It was truly a beautiful morning, with birds greeting the rising sun and blossoms blowing with the motions of the wind. The air was filled with the sweet scent of fresh dew, and the sky was painted in hues of pink and orange as the day began to unfold. It was a moment of peace and tranquillity that seemed to envelop everything in its gentle embrace.
That was how my personal maid, Jackie, had described the view from the window of my room. It's just another day, as far as I know.
It's been a week since I've woken up, and I've accepted the fact that I'm completely blind. I see nothing. Pitch black.
Well, that is a given, seeing as I no longer have eyes.
I have slowly adjusted to this and I'm learning to trace engraved letters in order to 'read'.
Thankfully, most of the pens used in high society were pointy enough to leave an engraving on the papers, so I would flip them over and trace them. I did have to read them backwards though. It's a tedious process, but it's better than being completely cut off from the world. I've found a way to adapt and make the best of my situation.
The servants also attended to my needs now that I'm blind, and my lifestyle was adjusted by the duke with the suggestions of the doctor.
It isn't easy.
"My lady, the letter has arrived..." Jackie spoke, guiding the letter into my hands. I smiled gratefully, feeling the smooth paper beneath my fingertips.
Once I took it, I traced the wax seal, confirming the sender of this confidential letter. (Thankfully, I memorised the seals of different houses with my teacher.)
The ducal house of Alexandro.
House Alexandro is where the current southern duke Eugene von Alexandro resides. A man of influence and power, known to have protected the kingdom for centuries together with the northern ducal house. However, house Alexandro and house Armyllis have remained strictly neutral all these generations.
But not anymore.
In order to succeed, I require the southern duke's support since he is a knowledgeable archmage. I must tread carefully and strategise my approach to gain the support of Duke Eugene von Alexandro. With his expertise in magic, he could be a valuable ally in my quest for success.
It will be troublesome and difficult to strike a deal with him... But thankfully I have read the novel in the past.
I visited the ducal house of Alexandro the day after I received his response, the cloth around my eyes matching my dress. The maids were so sweet, embroidering every piece of my clothes so that I could feel each design with my fingertips. As I waited in the grand foyer, I mentally rehearsed my carefully crafted proposal, hoping to impress the Duke with my knowledge and determination. Despite the nerves gnawing at me, I reminded myself of the novel's advice on negotiating with powerful figures, giving me a sense of confidence as I awaited my audience with Duke Eugene von Alexandro.
I met with the young duke in his waiting room, who watched my escort hold my hand as I blindly took a seat.
".. It is unusual of you to contact me, lady Armyllis..." The southern duke spoke, his voice smooth, but warm and deep. "To what do I owe the honour?"
Duke Alexandro had succeeded his position after his parents passed away when he was but a young boy. He'd rarely interact with the northern duchy, which is explanatory that he would find me suspicious.
"I'm here to make a proposal, your grace," I spoke out, setting down my tea. "But it was supposed to be a proposal with you alone, so it feels awkward with so many people."
Eugene fell silent as he quietly observed her. He then dismissed the staff, leaving the two of them alone. ".. So what is this proposal that you speak of? I hope you know I don't run personal errands, my lady,"
"Not at all. I just wanted to strike a deal with you, your grace." I smiled, lacing my fingers together as I comfortably leaned back against the chair. "As you probably know, I was viciously attacked recently,"
"My lady, do you think of me as a mercenary...?" Duke Eugene von Alexandro asked, finding offence in my words.
"Heavens, no. I told you this was a deal." I smiled. "I need your help finding those people who harmed me."
"And what makes you so sure that I will accept this proposal?" He asked, pouring himself more tea.
"It would be beneficial to you as well,"
"How so?" The duke narrowed his eyes.
"I know of your grace's secret. That you are slowly going deaf."
A long silence followed after my words, which almost made me think that time had stopped or that I had passed out if it weren't for my elevated hearing, which could now pick up the sounds of his faint breaths.
"Ah, blackmailing me now?" The southern duke questioned, his voice cold.
"I wouldn't dare blackmail the house of Alexandro, your grace." I responded calmly, albeit full of nervosity.
"Oh, how kind," he responded sarcastically.
"As you may have realised, I have lost my vision. The crystal eyes of my bloodline," I began to explain, hoping that he would cooperate. "If you help me retrieve my eyes, I'll cure your deafness,"
Duke Alexandro scoffed. "You claim that you are capable of 'curing' my deafness?" He asked, full of scepticism. And rightfully so. I would personally think of me as a crazy person, spouting nonsense left and right. But I had nothing to lose at this point, so I continued to plead my case, hoping that the Duke would see reason and agree to my proposal. After all, desperate times called for desperate measures.
"Yes. But I require my eyes first. They have been scattered into crystal shards, your grace. I need to gather them all."
I must not weaken my resolve. I remained determined, truly hoping for his mutual cooperation. I knew that my fate depended on convincing the Duke to help me retrieve my eyes, no matter how outlandish it sounded. I held onto the hope that he would see the potential for a miraculous cure and agree to assist me in this strange quest.
"I need you to be my eyes, and I'll be your ears,"