***
Lucy enjoyed a cup of tea while she awaited Shilla's return. She had not received information from the lords and Walter about the success of their mission. She ignored her maid, Mrs Muburg, who stood aside and made no sound. The door opened and Shilla entered. She bowed to Lucy and glanced at Mrs Muburg standing on the side.
"Ignore her. She does not want to become like Taylor," Lucy told Shilla. Shilla could see the elderly maid made no attempt to dispute the lady and she harrumphed.
Taylor's disappearance overnight and the letter claiming she had quit her job to stay home was suspicious. It was so badly written and the lie was not even fully thought through. This elderly woman knows to keep her mouth shut.
"The capital is under curfew, but I was still able to meet with him. He said the king of Northern Lan is so agitated, that he sent superior martial artists to block any mysterious high-grade martial artist from entering the capital. He said the blood knights were personally handling this," Shilla said.
"Blood Knights... They should do. They may not be capable of stopping that man, but he is already travelling injured. They should be capable of holding him off for a while," Lucy said. Shilla did not know who the lady wanted to keep away, but she understood it does not matter; as long as Lady Steinhouse marries Walter before he gets here.
"I could not reach Madame D'huile to have her prepare a wedding dress. But, what about the lady's measurements?" Shilla asked.
"Madame D'huile should have it with her. After all, she was fascinated by Lady Steinhouse's perfect proportions. Worry not, this curfew will not last," Lucy smiled.
"Will you be returning Lady Teel to her daughter?" Shilla asked.
"Change into that dress I had you pick up; I am sending you to the palace," Lucy said and Shilla took in a deep breath to calm herself.
Shilla had changed into a luxurious dress. It was nothing she had ever thought she would wear in her entire life. She stood before Lady Wickshire to receive instructions. As excited as she was to go to the palace, she understood she was doing a job, so she calmed herself. Mrs Muburg kept her mouth sealed as she helped Shilla dress.
She had heard what the lady and Shilla were saying and could not understand a word; but, she had now understood that this lady was not like the others. Shilla going to the palace motivated her; if she worked hard, would she go to the palace too? Don't even mention going to the palace; she was just happy she did not disappear like Taylor.
"I'm ready, my lady," Shilla said bravely.
"Use my carriage and my token; you will be let through the curfew. You are not going there to see the king, you will be there for the next queen; her name is Lady Raine. Tell her where her mother is and have her go retrieve her mother herself. Tell her I send her well wishes," Lucy said and Shilla frowned. Is that all? To go all that way only to tell her that? Couldn't they just send a message?
"I know what you are thinking, Shilla; but this, you must do well. The Teel family and the Jade hand are organizations I have set my sights on. Usually, one would just go themselves to show sincerity, but I'm not so free to handle such trivial things myself. Sending you is already giving them much face," Lucy said.
"Yes, my lady," Shilla nodded.
"Do you know why I have you well dressed for this? You are not only going as a messenger, but you are also going as my representative. What you say there is what I mean to say," Lucy said and Shilla stiffened. Talking for the lady, that is too much pressure; what if she makes a mistake?
"Then I will take responsibility," Lucy said as if reading her mind and Shilla stared. "Say as you please, I will take responsibility," Lucy said and Shilla felt more pressure, instead of feeling relieved. This task, she must not fail.
"Do you understand now, Shilla? That dress is me saying to you to keep your head high. I have never bowed before to anyone. You must make sure they understand, when they see you, they see me," Lucy said and Shilla nodded. Taking in a deep breath, her eyes hardening with determination.