After hearing about Rutledge's controversial judgments, a wave of anxiety swept through the empire's business community, leaving many entrepreneurs grappling with daunting crises.
They had placed their hard-earned money into Rutledge's ventures, believing in his vision. Now, just a week later, the air is thick with gossip; in every corner of the empire, discussions abound, and the drama surrounding Rutledge's decisions is the hot topic on everyone's lips.
The Eldrador Empire once again stood shining. Nestled on its vast peninsula. It was a grand landmass surrounded by endless waters on most sides.
But the tension at its borders remained. Soldiers from a neighbouring kingdom were stirring up activity, all a consequence of Rutledge's schemes.
*The Larousse Estate*
The morning was quiet and beautiful, especially in winter. The sky was completely clear, birds fluttered about, and their sweet chirping filled the crisp air.
Outside of Elara's Chamber
*Tok-tok-tok*
Yura, Elara's maid, stands behind the door, knocking softly. Her left hand holds a newspaper. Next to her are other maids.
"…." The other maid is silently standing.
*Yawn* "Come… hmmm…" Elara said in a half-asleep mumble.
"…" Yura and the other maid came inside and saw Elara. She is on her lavish bed slept.
"Wake up, my Lady," Yura said and started removing the curtain from the window.
"Ann… it's a holiday. Just 5 more minutes., Yura." She said softly and pulled the blanket over herself.
"....." the other maids silently standing.
"My lady, the main palace's maid came with an important message from Your grace, the duke.
"yawn…. What is it?" Elara sat up, rubbing her eyes with her hands and mumbling.
"Greetings, my lady." The maid said. "Your grace, the duke made a request, my lady—he wishes for the entire family to dine out for lunch today." In a polite bow with maid said.
*Yawn* She yawned. "Is it necessary to go?" She lay back down on the bed, and, after a moment, she said, "Alright, you may leave."
"…." The maid bowed his body and greeted her without saying a word left the room.
"Yura… please don't disturb me until afternoon," she said, her voice tinged with irritation.
"Understood, I'll let you rest." Yura nodded, slightly taken aback, and replied.
Yura started her daily task. *You're lots of change, my lady. In the past, you always woke up first, you are a kind child, in this palace some maids always neglected you, but you never complained. You never disobey Duke and Duchess but now you stand for yourself. *
She is thinking about her, the girl I know has changed, but I like this Elara more and more every day. I'm always by your side my lady.
-Meanwhile, the Eirlys Chamber.-
"Good morning, my lady." A middle-aged maid said with a bright smile. Standing in the chamber.
"Good morning, Nayan," Eirlys turned and said, her flowing pink hair and deep blue eyes sat gracefully in an ornate chair, wearing an elegant off-shoulder gown. Her quiet expression matched the refined atmosphere of the room
"You look happy today my lady." A maid named Nayan said with a soft smile. Nayan is Eirlys's nanny.
"hehe…" she smiled and continued "Obviously! It's a happy occasion. The whole family is going out today," her eyes sparkled, and said,
"You know what, Calantha will be joining us too," she said, a small smile playing on her lips, her tone calm yet filled with subtle warmth.
"Or perhaps… he might join us too." Eirlys blushed slightly and said softly.
"You mean… the crown prince?" Nayan asked, her voice a mix of surprise and excitement.
"…."
Eirlys started humming softly.
Her room was filled with valuable items, a true sign of her noble status. She went to her wardrobe to pick an outfit for today's afternoon outing with her family.
The sun had risen high in the sky, nearly at two o'clock in the afternoon. Elara sat in front of the mirror after her bath, her face weary and her eyes heavy with exhaustion. She wearing a light velvet gown with golden embroidered.
"…."
Lily observes her master but stays silent for a minute. Then she says.
"Uh... My lady, you seem tired. Are you ok?" Lily said with a concerned frown, studying Elara's face and her expressions.
"Yes, my lady," Yura said, her expression filled with worry as she gently asked, "Will you be able to go out in the afternoon with Duke?"
*Sigh* letting out a long sigh, Elara said. "Yes, I'm fine. You both don't worry." She saw her both maids and said. Her voice was low and tired.
Elara leaned back in her chair, her head resting upward as she stared at the ceiling.
"Haah… I'm just a little tired of work, that's all," she murmured, her eyes still on the ceiling, her voice reflecting her exhaustion.
"But…" Yura wanted to say something but Lily stopped her.
'After Rutledge's case ended this is the first time I'm going out to this room.' Her tired eyes were fixed on the ceiling. 'I've kept myself locked in this room for a week, but my office task….,'
"Haaaaaaha…" she sighed, and said, "Its time to step out of the shadows and face the light."