After breakfast…
Ramiro, Esteban, and Luzia stood outside the grand estate, the morning sun casting long shadows across the cobblestone courtyard. The carriage waited patiently, its polished black wood gleaming under the daylight, the horses shifting restlessly in their harnesses.
Luzia adjusted the shawl draped over her shoulders, her tired gaze flicking between her father and Esteban. "Are we really doing this now?" she asked, her voice laced with reluctance.
Ramiro shot her a pointed look as he stepped toward the carriage. "Yes, we are. Didn't you say you wanted to go?"
Esteban, ever composed, opened the carriage door with a slight bow. "Besides, my lady, I believe the children would be quite disappointed if you didn't show up today."
Luzia hesitated for a moment before sighing and climbing inside, settling into the plush interior. She gazed out of the window with a distant expression, her mind still lingering on the silver-haired boy who haunted her thoughts.
Ramiro followed after, taking a seat opposite her with a thoughtful frown. As Esteban climbed in last and shut the door behind him,
As Ramiro, Esteban, and Luzia settled into the carriage, Beatriz, Aurelio, and Elena stood outside, watching them with varying expressions.
Beatriz, ever the cheerful one, clasped her hands together and called out with a bright smile, "Do have a safe journey, my lord, Lady Luzia, and Sir Esteban!" Her voice carried a warmth that contrasted with the cool morning air.
Aurelio, standing with his arms crossed, gave a firm nod. "Take care, my lord. And you as well, my lady. Esteban... I trust you."
Elena, standing slightly behind the two, gave a polite bow, her voice calm but tinged with concern. "Take care, my lady. Please don't overexert yourself."
Luzia, leaning slightly out of the carriage window, managed a tired smile. "I'll be fine, Elena. You worry too much."
Beatriz grinned, placing a hand on Elena's shoulder. "That's her job, my lady!"
Luzia rolled her eyes playfully, while Ramiro chuckled under his breath. "We'll see what we can do."
With a final nod from Esteban, the driver flicked the reins, and the carriage set off down the road, leaving Beatriz, Aurelio, and Elena watching until it disappeared into the bustling streets.
The rhythmic clatter of hooves and the gentle sway of the carriage filled the silence inside. Luzia rested her chin on her hand, her eyes fixed on the passing scenery as the city bustled with life outside. Merchants called out their wares, children darted between market stalls, and the scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air.
Ramiro studied his daughter for a moment before breaking the silence. "You seem… preoccupied."
Luzia didn't look away from the window. "Just tired."
Esteban, seated beside Ramiro, glanced at Luzia knowingly but chose to remain silent.
"Luzia," Ramiro said, his tone softening slightly, "if something is bothering you—"
"It's nothing, Dad," she interrupted, forcing a small smile. "Let's just get this visit over with."
Ramiro sighed, leaning back in his seat. "Alright. But after this, you'll rest."
Luzia didn't argue, merely nodding as the carriage continued its steady journey through the city streets toward the orphanage.
After a long while, the carriage finally rolled to a stop in front of the old estate Ramiro owned. The grand yet weathered building loomed before them, its once-elegant façade now showing signs of age—cracked stone, overgrown vines, and faded paint. Despite its worn appearance, the place still held a certain charm, a reminder of better days.
Luzia stepped out first, her shawl wrapped tightly around her shoulders as she took in the familiar sight. Memories of the children here... they flood back, she thought, a sense of bittersweet nostalgia sweeping over her.
Ramiro followed, his expression unreadable, while Esteban remained close by, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings with quiet vigilance.
As they walked through the grand entrance, the sound of laughter and hurried footsteps echoed from within. Soon, a group of orphanage children came rushing toward them, their faces lighting up with excitement.
"Luzia! You're Luzia, right?!" a little girl with curly dark hair exclaimed, clutching the hem of Luzia's dress with wide, eager eyes.
Who is this? Luzia wondered, her brow furrowing slightly in confusion.
She knelt down, offering the girl a small smile. "Hello..."
But before the little girl could respond, Alicia, who had been following closely behind, hurried forward. "Camila, you shouldn't call her Luzia. She is Lady Luzia now. Also, the duke is here... What were we taught?"
Camila paused, blinking up at Alicia before a thoughtful look crossed her face.
"We should greet the duke properly..." she murmured, hesitating for just a moment before curtsying in a manner she'd clearly been taught.
Luzia watched the exchange with a small sigh, 'This isn't necessary though.'
Camila's eyes widened in realization, and she quickly let go of Luzia's dress, taking a small step back. She curtsied awkwardly, her little hands gripping the sides of her worn dress. "G-good day, Your Grace," she said, her voice timid but sincere.
Ramiro, watching the exchange with an amused expression, gave the girl a gentle nod. "Good day, Camila."
Alicia, standing beside her friend, curtsied with practiced grace and nudged Camila lightly. "And Lady Luzia too," she whispered.
Camila's cheeks flushed as she turned back to Luzia. "Good day, Lady Luzia," she said, her voice a little stronger now.
Luzia couldn't help but smile at the formality, reaching out to gently pat Camila's head. "You're doing very well, Camila."
Alicia, ever the responsible one, straightened proudly. "Sister Isabel says we must always show proper respect, even when we're excited."
Esteban, standing slightly behind, gave a rare smile. "It seems Sister Isabel is as thorough as ever."
The sound of approaching footsteps drew their attention, and Sister Isabel herself soon appeared in the doorway, her expression both warm and disciplined. "Camilia and Alicia, what did I say about running indoors?"
Camila and Alicia quickly exchanged guilty glances but stood their ground.
Ramiro stepped forward, his tone calm yet commanding. "It's alright, Lady Isabel. It's good to see them so lively."
Sister Isabel offered a gracious smile as she bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Your Grace." Then, turning to Luzia, she added warmly, "And you must be Lady Luzia. Alicia has spoken a great deal about you."
Luzia hesitated for a moment, her gaze settling on the eager expression on Alicia's face. A small smile tugged at her lips. "Is that so? Seems I made you wait too long."
"Oh... Oh, not at all, Lady Luzia!" Alicia said quickly, shaking her head, her cheeks flushing.
Luzia chuckled softly. "Just call me Luzia, like you always have."
Alicia nodded and was about to speak, but Camila beamed up at Luzia and spoke instead. "Does that mean you'll stay longer this time?"