Chapter 104
“I can give you the address… but what are you planning to do?”
“I’ll go meet her in person today. We need to align our stories so that House Baker can avoid trouble, and I’m sure she’ll understand, even if it’s an unannounced visit.”
From the moment Maya revealed her abilities to Serene, and the moment Serene lied on her behalf, their relationship had become one of mutual support. Serene was fully aware of the kind of person Reserfield was.
‘She might even be anticipating a sudden visit, too.’
Although she hadn’t known Serene for long, Maya somehow felt this would be the case.
“You should be on your way, then. I’ll help you get ready.”
Even though the Grand Duchess’s actions weren’t exactly orthodox, Doshen had ultimately accepted that Maya’s determination was genuine.
“Next time, please refrain from getting involved in such matters.”
“That would be difficult.”
Maya’s reply was firm.
“I can’t stand by and watch when people are in danger.”
She had tried that often enough in her previous life.
Doshen found herself speechless at Maya’s words, so moved that she even forgot she had been in the middle of scolding her.
‘How did someone like her come from House Pendragon?’
It had been so long since she’d seen someone so selfless—the feeling was refreshing. Doshen’s admiration for Maya grew even more, especially for her willingness to admit her mistakes without compromising her principles.
‘She truly fits the position of Grand Duchess.’
Seeing her handle greetings with such poise yesterday, kindly but resolutely moving through each guest with a demeanor that was approachable yet unwavering—it had been flawless.
‘Though it’s unfortunate about the current situation…’
Doshen was aware that the bond between Maya and Tristan was purely contractual.
‘Lord Tristan will have to do his part.’
She had long since noticed Tristan’s feelings for Maya. The face of someone in love was unmistakable.
Whether Maya stayed in House Bayarden depended entirely on Tristan. If Tristan was her main reason for staying, perhaps Doshen could help with the smaller details.
‘I’ll have to ask Robert about things the Grand Duchess enjoyed in the North.’
She would be writing to Robert anyway about one of Tristan’s recent proposals.
“Oh, and I’d like to send a letter to the magic tower.”
“To the magic tower?”
“There’s a friend I want to meet.”
“You know a mage? Impressive.”
“He’s a friend I’ve known since childhood. His name is Kendrick. Have you heard of him?”
Feeling uplifted by Doshen’s praise, Maya asked, thinking Kendrick’s name might be somewhat known.
“Oh, Kendrick…”
To her surprise, Doshen recognized the name.
Kendrick was the young mage who had appeared with the Tower Lord yesterday and departed to meet Reserfield, leaving a noticeable impression on the noble ladies.
She remembered the fluttering of golden hair, his angelic face, and radiant smile—all embodying the dream prince those ladies had imagined.
‘…And that person is her friend.’
It seems it won’t be easy for the Grand Duke to win the Grand Duchess’s heart, Doshen mused inwardly.
“Then, Lord Kendrick was at the Imperial Palace?”
“Yes, he came to meet His Majesty the Emperor.”
This was a perfect chance to learn what Reserfield had discussed with Kendrick. Maya quickly sent a letter to Kendrick; there was so much to discuss in person.
‘I should also ask if he’s planning to visit the West.’
Since the magic tower had completely concealed Kendrick’s apparent death, Maya didn’t know what had happened afterward. She would have to uncover it bit by bit.
* * *
Unfortunately, unlike a mansion, the magic tower wasn’t somewhere she could sneak into. Given her position as Grand Duchess, meeting him openly could easily lead to rumors. So Maya instructed Kendrick to secretly come to her residence with some sweets.
She trusted in Kendrick’s skills.
Though Maya often got lost, once she learned a route, she could remember it. After a few wrong turns, she finally arrived at House Baker.
Being careful to stay out of sight, she managed to avoid drawing attention. White Dragon indicated where people were, making it easy for her to sneak in. She even bypassed long walls and various traps.
“Now, where could her room be…?”
Maya used her keen eyesight to scan the mansion through several windows.
‘What’s this?’
The activity at House Baker seemed suspicious. After a thorough scan of her surroundings, she finally located Serene’s room.
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