hair with specks of gold and similarly piercing gold eyes. Beside her there was also another knight this time a young man who wore the same uniform and had similar features as the woman but had a much softer look to him. They both exuded the same powerful aura and looked a little intimidating from afar. 

“Laetitia, Lenard” Donellan called to them. “Yes my lord, we are ready to depart.” They said in unison while bowing respectfully. 

As I approached the carriage, the woman who noticed my presence (or she probably knew I was there but just now acknowledged it) turned to look at me and I could tell she was observing me. For as long as I’ve lived in the manor and based off of my memories of the novel, Simuel had never really come into close contact with any of his father’s knights. It was said that Simuel unconsciously avoided them if he could help it, but then again it was really rare for them to be seen since they were always away whenever the Earl wasn’t present. They helped Donellan a lot during subjugations. So this might’ve been the first time he as his former self and he as Simuel are seeing a knight face to face. Both Simuel and Laetitia hadn’t noticed that they’ve been staring at each other for quite some time now, while one was looking at the other with curiosity, the other was looking with vigilance and confusion. It wasn’t until the knight beside her Lenard I presume spoke up that they broke out of their staring match. 

“Hello young master I’m Lenard LeBlanc, it’s nice to meet you. I think this is the first time we’re seeing each other.” Lenard said with a smile on his face. I turned to face the person addressing me and was met with eyes full of intrigue and curiousity. Whether that was a good thing or a bad one, I’d find out later. 

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you as well. Thank you for your hard work.” I said feeling a little shy. I could tell he was one of those overly friendly type and I didn’t deal well with those kind. 

Finally the knight named Laetitia made her introductions. “I’m Laetitia LeBlanc, it’s nice to meet you young master.” She said plainly.  

“Likewise.” For some reason this woman makes me feel uncomfortable. Maybe it was because she was very dimissive as if I wasn't worth her time, not that I really cared since I was used to this kind of attitude but still. To put it quite simply she gave me the ick. I could tell that she and I wouldn't get along. As if if noticing my discomfort, Donellan guided me into the carriage, he turned around told Emille to take care of things while he’s gone. And with that, we left.                                                   

                                                                                        

During the ride, I was in deep thought. I still couldn’t shake the weird feeling I got from Laetitia. It was like she was looking at me but looking past me as well. I could be overthinking things but it really did look like she was peering through my soul. It was disconcerting to say the least. 

Donellan on the other hand was observing his son and could tell something was bothering him, but seeing as his son wasn’t saying anything and he didn’t want to pry he decided to let it go. But deep down he wished his son would open up to him if he had any concerns. Of course he knew that the chances of that happening were slim considering how strained their relationship had been. It’s not like he could ask his father for advice when his father has been nothing but cold to him. Thinking about this brought Donellan’s mood down and a cold aura had enveloped the carriage. Simuel noticing the drop in temperature was startled for a second and looked up only to see his father’s mood had changed, but soon Donellan’s expression went back to normal. Simuel almost doubted if he had seen wrong. Feeling a little concerned, he decided to ask his father if everything was okay. 

“Father,” he said trying to get Donellan’s attention. He looked up from the many paper’s he was reading. “Are you feeling alright?” He said with a look of worry on his face. The dark feeling that overcame Donellan awhile ago had finally dissipated and his mood had improved. Looking at the look of worry and concern on his son’s face he unconsciously relaxed his expression. 

“Why wouldn’t things be alright” He retorted his eyes looking back at his papers. 

“Oh, well if everything is alright then that’s fine” Simuel replied back looking a little embarrassed. 

Lenard who was outside the carriage riding his horse heard this and couldn’t help but laugh, his sister on the other side gave him a stern look and he immediately turned off his keen sense of hearing. I guess I should give this strange pair of father and son their privacy he laughed to himself. 

After a brief moment of awkward silence, Simuel cleared his throat and decided to alleviate the weird air in the carriage. “Um, father I’ve been meaning to ask but how many knights to you have assigned to you at the moment?” 

Donellan upon hearing his sons question once again looked up from his papers and looked at his son. “As of in this moment I only have two escort knights since we are merely going to the capital on business there are no need for more.” 

“I see. Those knights called Lenard and Laetitia are like bodyguards.” I mumbled to myself. 

“Bodyguards?” Donellan asked curiously. He had never heard of such a term before and was curious as to how his son knew of such a term. Oh crap! I completely forgot that this dude has super hearing and that even if I whispered in the smallest voice possible I’d still be heard. 

“Uh bodyguards are like guards they are charged to keep you safe when you go out” I said quickly. 

“I see. Bodyguards. I guess the term applies in this case.” 

“Right. So how long will it take for us to reach the capital?” I asked in hopes of changing the subject. Donellan looked at his son with a slightly amused expression on his face. He looked out the window and finally said:

“In about an hour or so.”