Chapter – 13

“I am Kate, personal maid to Lady Plumette. I began working at the Fritzki estate when I was fifteen years old and was soon assigned as her personal maid, as I was the only one close to her age at the time. It has now been six years since I began serving her.

However… these past few days, I cannot help but notice something unusual about Lady Plumette’s behavior.

I still remember the day it began.

When I entered her room that morning, I found two cups of tea placed on the table, and Lady Plumette lying on her bed, murmuring to herself. I chose not to disturb her and quietly cleaned the table before leaving.

Later, when I returned to inform her that dinner was ready, I found her staring into space, still speaking to herself… as though lost in her own thoughts.

And now, it has already been three days since then.”

Kate walked a short distance behind Plumette, keeping a careful eye on her to ensure she didn’t bump into anything. Though concerned, she knew better than to question her lady directly. For now, the best she could do was continue fulfilling her duties.

Plumette soon took a seat at the tea table arranged in the garden. After a moment, she looked up at Kate.

“Kate, come and sit down.”

Kate obeyed and took a seat across from her.

“What can I assist you with, my lady?” she asked politely.

Plumette hesitated briefly before speaking.

“This is about… a friend,” she began. “Recently, a man she is interested in confessed his feelings to her. And she… only realized at that moment that she likes him as well.”

Kate listened attentively.

“But she was so shocked by that realization that she couldn’t say anything. Before she could respond, he left, telling her to take her time and give him an answer later.”

Kate blinked once.

“Then what is the problem, my lady?” she asked simply. “Tell your friend to go and give him her answer.”

Plumette frowned slightly.

“I know, but it’s not that simple. She can’t just appear and suddenly confess in return,” she said. “Is there… a smoother way to handle it?”

Kate thought for a moment before answering plainly,

“Why not drag him into an alley, pin him to the wall, and confess directly?”

Plumette stared at her in disbelief.

“…Where did you even get such an idea, Kate?” she asked slowly.

“I heard some maids discussing a novel in the hallway,” Kate replied without hesitation.

Plumette let out a quiet sigh, her expression filled with disappointment.

Of course.

At the Narwing estate, Jacob had finally managed to finish his work earlier than usual.

“Otto, I’ve approved the important documents. You can take care of the minor ones for the day. I’ll be leaving early,” Jacob said as he stood up from his desk.

“My lord, the nobles’ council meeting will take place next week,” Otto reminded him.

Jacob paused.

“Ah, right. Remind me again on the day. I’ll attend,” he replied.

Otto nodded and escorted him out. “Have a good day, my lord.”

After changing into lighter clothes, Jacob made his way to the training grounds. Just as he arrived, his butler approached him.

“Young Lord, Viscount Caldwell is here to see you.”

Jacob raised a brow in mild surprise.

“Elias?” he muttered before nodding. “Bring him to the training grounds.”

A short while later, Elias arrived and spotted Jacob stretching nearby.

“I came expecting a warm welcome,” Elias said with a dramatic sigh, “but here you are, looking ready to beat someone up.”

Jacob let out a small chuckle.

“Why trouble the knights when a knight commander is here?”

“How cruel,” Elias replied. “I’m only a knight commander on the battlefield. Here, I’m just Elias.”

“Come on,” Jacob said with a faint smirk, tossing him a wooden sword. “It’s no fun just talking, is it?”

Soon, the training ground was cleared, leaving only the two of them. Knights and a few servants gathered at a distance, eager to watch. Though both were known for their skill on the battlefield, few had ever seen them spar like this.

“Don’t you dare ruin my clothes, Jacob. They’re expensive,” Elias warned.

“Then don’t take it seriously,” Jacob replied as he took his stance.

Elias made the first move.

Jacob defended at first, carefully observing his movements before responding. Soon, the clash of wooden swords echoed across the grounds, accompanied by the excited cheers of the onlookers.

The match continued longer than either had expected. Eventually, they brought it to a stop, ending in a draw.

The two stepped aside and sat on a nearby bench, catching their breath.

Elias let out a laugh. “Your knights seem disappointed.”

Jacob shook his head. “I think they’re more disappointed that training is about to resume.”

Elias sighed quietly, thinking how inconsiderate Jacob could be at times.

“By the way,” Elias said as they stood and began walking back inside, “don’t you want to know why I came here?”

“Stop beating around the bush and say it,” Jacob replied.

Before answering, Jacob paused briefly to instruct a servant to prepare fresh clothes for Elias.

“Chester has been invited on a date by Lady Grace,” Elias said, a knowing smirk forming on his face. “But they’ve decided to bring friends along to avoid things being awkward.”

Jacob listened silently.

“And Lady Grace is bringing Lady Plumette,” Elias added. “So I thought it would be only right to arrange for you to join.”

Jacob stopped walking.

Is it alright to meet her again so soon… after the way we parted?

He hesitated.

But… it may be fine. And I should also keep an eye on Lady Grace, considering her family’s movements.

Suddenly, Elias leaned into his view.

“Wait a second,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “Did something happen between the two of you?”

Jacob said nothing — only pushing Elias’s face aside.

“Now that you’ve told me, go change your clothes and leave,” he said before walking away.

Elias blinked before breaking into laughter.

“So something did happen.”

Jacob ignored him.

“Take him to the guest room,” Jacob instructed a nearby servant. “Make sure he leaves after changing.”

As soon as Jacob entered his room, he let out a quiet, frustrated sigh.

He had clearly revealed more than he intended in front of Elias.

But before he could dwell on it further, something else caught his attention.

An envelope rested on his nightstand.

There was no name. No seal.

Frowning slightly, he picked it up and opened it.

Inside was a message — detailing the date and location of a gathering involving informants and nobles.

His expression darkened.

The date… was exactly one day before the nobles’ council meeting.

Jacob stood still, considering the implications.

Could he attend both?

His thoughts began to spiral as he moved toward the fireplace.

Without another word, he tossed the letter into the flames, watching it burn.