A faint knock can be heard from the window.
"Yes?" Ella asked as she opened the window.
"We are approaching the Lockhart estate," the knight informed.
Ella nodded her head, then said, "Okay," Before closing the window.
"Madam, we're close to the Lockhart estate," Ella said towards her master.
"Really?"
Ophelia looks up from her book.
"Yes, madam,"
The carriage came to a halt, indicating they had finally arrived at their destination.
"Madam, please wear this coat. The weather here is still cold," Ella suggested as she helped Ophelia wear a coat before opening the carriage door and stepping out.
Ophelia stepped out of the carriage and felt a crisp breeze against her face. She shivered slightly, grateful for the warmth of the coat.
Ophelia roamed her eyes around her, greatly surprised to see many people lined up in an orderly manner.
"Welcome home, master," the butler said with a warm smile, then bowed.
All the people in the area also bowed their heads towards one person only, and that's Ophelia.
Ophelia was baffled at the number of people bowing their heads at her. She didn't expect such a welcome from the servants, especially given the fact that the original Ophelia neglected this household, including the servants, for many years.
She felt overwhelmed by this unexpected display of respect and gratitude.
"Dante, I'm glad to be back," Ophelia stated with a smile.
Everyone raised their heads as they heard the kind voice of their master.
"We are also glad to have you back, your grace," the head butler replied, as if conveying the words of the servants.
"Please come inside the estate master as the weather is still cold and we have prepared a warm bath for you," Dante, the head butler, added.
Ophelia nodded her head as she was guided by the head butler inside the huge estate that can't be compared to the size of the Archer's estate.
Ophelia expected the estate to be in ruined or less well-kept condition, but she was astounded by the opulence and grandeur that greeted her.
Without a master to maintain it, the huge estate would have fallen into disrepair. However, the case seems to be different. Someone must've run the estate on Ophelia's behalf, ensuring that it remained in impeccable condition.
The Lockhart household is a dukedom family that takes great pride in maintaining its prestigious status. They are the oldest standing noble family in the kingdom and have been renowned for their wealth and influence for generations.
Something like this estate is only a glimpse of how grand and magnificent their other properties must be.
It is said that their fortune is immeasurable, or so the rumors say.
"Your warm bath is ready, master," a servant informed her.
Ophelia dipped her toe into the warm water after stripping off all her clothes. She sighed in relief, feeling the stress and tension melt away.
It's been a while since she got to enjoy this luxurious indulgence.
The bathroom that Ophelia was currently in was huge for a normal bathroom. The room was equipped with an artificial heater, making it warm and cozy.
The room was filled with the soothing scent of lavender and the sound of soft music playing in the background.
She may experience the same thing at the Archer's estate; however, she feels oddly more relaxed at the Lockhart estate.
Is it the thought that this body was at home, surrounded by familiar scents and sounds, that brought her a sense of comfort and tranquility?
Or is it something entirely else that she can't quite put her finger on?
"We're really glad to have you back on the estate, master," the female servant said.
Ophelia looks at the female servant through the reflection on the mirror as the servant dries her hair with a towel.
"I'm feeling the same," Ophelia said, drawing up a true smile as she was happy to be free from the Archer's estate.
"I have prepared some tea for you before you go to bed to help you relax," the servant said, placing the tray on the table.
Ophelia graciously thanked the servant and settled into a cozy armchair, savoring the warmth of the tea as she reflected on her newfound experience.
Too sweet.....
Ophelia frowned at the sweetness of the tea and put down the cup, deciding to try a different blend next time.
She left the tea on the table and lay down on the bed.
Ophelia stared at the ceiling.
The ceilings on her bedchamber in Archer's estate and in Lockhart's estate have similar designs. They both had intricate patterns of flowers and vines, but the colors were different but in the same pastel colors.
This must have been the original Ophelia's taste. Pastel colors and flowers are suited for a sunny person. Compared to Layla, she was more into adult and elegant styles and neutral color schemes that complement her tan skin.
Should I change my style to be more like Ophelia's?
---
The following day, Ophelia woke up with servants waiting on her to prepare her luxurious breakfast. She was showered with care and luxury at every step.
Her routine was still the same as when she was on the Archer's estate. She had nothing else to do but enjoy the opulence and indulgence bestowed upon her.
There will be a banquet in her honor tonight.
She heard the banquet would be held at the banquet hall nearest to the greenhouse. She decided to take a stroll towards the greenhouse to get a glimpse of the beautiful flowers before the banquet.
Once she got inside the greenhouse, she saw different kinds of flowers everywhere she looked. The vibrant colors and sweet fragrance filled the air, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.
And the place was much larger than the Archer's.
It was like stepping into a botanical paradise.
"Excuse me," a voice called out from behind her.
She stopped in her tracks and turned around to see who had spoken.
"May I help you?" she asked with a smile.
The man in front of her was tall and had a gentle yet confident demeanor. And based on his outfit, he was likely a professional in the combat field.
"I apologize for interrupting your sightseeing, but the greenhouse is currently closed to prepare for the banquet," the man said.
Ophelia glance back at the greenhouse and noticed a few decorations are placed inside the greenhouse that haven't places yet.
"I would like to apologize as well. I didn't notice that the greenhouse was being prepared for the banquet," she replied.
The man smiled warmly at her. "If it's okay with you, I would like to escort you during your tour around the estate. I'm quite familiar with the place around here," he offered.
Ophelia was about to open her mouth when she heard someone calling her.
"Madam! I have been looking over for you," Ella said with urgency as she approached them.
Ophelia and the man shifted their gaze to the servant then turn their eyes back to one another.
Ophelia has a faint smile on her lips.
"Thank you for your kind offer, sir. However, as you can see, I'm quite busy at the moment. If there's another chance in the future, I would gladly accept it," she declines politely.
"It's alright. I understand. As you are here, I expect you'll attend the banquet."
"Yes, I will be attending the banquet," she replies graciously.
"I'm looking forward to see you again, milady," he says, then bows politely.
Ophelia nodded her head at him before turning her back against him as she walked away with the servant following behind her.
The man stands straight and watched as their backs slowly got smaller in the distance.
"Madam, huh?" he mutters to himself with a wry smile.
"What a shame," he thought, shaking his head.
***