The Magrave Estate, a vast and secure property, was the second largest estate in the land. It consisted of three walls constructed in a concentric, circular pattern, providing a safe and enclosed space. The innermost wall, the third wall, housed the magnificent Magrave Palace, the seat of the Magrave family''s power and influence. The middle wall, the second wall, was home to the landfields that the Magrave family generously allowed the people to use in exchange for a modest 5 percent profit. The outermost wall, the first wall, served as the entryway to the estate and was divided into two bustling streets: Aspire Street and Felicity Street. Aspire Street, located on the right side of the wall, was lined with workshops, including tailors, eateries, a gathering plaza, and a beautiful garden. Felicity Street, on the left side, was home to art galleries, opera houses, major buildings, markets, and banks.
As Rose sat inside the moving carriage with Anna, the head maid, she asked, "How was everything while I was away, Anna?" Anna replied, "Everything is fine, Lady Rose." Rose then inquired, "Did Father, Mary, and our belongings already arrive?"
Anna answered, "Yes, Lady Rose. With the news of Lord Magrave''s passing, the entire town is filled with lights and ceremony. Every house and street lamp is lit up, waiting for his arrival. The streets are crowded with people somberly waiting for the procession, which stretches all the way to the palace gates. Even though it''s very late at night, the crowd remains quietly respectful, mourning the loss of Lord Magrave, Lady Rose." Rose''s expression turned somber as Anna continued, "Unfortunately, Lady Rose, we need to put Lord Magrave at his resting place due to health reasons, as the physician''s advise."
Rose nodded understandingly, "I understand, Anna."
Anna added, "As the procession ended, the crowd gathered in front of the palace and put flowers in front the gate, Lady Rose. Even high-ranking nobles came to visit his graveyard to pay their respects." Rose gazed out of the carriage window, taking in the sights and sounds of the Aspire Street.
She reminisced, "Father changed a lot of lives. I remembered it''s just me, Mother, and Father; they gave us this small palace that needed a lot of fixing and a few maids, and Father showed me how far the land was received, and we wrapped a ribbon around a tree as a mark on where our land ends."
Rose''s thoughts turned to the history of the estate, "Luckily, it was at peace, no summoned, and Father and Mother focused on making this big. They are such exceptional people." She glanced over at Anna, "Do you know what the name of this place was before? Luden. It was the name of the fallen family; they betrayed the father of the current emperor and sold swords to the enemy. Father is close to the current emperor''s father and gave him permission to put our name on this place."
Anna took Rose''s hand, her eyes filled with compassion, "I knew that everything is on your shoulders now, Lady Rose. The people at the palace are always on your side."
Rose smiled weakly at Anna, "Thank you, Anna." As the carriage continued on its journey, Rose peered out the window, taking in the snow-covered landscape. A large door opened, revealing a snow-white deserted field of crops and withered trees surrounded by a huge territory. Rose''s thoughts turned to the welfare of the farmers, "This place looks sad during winter. How were the farmers? Did we give them enough food and payment?" Anna reassured her, "Yes, Lady Rose. They are giving us enough lumber to sustain heat, and they are also hunting meat during winter and giving it to us to prepare their meals. We also helped the farmers to strengthen their homes for blizzards and storms during winter."
Rose''s mind turned to the future, "By the way, does the Emperor gave us a new piece of land? Can we build a 4th wall?"
Anna replied, "Yes, Lady Rose. Upon Mary''s arrival, she gave it to Marco that the emperor gave you permission to build a fourth wall."
Rose''s expression turned introspective, "Hmm...even after what I did to his son, he still honored Father with a piece of land." Her grip on her clothes tightened, ''But it''s still not enough. A life for a life.''
Anna''s voice broke the silence, "The rumors say that you went insane and tried to kill the Crown Prince, Lady Rose. You even gave the Crown Prince a cut at his throat."
Rose''s expression turned wry, "Due to Father''s death, I didn''t think straight and blamed the Crown Prince."
Anna nodded understandingly, "I understand your actions, Lady Rose. It was the Crown Prince who persuaded Duke Magrave to go to war on his behalf. If I were his daughter, I would do the same. The whole house is grieving his death, Lady Rose." Anna''s voice was filled with empathy, and Rose appreciated her loyalty and understanding.
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Rose''s thoughts turned to her father''s passing, and she felt a pang of sadness. She looked out the window, watching as the carriage passed through the snow-covered fields. The Magrave Estate was usually bustling with activity, but the winter landscape had brought a serene quiet to the land.
As the carriage approached the palace, Rose could see the familiar outline of the buildings. The palace was a grand structure, with high ceilings and large windows. The walls were made of stone, and the roof was tiled with slate. Rose felt a sense of comfort and familiarity as she gazed at the palace. It was her home, and she was glad to be back.
The large gate opened, and the carriage came to a halt in front of a wide stairway, adorned with intricate stone carvings. A queue of maids, dressed in crisp black and white uniforms, awaited Lady Rose at the side of the stairs, their eyes cast downward in respect. "We have a problem, Lady Rose," Anna said, her voice low and urgent. Rose waited for Anna to speak, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Your uncle with his family is at the palace, and as they are your family, we can''t throw them out, but we put them in the guest room and welcomed them."
Rose''s expression turned skeptical. "I''ll handle them," she said, her voice firm, Rose stepped out onto the snow-covered ground. Anna followed close behind, and together they walked towards the palace stairways.
At the top of the stairway, she saw three people waiting for her. Her uncle, Roderick, was a small, obese man with a balding head, wearing respectable clothing that seemed strained across his ample belly. Her aunt, Maris, was a tall, imposing woman with long hair, wearing fitting red clothes that revealed her ample bosom and a leather robe that seemed to shimmer in the fading light. Her cousin, a spoiled-looking brat with long hair, wore an expensive-looking outfit and a leather robe with a fox skin trim, her eyes flashing with a mixture of curiosity and hostility.
Rose began to climb up the stairs, her eyes fixed on her relatives, and when she reached the top, she halted to face them. "You are early, Uncle Roderick," she remarked, her voice cool. "What''s your purpose here at my estate?"
Roderick''s face creased into a smile. "Well—Rose, as we are the last family, I think we should stick together. What do you think?"
Maris supported her husband, her voice dripping with condescension. "Yes, dear. You are still young; you need someone who knows how life works."
Rose''s eyes narrowed, her expression skeptical. "For my 26 years of existence, this is the longest conversation we''ve had, Uncle and Auntie; are you here because you think I''m dead alone in the woods?" The couple''s faces fell, and they exchanged a nervous glance. Rose''s voice turned cold. "You need to go back where you came from."
Roderick''s face turned red with indignation. "Come on, Rose. It''s winter, and the palace is huge for you; let us stay and guide you." Rose moved away from them, her skirts rustling, and went to the palace''s front entrance. The door opened, and a couple more maids emerged with baggage in their hands. "Looks like you treated my servants badly. They are also eager to kick you out of the palace."
Rose''s voice turned icy. "As you are my family, you can use my carriage to go out at my estate and help you go home. I''ll give two of my knights to escort you and your family, Uncle, and thank you for watching over the palace while I am away." She said, and the knights opened the door wide, allowing Rose to enter the castle.
Rose sighed heavily, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as she escaped her relatives. She looked around the guest hall, taking in the opulent decorations, and began to stroll up the stairs, her footsteps echoing off the stone walls. She noticed two maids cleaning the corridor, their heads bowed in respect as she passed.
She walked toward them, her skirts rustling. "I want to take a bath," she instructed, and they both nodded and scurried away to prepare the bath. Rose moved into the guest room to fetch Matthias some new clothing. She proceeded walking to her room after retrieving the clothes, her footsteps echoing off the stone walls.
She opened the door to reveal an attractive red and white motif in her room, the colors gleaming in the fading light. She placed Matthias'' clothing on her bed and proceeded towards the window door, which she opened, letting in a cool breeze that caressed her cheeks. When she looked around, she saw nothing but snow that was currently covering the entire land, the landscape stretching out before her like a vast, white sea.
She went towards her fireplace, which was lit up with a warm, golden fire, and sat in front of it with a chair, feeling the warmth seeping into her bones. Soon her servants prepared her bath, the sound of running water echoing through the room. "Let me be. Just get my night clothes and put them on my bed." The servants nodded and prepared her night clothing, their movements quiet and efficient.
The servants noticed a set of guest''s clothing. "I''m sorry, Lady Rose. I think someone gave you a guest clothing." She said and was about to get the Matthias clothing when Rose answered. Rose''s voice was dismissive. "It''s not a mistake; you may go now." The servants nodded and left quietly, closing the door behind them.
Rose was waiting for Matthias, and she peered out the window; the sun had already set, casting a golden glow over the snow-covered landscape. "Did anything happen?" she questioned herself, a faint furrow creasing her brow.
She stood up and walked towards the balcony, the cool breeze rustling her hair. She closed her window door but did not lock the doorknob, her eyes scanning the darkness beyond the palace walls.
She entered the bathroom, and a steam field filled the area, the warm air enveloping her like a gentle caress. The bathroom was a tranquil oasis, the sound of running water and the crackling of the fireplace creating a soothing melody.
She removed her clothing and stepped into the tub, the warm water enveloping her like a gentle hug. She closed her eyes, letting the warmth seep into her bones, and began to relax, her mind quieting.
''Now that I am here, it will all begin,'' she thought, a sense of determination rising within her. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, her heart steeled for the battles to come.