PET 05

Chapter 05

A New Beginning

The journey from the capital to the North required traveling diligently by carriage for several days and nights before reaching the destination. In truth, the trip to the North had been decided in haste, so Stella herself did not know much about it. She had lived her entire life in the capital, after all.

“Ella, do you happen to know anything about the North?”

“I don’t know much either. Just that it’s colder and harsher than the capital. But the Ducal Castle in the North should be fine, so please don’t worry.”

Ella thought Stella was anxious about living in the North, so she tried her best to reassure her. She believed she was the only person who could protect Stella.

Ironically, Stella was not worried about the harsh environment at all. She had already endured enough hardship in the capital. Though hers had been emotional hardship.

Rather than suffering emotionally, physical hardship is a hundred times better.

That was why Stella felt no real fear toward the North. In the first place, as long as she could escape the ducal estate in the capital, she did not care where she went.

With those thoughts, the carriage continued steadily forward without interruption. During the day they traveled, and at night they rested in villages along the way.

After many twists and turns, Stella spent the final night in a village and boarded the carriage once more for the last leg of the journey. By today, they would finally arrive at the Northern Ducal Castle.

This journey will probably be the last of its kind.

Though the trip north had been eventful, Stella felt a slight sense of regret. Ever since she was born, the grand ducal estate had always felt like a prison that confined her. A prison that prevented her from moving freely, speaking freely, or doing what she wanted.

So although the journey north had been tiring, she also felt freedom. As if she had broken the chains that bound her and become a bird soaring freely through the sky. She was afraid of going somewhere new, but there was excitement mixed into that fear as well.

Of course, that depended entirely on what kind of place the Northern Ducal Castle was.

“My lady, we should arrive soon.”

Ella’s face also carried a mixture of worry and anticipation. In the capital it had been the same, but in this new place, Ella believed she alone would remain by Stella’s side.

No matter what, I have to protect my lady.

Ella looked at Stella sitting across from her and silently repeated that vow to herself.

With their own thoughts filling their minds, the carriage pressed onward. Before the sun had fully set, they finally arrived safely before the Northern Ducal Castle.

The carriage passed through the entrance and entered the grounds, and Stella looked outside through the carriage window.

The Northern Ducal Castle looked different from the estate in the capital, but in terms of size, it was no smaller. In fact, because there were no surrounding buildings like in the capital, the vast land around it made it seem even grander.

Amazing.

At last, the carriage came to a stop, and the coachman opened the door.

Ella stepped down first, and Stella followed, taking Ella’s hand as she carefully descended onto the ground. Standing before the castle, she finally saw it properly.

Compared to seeing it from afar, the castle’s imposing presence was overwhelming.

The sheer size of it astonished her. Built like a fortress, it towered far higher than an ordinary mansion, and the gray bricks forming its walls reflected the strength and dignity of House Adin. Yet it was not crude or rough. Instead, it radiated a long history and tradition.

As Stella surveyed her surroundings, she heard someone call out to her.

“Lady Stella, welcome.”

“Welcome, my lady.”

Following one person’s lead, many people bowed toward Stella at the same time.

Lined up at the entrance were the workers of the castle, all gathered to welcome her.

The one most awkward about this reception was Stella herself. As a noble lady, this treatment should have been natural, but Stella had never experienced anything like it before.

In the capital’s ducal estate, not only did no one greet her, but even when people passed by her, ignoring her was considered normal.

And—

I was such a fool for never saying anything back. Looking back, I wish I had at least said something before leaving. That part is a little disappointing.

While Stella was lost in thought, the people still did not raise their heads.

Realizing this, Stella hurriedly addressed them.

“You may raise your heads now. I’ve received your greetings well enough.”

At her words, they lifted their heads, finally able to look at one another properly.

The first people to catch Stella’s attention were the two standing at the front. Judging by their age, Stella guessed they were the butler and head maid of the castle. Their neatly combed white hair and the wrinkles on their faces and hands reflected the years they had lived.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Haril, the head butler overseeing the Adin Ducal Castle.”

“And I am Helia, the head maid of the Adin Ducal Castle. We look forward to serving you.”

Haril and Helia greeted her while carefully observing the young lady they would now serve.

What surprised them most upon first seeing her was how much she resembled Duke Ester himself in miniature form. She was only ten years old and a girl, so the feeling was different, but purely in appearance, anyone could tell she belonged to House Adin.

Her neatly flowing black hair and golden eyes left no room for doubt.

However, both were experienced veterans and did not show their surprise outwardly. They had already warned the others not to speak carelessly about why such a precious young lady had suddenly come here.

“As you already know, I’m Stella Adin. I’ll be staying here at the Northern Ducal Castle from now on. Ella beside me has served as my maid since the capital. I look forward to working with all of you as well. There’s still much about this place that I don’t know.”

With those words, Stella smiled and greeted them in return.

After the greetings ended, the people began moving busily under Haril’s orders. They unloaded the modest luggage from the carriage and carried it inside.

“Ah, I’ll carry the birdcage myself.”

As Stella personally took the cage, Haril spoke.

“I shall guide you to the room where you will be staying from now on.”

Together with Ella and the servants carrying the luggage, Stella walked upstairs. They carefully slowed their pace in consideration of Stella’s young age.

As expected, the interior of the castle was magnificent as well. Perhaps because of the wooden interior, it felt warm, and it was so spotless that it practically shone. This was not the result of hurried cleaning because of Stella’s arrival, but rather proof of constant care and maintenance.

After climbing several floors while taking in the surroundings, they finally stopped before a door.

“This is the room prepared for you, my lady.”

When the door opened and Stella entered, she was greeted by a bright and beautiful room.

The atmosphere was completely opposite from the room she had in the capital.

Where her old room had been dominated by dark browns and grays, this one was filled with warm white tones. It was much larger too, complete with a large bed, vanity, small table, and even a dressing room further inside.

The servants set down the luggage and left.

Watching Stella examine the room, Haril spoke apologetically.

“We received word of your arrival quite suddenly, so preparations are still incomplete. We will prepare anything you need as quickly as possible.”

“No, this is already wonderful. Thank you. Everyone must have worked hard preparing all of this because of me. Please tell them I truly love it.”

“Yes, my lady. Everyone will be delighted to hear that.”

Seeing Stella’s genuinely happy expression reassured Haril, and he felt grateful for how considerate she was toward the people of the castle.

Yet strangely, something about her felt out of place. Though she clearly looked like a child, the way she spoke felt more like an adult.

Watching Stella continue to look around the room, Haril added,

“Helia will assist you with unpacking.”

“No, it’s alright. As you can see, I don’t have much luggage. Ah, did you also prepare a room for Ella?”

Stella asked worriedly about Ella’s accommodations. Ella’s living conditions mattered just as much as her own.

“Of course. We prepared it after hearing she would be accompanying you. Helia will come shortly to show her the room.”

As if wishing to give Stella time to settle in comfortably, Haril bowed and left the room.

Once he was gone, Stella turned to Ella.

“Ella, what do you think of this place?”

“I think it’s wonderful. The castle is amazing, they prepared everything so well, and most importantly, everyone has been kind to you, my lady.”

Stella felt the same way. Though she had only just arrived, she could clearly tell from the way they looked at her.

As Stella continued examining the room, she opened the large window and stepped out onto the terrace.

A refreshing breeze brushed past her.

This feels nice.

The scenery beyond the terrace was beautiful as well. Vast plains stretched beneath the castle, dotted with charming little houses.

It was completely different from the capital, but Stella found this place far more comforting and peaceful.

When the little bird chirped beside her, Stella opened the birdcage.

“This is where we’ll be living from now on. What do you think? Do you like it?”

Holding the bird on her hand, Stella showed it the scenery around them.

Watching the scene, Ella suddenly spoke as though remembering something.

“My lady, how about giving the bird a name? It’ll be living with us from now on too.”

“A name?”

At Ella’s suggestion, Stella immediately began thinking.

The bird, still not fully grown, stared at Stella as though she were its mother.

What should I name it? Radin gave this bird to me, after all.

“How about Rai? Do you like it?”

“That’s a lovely name. It suits the bird perfectly.”

Ella liked it, and the little bird seemed to like it too, chirping softly.

“Alright then. From today onward, your name is Rai. Rai, let’s get along well.”

If anyone knew she had named the bird after the Crown Prince, they would probably faint in shock, but Stella decided to keep that thought to herself.

Rai chirped once before spreading its wings and flying energetically above Stella’s head.

“As long as you like it, that’s enough.”

Just then, there was a knock at the door, and Helia entered.

“I’ve come to guide the maid to her room.”

Having finished unpacking Stella’s things, Ella picked up her own luggage.

“My lady, I’ll go organize my things and return.”

“Alright. Take your time.”

After Ella left, Stella carried Rai back inside, set the cage down in one corner of the room, and sat on the bed before slowly lying back.

She looked around the room once more.

Compared to the room she had in the capital, this room was undoubtedly larger, but it still felt unfamiliar. No matter how uncomfortable that old room had been, she had lived there for ten years.

It felt as though she had suddenly been dropped onto a deserted island without any preparation.

She knew nothing about this place. It felt like being left alone in enemy territory without a single weapon.

As she lay alone in the quiet room staring at the unfamiliar ceiling, the emotions she had forced down began slowly resurfacing.

And when she thought about the future, she had no idea where or how someone as young as herself was supposed to begin.

What if news about my life here reaches the Duke…

No matter how kind they were to her, these people still belonged to House Adin. Stella could not shake the thought that every one of her actions might be reported back to the capital.

Perhaps they underestimated her because she was still young.

Lying there in silence, countless thoughts filled her mind, enough to make her earlier determination seem meaningless.

Being left alone in an unfamiliar place was a feeling impossible to fully describe.

“So I really am still just a child.”

Anyone hearing her say that might laugh, but the complicated emotions threatening to overwhelm her made Stella quickly shake her head.

No. This choice would surely create a different future.

It’s alright. I survived there somehow too. So here as well… somehow.

“It’ll be alright.”

Murmuring those words to herself, Stella’s eyes slowly closed from the exhaustion of the journey, and before long, she fell asleep breathing softly.

No one disturbed the peacefully sleeping child.

“…My lady. My lady.”

Hearing someone call her, Stella slowly opened her eyes.

She realized she had unintentionally fallen asleep after only meaning to rest for a moment, and she immediately sat up.

Looking around, she remembered that she was now in the Northern Ducal Castle.

“I guess I fell asleep.”

“That’s only natural after such a tiring journey. It’s already nightfall.”

At Ella’s words, Stella turned toward the window. The setting sun had completely disappeared, replaced by darkness.

Quite a lot of time had passed while she slept.

“You must be hungry. The castle has prepared dinner. Please come with me.”

Feeling hunger at Ella’s words, Stella headed to the dining hall with her.

Oddly enough, however, she did not see any other people on the way there.

Curious, Stella asked,

“But where is everyone?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe they’re all busy with something else.”

“I see.”

Pushing aside her curiosity, Stella stopped in front of the dining hall, and Ella opened the door for her.

But contrary to what she had said about dinner being prepared, the hall was pitch black.

“Ella, the lights are off.”

“I’ll go inside first. Please wait here for a moment.”

Ella entered the dining hall, leaving Stella behind.

But even after she entered, Stella heard nothing.

“Ella? Is something wrong?”

No answer came.

Just as unease began filling Stella’s chest and she prepared to step inside—

Flash!

The dining hall suddenly lit up brightly.

And what Stella saw before her eyes was—

“What is this…?”

The dining table was overflowing with food. A cake sat in the center, fireworks burst as the lights came on, and all the people who had been missing from the castle were gathered there waiting for Stella.

Among them stood Ella as well.

As Stella stood frozen in shock, Haril stepped forward and spoke.

“My lady, welcome to the Ducal Castle. Together with everyone here, we prepared a small celebration party for you.”

“A celebration party?”

As if proving his words true, Stella looked around to see everyone wearing colorful party hats for her sake, smiling warmly at her.

It was obvious they had sincerely prepared this surprise party solely for Stella. The entire dining hall had been decorated in bright festive colors.

They must have hurriedly prepared everything while she was asleep.

Looking around at the dining hall, the people, and Ella, Stella experienced this kind of welcome for the very first time.

Back in the capital, no one had ever looked at her with such warmth. Nothing had ever been prepared solely for her instead of Camilla.

At some point, Stella herself had come to believe that expecting such things was a luxury she did not deserve.

So to Stella, who had only ever endured the cold gazes of the ducal estate, the warmth here felt almost overwhelming enough to burn her.

At that moment, a single tear slipped from Stella’s eye.

The people present panicked when they saw her cry.

Stella herself was just as shocked.

No matter how much she told herself she had accepted everything and was fine, Stella was still only a ten-year-old child.

A child whose heart was fragile and deeply wounded.

Seeing people genuinely welcome her existence made her chest overflow with emotion.

And those emotions finally emerged as tears.

Soon Stella was crying uncontrollably.

Loudly. Openly.

For the first time in her life, Stella broke down crying in front of others.

She looked like a child crying for the very first time.

Ella, who knew how Stella had lived until now, eventually found her own eyes turning red as well.

The people in the room sympathized with the tears of the young child.

Ella walked over to the sobbing Stella and embraced her warmly.

But she did not tell her to stop crying.

Instead, Ella hoped Stella would cry as much as she needed so her heart could finally feel lighter.

So all the sorrow and tears she had suppressed while constantly worrying about others would disappear.

And so that the emptiness left behind could finally be filled with happiness instead.

Holding Stella gently, Ella comforted her.

And so Stella cried in Ella’s arms for a long time.

The people of the castle willingly waited until she was finished.

“Ah… this is so embarrassing.”

Eventually Stella calmed down and sat at the table filled with food.

Her eyes were swollen from crying, but to the others, even that looked adorable.

Looking at the crowded table, Stella asked,

“Was all of this really prepared for me?”

“Yes, my lady. We asked Ella about the kinds of foods you might like.”

Which meant Ella had secretly joined in on the surprise as well.

When Stella turned toward Ella and saw her eyes swollen from crying too, she finally burst into laughter.

“Thank you, everyone. This is the first welcome I’ve ever received. Please take care of me from now on.”

At Stella’s honest words, everyone responded with smiles.

And within Stella, the anxiety she had been carrying completely disappeared without a trace.

After the party ended, Stella walked back toward her room with Haril and stopped before the door.

“Please have a restful night, my lady.”

“Haril.”

Despite his farewell, Stella did not enter the room. Instead, she quietly called his name.

Haril lifted his head and met her gaze.

Without avoiding his eyes, Stella spoke.

“Until just earlier, I didn’t trust the people here. After all, this place is still under the Duke’s influence.”

Haril realized immediately that by “the Duke,” she meant Ester.

But he quietly listened without interrupting.

“I even wondered whether news about my life here would be reported back to him. But after seeing the kindness everyone showed me earlier, I realized that wasn’t true. I could tell everyone here is genuinely kind. I’m sorry for doubting the people of the castle, even if only briefly.”

At Stella’s apology, Haril instead waved his hand dismissively.

“There is no need to apologize, my lady. Anyone would feel afraid in an unfamiliar environment. Even so, the fact that you chose to trust us instead is something we are grateful for.”

Watching him, Stella finally got to the point.

“So, Haril… there’s something I’d like to ask of you.”

Seeing the determination in Stella’s eyes, Haril silently prepared himself and listened carefully as she spoke.

The two talked for quite some time.

And thus, Stella’s true life in the North finally began.

“…Where is this?”

When Stella opened her eyes, she was no longer in her warm bed, but standing alone in the middle of a dark forest at night.

Don’t tell me… it’s that place.

Everything was exactly the same as the day she had headed north long ago.

Her younger self.

The dark night.

The deserted forest.

And the blade aimed at her.

Through the darkness, Stella saw the sword rushing directly toward her.

She wanted desperately to dodge, but strangely, her body would not move.

As the blade approached, Stella squeezed her eyes shut.

But no pain came.

Slowly, she opened her eyes again.

The sword that had been aiming for her was gone.

Instead, someone stood before her.

His appearance was exactly the same as that day.

And so were his words.

“Leaving swordsmanship aside, everything depends on how much effort you put in yourself. Whether you become stronger or remain as you are.”

The moment Stella’s eyes met his—

She awoke back in reality.

Rising from bed, Stella immediately opened the window and stepped out onto the terrace.

Though dawn had barely broken, her eyes were already fully awake.

Ten years had passed since then.

Stella had grown much taller, and her features had matured so much that little remained of the child she once was.

Yet her waist-length black hair and golden eyes remained unchanged.

As Stella breathed in the refreshing dawn air, a bird that had awakened flew down naturally onto the terrace railing.

“Rai, you’re awake?”

Rai had grown just as much as Stella.

Its body was larger now, covered in sharp gray feathers.

The biggest difference was that it was now unmistakably a bird of prey, with sharp claws and a hooked beak clearly visible.

Still, Stella found Rai just as adorable as before, and Rai followed Stella faithfully.

As Stella stroked the bird, Rai accepted her touch naturally before spreading its wings and flying off into the distance.

Watching it disappear, Stella recalled the dream she had just had.

“Why did that memory suddenly appear again?”

Even though ten years had passed, the scene remained vivid in her mind.

The man’s words had lodged themselves deeply in Stella’s heart and changed many things for her.

But Stella quickly shook her head, trying to forget it.

“I should just focus on training. It’s probably just a meaningless dream anyway.”

Stretching lightly, Stella returned to her room to prepare for the start of a new day.

What Stella did not know was that the dream might actually be a sign of what would happen today.

“Commander Kaingis, is the work finally finished?”

“Yes.”

“I also heard that tonight we’ll be stopping at House Adin’s Northern Ducal Castle.”

At the knight’s words, the man addressed as commander mounted a magnificent black horse.

“Let’s depart. We still have a long way to go.”

“Yes, sir.”

Leading the knights from the front, his silver hair fluttered in the wind.