Life of Change

I woke up early the next morning.

Luckily there were no further complications and the child slept peacefully, tightly clinging to Lana. Her calm face gave me the reassurance I needed to get up and start my work for the day.

I quickly dressed and left the room, taking one last look at the bed, ensuring my beloved and our youngest daughter were still unperturbedly asleep.

Soon, I was walking down the halls, heading straight for the small meeting room I usually use every morning.

Tina, Orelia, Felia, and Algoros were already waiting for me when I arrived.

"Good morning, Madam Fiana." They all greeted at the same time giving a bow. I walked past them towards the desk, where I started going through some of the papers scattered around. Reports on the current state of the mansion, salary review, and vacation requests. Nothing out of the ordinary.

I turned my attention away from the papers and towards the 4 who were waiting for instructions.

"Orelia."

"Ma'am!" she replied enthusiastically. Orelia was a female with long, coppery hair and dark green eyes. A combination that made you think straight out of a tree in the middle of a field and her large stature made her a rather imposing female.

She was dressed in a similar version of the mansion's maids' uniform, with a long, pleated skirt. On top of that the uniform blouse, layered with a thin, but sturdy, leather bib over it. And on top of that the classic apron, in a pastel light blue that matched her perfectly.

I understood that she was from a tribe of Brontes, a race of giants that inhabit the northern territory. Although she was quite a bit smaller in comparison to others of her tribe. She was the one who was in charge of the mansion's internal security.

"Have there been any strange movements among the employees?" I asked. Lately, the atmosphere among a portion of the servants had become... rebellious in their attitudes.

"Nothing new since last time. Just..." Orelia paused, scratching the back of her neck, hesitating whether she should continue.

"Go ahead." I urged her. Anything, no matter how small, could be important.

I sighed after thinking that. How hypocritical of me to think something like that. Knowing that my girl had been through that kind of experience with Anven, and yet I chose to ignore it until now, believing it would bring no consequences.

I shook my head as I realized I was getting distracted. Fortunately, Orelia, still hesitated a bit before responding fully, giving me time to snap out of my self-loathing.

"Well... some of the first-generation employees have been telling me that young Master Losward's group of followers have been... how should I put it? Openly hostile against the little miss."

I frowned at her words.

Were they being hostile to my child? Are they idiots? I thought. I could only allude to such behavior to the apparent youthfulness of these so-called "followers" of Losward.

"Tell me more about that," I demanded, placing my elbows on the table.

"Y-yes, ma'am. As you well know, little Miss has been treated somewhat...differently than her older sisters. Several of the staff have been speculating that perhaps Little Miss Orinthya would be named as the new heir to the house given the young lady Sarka's... underperformance." She said, avoiding my gaze as she shivered.

I dismissed her reaction as I knew all too well about those rumors about Lara. I could understand where something like that was coming from, but I could not condone such a thing.

Certainly, Lara had performed somewhat... poorly, in the last few months. She did very well during her first 3 years at the academy. We had her come back because of Lana's delivery, but she is already aware that next year she will have to come back.

She just needs some time. I trust her.

Besides, something like this can't happen. The decision the three of us, Hal, Lana, and I, made to name Lara as the heir to the house was, although very difficult, indisputable.

The fact that employees are speculating on such things only shows that not only do they know nothing about this house, but that they lack discipline. And the fact that they just happen to be Losward's "followers"... just makes me suspect that they are somehow planning something.

It was time to remind them who they were really working for.

"Find the source of these rumors and apply the appropriate measures. Remind them who their real bosses are. Don't let a single one go unpunished."

"At your orders" she replied, giving a bow and leaving immediately to get on with her work.

Felia immediately stepped forward.

"Ma'am. A letter arrived this morning." She said as she approached with the envelope in hand.

"And the sender?"

"The newly appointed Earl Burmont."

I raised an eyebrow as I accepted the letter from her hands and checked its contents. I hadn't expected a letter from him, much less the day after I had spoken to his daughter.

The letter began with a rather formal greeting. He introduced himself in a rather... overly elegant, almost cloying way, giving me a little headache that I decided to ignore.

He went on to offer his congratulations on Nita's birth and Dri's recent birthday, expressing his sadness at not finding out sooner and requesting her presence. Empty words like any of the members of the faction led by the Hustler family, one of the 4 small duchies of the empire. Greedy bastards who have always tried to overthrow one of the 4 big families to take their position.

I sighed in exhaustion. I had barely started reading and I was already feeling irritated.

After more paragraphs of unnecessary flattery, I finally got to the main part.

"I have been informed that my daughter has managed to strike up quite a close friendship with the heiress of your house, Lady Sarka. It makes me extremely happy to know that the two of them get along well enough to tour the city together without worrying about their ranks. It is because of this that I wish, with all my heart, to invite you and your family to attend a small banquet for my newly acquired title at my mansion, and establish friendly relations, just as our daughters did. An act of camaraderie among nobles.

The date will be determined shortly and you will be informed immediately once it has been set. I will wait for a positive response.

I send you my regards and best respects.

Eleas Nosfair Burmont."

Just as his daughter had described him. A true schemer and a pretty blatant liar.

By not mentioning the real relationship between our daughters, he is trying to twist the truth to his convenience, knowing that Lara's reputation can be affected by rumors since she is the heir. That's why he also emphasizes going around the city without worrying.

I considered burning the letter to ashes, but I knew that the fact that he emphasized things like "friendly relations" and the "act of camaraderie among nobles" would be appealing to Hal's sense of honor. This letter was addressed not to the family in general, but to Halfred as the head of the family. He was trying to get his attention, using those kinds of phrases to appeal to his personality.

For him to end the letter that way, he's saying it like he's absolutely sure that we're not going to turn him down.

He really is the type of person I hate the most.

I sighed again.

Now I was having a headache.

Fortunately, I had the upper hand. I'm pretty sure he expected that the letter would be delivered directly to Hal, ignorant of the fact that I, as general manager, would read its contents first before it got into the hands of the house leader.

That's in addition to the fact that the conversation we had last night went well, and he has given the go-ahead for my plans with the girl, Nisire. I still need to talk it over with Lana, though.

That young Burmont girl is completely different from her father. Sincere and naive, but with a lot of potential to grow and improve. And that was precisely why I decided to help her. Her influence could be very positive for Lara, and the opposite was true as well. Together, they could grow and mature in the right way.

I leaned back in my chair, deep in thought. I remembered my conversation with that young lady the day before. I had to be strict with her, make her understand all the mistakes she had made in coming here and revealing so many things without thinking of the consequences.

The girl was aware enough of her stupidity to be ashamed of it, which was a very good sign. You can't grow up if you don't know how to admit your mistakes. And that's something I value, especially in the girl seeking to betroth my daughter.

Although, her biggest problem wasn't her general naivety. It was how little she knew about Lara. Not as a person, but in a general way. As soon as I asked her what she knew about my daughter, she spent a lot of time describing her habits, faults and virtues, likes and dislikes. It made me quite proud that my little girl had someone who paid so much attention to what she did and said, but... that was as far as it went.

When I asked her if she knew what I was to Lara, she didn't know what to answer. Sure, I had told her that she was my daughter, but what did that represent? She couldn't say.

Lara had left her valah out in the open. Something she didn't do with people outside the family. I was sure she hadn't even let Nita see it. So at least I could tell how much she was trusting this girl. But again, when I asked her if she knew what a valah was, and why Lara was hiding it, she just repeated what she had told her.

I had to express my displeasure at how little she had tried to understand her in that regard. So, I had to first explain to her what I was. What a Makila was.

To begin with, Makila is a modernization of a word from the ancient Atenosia language. Ma'kil halnas, which can be translated as something similar to "the preservers" or "primeval protectors" something that has to do with the history of the tribe, but I won't delve too much into that for now.

The important thing is this. There was a time, at the dawn as a race, when the Atenosia were overwhelmingly female. There were very few males and a large portion of them were either too old or too young. For a long time, they searched for a way to be able to reproduce until, using their valah as a magical means, they managed to sire between females, which gave way to the birth of the Ma'kil halnas, who took the responsibility of being the first progenitors of such a method.

In the beginning, they did not have a specific role, they could be either "fathers" or "mothers", but the difference was that they replaced "spouse" as a title. In short, Ma'kil halnas was a term similar to the wife of another Atenosia.

Over time, the male population gradually recovered, but the custom of having a Ma'kil halna remained and became incredibly normal even among the males of the tribe.

By the time the Atenosia began to join settlements of other tribes and interact with them, the tradition went from being a mate to preserve the species to a life partner, in every sense of the word. They came to take Ma'kil halna females or males from other tribes who were willing to respect this tradition. However, with the disadvantage that the females Atenosia could not procreate with the females of other tribes.

Given that in many cases marriages between Atenosia and other races were given to establish alliances between tribes, the Ma'kil halnas; whether they were Atenosia or not, took on the role of emotional support, nanny for the future children and administrators of the family, even assuming; in important families, the role of accountant, housekeeper, chief butler, etc. Positions of certain power in the family, but remained under the orders of the true patriarchs or matriarchs of a house.

On other occasions, when the Atenosia and her Ma'kil halna were from the same tribe, and the husband was not able to fulfill the task of impregnating the female Atenosia, the Ma'kil halna would take that role, begetting an heir.

As these traditions; and the tribe itself, adapted to the rest of the population, and the kingdoms and empires were born and grew, the Ma'kil halnas became something normal for the rest of the tribes, although exclusive only to the Atenosia given their original function that only they could make use of. That time of settlement ended up shortening the word and turning it into "Makila" which is now used as a synonym for "second mother" or "second father" in the Atenosia families.

Nowadays it has become quite normal for Atenosia to make their closest servant their Makila, as was my own case.

When I said that, the poor girl opened her mouth in surprise, a rather funny response. Immediately afterwards she seemed to realize something and her expression changed to a more thoughtful one. I was sure she was thinking about Lara's maid.

But that was the end of the clarifications. I had to explain to her the true position we were in and what would happen from now on.

Which brings me back to the letter.

The most sensible thing to do now would be to hand the letter to Hal and give him my thoughts on it and then tell Lana the whole plan and get her opinion.

I sat upright again and turned to Felia, who had been standing in front of the desk waiting for my response.

"For the time being, I'll give the letter to Hal myself. We won't give him an answer for now. Felia, I want you to tell me if any other letters arrive from Count Burmont." I ordered her and directed her to go and continue with her duties. But, before she could take a step, I stopped her. "Oh, before I forget, has there been any news about the Nazzik's?"

"Nothing so far, ma'am. Are we expecting anything?"

I drummed my fingers on the table before answering her. The formal invitation to the children's party she mentioned the night of Dri's birthday had not yet arrived. It was a little worrisome that, at this point, in the middle of winter, she still hadn't told us anything.

"An invitation. But nothing you should know about for now. If you hear anything let me know, or Lana right away. Got it?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good then. You may go."

Felia gave a bow and quickly withdrew.

Algoros stepped forward next.

Algoros was the head butler of the household. While there weren't many currently, their role was quite important, ranging from overseers, accountants, inventory clerks, and those who receive and attend to the most important guests. Algoros himself was the one who acted as spokesman at Dri's birthday.

"Ma'am, my report will be quite short, but I think it will be much to your liking." He said with his suspicious smile and half-open eyes.

Algoros, of the Friasan tribe, is a relatively tall gray-skinned male with an enigmatic appearance who always keeps a sly smile on his face, a smile that never reaches his eyes, which remain narrowed in a thin line, hiding his true thoughts and emotions.

His short, light brown hair falls softly over his forehead, accentuating his sharp face and defined features. A pair of horns protruded from the sides of his head. They were polished and well-sharpened, which emerged among his simple, yet impeccably manicured hairstyle, reflecting his meticulous and controlled nature.

Whenever you met him, he always seemed to be up to something, as if he was two steps ahead of you.

If you didn't know him well, you might think he was responsible for many of the problems at the mansion.

But, as offensive as it may sound, Algoros is a loyal dog. Too much indeed. Although he is the chief butler, he was also one of our best spies, who could gather information at a speed that no other could. And with an ease that made you wonder how he was able to do it.

Algoros is the one who had been assigned to me by Hal's order.

The fact that he's so eager to give his report just means it's something really good... or fun for Halfred. This guy is the one who always helps him sneak away when he's bored with doing his job.

"Is that so? Then let's hear it." I said, not sounding curious. Nothing good comes out of feeding that spirit of intrigue he seems to enjoy so much.

"Yes. So. Do you remember Count Jaloir's son?" he asked. His smile widened the instant he saw me frown.

"That brat who had the nerve to give my little girl a wish from Amanesha?"

"That's the one. Well, we were investigating him and managed to come up with something interesting." He said pausing, as if to build up the tension, mimicking a play.

For Oduen, bless the pillar, but I really hated it when he let out his dramatic attitude. Being a loyal follower of the Pillar of Music and Art, it was understandable why he enjoyed acting that way. Still, putting up with it when he acted like he was one of the jesters was certainly a real headache.

"It must be something pretty important if you're acting like that." I commented. While I couldn't stand the fact that he acted like that, it was true that when he got dramatic that was when he got very important information, especially if it was something we really wanted to know.

"You can't imagine how much. And so, I was gathering information from some of my little birds, looking for anything they might have heard in their flight around town. And I found something rather interesting." He said, now shifting to a serious expression.

The fact that he mentioned his "little birds" meant that he was using all of his undercover contacts to expedite information gathering. His "little birds" ranged from vagrants, beggars, orphans and small-time hoodlums. All those whom pedestrians would ignore as they made their way through the city.

Algoros pulled a piece of paper from his jacket and handed it to me. Surely the direct report that one of those little birds delivered directly to him.

The necromancer has met with the scavengers.

That was all it contained. All I needed to know about who had set the boy up and to make me so angry that I set the paper on fire.

"Hustler." I growled.

"Indeed, madam."

This was no longer a simple thing. The boy Jaloir acting in such a manner could be considered an act of stupidity from a spoiled brat too full of himself, but his father meeting with someone from the Hustler household? It was obvious they were planning something. And now that Eleas Burmont was also making his moves, I couldn't see this as anything other than some kind of Hustler-orchestrated plan.

We needed to move with caution.

But there was something strange. Why would Algoros say this would be to my liking? As if he had read my mind, he regained his smile and approached the desk, this time depositing a small object wrapped in a handkerchief. As I unwrapped it, a smile broke out on my face.

"I see. Good job Algoros. We can finally get a weight off our shoulders." I said relieved. I wrapped the object again and tucked it away in my clothes. I would have to give it to Lana later. I was sure she would also be extremely happy when she saw it. "I have another job for you."

"Of course, ma'am. What do you need me to do?"

"Do any of your little birds have information on the Talana order?"

"Hmm, there are some who might know something. Why?"

"I want you to bring me as much information as you can about who they are, how they operate, their requirements for accepting new members, anything you can."

Algoros stood thoughtfully for a moment, before nodding in response, then took a couple of steps back and, as if materializing out of thin air, a being shrouded in a cloak of shadows appeared. Algoros whispered something to it and, as soon as it turned away, the being vanished like smoke.

This entity was one of his minions, "dust" as we called them. They were the eyes and ears of our network of spies, those who served as a connection between Algoros and his little birds and who were sometimes sent on the most urgent and important missions.

"Well, with that we're done," I said as I stood up from my spot. There were still some papers to review and documents to approve, but they were not urgent. "Tina, come with me."

Algoros bowed, dismissing us both as we walked out the door. Tina walked beside me, as I planned to head toward the kitchen to give the first inspection of the morning.

I was sure Lana and Nita weren't awake yet. It was still fairly early in the morning and my beloved wife was not a morning person. So, I had some time before I had to talk to her about what we would do with the Burmont girl.

"Ma'am?" asked Tina in a low voice. Somehow, she sounded somewhat...concerned by her tone of voice.

"What's wrong?" I replied without looking at her.

"Do you remember the girl you asked me to tutor a few days ago?"

"You mean Ameli?"

"Yes."

"What's wrong with her?"

"I... I think you need to go see her urgently."

I stopped. Tina stood behind me.

"Did something happen with her?" I asked a bit puzzled by Tina's request. She had been my right-hand woman since we came to the Baelian house together. We had both served Lana for years and had developed a strong friendship. I even attended her wedding.

The fact that she was acting this way could only mean that it was something extremely important.

I turned to look at her and, from her expression, I was sure she was desperate to get me in front of that young girl.

I thought about it for a moment. Ameli had joined the mansion about two years ago. She was an extremely cheerful and energetic girl. Her attitude when she first arrived had made quite an impression on me. Although she was very diligent and responsible, she was also equally clumsy and a bit of a mess. I assigned her as one of Nita's caregivers precisely because of her cheerful nature, something that could be a very positive reinforcement for a newborn like her. She used to break things, but she has improved a lot since I gave her that job.

At least she was until Anven's arrival.

Since that day, she seemed to have fallen into a pit of darkness.

Her smile disappeared, and she was no longer prone to making mistakes because of her clumsiness, but her performance also dropped precipitously. It took her hours to finish jobs that used to take a fraction of that time.

I assigned her to Tina thinking that perhaps a change of environment might help her mood improve and recover.

"I'm worried about her. She's been very quiet lately, much quieter than when she first came in with me. I feel like something bad is going to happen at any moment." She said, in a voice that almost seemed to crack. "I know maybe I'm overthinking it, but..."

"It's okay, I understand. It's best to take care of this at once since it's much more urgent." I replied. Turning around to take the path to the rooms where the girl would be.

"Thank you, ma'am." Tina said in a voice full of relief and running after me.

"Let's hurry. The faster we get there, the faster we can talk to her and try to figure out what's wrong with her."

And that's what we did. We walked through the corridors with greater speed than usual, finding many of the employees already starting their tasks or heading for them.

Before long we had reached Ameli's assigned room. Tina went ahead and knocked on the door a couple of times, but there was no answer. We both shared a glance, as an ominous feeling came over my mind. I moved Tina to the side and knocked on the door with a little more force.

"Ameli? It's Fiana. Open the door." I announced, in a loud voice that was impossible for the girl not to have been able to hear. But the silence was the only response.

That feeling had turned into anxiety, and I didn't hesitate for a second to try to open the door, only to discover that it was locked. That set off all the alerts in my head. I pulled out my master key and flung it open without hesitation.

What I found on the other side of the door made me feel dizzy for a second, fortunately, I recovered quickly and ran inside as fast as I could.

"Tina! Go get help!" I shouted to my companion who had been shocked to see the scene inside the room. I had to raise my voice even higher to get her to react. "Quick Tina!"

"Y-yes, right away!" she responded as she ran down the halls screaming for help.

Meanwhile, I was trying to think what I should do.

The girl, who I had thought just needed a change of scenery, was hanging from the ceiling with a rope tied around her neck.