Forgotten Blade

Chapter 3

The Deal
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A knock was heard outside the Duchess's office. "I'm busy!!!" Lady Remilia yelled across the room. "It's me, Head House Maid, Your Grace," came the reply from the other side of the door.

For a moment, there was no response before she said, "Come in."

The Head Maid entered quietly, closing the door behind her before walking towards the Duchess's desk. "What is it? Make it quick, I don't want any time to be wasted," Lady Remilia said strictly, causing the Head Maid to flinch as the Duchess continued working on her paperwork.

"Y-Your Grace, the maid who once served Lady Ruelle died yesterday in the dungeon, according to the guards," the Head Maid reported. The Duchess paused her work and looked up, eyeing the Head Maid seriously.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Yes, Your Grace," the Head Maid replied, quickly lowering her head to avoid eye contact. The Duchess thought for a moment. "Did she die from the flogging?"

"No, it was said she survived the punishment. She was unable to move but was still alive," the Head Maid answered. "But...the guards suspect that someone might have killed her."

"Nonsense!" the Duchess stood up and slammed her hand on the table. "Who'd kill a maid? And for what reason?! Do not be foolish." The Head Maid lowered her head in fear as the Duchess sat back down, rubbing her temples. "I shall see to it. You are dismissed."

"Yes, Your— but may I ask what I should do with the young lady?"

"Who?"

"Victoria, Your Grace. She still has not woken from her slumber, and it appears she still has a fever."

'Take care of her, or we'll both be in trouble,' she remembered those words and hated that little girl no matter what.

"Just feed her food and medicine, and when she is fine, put her back in her old room. I do not care," the Duchess said, returning to her work. The Head Maid left quietly and headed towards the room where Victoria lay.

. . . . . . .

When the Head Maid arrived at the door, she opened it and was greeted by a cold breeze. The windows to the balcony were open, but a small figure stood in the room wearing a dazzling dark blue off-shoulder dress, with fine hints of gold mixed with blue and delicate golden lace that flowed from her chest to the floor.

She looked nothing like the girl she used to be, transforming from a child into a mature young lady.

"Milady..." the Head Maid called. Victoria turned around slowly and carefully, looking elegant and mature. The good-for-nothing idiot seemed to have vanished.

"I wish to talk with Her Grace."

"B-But your fever!!"

"As you can see, I can walk and stand by myself. So take me to Her Grace," Victoria commanded, walking towards the door.

"But the scald—" the Head Maid paused, unable to see any burnt marks on Victoria's fair white skin.

"You were saying?" Victoria coldly stared into the Head Maid's eyes, causing her to flinch and stammer. "T-This way."

For a moment, the Head Maid's heartbeat quickened. This young lady was no longer the stupid idiot from before.

Eventually, they reached the Duchess's office, where the Head Maid hesitated before knocking on the door.