Seeing her father smile was like a dream for Sloane. She happily returned to her room. Cecile usually waited for her outside at the door. But now she was on a vacation.
Upon entering the room she was astonished to see that Cecile had prepared everything her lady needed.
She took a bath and changed to her nightgown. She sat on the chair and placed her sword on her lap.
—"This is my lifetime companion."
She thought as the scene of war flashbacks to her mind.
"Sigh*What is it like to be a normal noble lady. I need to polish my etiquettes and dancing skills as well."
In the past, Sloane never participated in the dance.
She would stare from one corner at those noble ladies wearing gorgeous dresses and sparkling jewels, holding soft feather fans, and wearing thick fur and silky shawls.
She always wished to wear a dress. Since childhood, she had only dressed up like a man under the marquess's orders.
—"Azriel wanted a son. However, you were born. I'm glad that I am blessed with a healthy daughter."
Sloane remembered her mother's words. Her mother was a person who never discriminated against people regardless of their gender, race, status, or color.
—"Mother how I wish you were here."
——————·
The next day, she visited the Günter residence.
There the baroness sat in the garden drinking tea.
"It's not even tea time Mrs. Günter," Sloane called out sarcastically.
The middle-aged woman looked at her.
"Of course it isn't." She smiled.
She put down the cup she held.
"Please have a seat."
"Did you receive the inheritance papers of this place?"
Sloane helped herself on the chair next to the baroness.
"Yes, I have. It's all thanks to your father."
"You will be the rightful owner of the casino as well. Please wait for the jury's final decision."
"Indeed. That son of a bastard forcefully married me since I was a commoner. The moment he learned that I could not bear a child for him, he started to abuse me along with the servants.Sigh*I pray that no woman meets her despair as I did."
—"I've already met with despair worse than this. This is like a drop in that ocean that I've suffered."
Her thoughts repeated.
"Indeed."
"Here. Have a cup of tea, will you? There are sweets as well."
"Why thank you."
Sloane helped herself picking up a salted biscuit.
"You don't seem to be fond of sweets."Mrs. Günter pointed out.
" Yes," Sloane answered as she munched on the biscuit.
"I hope you find your happiness as well my child. If I had a daughter, she would have been your age."
Sloane looked up wiping her mouth with a handkerchief and sipped her tea. She could see the sadness and desire for a child in her eyes.
Sloane smiled.
"You are like my mother."
She looked up at the bright blue sky.
The woman's eyes gleamed as she stared at the young girl with astonishment.
"It's time I went home."
"Ahh yes. It was nice having you today. If you ever need me. My doors are always open for you."
"Thank you. I shall use the opportunity well."
She got up on her mare and galloped off with the wind.
"Be safe. Do visit again."The woman called out.