For a week, I stayed cooped up in the library and in my room only going out to meet with my tutors. A strategic plan must be well-made. From the steps that needs to be taken to the deviating factors that will possibly appear. A plan must have a series of alternative routes to accommodate the possible entry of a deviant. But even after a week of careful planning, it was impossible to create a perfect survival plan especially with the amount of knowledge I have about this world. I may know the novel's flow but there are a lot of blindspots the deeper I dig into it. I possessed a character that is not only a cannon fodder who only had important scenes towards the end of the novel but also a villainess who only cares about social gatherings and offending everyone she meets. So, resources are quite hard to obtain.
This is going to be hard.
I stared at the flame swaying gently on the candelabra. Henrietta has four tutors in total. A tutor in ettiquette, arithmetic, history, and economics. But she never attended any of their lessons. The tutors seemed used to it too. I heard from the maids that they would just stay for tea and leave without convincing Henrietta to attend the lesson. They were surprised when I suddenly appeared. The poised Countess Victoria almost choked on her tea the moment she saw me.
And as expected of a woman's education. Even the knowledge taught to girls are limited. Only four subjects and ettiquette takes up more time than the other three. Everyday, there would be a three-hours ettiquette lessons which is mostly tea time, manners, and handicrafts— embroidery to be specific. The other three subjects would only take up two hours. And they don't even teach much. Only basic lessons that were taught in my elementary and high school days.
I leaned on the chair and started massaging my temples. It's already been a week and I haven't even made a good impression on the people working in the mansion. They are still wary of me, afraid that I would throw tantrums at any given time. I would often hear maids talking behind my back but instead of getting angry, I somehow agree with them. Henrietta is indeed obnoxious.
There were talks about her firing every maid who made trivial mistakes, even going as far as writing letters to make sure the maids she hated weren't able to work for noble houses anymore. Henrietta was also a spendthrift. She would empty out botiques she liked making sure other noble ladies wouldn't be able to wear what she wears. No wonder she had a whole room for a closet. She also preferred custom-made jewelries than buying ready made ones which is cheaper when compared to the former. She would spend stuff on trivial stuff to the point that she even forgets she had them. Despite her penchant on sqaundering money, she never bought something for her maids who had always been with her.
But the good thing is, these past days there were constant chatter in the corridors about how the young lady has changed her diet, how she was not picky with food, how she started to become quite and cooped up inside her room, and even her studies. The most talked about matter is how /I didn't spend a single cent the moment I got here. Well, change is constant. The obnoxious young lady they know is long gone.
I smiled. There are still speculations behind my actions but it's already a good start. This pace is also not bad. Changing their impression of me is the first step in forming relations and gaining trust.
I averted my gaze towards the papers on the table. Now, to officially start this plan I have to get /that/ person on my side.
I slept peacefully that night. I woke up in a good mood and allowed Giselle and the other maids to serve me as they pleased. I even ignored the fact that the tea was bitter and how the bathwater earlier was cold. The room was still gloomy and it's as if I was the only one radiating an enthusiastic energy.
"How long will it take to return to the capital?" I asked Giselle who was fixing my hair.
"I-it will take a day and a half using a carriage, milady. We will arrive at the capital t-tomorrow evening," she answered, still stuttering.
I nodded, "I see. Pack some books then."
"M-milady?"
"Sight-seeing would be fun while riding the carriage. But it'll mostly be greens all the way to the capital. Seeing the same scenery over and over again would be boring so I'd like you to pack some of the books I placed on my desk at the library."
I looked at her reflection in the mirror. She looked like she still have something to say but she refrained herself.
"Y-yes, milady."
Giselle is a timid girl. She's a redhead with huge almond eyes, a freckled face, and short stature. Her hair was always braided to the side which kinda reminds me of a character from a popular Bisney Princess movie who had a sister that can control ice.
It was obvious that she had a hard time /when Henrietta was still her master/. She would flinch whenever I called her. She would tremble slightly whenever she helps me bathe or dress. Her back was always hunched, she was always quite and would only answer when asked. It was as if she was making her presence unnoticeable. Very different from Adelia's maids who would talk with her comfortably and would even give their mistress advice.
After the preparation, two of the maids left the room to help load my things into the carriage. Giselle went to the library to do what I instructed and Annie stayed behind glued to the wall waiting for my orders.
I looked at myself reflected in the full-size mirror. Compared to the indoor dresses I wore this past week, the one I was currently wearing was simple. Henrietta's indoor clothing were still extravagant. Full of frills and laces, unnecessary crystals and jewels, and tight fitting corsets.
This time, they made me wear a simple dress made for travel. The material was light and the color was... quite. It wasn't the same color with Henrietta's other clothes which were made to stand out. This one was just a simple biege color.
The biege coat were buttoned tightly around the waist and underneath it was a flexible biege waiscoat. It's sleeves were cuffed with three gold buttons. The waistcoat was different from the corset I wore before since breathing and moving was easier. The shirt underneat was plain white with it's collars hugging my neck and a white lacy ribbon tied around it. The coat's backside was lengthier than the front. It stopped mid-thigh.
The biege skirt which length reached the ground was made of the same material with the coat which is thicker than the ones underneath it. But it was still light and easy to move around. Everytime I raised it, the white skirts underneath it would show.
They also made me wear a bronze leather boots fastened by laces. The heels were lower and sturdy and the insides were soft and comfortable.
I was also wearing a straw bonnet with a brim. Tied around the crown was a thick and wide biege ribbon. A ribbon was also used to keep the bonnet in place trying it under my chin. They also fixed my fair in a low bun to accommodate the large bonnet.
Henrietta looks good in everything. Her face made a plain clothing like this look elegant. The humble attire emphasized her golden hair and emerald green eyes.
Blessed with good looks yet lacking in humanity.
"Milady, the carriage has been prepared," Emma announced as she entered the room.
Annie then walked towards me holding a pair of biege gloves. I accepted it and allowed her to put it on me.
After that, we went downstairs. Two huge black carriage drawn by two horses were waiting in the frontyard. It's frames were made of gold and there were Lovell insignia embedded into it.
Giselle, Mary and the head butler were standing near the carriage with four knights behind them. Two of them were Henrietta's personal bodyguard which I haven't met yet so I don't know which is which.
We walked towards them and they bowed their heads the moment I reached them.
"Milady, these are Sir Oscar and Sir Miller. They are a member of the family knights and will be accompanying you in your travel to the capital alongside your personal bodyguards." The old butler introduced the two young man in his right. One was taller than the rest and had ebony black hair while the other was a freckled redhead. He somehow looks like Giselle.
My gaze averted towards the other two in the right. So, they're Sir Keith and Sir Arthur. They're Henrietta's personal guards. It wasn't mentioned in the novel, I only heard about them from the maids. Both have tall and lean statures. Handsome faces. And of course I wouldn't be able to differentiate them. They're twins.
"We have already loaded your baggage into the other carriage." The head butler adjusted his monocles before pointing at the carriage in front of us. "This is the carriage you will be riding. We made sure to make the insides comfortable for you, milady."
I nodded before turning towards Giselle. "Did you prepare what I instructed you to bring?"
"Y-yes milady. I put the books inside one suitcase."
"Good. Then bring it to my carriage and you and Annie can ride with me."
Annie immediately raised her hands waving it in front of her in refusal, "Milady, how can we possibly ride with you? We will only crowd your carriage. It would be uncomfortable for you."
/For me? Or for you?/
I raised a brow. "Then how will you be able to serve me if you are riding in another carriage?"
They flinched and Annie slowly retracted her hands. I signaled one of the knights to open the carriage door. One of the twins immediately opened it before standing to the side. He then offered his hand to help me up the carriage. I took it and with a foot on the carriage step, I looked at the two maids once again.
"And how can you possibly fit inside a carriage filled with my belongings?" I said in a cold tone before entering the carriage. I didn't pack those stuff tho. I was aware that I would be leaving for the capital but I spent my time in perfecting my plan instead of packing things. It was the maids who prepared them. I didn't complain since they know Henrietta more than me.
I immediately sat down on the other side near the window. The window was wide enough for me to see the landscapes outside. A thick burgundy curtain was tied to the side. The inside of the carriage was really comfortable. There were two wide seats inside facing each other. I was facing the front where the coachman sat. The cream colored cushion seats were soft and the interior walls were also cushioned in case an accident happens.
I felt bad treating them coldly. But at least I didn't treat them the way Henrietta did. Treating them coldly was still better than inhumane treatment. Plus, I still don't feel comfortable interacting with them. In my past life, I was used to commanding and reprimanding big, sturdy men and strong-willed women than timid maids who would tremble at slight touch.
After a few minutes, Annie and Giselle entered the carriage. They're the only maids who would be going with me to the capital since they're Henrietta's closest helpers. The other two will stay behind. No one dared to sit beside me. Both of them sat on the seat opposite to mine. Giselle, who was sitting in front of me, had her head lowered as she kept fidgeting her fingers while Annie was looking outside, as if maintaining a barrier between her and the others inside.
The four knights rode their horses acting as a convoy. After everything was set, we headed out.
The Marquis estate is located on the outskirts of Winbow, which is Hutchrene's most prosperous town. The Lovell household owns a huge land that getting out of the estate's premises took us half an hour. The path was paved so we had a smooth and comfortable ride.
We arrived at the town of Winbow the moment we stepped out of the estate's premises. The main road was paved and there were carriages everywhere and people walking leisurely on the sidewalk while checking out the establishments. On both sides of the main road were buildings two or three storeys tall. Their architural designs were inferior to that of the marquis mansion but they were still very beautiful to look at. It was as if I was in an old European town but more vibrant and fresh.
The buildings have one thing in common. Each establisments have the Lovell insignia on their doors or hanged it as a banner. A proof that their loyalty belongs to the Marquessate.
The town was prosperous and bustling. There were different shops everywhere. The fancy ones like cafes, restaurants, and boutiques were filled with nobles while shops like the market or a tavern were filled with common people.
I remained expressionless while watching the scenery but inside, I was amazed. Truly this could not compare to a modern city that screams convenience, but this town was aesthetically pleasing and peaceful. It's like living a provincial life.
This was the place the past Lovell heads built. They turned a wasteland into a place full of vigor and life. A piece of land that seemed like leftovers no one wanted were thrown into their hands but instead of complaining they accepted it and turned it into a place now envied by all.
My face mentally twitched. But all of their efforts were wasted because of Henrietta's brother. While reading the novel, the brief narration about the past Lovell Marquises' glory really got me. And when I read about them in the Lovell household's records, it made me admire them all the more. And now, witnessing the town they've built first hand made my respect and admiration for them soar up.
The author really decided to end an honorable family's reign by mixing two rotten apples into a basket of golden apples. Truly, a tragedy.
My thoughts were interrupted when the carriage came into an abrupt stop. It was so sudden that I almost fell from my chair. Good thing, Giselle immediately held my arms to support me.
"What happened?" I asked while fixing my bonnet.
"Milady, are you alright?" My gaze landed on the knight outside the carriage window. He was on his horse and he had a worried expression on his face.
I nodded. It was one of the twins. So he's either Sir Keith or Sir Arthur.
"What happened? Why did we stop?"
The knight scratched his nape. "Milady's carriage almost bumped into a merchant's cart up ahead. Good thing the coachmen were able to stop just in time."
"Will this delay our journey?" I asked with a raised brow. I was starting to feel a little anxious because I have to prepare for the ball. It is an important part of the novel and it is Henrietta's comeback after she embarrassed herself last year. Any delay would affect my plans.
"We'll handle this immediately. Please do not worry, milady." The knight assured me with a small smile before leaving to take care of the accident.
I know the Lovell knights are capable but maybe I was too anxious that a deviant might appear suddenly, I decided to look stick my head out the window to look at the scene in front. There was indeed a merchant cart in front holding barrels and boxes of products, which where still in tact. Nothing seems to be wrong except for its front wheel being broken.
/Just pull the cart to side so we can move./ I was impatiently fidgeting my fingers when I noticed something on the barrels.
An insignia.
An insignia so familiar I cannot be mistaken as to what it stands for.
"M-milady! Where are you going?" Giselle asked but I didn't pay her any mind. I quickly opened the carriage door and jumped down. I almost tripped, my boots still had heels that were an inch tall, but quickly regained my balance.
"M-milady, you mustn't! Sir Arthur and the others will take care of it. There's no need to concern yourself with it—"
"Giselle, Annie, stay in the carriage." I commanded, the same with how I command my subordinates in my past life.
"But milady, a noble lady should—" Giselle was still refusing to listen and was also planning to jump off the carriage so I threw her a cold glance.
"I said, stay. Is that something difficult to comprehend?"
Both of them flinched. Just like dogs with their tails between their legs, they both lowered their gazes.
"I-I'm sorry, milady. I overstepped." Giselle apologized.
I didn't want to treat them this way especially when I wanted to gain their trust. But, I cannot have people on my side who would oppose my every move in the pretense of doing it for my own welfare.
I turned my back on them and went towards the commotion. The people that were at the sidewalks stopped to watch the scene but when they noticed that nothing big happened, they'd go back to what they were doing.
Before I could walk towards where the knights and the cart's coachman, I noticed that one of the barrel on the cart had a hole and something was spilling out of it.
I quickly went over without the others noticing.
The hole was small but it was enough for its contents to leak out. It was black powder. I stretched out a hand to catch some of it. After having some powder on my palm, I brought it near my nose and smelled it.
A small grin crept across my face.
The insignia and this powder. Among all the people here, I am the most familiar of what these two are.
I stared at the powder in my hand. Bits of it were glistening under the sun. How can I not know this powder? In my past life, this was my weapon to protect myself.
A powder which is a mixture of saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur. Once lit, it will explode.
Gunpowder. In this world, this can be considered as the first step to modern warfare. No one in Sunniva knows of its existence except for me and the owner of that insignia.
I stared at the small insignia on the barrel containing the gunpowder. Inside the circle was a head of a bald eagle. There's only one person bold enough to smuggle forbidden items in broad daylight.
Cain Eandritt. A side character who helped in Henrietta's brother and the first prince's rebellion.
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