Chapter 25
Three days had passed since Tevet’s departure.
It rained from morning—an unusually fierce spring rain.
“Have we ever had the estate locked down like this?”
“Never. The gatekeeper said it’s the first time.”
“Why would the Lord make a rule where things can come in but not go out?”
“Who knows? Who can guess what the Lord is thinking?”
In the quiet afternoon, maids chatted as they washed dishes.
Ashlyn silently dried plates nearby.
“Why’s this spring rain so cold and harsh?”
“Ashlyn, let me help.”
“Oh? It’s fine, I’m done.”
They invited her for tea, and she agreed with a soft smile.
After finishing their chores, Ashlyn and the other maids moved to the break room. There, she sipped warm rosemary tea.
“Ashlyn, today’s newsletter just came in. Delivery’s been slow lately since the lockdown.”
Marck, the delivery servant for the northern annex, brought it in soaked from the rain.
“Thanks, Marck.”
‘Security’s still tight at the gate…’
Ashlyn calmly drank her tea, watching for a chance to escape.
She knew: as time passed, vigilance would weaken.
‘Maybe I’ll grab a newsletter. Clear my mind.’
She walked down the rain-soaked corridor toward the northern annex.
There, the familiar lobby and wall of newsletter shelves appeared—a space Tevet had created for her.
‘If you like any particular publisher, tell me. I’ll buy the company for you.’
His gentle voice echoed in her mind. She shook her head to dispel it.
And then—
‘…?’
Large bold letters jumped out at her.
She quickened her pace.
〔Second Prince in Critical Condition – Unknown Illness〕
〔Crown Succession Battle – First Prince Gains Upper Hand〕
〔Second Prince Poisoned?〕
“Erdan!”
Ashlyn’s voice tore out of her as she flipped through every newsletter.
Boom—CRACK!
Lightning split the sky above the mansion.
“Ashlyn?”
Sepia rushed over. Ashlyn had collapsed in front of the shelf, her body trembling.
Lightning flashed across her pale face and deep-blue eyes filled with fear.
‘Erdan, I swear I’ll protect you.’
A familiar voice rang like an echo.
‘Erdan, how could this happen?’
‘With my life, maybe?’
‘I don’t need your life. If you die, I die too.’
‘Heh… same here.’
‘Why did I die again?’
‘I gave up everything to protect someone…’
Boom—CRACK!
The world felt like it was crumbling.
〔Crisis for Prince Erdan – Was Twin Princess’s Death the Cause?〕
Sepia saw the article clutched in Ashlyn’s hand.
‘Erdan.’
Ashlyn squeezed her eyes shut.
She could feel nothing of her twin’s presence.
Even if he died… she might not know.
Or maybe… it had already happened.
Terror gripped her.
She bit her lip—and stood.
The house steward rubbed her brow, heavy-footed on her way back to her room.
She had opposed the lockdown, but it had been enforced anyway.
“So cold…” she muttered, hugging herself.
Suddenly—
“Ah!”
A shadow stood before her door.
“Ashlyn? What are you doing here?”
The steward lifted her lamp to reveal the lavender-haired maid.
“Steward, I need to talk to you.”
Her voice was low. Her eyes were cold, emotionless.
The steward instinctively swallowed and let her in.
“I want to leave the estate.”
“What?”
Even before the door fully closed, Ashlyn spoke again.
“Please… write me a letter of recommendation.”
The steward sat at her desk, offering Ashlyn a seat—she refused.
“Is something wrong?”
After a moment of silence, Ashlyn responded:
“I once mentioned it to the head maid… I have a younger brother. I’ve just received news he’s gravely ill. I must go.”
The steward looked at her silently.
A beauty fit for a painting… But it wasn’t just that. There was power in her bearing.
‘Whatever it was, something drew the Lord to her…’
The steward sighed.
“The Lord will come looking for you. And the estate is on lockdown—you know why, don’t you?”
“I do. But it doesn’t matter to me.”
“What do you mean, it doesn’t matter?”
“I know you don’t like me, Steward.”
That took her by surprise.
“Ashlyn, I…”
“It doesn’t matter what you think. Please—write me the recommendation and help me leave.”
A heavy silence fell. Only the sound of rain on the windows echoed.
“…I never hated you.”
The steward finally spoke.
“Laperion is a house of proud neutrality. My family has served it for generations.”
Her voice carried regret.
“I’ve always been proud to serve here. That’s why I worried a single maid might tarnish its name.”
It wasn’t a complaint—just truth.
Ashlyn listened quietly.
“That hasn’t changed.”
Silence followed. Then the steward straightened herself.
“You are a brilliant maid. Astute, diligent, intelligent.”
“If I had seen you only as a servant, I would never let you go for the sake of the house.”
Her voice was grave and sincere.
Then—
“Which house shall I write the recommendation to?”
Ashlyn finally looked up.
A cool gleam shone in her blue eyes.
“The Imperial Palace.”
“I want to serve in the palace.”
