The Merchant Princess's Magical Online Emporium

CHAPTER 5

Yxellra's POV

As the first light of morning touched the room, I was abruptly awakened by the entrance of maids flooding in.

The clattering of footsteps and the rustling of elegant garments filled the space. 

Confusion gripped me as I tried to comprehend the sudden influx of attendants.

I observed the maids with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. 

I had grown accustomed to the disdainful glances and veiled hostility from those around me, all because I was an illegitimate child. Yet, these maids seemed different—more than just disdain, some even looked at me with disgust.

A hushed dialogue unfolded among four maids, momentarily halted by the stern command of the head maid, "Get to work." 

The disapproving murmurs were silenced, but I caught phrases like 

"Why do we have to serve someone like her?" 

The head maid intervened sharply, "Quit your idle chatter and focus on your tasks."

Next thing I knew, the head maid was yanking my arm, leading me towards the bathroom. 

I was subjected to a rather harsh bath, with some maids audibly complaining about why they had to serve a supposed castaway.

Confusion and distress filled my thoughts as the head maid directed their efforts in grooming me. Adorned in luxurious garments, drenched in makeup, adorned with accessories, and surrounded by fragrances, I felt like a doll being prepared for display. 

The head maid emphasized, "You need to look beautiful; our fortunes depend on it."

Once the makeover was complete, we ventured out of the room, and I was greeted by the grandeur of the mansion. 

The opulence surpassed any descriptions I had read in novels and comics. It was as if I had stepped into a world of aristocratic splendor, bewildering yet captivating.

As I was escorted to a lavishly adorned carriage, drawn by a pristine white horse, I couldn't help but marvel at the gold and red accents. The emblem of a dragon and a sword adorned the carriage, symbolizing the Adenca dukedom. 

The sheer majesty of the scene left me breathless, seated on a cushioned perch that felt as if I were floating on clouds.

Lost in thought, I gazed out of the carriage window, captivated by the beauty of the Adenca family estate. 

Before I knew it, fatigue overwhelmed me, and I succumbed to sleep once again.

The rhythmic movement of the carriage woke me from my slumber as we came to a halt.

The driver gestured for me to disembark, and before me stood an imposing and magnificent structure that resembled a palace hall. Aristocrats adorned in extravagant attire, with masks concealing their eyes, streamed into the building.

Stepping out of the carriage, I was greeted by a couple who exuded an air of authority—the Duke and Duchess of Adenca. 

The duchess spoke with a regal yet warm tone, "Come, child. Let us enter." 

The duke, however, remained silent, his lack of acknowledgment leaving me feeling like an outsider in their noble world.

As we entered the grand hall, the mysteries of my newfound reality began to unravel, and I couldn't help but wonder how this unexpected journey would shape my destiny.

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