Chains of Fate

Drawing Room Meeting

A middle-aged man, resembling a butler, took Ralph's gifts, and Ralph quickly handed over the wrapped silver coins. The man weighed the coins in his hand, his expression seeming fairly pleased.

"Please wait, the lady will be here shortly."

"Thank you!"

Soon, a maid served tea, and Ralph took a gentle sip. The tea was fragrant and rich, clearly of high quality. Despite being a descendant of a fallen knight, the steward's household still showed considerable respect in their hospitality, not skimping due to his destitute status, which provided Ralph with some comfort and eased his inner tension somewhat. He smiled politely at the maid who served the tea, who covered her mouth with a giggle and turned away.

About half a tea time later, the steward's wife arrived leisurely.

Hearing noises from outside the door, Ralph immediately stood up and turned towards the entrance. The lighting in the drawing room dimmed momentarily as the door opened, and two people entered.

The leader was a woman in her thirties. Ralph glanced at her and couldn't help but marvel inwardly. Although her features were only moderately pretty, her figure was graceful, especially her eyes, which seemed to contain endless allure, almost as if they could speak. She should have been considered ordinary-looking, but her gaze and figure added a deadly charm to her, more enticing than those of conventionally beautiful girls.

This woman must be Damian's wife, Lady Alicia.

Ralph quickly averted his gaze, bowing his head, not daring to look too much. Having encountered various high-society women before, he understood the undercurrents and dangers involved and immediately recited rational thoughts in his mind to avoid wandering too far in his thoughts.

The maid following Lady Alicia was the same one who had served the tea earlier.

"Good day, my lady." Ralph bowed slightly, his demeanor respectful and without hesitation. After all, even though he was a descendant of a knightly family, he was now merely a dependent seeking help, and such courtesies were essential.

"You are the son of the Morgan knight from the East Village, grown so tall. Don't be so formal, sit down and talk. I saw you when you were a child," Lady Alicia said with a smile as she took the seat of honor.

Ralph looked up and smiled in response: "It is an honor that you remember me, my lady."

As he looked up, Lady Alicia got a clear view of his face, her eyes brightening instantly, and her smile grew even more radiant. The young man before her was handsome and dashing, fully inheriting his family's fine appearance. Even though Ralph was dressed simply, he could not hide his elegant and attractive demeanor. His polite and humble manner made him even more endearing.

"Why sit so far away? Come closer," Lady Alicia called softly, her tone filled with a gentle familiarity.

Ralph hesitated for a moment, but seeing that she was unguarded, he obediently moved two steps closer, sitting at a small table just across from her. Now closer, he could even smell a faint scent of oranges on her, which involuntarily drew his gaze again.

Lady Alicia noticed his behavior and secretly rejoiced.

"You're here to see my husband, aren't you? Unfortunately, he is not at the castle today. There's a duty at the main fort, and he was called away at the last minute. Whatever you need, you can tell me, and I can handle it on his behalf," Lady Alicia smiled very naturally, though her eyes lingered on Ralph.

Ralph had prepared for the worst; he had no way out. No matter what, he had to take a chance.

"Madam, the position my father held at the royal prison has been taken by someone else. I wish to inherit this role, but I find myself without options. Today, I am here hoping that you and the steward could consider my father's connection and lend me a hand," Ralph's voice was low but firm.

Lady Alicia's eyes flickered slightly, her smile undiminished, "So, you wish to take over your father's position, is that it?"

"Exactly!"

"But you do realize that, although the job is stable, it's a lowly position. You're so young and handsome, have you really thought it through?" Lady Alicia seemed somewhat regretful, her tone full of softness.

Ralph looked serious, saying firmly, "My lady, I am of age and no longer wish to worry my sister. Times are tough, and though the job at the royal prison isn't dignified, it's enough to secure a livelihood, better than wasting my days."

After hearing this, Lady Alicia nodded slightly, a look of admiration in her eyes. "You've thought this through well. I will relay this to my husband." Her eyes then carried a teasing glimmer, "Are you betrothed yet?"

Ralph was slightly taken aback, noticing Lady Alicia leaning slightly towards him, her chest brushing against the edge of the table, her figure more pronounced, and the hint of orange scent made his heart flutter. Although he had experienced many situations, his young body was not entirely immune.

He suppressed the turmoil in his heart, maintaining a cool demeanor as he answered, "I am not betrothed."

"Is it because you're too selective?" Lady Alicia smiled, her hand resting lightly on the table, just two inches from Ralph, as if she could touch his sleeve at any moment.

"Without a career, how can I consider marriage?" Ralph kept his composure, but his mind was already on alert. He picked up the teacup from the table, trying to mask his inner anxiety.

As his fingers touched the teacup, Lady Alicia's hand gently rested on the back of his hand, the soft and delicate touch causing his body to stiffen involuntarily.

Ralph internally recited mantras to keep calm—he knew he could not show any impropriety at this moment. He wondered if Steward Damian was aware of his wife's conduct. Did he not worry about such situations?

Lady Alicia's touch grew more lingering, as if unwilling to let go. Her smile became more flirtatious, and her gaze wrapped around Ralph like silk threads. "Such a responsible man is rare indeed. But why haven't you drunk your tea for so long?"

Ralph, hearing this, forced himself to calm down and quickly sipped the tea. He knew Lady Alicia's intentions were not just flirtatious in words. He continued to engage her while silently reminding himself not to act rashly—this was Steward Damian's wife, and he dared not provoke her.

"I'm tired, you may go now, wait for the news," Lady Alicia suddenly changed her tone, becoming much colder, clearly dismissing him.

Ralph was momentarily stunned, as if the warmth had vanished in an instant. He instinctively wanted to confirm whether she was joking, but her expression remained unchanged.

He stood up, bowed, and said, "Thank you for your concern, my lady. I shall take my leave!"

Lady Alicia nodded with a dignified look, watching him depart.

Ralph walked out of the steward's mansion, full of doubts. He couldn't help but look back at the closed door, pondering the lady's attitude. Was it because he hadn't responded to her hints, or was she testing his character?

If it was the former, he might have offended this cunning woman; if it was the latter, perhaps she had a different appreciation for his looks and character. He was confident his appearance could impress many.