The Strange Girl (Slow Updates)

CHAPTER 15

Winter

The entire family was in the midst of their preparations, each occupied with their own tasks, when a sudden knock echoed through the house. They all paused, exchanging puzzled glances, as none of them had been expecting any visitors.

Victor, always vigilant, stepped forward and approached the door. He hesitated for a moment, then slowly opened it to reveal who had come knocking.

Standing at the threshold was a coachman, dressed impeccably in a uniform that spoke of wealth and refinement. Behind him, a grand carriage waited, its polished wood gleaming under the fading light. The carriage was clearly of high quality, likely owned by someone of significant wealth.

The coachman, with a polite bow, announced the reason for his visit. "Magandang gabi, ginoo. akoy inatasan ng aking amo na dalhin kayo sa kanyang bahay upang maghapunan."

Victor's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but he quickly composed himself, recognizing the persistent thoughtfulness of Carlos. It seemed that the merchant, true to his word, had gone out of his way to ensure they couldn't decline his earlier invitation.

"andito na ang sundo natin, handa na ba kayo?" baling ni Victor sa mag ina nya matapos makipag usap sa lalaking nasa labas.

Nagsitanguan naman ang dalawa, hudyat na sila ay handa nang umalis. sinigurado muna nilang maayos na nakasara ang bahay bago sila pumuta sa gawi ng kalesa.

Victor, ever the gentleman, extended his hand to Mythia and Winter, helping them step up into the carriage with ease. His actions, though simple, spoke of the care he had for his family. Once both women were seated comfortably, Victor climbed in, and the coachman gently closed the door behind him. 

As the carriage began its steady journey, the clatter of the wheels on cobblestone streets filled the air. Though the ride wasn't particularly long, a certain tension hung in the air. Silence reigned inside the carriage, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Victor, eyes focused on the passing scenery, couldn't help but wonder what awaited them at Carlos' dinner. Mythia and Winter exchanged glances from time to time, but neither spoke, the day's events weighing on their minds.

The streets of Albiore passed by in a blur, but despite the silence, there was an unspoken understanding among them. Tonight would be a night to remember, one way or another.

Tumigil ang karwahe sa harap ng isang malaking gate gawa sa bakal. Akala nila ay dun na nagtatapos ang byahe nila, ang hindi nila alam ay papasok pa pala ang sinasakyan nila.

As the tall iron gate creaked open, the carriage rolled forward along the cobblestone path, lined with well-kept hedges and lanterns that softly illuminated the evening. The road seemed endless, stretching toward a stately mansion that gradually came into view.

When they finally stopped before the mansion, Winter, Mythia, and Victor couldn't help but take in its grandeur. It wasn't the opulence of a noble's estate or a royal palace, but its elegance was undeniable. The mansion's towering stone walls, adorned with intricate carvings and well-maintained windows, spoke of wealth and taste. The large oak doors, flanked by tall pillars, completed the look of a residence belonging to someone well-off.

Victor was the first to step out of the carriage, once again offering his hand to Mythia and Winter as they exited. They stood for a moment, gazing up at the mansion before walking toward the grand entrance, their footsteps echoing on the polished stone steps. Tonight's dinner was going to be held in surroundings far removed from the modest comforts of their new home.

As Victor knocked on the large wooden door, it swung open almost immediately, revealing a small array of servants standing in two neat rows, bowing politely. At the end of the hallway stood Carlos, a broad grin on his face, with his family beside him. Carlos' family, standing at the end of the hall, greeted them with warm smiles. His son stood tall beside his wife, who had a gentle demeanor, while their daughter, about the same age as Winter, shyly peeked from behind her parents. Carlos, full of enthusiasm, walked over to them with his arms wide open, as if welcoming old friends, ready to make the dinner a pleasant and memorable affair.