Judge of Cosmos

CHAPTER 6

"Your Grace, your room has been prepared adjacent to the Grand Duke's chambers," the maid informed Moraine, her tone polite yet distant as she gestured towards the opulent door.

Moraine offered a simple nod in acknowledgment, and the maid, seeming relieved to have fulfilled her duty, vanished quickly from sight.

The moment the door closed behind them, Roan, who had been restraining himself ever since the earlier encounter at the port, finally let his frustrations spill out.

"Master, this is unacceptable! That woman, Neria, dared to test you! I wanted nothing more than to pierce her eyes with the parasol I was holding."

Moraine's expression remained calm, but there was a warning edge to her voice as she replied, "I've told you before, Roan, not to call me 'Master' here. Be mindful of your words. You know why I accepted this marriage, don't you? Their childish and laughable stunts aren't worth our time. We're here for a purpose, and it won't be derailed by petty provocations."

Roan and Kana, understanding the gravity in her tone, immediately silenced themselves. They knew Moraine well enough to recognize when to hold back.

"Kana, follow me inside. Roan, go and report to the Grand Duke," Moraine instructed.Roan gave a respectful nod before slipping away to carry out her orders. Once inside the chambers, Moraine took a moment to survey her surroundings, her keen eyes taking in every detail. A smirk formed on her lips as she observed the tastefully decorated room.

"It's aesthetically pleasing. I must admit, I am impressed," Moraine remarked with a touch of amusement.

Kana responded with a nod and began assisting her in removing her outer garments. As the heavy dress fell away, Moraine felt the lingering discomfort from the sea breeze that had clung to her during the journey. The humidity had left her skin feeling sticky and unpleasant, and the thought of a bath became irresistible.

Without hesitation, Moraine decided to indulge in a lavender-infused bath. The warm, fragrant water promised to wash away not only the physical grime of the journey but also the tension that had accumulated from the day's events. As she submerged herself, the soothing scent of lavender began to calm her, allowing her mind to clear as she prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.

The soothing scent of lavender wrapped around Moraine like a warm embrace, easing the weariness that had clung to her from the long journey. As the fragrant steam rose from the bath, Kana's skilled hands worked magic on her tired muscles, kneading away the tension with expert precision.

"You truly have a gift for this, Kana," Moraine murmured, her voice laced with contentment.

Kana's cheeks flushed a delicate pink at the praise, but she continued her work, her fingers moving deftly over Moraine's delicate, porcelain-like skin. The peppermint incense, burning softly in the corner of the room, filled the air with its sharp yet soothing aroma, enhancing the relaxing atmosphere. 

The headache that had plagued Moraine since her arrival had vanished, leaving her feeling renewed. Kana's alchemical skills were indeed remarkable, and Moraine felt fortunate to have such a talented attendant by her side.