The Grand Duchess Escape

The Line Between Truth and Lies

After the accident, several more days passed in the Grand Duchy.

Asella stayed in her room for some time. The attending physician who examined her reassured her that there was nothing wrong with her body and advised absolute rest.

“For the time being, you should rest well and take care of your body. You shouldn’t do anything that could put a strain on your body.”

As Margo and Mariel’s class hours increased, it became more difficult to see her sister’s face. As a result, Asella spent most of her days alone.

In a way, it also meant that the surveillance on Asella had decreased.

In fact, the maids and escort knights were fond of the Lady of the Grand Duchy. Despite her seemingly delicate and pale face, she was not particularly difficult to please nor very demanding, and her range of activities were limited, so there was nothing particular to worry about.

In other words, she was an easy-to-serve lady.

Anyway, because of that, they gradually began to relax around her and not be too wary, and some of them began to look favorably at Asella.

“Your Highness, are you going to the study again today?”

“Yeah. There’s a book I didn’t finish reading yesterday.”

“I’ll have them prepare it immediately.”

In place of the busy Margo, a lively maid was assigned to serve Asella. The maid was about her age which made her feel more comfortable. She was still young, trusting, and affectionate, so Asella chose to keep her by her side. 

As expected of a maid working in the Grand Duchy, the maid was good-natured, without any flaws in her character, quick with her fingers and she took care of Asella in various ways.

When they reached the study, Asella turned her body towards the maids, who followed behind and spoke.

“I’ll be here until before dinner. If you’re tired, you can take a break and come back again by then.”

“But…”

“It’s okay. Do you think that there is any other place as safe as here?”

Asella said while glancing at the soldiers guarding the door. In response to the earnest words of their young mistress, they subtly smiled and nodded their heads.

“If you ever need us, you must definitely call for us! It’s a promise!”

“I will.”

The faces of the maids, who now had free time, brightened up. Even though their answer was like that, it was still uncommon for their mistress to seek them out before the designated time.

“Your Highness, please.”

The heavy door was gently pushed open by the knight’s hand and Asella stepped into the spacious study.

Huge bookshelves lined the walls, reaching from the floor to the ceiling. In between, there were smaller shelves placed at regular intervals.

The corridor stretching from the door was covered with a plush rug, just like the corridors outside, giving a soft feeling underfoot.

Asella crossed the corridor familiarly. After passing numerous bookshelves on either side, a wide space revealed itself. It was her reading spot, adorned in the most well-lit area of the study.

She sat down on the now-familiar sofa, and she picked up a teacup from the table, from which wisps of steam arose. The subtle fragrance of flowers filled the air, refreshing her senses.

“It’s warm…”

The warm tea flowing down her throat seemed to ease her tense mind a little. Her relaxed gaze scanned across the cozy surroundings.