🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 15
Family Affection
Artorius stared blankly at Anastasia’s spell.
Even for someone of the Chantrie bloodline, he had rarely seen anyone wield magic like this so freely.
Right now—
The shattered wall and door were being restored piece by piece, following the movements of Anastasia’s fingertips.
“…I didn’t expect someone your age to be able to use restoration magic.”
Anastasia shrugged.
“I think you’re mistaken. My body may be nineteen, but my actual age isn’t.”
After finishing the restoration, she wiped the cold sweat from her forehead.
Breaking things had been easy—fixing them was not. Still, it had been worth it.
“You didn’t look much different when you came to Aquila Castle. Except for your eyes.”
“My eyes…?”
As Anastasia opened the door and reentered her room, Artorius bent slightly to follow.
“Yes. Your eyes. When I first saw you, they were clear and bright like jewels…”
“And then?”
“When I met you again, they were like the deep sea—dark and unfathomable blue.”
Artorius cleared his throat awkwardly.
He seemed embarrassed.
“What? That just means you think both are pretty.”
She giggled and opened her wardrobe. There were only two outfits hanging inside.
One dress, and one riding outfit.
The dress she had worn to the ball was far too extravagant for everyday use.
And uncomfortable.
Zenis, who clung to her identity as a noble lady, might dress elaborately even at home—but Anastasia wasn’t like that.
She would become the head of the Étrangère house.
No—she would change the throne of this kingdom.
So the number of frills on a dress did not define her dignity.
“…I’ll step outside for a moment.”
Artorius muttered awkwardly.
But Anastasia shook her head.
“No. Just turn around and stay there. What if something happens to me while you’re gone?”
“…That’s unreasonable.”
“I told you. This estate is the most dangerous place for me.”
Artorius had no choice but to comply.
Turning around, he sat down and tried to ignore the faint sounds of fabric and skin brushing.
Just then, someone knocked again.
“It is Butler Enoch, my lady.”
“I’m changing, Enoch.”
“Ah… then I will speak from here. Sir Esteban Hossongel has sent word that the yellow dress you wore earlier has finished alterations.”
That had only been roughly fitted at the time.
“Ah… thank you. Oh, Enoch—can I ask a favor?”
“Of course, my lady.”
Anastasia put her riding outfit back on and tied her hair tightly.
Then she tapped Artorius on the shoulder.
“Are you done?”
“Are you finished?”
“I am.”
She walked to the door and opened it.
“My lady?”
“Yes. If you’re not too busy… could you go to Esteban Hossongel’s shop and buy me some casual clothes?”
“Casual clothes…?”
“Yes. Blouses, skirts, coats. Nothing flashy—simple ones.”
Enoch hesitated, then asked,
“When would you like them completed?”
Anastasia paused, then shook her head.
“No, I don’t mean custom-made. Just pick something suitable from what’s already there.”
Still, Enoch looked troubled.
“What is it? Is there a problem?”
After a long hesitation, he confessed,
“I… do not know your measurements, my lady.”
That was it.
Anastasia found it slightly amusing and covered her lips as she laughed softly.
Understandable—most noble ladies wouldn’t willingly share their measurements.
“Sir Hossongel will know.”
“Ah, of course. Understood. And there is one more piece of news.”
A warm smile spread across Enoch’s face.
“Sounds like good news.”
“It is an honorable one.”
“…That much?”
“Yes. My granddaughter, who worked for the Gerlant count’s family, will be coming here. She will serve as your personal maid.”
“…I heard from Ain. But… is that really alright, Enoch?”
“It is an honor, my lady. She may lack a little, but she is very diligent. It’s a two-day carriage ride from there—she should arrive tomorrow. I entrust her to you.”
Enoch bowed deeply.
For some reason, that simple gesture stirred something deep in Anastasia’s chest.
“…Okay.”
Only one thought crossed her mind.
So that’s what family affection looks like…
A warmth she had never felt before.
For just that moment, she envied Enoch and his granddaughter.
“Her name is Tris. She’s younger than you, a bit taller, and has quite a few freckles.”
“She’s taller than me?”
Anastasia widened her eyes. Enoch chuckled warmly.
“If you wish, I can ask her to walk on her knees.”
“No, that’s not it… I just thought it was good.”
“I see.”
“She can reach things that are out of my reach.”
Enoch nodded.
“Indeed. It would be strange to rely on Sir Artorius for everything—wait.”
His expression sharpened.
“Sir Artorius.”
“What is it?”
“My lady was changing just now.”
“And?”
Enoch’s brows furrowed deeply.
“If I am not mistaken, you did not leave while she was changing?”
The atmosphere turned cold.
It was a situation easily misunderstood.
“…Enoch?”
His eyes were already filled with quiet anger.
“Explain yourself, Sir Artorius.”
His voice was low and simmering.
Though old, Enoch still carried the presence of a master swordsman.
“…Would you believe me if I explained?”
Artorius shrugged and sat back down.
He left the explanation to Anastasia.
“My lady, are you alright?”
Anastasia stared at Enoch—then suddenly pinched his cheek.
“Urk—?”
“Enoch. I told him to stay.”
“…What?”
He stumbled over his words, still being held.
She smirked and let go.
“You too, Enoch.”
“…What do you mean?”
As she put on her cloak over her riding outfit, she shrugged.
“You already know.”
Her deep blue eyes glinted.
“This house is the most dangerous place for me.”
Enoch fell silent.
No one in the room could object anymore.
And finally, it was Artorius’s turn to ask.
“So, Anastasia. Where exactly are you going dressed like that?”
“I’m bored.”
She glanced at the bow and quiver by the wardrobe—
Then left them behind.
She didn’t need them.
“Going hunting?”
“That’s right. You’re coming with me.”
Since the new maid wouldn’t arrive yet, Enoch smiled knowingly.
“I will go ahead and prepare the horses.”
“Thank you, Enoch.”
At her smile, he returned it warmly.
Though not blood-related, she had grown close to him over the years.
“Then… I’ll see you shortly.”
He bowed and left.
“Anastasia.”
Artorius couldn’t hide his concern.
Hunting…
Not all arrows struck beasts. History proved that.
“…Isn’t it dangerous?”
She glanced back at him.
“What is?”
“…It’s not only animals that get hunted.”
It was autumn.
Hunting season.
Others would surely be in the duke’s forest—perhaps even Aslan or the duke himself.
“Exactly. That’s why I’m going.”
She smiled.
After a moment’s thought, Artorius stood.
“Then you’re the hunter, not the prey.”
He took out a pair of sturdy boots.
Anastasia sat on the bed and held out her small feet.
“By the way, Artorius… can you keep up with a horse?”
He smirked, patting her head.
“No one has ever escaped me. Not on horseback, nor by carriage.”
As expected.
That monstrous body held immense strength.
“Reassuring.”
She watched him tie her boots carefully.
“Then I’ll rely on you while I deliberately get attacked.”
“…What?”
His voice turned sharp.
She narrowed her eyes.
“Did you just get angry at me, Artorius?”
