Chapter 43
After exchanging greetings with her eyes, Madeline hurried inside.
“Hello.”
Her gentle greeting echoed, and for the rarest of moments, a smile spread across Lakia’s lips.
If one were to name the only woman Lakia treated kindly within the castle, it would be Madeline. Perhaps it was because she had tended to him when he was bedridden from injuries, but he was unusually gentle toward her.
“Long time no see. Have you been well?”
At Lakia’s bright smile, Madeline blushed and nodded. Every time she thought about it, the difference between Lakia when he smiled and when he didn’t was staggering.
Could one say he looked like a pure, innocent child?
The transformation from a cold, expressionless impression to such brightness was eerily charming.
As a side note, even when Madeline saw that Lakia’s hair and eye colors had changed, she wasn’t particularly surprised.
Being the only one who truly knew Lakia’s existence, she had believed everything honestly when Lian confessed everything that Rian could not hide. Surprisingly, she hadn’t been frightened.
Even now, she didn’t know why.
What was certain was that Madeline kept her promises well and was gradually growing as a healer.
Following a promise made to Alman, Rian had compensated the former servants of his old master with what each desired. Madeline becoming a healer was part of that compensation.
“I’ve always been well. Lord and Laki have been very busy lately, right? Oh my, Asa’s here too. Asa, how have you been?”
Madeline gave a shy smile and greeted Asa as well.
It was unclear when, but Madeline no longer seemed intimidated or unsure in front of Lian or Lakia. She was still a little shy, but confident, and no longer avoided eye contact. Even now, she casually greeted Asa.
As if responding, Asa approached Madeline and lightly brushed her legs with his body as he passed.
This was one of Asa’s playful gestures. The sensation of his golden fur brushing against her skin was indescribably soft and alluring.
As Madeline sat on the sofa, Lian spoke.
“It’s nothing else—I called you because of Mother.”
“If it’s about Mother, I think you can stop worrying. She’s been improving day by day, and she’s now healthier than most ordinary people.”
“Healthy enough to travel?”
“Of course. But… are you planning to go on a trip?”
Madeline’s face, which had been bright the entire time, clouded slightly, but Lian didn’t notice.
“Yes. You’ve stayed in the castle for years. I’ll be going to Hwangdo soon, and I thought I might bring her along then.”
“Then you’ll take a carriage to Hwangdo, I suppose? That shouldn’t be too much trouble. And it’s good timing since her medicine will finish in a few days.”
“When exactly are we leaving?”
Lakia, unable to contain herself at the mention of Hwangdo again, interrupted.
“Soon. There are still things to finish before we go.”
“So when exactly is ‘soon’…?”
“Madeline, we’ll be staying in Hwangdo for quite a while. Just in case, I want you to prepare Mother’s medicine in advance. Can you do that?”
Lian gestured to wait a moment to Lakia, then turned to ask Madeline. As if she had anticipated this, Madeline nodded and rose from her seat.
Being perceptive, she was making way for Lian and Lakia.
“I’ll prepare it soon. And just in case, I’ll say goodbye now. Please both stay safe and sound.”
“Thank you.”
Lian gave Madeline a bright smile as she left. For some reason, seeing Lian like that, Lakia frowned slightly, as if displeased.
“Are you really okay going to Hwangdo?”
Once the door was fully closed, Lian turned to look at Lakia. As expected, her expression changed instantly at the mention of Hwangdo.
“Of course. Were you planning to leave me behind?”
“I just worry a little. What if someone recognizes us?”
“There’s no one who would recognize us, but even if there were, we can just bluff. Our hair and eye colors are different. They’ll probably just think we look somewhat alike.”
Having lived as someone else for three years, Lakia didn’t seem the slightest bit afraid.
But Lian couldn’t feel the same.
“Still, it’s Hwangdo. It’s not like this countryside. There will be far more people, and you’ll likely encounter nobles while going about.”
“I know Hwangdo better than you do.”
“Of course. Are you really sure about this?”
“Yeah. It’ll actually be good since I’m bored. When are we leaving?”
“As soon as preparations are ready.”
“So when exactly is ‘soon’?”
“Probably next week. Stop whining and prepare yourself, Laki. Do you know how much the Lord has to handle?”
Of course, she had no way of knowing.
Born a noble, Lakia had not inherited her father’s estate and instead joined the Royal Knights. Being the second son, all lessons on estate management were left to her older brother while she immersed herself solely in swordsmanship.
Knowing this, Lian sometimes responded to Lakia’s troublesome remarks in this patronizing manner.
“And just so you know, you’re not allowed to seek out the Emperor. You remember that you still have two more years of the promise with me, right?”
Lakia’s face stiffened immediately, suppressing the exaggerated smirk she had been about to make. Whenever the Emperor was mentioned, this always happened, but Lian continued unfazed.
“The Emperor will ensure your grievances are cleared. Until then, you must stay quietly with me as promised. Only then can we go to Hwangdo.”
“Are you pacifying a child right now? Why repeat what we’ve already discussed? Don’t worry; I always keep my promises.”
Her tone had returned to normal, though her face remained tense. Lian trusted her.
Even if Lakia went to Hwangdo, she wouldn’t act impulsively.
Having lived together for three years, Lian knew Lakia was very methodical and organized.
“Alright, I’ll trust you. We’ll be gone for quite a while, so prepare thoroughly. The Knights and Guards shouldn’t slack off while I’m away.”
“Do you think I’ll let that happen? Everything will be taken care of, so focus on your own tasks. And I’m telling you in advance, that one isn’t coming. I detest chaotic trips.”
Shutting her eyes tightly in disgust, Lakia shook her head vigorously. Her silver hair shone beautifully with the movement.
“Then I’m going.”
Ignoring Lian’s reply, Lakia strode out sharply.
“Don’t tell me she’s actually going to listen to that white-haired brat?”
Madeline had left, and Asa, who had been quietly in his place, flared his eyes when Lakia said she wouldn’t allow it.
Fortunately, Lakia left before anger could erupt, or there might have been a full-blown confrontation for the first time in a while.
Asa stood up abruptly, baring his fangs in frustration and trembling with anger.
Though apologetic, Lian had no intention of bringing Asa on this trip.
His existence alone would disrupt the plan, and this wasn’t a casual trip to Hwangdo.
But Lian could not admit that now. Asa’s gaze was so intense it seemed to pierce his skin.
He didn’t want to be harassed before finishing preparations for Hwangdo.
Yet, moments later, Lian could not help but give reluctant permission.
“…Alright, you can come along.”
“Yay! Really? If we go this time, it’s been almost ten years! Woohoo, I’m so excited!”
Asa, overjoyed by Lian’s approval, hopped like a rabbit on the sofa.
Was he just weak for things that were cute?
Seeing someone he liked, the reluctance he had vanished instantly.
“But you have to behave. No causing trouble. Mother and your sibling are coming too, so be careful not to get noticed.”
“We’ve been doing fine so far without being noticed. Don’t worry about that.”
Seeing Asa’s tail standing upright toward the ceiling, Lian felt a hidden anticipation for Hwangdo. Watching Asa walk to the window, mouth open like a human, Lian quietly looked forward to the trip.
The morning in Hwangdo was always bustling. The main reason for the commotion was likely the people hurrying to their workplaces.
But today was different.
Even for a busy Monday, the crowd was unusually thick. Something must be happening for so many people to gather.
“Excuse me, is something special happening today?”
Unable to contain curiosity, one person stopped a passerby. The passerby shrugged.
“I’m not sure either. This street is usually busy, but today feels strange.”
“Exactly. I wonder what’s going on…”
If they had paid a little more attention, they might have discovered the reason. As it was, they frowned and parted ways.
Most people walking along the main road were heading in the same direction. While some had different destinations, most had stopped in front of the Callista Bank.
“Hey, Wilson! You’re here at last?”
A balding man pushed through the crowd, calling someone. A middle-aged man with a bushy beard approached, delighted.
“Mac, what about your shop? Did you come straight from here?”
“Don’t worry about it. I left it in my wife’s care. By the way, what number did you get?”
“Why? Has it already been announced?”
Wilson pulled a crumpled lottery ticket from his pocket, glancing anxiously at his friend.
“The bank hasn’t even opened yet, how would they announce it? I just asked out of curiosity. Don’t stress.”
Relieved, Wilson handed over the ticket.
“So, how is the announcement done?”
“I’m not sure, but people say the draw is done in front of everyone. That way, no rumors can start. Number 308, huh? Somehow, I think you might win.”
“Hmm, is that so?”
Wilson smiled faintly as he received the ticket back from Mac. Though joking, Mac’s words carried some truth.
Mac had worked hard all his life without knowing shortcuts. If his young wife hadn’t run off with all his wealth, he might have had a decent house by now.
Now, all that remained for Wilson was his precious daughter, Ravera. She was getting married in a few months, and he had come today for her sake.
How many things would a father want to do for his daughter before her wedding?
Hoping for luck for both his friend and himself, they pushed forward through the crowd. A platform, seemingly set up by the bank, was already in place ahead.
Ding dong.
The clock tower across the street struck nine.
The area around Callista Bank was already packed to the brim with people. The noise was so overwhelming that one couldn’t hear the person next to them without paying attention.
Click.
The glass doors of the bank, which seemed never to open, swung open as the bell finished. Immediately, the crowd quieted, as if on cue.
