Today, I finally got to have lessons with Vance. Indeed, after a week has passed, a letter came from Uld saying that Vance has already recovered.
Which means Vance had taken the medicine continuously for two weeks, just like he said.
I also kept myself busy for a week. Other than preparing notes for Vance, I also planted spies in various places throughout the empire to gain some intel.
"Emmy, have the books been packed? And the training swords?," I asked as I drank my morning tea.
Emmy bowed her head slightly, smiling with enthusiasm. "Yes my lady! The carriage is ready,". I placed the teacup on the saucer gracefully as I contemplated my current situation.
My father, the duke of Aspera, is said to arrive today. The whole servants are busy and my brother had been staying in the imperial castle for days finishing up paperworks. I am not sure if I am able to come and teach lessons today. But I didn't send a letter to cancel the lessons, so sending a letter now in a hurry is a huge disrespect.
"Oh god, since when have I become this disorganized," I massaged my temples. I also suddenly remembered about the crown prince's invitation and groaned.
I'll admit. As experienced and veteran as I am, my whole life is a mess right now.
This must be the downside of being a wandering female swordsmaster in my past life, that I have become slightly less accustomed to schedules and time management. Dealing with drama from the nobles even sapped my energy a little. "Indeed my lady. You were such a relaxed person back then but even now I am dizzy keeping up with your schedule," Emmy said worryingly.
A knocking sound cuts our conversation short. A servant called out, "my lady, the young master and the duke has arrived,".
I stood up from the chair and Emmy opened the door. I took a deep breath, preparing mentally to see the duke, my father, whom I am going to meet for the first time in this life.
I can't remember how Carina was treated by her father, as I don't have the original Carina's memories'. But personally, I've never had any good memories with 'fathers'. Most of my 'fathers' are abusive, the most notorious one is from the time I first got reincarnated. Then, I have my own fair share of fathers that are scheming, evil, greedy.
"My lady?," Emmy called me when she saw I've become slightly distracted.
I shook my head. After all this time, I still haven't overcome my traumas. No, maybe I did not overcome them, rather, growing numb to them. It will still hurt me, but at least it will hurt less. I reassure myself that this is nothing. I have experienced all kinds of sins the world has to offer. Whatever my father will become, I am still going to be strong, just like how I am used to it.
Arriving at the foyer, I saw the duke and Caspian entering side by side, each giving their gloves to the servants next to them. I went down the stairs, careful with my steps as to not startle them.
"Ah, my dear little sister!," Caspian greeted me as usual, however his smile is slightly composed, probably because the duke is here today.
I bowed. "Brother, father, welcome home,".
There was no response from my father, so I raised my head a little to see his reaction. I flinched a little when I saw my father glaring back at me. Despite his handsome appearance that resembles me and my brother with the silver hair and the violet eyes, his whole demeanour is absolutely different than Caspian. He seems to exude a more prideful stance and the temper behind his eyes is as clear as day, as if he's the type that becomes annoyed at every little thing. He is really worthy of the name 'the dog of the empire'. His watchful eyes is as if he's judging the movements of his prey.
The memories of my 'fathers' abusing me, selling me to the slave house, harassed me, everything came rushing into my mind like open flood gates.
Even with so many times I got reincarnated, will I ever have a decent father?