Ophelia stayed at the Lockhart estate for almost a week while waiting for the preparation of her departure. She spends most of her time with her son.
They were always together the majority of the time Ophelia was at the Lockhart estate. Eating three meals a day, spending teatime, reading books in the library, strolling in the garden, and many more activities were shared between them.
The kid really adored her, despite not having her around as he grew up. The servants must've told the child about her stories.
The outcome of the child's adoration for her was one of the indications that she had left a lasting impression on him through the servants. who shared memories and tales about her.
Arc was staying close to her like gum, and they even slept together in her chamber when the child insisted.
Ophelia was hesitant at first but gave in to Arc's pleas as she couldn't resist his adorable charm.
After a week, the preparation was ready, and Ophelia's journey was going to begin. She had mixed emotions about leaving the child that she bonded with.
She was having second thoughts about embarking on her travels, but her desire to experience new cultures and see the world outweighed her concerns.
"Mommy, I want to come with you!" the child said with pleading eyes.
Ophelia smiled gently at the child. "Maybe next time we can travel together, but for now, stay here and behave, okay?"
The child nodded reluctantly, understanding that he would have to stay behind.
"Good," she said while patting the child's head.
"Have a good trip, your grace," the head butler said.
Many servants are lined up in front of the gate to say goodbye to their master.
"We will wait for your return, your grace," the head butler said.
"Take care of everything until my return," she replied.
Ophelia glanced one more time at them before entering the carriage she would use.
The carriage departed with Ophelia inside, leaving the head butler and the rest of the staff standing there, watching her carriage disappear into the distance.
"Your grace?" a voice called outside the window.
Ophelia opened the window and saw a knight riding a horse.
"Where's our destination?" the leader of the knights asked.
Ophelia pauses before speaking. "I heard there was a field of flowers in the neighboring territory,"
"Yes, your grace. The next territory was owned by a count family. It's much warmer there and is popular for their field of flowers. It's also good timing since the spring started weeks ago. By this time the flowers must have started growing," the knight explained.
"Then our destination is decided. We'll go there," Ophelia concluded.
"Yes, your grace," the knight replied, and he told the coach about the destination.
Ophelia looked at the knight with whom she had just talked and thought he had a different demeanor when she first met him.
This knight was the captain's grandson, named Zaden.
A guy with a tall figure, tan skin, and dark hair with those intense golden eyes that give off a warm feeling of familiarity.
Ophelia couldn't help but wonder how someone with such a gentle presence could be part of the fierce and renowned captain's lineage. Nonetheless, she trusted Zaden's judgment and knew that their journey would be in capable hands.
He was very polite and well-mannered.
She still remembered his embarrassment and baffled expression when he found out my identity as the duchess of the Lockhart household, her master.
The memory was still vivid in her mind as his face gradually turned red from embarrassment through his tan skin, which gave off a feeling of warmth.
Ophelia can't help but feel drawn to him. He was now very formal towards her when he knew she was the duchess, compared to the casual and friendly demeanor he had displayed when he didn't know her identity.
Ophelia missed the feeling of someone around her age speaking casually to her. She yearns for that feeling that she took for granted in her previous life.
Now that she is of higher status, most people can't speak casually to her unless they are of equal or higher status than her.
She needed to meet someone like a duke or royal to be addressed casually, but since she was in a country where status is highly valued, it was a rare occurrence to have that kind of friendship without any hidden agendas or affairs brewing between them.
When she meets someone of higher status than her, she has to stay polite and respectful and be mindful of her words to not offend them.
She couldn't afford to be too familiar or informal with them.
She had to be mindful of her manners and adhere to cultural norms.
However, she remained hopeful that one day she would find a true and genuine connection with someone of high status or anyone that would give her that feeling of being truly seen and valued for who she was.
"Your grace?" A knock was heard from the door.
"Yes?" she asked when she woke up and realized the carriage was not moving anymore.
"We will rent an inn for the night, your grace," Zaden informed outside the door.
Ophelia pulled the curtains aside and saw how the outside was getting dark.
She stepped out of the carriage with the support of Zaden's hand. And feel the cold breeze of the night start sipping into her skin.
She could hear the distant sound of crickets chirping and see the stars beginning to twinkle in the sky.
A building stood before them, it's warm lights glowing from within. It's a luxurious inn.
"Your grace, the room is ready." Ella came out of the inn and informed her.
They rented the finest suite in the inn for their stay, befitting someone of high status. Since the room was spacious enough to accommodate ten people, including her and Ella, they shared the room for the night.
At first, Zaden insisted on booking another one as he didn't want to disturb her, but she insisted and reasoned that it's more convenient since they can protect her that way. In the end, Zaden agreed, and they all settled in for the night.
There were around eight knights in total to protect Ophelia throughout her travels. Half of them is from the Lockhart's, while the other half are from the Archers that came with her.
The other half of the archer's knight was sent back to the archer's territory as soon as their mission was complete. While the remaining continued their duty to protect their mistress.
Ophelia was skeptical at the thought of having someone from the archer's servants around her, as she felt like she was still within the hero's grasp. She couldn't shake off the feeling of being constantly watched.
Through the night, the knights protect her in shifts, ensuring her safety at all times.
---
"Wow! This territory is pretty!" Ella exclaimed as she saw flowers of every color blooming everywhere.
They entered the territory where the flower field is famous for its breathtaking beauty and enchanting fragrance.
Despite not yet arriving at the famous flower field of the territory, the path they're taking already has flowers blooming at the side of the road.
The vibrant colors and sweet scent of the flowers filled the air, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Ella couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and anticipation for what awaited them at the renowned flower field.
"Your grace, we're approaching the vacation house of the territory's noble family," Zaden announced, pointing towards a grand mansion in the distance.
Ophelia nodded her head in response.
She was planning to book a room in a hotel for their stay here, but she didn't expect that the territory's noble family would provide for her accommodation.
The perks of being a high-ranking noble!
People will automatically show respect and cater to your needs. Free accommodations and meals are always guaranteed, plus you can expect a lavish lifestyle filled with luxury and comfort.
Receiving favor from a high-ranking individual really does have great importance in this world and can greatly benefit one's personal and professional life.
Ophelia heard that a notice was sent to the territory's noble family about her arrival.
It must be the head butler's doing.
He always ensures that everything is taken care of. Despite not being with her, he still took care of her. What a dedicated servant he is.
The territory's lord came to greet them when they arrived at the mansion and welcomed them.
The lord of this territory is around mid-thirty and welcomed them with his oldest son, who was around seventeen years old. Both of them possessed the same brown hair and hazel eyes, giving them a striking resemblance.
Their resemblance is uncanny. They could easily be mistaken for siblings.
The resemblance is so strong that no one will doubt that the two are not father and son.
After all, adultery is common in the kingdom. Every noble head is very cautious about the children coming out of their spouse; after all, the head of the family is not the only one involved in adultery sometimes.
The child was formal and mature for his age. It must have been the fact that he was the heir to the territory that made him be like that.
After a brief conversation with the count and his son along their way to her room, Ophelia finally reached her designated room, and the count and his son left.
"Hah~" she sighed as she lay down in bed.
"Would you like to go out today, your grace, or would you prefer to stay in?" Ella asked as she arranged Ophelia's clothes in the wardrobe.
"I'll roam around the territory for a while and see what interesting things I can find," Ophelia replied with a smile.
"Okay, your grace. I'll prepare the outfit you'll use for your outing."
Ella assisted Ophelia in dressing in a pastel pink dress with shoulder puffs, and the length of the dress was below her knee, paired with matching pink flat sandals.
Her outfit screams she was in vacaton. The clothes she was wearing were different from her usual style.
It was more breathable and simpler compared to her usual trendy and fashionable choices, which have an aura of sophistication and solemnity.
And a final touch was a set of simple jewelry and light makeup.
She looks absolutely stunning.
Now that the weather is getting warmer, she can wear lighter clothes and enjoy the sunlight.
***