Jerome chuckled as he noticed the sour expression on the boys’ faces. I would’ve relished the scene, but I was too agitated to do so.
“It’s so dark and stuffy in here. Can’t we go outside for a minute?”
“No, we wouldn’t have brought you here if that was possible. The disease can spread through air.”
We only needed to stay here for a week at the most. I couldn’t bear to say it to the others, but it wasn’t that long of a time. We would be safe on ship sailing to a foreign country after a week and yet, why did I feel that something was wrong?
The plan was reasonable and the logic behind it was sound. Our stay here was only a temporary measure. It was a relief that it would only last for a week. Then why was it that… a chill was running down my spine at the thought of it?
The viscount suddenly stopped smiling and looked at me. It only lasted for a moment, but his jade green eyes had a strange glint in them when his gaze met mine. Did he realize that I’m suspicious?
“Sasha, you must’ve heard about this already, but you’ll be going to Fjeya as well. Estelle needs you. Please continue to look after my niece like you always have.”
* * *
Let’s see, how did that novel go?
The Cherkesha Empire, a splendid civilization for over 1700 years, had only two families that held the Duke title.
The Parkes was a recognized founding contributor to the empire, while the Cervantes rooted themselves firmly in finance. While the Cervantes had a short history compared to the Parkes, they owned the best bank of the empire, the Paison.
The main heroine was the daughter of the Parkes, Adrianna D’amor de Parke. She was the only daughter of the Duke, but lost her mother young. Adrianna was doted upon, but she found herself being maltreated by her stepmother and stepsister, who had appeared out of the blue. On top of that, she lost her father during the plague.
The rumors whispering that the Duke had not died of the plague but was poisoned by his second wife did spread.
Anyway, the empire was in chaos to the extent that thieves and gangs swarmed about everywhere. Adrianna donated a substantial amount of money to the poor and significantly helped in bringing stability to the land. In doing so, she becomes close to the crown prince.
The main hero was the crown prince. The pair, of course, unites at the end for a happily ever after ending, but the way to it was something fierce.
For example, the second prince who had a reputation for being a rake was after his brother’s beloved. There was also Adrianna’s stepbrother, who loved his sister dearly and obstructed his sister’s relationship as much as possible. Another was that the Duke of Cervante, who was ruling over the underworld of the empire for seven years after his return, fell in love with Adrianna.
In other words, Letis falls in love with her. My fall, after much wrongdoing using the Cervante brothers, can be said to begin there. The three of us all meet a terrible end.
The reason the novel gave for why a servant’s daughter like me could control them was first, my beauty. The book said it, not me.
The novel mentions that the princes recognized my loveliness despite hating who I was.
Hmm. The true reason I had them on the palm of my hand was definitely not beauty, but probably Estelle’s premature death in a foreign country.
Since I was her foster sister and loyal friend, the brothers who had lost their parents and sister early deemed me their last chance.
However, I had not been convinced by this. Had there been an additional short story? Â Since I did not remember, it was no use, but the Letis and Benya I had observed up to now did not seem to be cruel villains.
Benya was a bit wild and playful but kind in heart, and Letis was often said to be too soft to others.
While I might know our future, I did not know what they were thinking.
We were minor characters, and we were narrated solely by a third person. Hence, I should stop being confused whenever events I did not remember or were not mentioned occurred. They will keep coming on and on.
There would be no end to my suspicions if events were not going as fast as I expected. I had to stop here.
“Sasha, I’m hungry.”
I had other things to think about, like making sure Estelle did not die in Fjeya.
I wanted Estelle to stay alive as much as I wanted to stop Letis and Benya from committing evil acts.
I pushed my tangled thoughts away and examined the tray cart. I opened the lids off the silver platters to find three meals for four people.
The top tray held pickled olives, pancakes, omelettes, and apple juice. The middle tray held brioches and chickpeas. The bottom held smoked ham, biscuits, and a turnip salad. That was unfortunate, as Estelle did not like turnips.
“Well, I can’t complain about food now.” Benya mumbled down a complaint. Letis showed a mature side and admonished him.
“It can’t be helped. Stop complaining when it’s only for a few days.” Letis glared at his brother.
“Come on, I only said it for your sake. Who do you think is the whiner?”
Since meals should be served in the dining room, we went upstairs to the kitchen. I was wondering how to bring the heavy trays filled with cups and dishes when it quickly solved itself.
“You hold them.” Suddenly, Letis shoved the trays to Benya’s arms.
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“Why should I do so?”
“How can Sasha hold these by herself?”
“Why can’t she? You do it.”
“It’s a rule that younger brothers have to do these kinds of things.” Letis said, though quite uncertain of his notion.
“Who says?” With raised brows, the mischievous Benya retorted. And as always, Letis lost.