Missing Cinderella

Siella further refined her plan to leave the Duchy with Nina’s help. Nina’s knowledge about the world and familiarity with the ins and outs of most estates proved invaluable to Siella. 

“Yes, Zenard is better than Elion, because you can easily travel to Beynas Duchy if the need arises.” 

After listening to Nina’s advice and thinking about it, Siella decided to find a house in Viscount Jenard’s territory. Just like Elion where Siella planned to go with Leonard, it also had a nearby port and was close enough to Beynas Duchy that she could travel there by sea. 

“If we do end up in Beynas, you don’t have to worry about adapting. Lena and I spent a few years there as mercenaries and it is a decent place to live.” 

“Is that so?” 

Traveling was possible without any special procedures between countries with treaties due to their close proximity, but staying for a period of time was a different matter. However, as she listens to Nina’s story, Siella doesn’t mind crossing the borders to Beynas. 

“So, we’ll go to Jenard first… and then we can seriously think about moving to Beynas after.” 

“Alright, count on us.” 

Siella let out a small laugh at Nina’s confident tone. 

“Thank you, Nina, from the bottom of my heart.” 

She hadn’t yet fully adapted to Nina’s straightforward way of speaking or her outspoken personality, but she was grateful for it. She enjoyed spending time with Nina. She had the liveliness she doesn’t have, but it made Siella feel better just by looking at her. 

I wondered what it would have been like if I met Nina a long time ago. If I had known Nina from a very long time ago, would I not be the unhappy person I am today? 

“Milady is pretty, and you’re prettier because you are kind; most of all, you gave us a lot of money and promised to give us even more.” Nina said in a cheerful, sing-song voice. “It’s only natural for me to be good to you. I won’t hesitate to accept your thanks.”

At those words, Siella burst into laughter again. I only realize now I could laugh this well. 

In this jovial mood, Siella had just finished talking to Nina when a maid came to announce Lancellot’s arrival and sent her scurried as if running away. Siella threw a shawl over her simple clothes, and accompanied by Nina, left the room and headed to the study. 

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

Lancellot stood with his hands behind his back, looking out the window. 

“It’s a bit cloudy, and it looks like it’s going to rain soon.” 

“That’s true.” 

He walked over to the table as Siella entered the study and pulled out a chair for her, then sat down as she did. 

“You came faster than I expected. How have you been?” 

Lancellot smiled slightly. After answering Siella’s question, he said, “I set out as soon as I received your letter, Miss Siella.” 

“I see.” 

Siella smiled back at Lancellot. She had been worried about that, but she was glad that he received the letter safely. It meant that she was able to meet him and speak with him again sooner than she thought. 

“I see you’ve had someone new by your side now, Miss Siella.” Lancellot glanced at Nina, who stood behind Siella. “I assume you’ve made up your mind now.” 

“Yes, I’ve made up my mind.” 

“To leave?” 

“Yes.” 

Lancellot stared at Siella in silence for a moment, then bent down to open the bag placed at his feet. What he pulled out was a small box. It was too plainly decorated to be a jewelry box, and too small to hold anything other than jewelry. 

“There is a safe deposit box under Miss Siella’s name in the Daimon Bank of the Capital. All your documents are kept there.” Holding the box open, Lancellot said, “This is the key to open the vault.” 

Siella cautiously took the box to have a closer look. Lancellot watched her silently and looked relieved. 

‘The Great Daimon’ 

The pattern symbolizing the bank authorized by the Imperial Family, built in honor of the first Emperor, was clearly engraved on the key. Siella ran her fingers slowly over the key before closing the box and placing it on the table, raising her head. 

“Sir Lancellot, will you also stop visiting Nocturm after I leave?” 

“I have long since left this place.” 

Lancellot replied without hesitation. Siella felt a twinge of guilt at his expected response. 

“The eyes and ears of those who watch over Nocturm are hidden deep within this manor.” 

Siella didn’t think that Kyle would be the only one to have planted his spies inside the mansion. 

“I don’t know what Eschert is thinking.” 

During the past five years that Eschert, the Family Head, had lived in the company housing, the mansion was naturally neglected. Taking good care of him, Patrick could be considered loyal to Eschert, but the other butlers and servants under him might not be. 

“It’s not safe here. Prince Edwin could be in danger.” Siella said firmly, her tone serious. 

Lancellot had been a friend of the former Family Head, Demian, and Edwin was the only trace Demian had left in this world. Therefore, Siella had no doubt Edwin would also be very special to Lancellot. He would be able to protect Edwin. Unlike Eschert, he would keep Edwin safe. 

As if he could easily read her thoughts, Lancellot spoke softly, “You need not worry about Prince Edwin, Miss Siella.” His voice was soft but firm. “There is nothing – absolutely nothing – for you to worry about.” 

“…” 

“Miss Siella, all you have to do is to make up your mind and leave, and don’t ever look back.” 

(T/N: Why do I feel like something’s wrong here? [twitch twitch])

Siella looked at Lancellot who was smiling at her as if giving her courage. 

“Don’t look back at those people who have kept you here for so long, Miss Siella, just look ahead.” 

After saying that, Lancellot looked at Siella with seriousness in his eyes. 

“I… see.” Siella stammered, “I should. I will.” 

She nodded her head several times as if to strengthen her resolve. 

And just then, the door burst open. They could hear footsteps approaching behind the door. There was only one person in this vast manor who could open the door and enter without permission in this manner. 

“My Lord, Sir Duke.” 

Rising from his seat, Lancellot was unfazed at Eschert’s sudden appearance. Eschert glanced at Siella, who was still struggling to stand up, then back at Lancellot and tilted his head. 

“Sir Lancellot.” Eschert strode inside the study, his clothes disheveled for some reason, undoing a couple buttons on his shirt. “When did you arrive? I haven’t sent for you yet.” 

Lancellot remained silent, not answering his question. Eschert raised one eyebrow and looked at Lancellot. 

“Which reminds me, it’s time for us to draw a new contract.” 

With that, Eschert naturally pulled out a chair and sat down. Siella and Lancellot followed suit and sat down again. Afterward, there was silence in the study. 

Siella couldn’t help but wonder how Eschert knew and came here. She stole a glance at Lancellot. However, Lancellot also seemed unaware of Eschert’s arrival. When she turned her head, she met Eschert’s eyes which looked like he had a lot to say. But for some reason, he didn’t open his mouth.

The look on his face made Siella want to say something, but she didn’t. Or more accurately, she didn’t want to talk to him anymore. 

Siella turned her head to the side, away from Eschert’s intense gaze that made her face burn. Sitting in silence like this, she was suddenly reminded of the first time she came to the Duchy. Siella was sitting across from Eschert then, and Lancellot was sitting next to her, just as he is now. The only difference was that there was no contract on the table.

“But I don’t see a contract.” 

Eschert’s cold voice broke the silence. 

(T/N: Aiyah, you still want to rewrite a new contract but already flirting with another lady while being engaged. Who would want a contract with you? Also, you already found Edwin, so why rewrite one? [roll eyes])