Under the Oak Tree

254 Chapter Maxi gazed pensively out the window. Anatol was encircled by mountains rich in stone and trees. If it were not for the monsters, they would have been able to procure as much material for the construction efforts as they wanted.

“So many things have changed. I initially thought we had docked at the wrong place.”

“We likewise find it difficult to believe, my lady,” Ursuline replied, a proud smile lighting his face. “Throngs of merchants from the south came to the city as soon as the port opened, in far greater numbers than we expected. Buyers from all over the Western Continent also flooded in, opening shops and building houses. All the construction attracted master masons to the city in search of work. The carpenters, masons, and laborers they hired settled in Anatol as well. The market flourished, and that in turn drew in more merchants. It was like watching a snowball gathering speed.”

Then, cold cynicism flashed across the knight’s face.

“This caused frequent friction with the eastern nobles as they suffered considerable losses when the peasants of their lands began abandoning their farms in search of better opportunities down here.”

Maxi stiffened, pulling her gaze away from the dark mountains. “Did… my father… cause trouble again?”

“As you well know, he is not one to forget a grudge,” Ursuline said with a shrug. “He employed every foul means he could think of, including petitioning the king to place sanctions on Anatol and cracking down on merchants that traded with us. His efforts, however, were in vain. Rather, his actions worked against him, and his tyranny only spurred more peasants to leave his estate. He belatedly tried a more conciliatory approach by lowering rent and promising autonomy to the merchants, but many of the major merchant guilds had already moved their businesses to the south by then. If one thing is certain, it’s that his coffers have had to pay for his mistakes.”

“M-My father… would never put up with such injury,” Maxi remarked anxiously. “I’m certain… he will resort to scheming again. He is a tenacious and vindictive man. I shudder to think what he will do next…”

“My lady, the man no longer has that kind of power,” Ursuline said, firmly shaking his head. “The duke’s influence comes from the wealth generated by the duchy’s fertile lands, and all of Sir Riftan’s efforts have been leveled at chipping away at it. He’s financially ruined the duke’s vassals by stealing their peasants and craftsmen and curtailed their influence by strengthening the alliance among the southern nobles. Anatol’s burgeoning trade also played a part, as estates no longer had to rely on the east for food. The duke’s reach is certainly not what it used to be.”

Gazing down at Maxi, Ursuline continued in a somber tone, “There is no need to be concerned, my lady. The duke is no longer in any position to challenge Sir Riftan. All his efforts so far have failed, while the commander’s influence has been growing by the day.”

“I have heard… that Riftan will soon be made an earl.”

“It was long overdue,” Ursuline muttered bitterly. “It was only made possible because the conservative nobles no longer had the power to object to the king’s decision. Once he returns from the campaign, Sir Riftan’s standing will no doubt be solidified even further. The duke is no match for him.”

A tingle ran down her spine. Though she did not fear her father as much as she once had, she was well aware of the immense influence he wielded. And yet, Riftan, a mere vassal knight, had managed to overpower the Lord of the East.

“What of… my sister, Rosetta?” Maxi asked, her voice quivering. “Ever since she turned eleven, it has been my father’s wish that she marry into the royal family.”

Sir Edon Crude, who had been quietly listening to their exchange, answered her question with his signature aloofness. “That is one thing he has managed to achieve. Your sister married the crown prince a few months after you left, and she has recently borne him a son.”

Maxi stared at Edon in surprise. “R-Rosetta had a child?”

Rosetta was now a mother. Anguish gripped her heart as her mind conjured the image of her sister holding an infant.

A moment later, her face flushed. It had not been long at all since she had found out Rosetta was also fraught with emotional wounds. Recalling her sister’s dour eyes during their last meeting, Maxi felt a stab of guilt for envying her motherhood.

“What kind of man… is the crown prince? Is he… in any way v-violent?”

Hearing the concern in her voice, Ursuline quickly replied, “His Highness would never raise a hand against a woman.”

His reassurance, however, lacked conviction.

When Maxi looked at him skeptically, the knight added with a sigh, “He has grown ill-tempered during his time at the university in Osiriya, but he is a gentle person by nature.”

“Do you… know him personally, Sir Ursuline?”

“I was once his riding instructor when he was young. He is quite mischievous and frighteningly intelligent.”

Knowing how staunchly loyal Ursuline was to the royal family, Maxi furrowed her brow. While she found it difficult to trust him completely, if the prince was anything like his sister, she did not believe he would be cruel to Rosetta. The tension eased from Maxi’s shoulders.

“Thank you for telling me. You must… all be exhausted from a hard day’s work. I fear I’ve taken up too much of your time.”

“Not at all, my lady!” Ulyseon exclaimed. “Should you wish, we would gladly spend the night conversing with you.”

Maxi took a step back. She had no intention of talking out here all night. She gave the knights a polite smile and said, “Your supper awaits. I… should like to rest now.”

“Of course, my lady. I am sure the long voyage was tiring,” Ursuline said with a low sigh. “We shall take our leave as you wish. Please, rest.”

As soon as the knights left, Maxi went up to her chambers. She knew rejoining the mages would only subject her to more unwanted questions. She changed into her nightdress and slipped into bed. Both physically and emotionally drained, she no longer felt like talking to anyone.

Roy lay splayed before the fireplace. When Maxi pulled the blanket up to her chin, he seemed to take it as a signal to leap onto the bed and snuggle up to her beneath the covers. Smiling, she pulled the cat into a firm embrace. She lay curled for a while when the memory of using Riftan’s arm as a pillow rose out of nowhere. She silently gazed at the cold, empty space next to her.

Though the day’s fatigue weighed on her, Maxi found she could not fall asleep.

The next day, Maxi carried out an inspection of the castle with Rodrigo. The steward showed her the ledgers and outlined to her in detail the many changes to the estate while she had been gone.

About twenty male and female servants had been hired over the course of the past three years, and the stables and smithy had been renovated to twice their original size. A small chapel was currently being constructed on castle grounds, and a newly built bakery stood next to the guardhouse. Lastly, the weaving room had been converted into a storage space for tools and equipment.

“The dressmaker couple who made your gowns started a textile business in the village. Since we agreed to source our fabrics from them, the maidservants no longer have to labor away in the weaving room. It has freed up more hands to work on other tasks.”

As she walked down the corridor, Maxi took note of the polished floors and spotless windows. The castle was immaculate and clearly well-managed.

She felt a curious mix of emotions. When she had first come to Anatol, Calypse Castle had been in shambles. Now, it appeared the steward had finally grasped the best way to manage it efficiently. After greeting the passing maidservants with a nod, she directed a question at Rodrigo.

“How is Melric? Is he well?”

“The healer took an orphaned boy under his wing last year. The lad is rather bright and diligent. He’s been doing an excellent job of tending to your herb garden. Thanks to the boy, Melric has had more time to rest.”

“I am glad to hear it. I was worried… that Melric would fall ill from pushing himself.”

“The servants have been helping him from time to time. Melric is a generous healer who gladly tends to even the most minor illnesses of the staff. Everyone feels most grateful to him.”

The steward began showing Maxi the well-organized storage room when he appeared to remember something. He abruptly turned to look at her.

“Which reminds me, a few guests have asked if they could tour the smithy. What should I tell them, my lady?”

Maxi’s brows knitted. It was not a leap to assume who those guests were.

“Have someone give them a tour. I’m certain that my saying no will not stop them from barging in there anyway.”

“Also… a few of the other guests have asked to see Mage Ruth’s chambers,” Rodrigo revealed, looking troubled.

Maxi breathed a deep sigh. The mages no doubt felt that they were visiting a famous landmark.

“Please inform them… I cannot allow anyone inside Ruth’s tower without his permission.”

“As you wish, my lady.”

After thoroughly touring the main castle, Maxi started toward the great hall so she could see the newly renovated stables. She was almost there when she heard a cheerful voice cry out behind her.

“My lady!”

Maxi smiled when she saw Ulyseon bounding up the staircase.

“Good morning, Ulyseon.”

“Good morning, my lady. You are looking lovely today, as always.”

Embarrassed, Maxi pulled an awkward face. “Th-Thank you. May I ask what brings you—”

...

“Could you spare us a moment of your time, my lady?” a somber voice cut in.

Startled, Maxi turned her head to see Ursuline Ricaydo ascending the stairs. Her eyes widened at his appearance. Having always seen him in armor, she was taken aback at his uncharacteristically humble attire of a tunic and leather trousers that seemed ill-suited for the cold weather. His longsword hung from a simple belt at his waist. While she stood gawking, Ursuline strode over to her.

“Are you perhaps busy, my lady?” he asked curtly, glancing at the ledger in her hand.

Maxi shook her head. “N-No… I was inspecting the castle. I am not particularly busy otherwise.”

“Then, please change into something more comfortable and meet me back here.”

Nonplussed by the sudden instruction, Maxi did not move.

“If you intend to go to the Pamela Plateau,” said the knight, giving her a stern look, “you should at least know how to defend yourself. I will train you in self-defense until the day of your departure.”

Maxi felt her entire body grow rigid as if struck by lightning.