章 6: Disguised Deal (2)
"That... I don't intend to take her with me, Mama. I'm leaving her here to accompany you. I'd very much appreciate it if you could introduce her to high society."
Chalice answered reluctantly. Lyana raised her brow at this. Chalice knew her mother was doubtful of her purpose. After all, there will be a lot of difficulties for Lucy when she is introduced to high society. Especially since her origins were uncertain and she previously worked as a maid.
"Why do you want her to enter the circle, Chalice? You want to make her your substitute, is that it? Do you realize how cruel that idea is?"
Lyana reprimanded her. Lucy was too innocent and kind. Entering the aristocratic circle would tear her to shreds, like a sheep thrown into the wolves for slaughter.
"Mama, I understand your worries. I know firsthand how cruel the circle is. I do not plan to make her my substitute. I have my reasons, though I cannot divulge them to you. Be assured that I will talk to Lucy about this. I will get her consent."
Lyana peered at her intently, trying to determine what she was thinking.
"Alright. Inform me of what she thinks about it later."
Chalice smiled at her concession. Having accomplished her goal, Chalice contented herself in eating the snacks her mother prepared after which she scampered away happily to look for Lucy.
Unbeknownst to Chalice, her parents were baffled by their discussion with her. They realized that they now, were unable to truly read their daughter. On the positive side, she was a lot closer to them than before. With this, they had no more qualms.
Chalice found Lucy in her room taking out the gowns she said she hated. She trotted towards her, smiling jubilantly. Lucy noticed the miss' mood and smiled along with her.
"Something good happened, my lady?" Lucy inquired.
Chalice looked at her, her emerald eyes shining with delight.
"Why yes, Lucy dear. Good things certainly have happened. Want to hear about it?" Chalice quipped while flopping herself on the couch, resting her chin in her palms.
"Of course. That is if you want to share. But before that, please mind your sitting posture."
Chalice ignored her comment and frowned at the way Lucy was talking to her. It was all too formal and it made her uncomfortable.
"Before that, Lucy can you please stop being too formal with me? It's stressing me out."
Lucy tilted her head, confusion was evident in her eyes.
"But I have always talked to you like this, my lady. And what do you mean by stressing you out? Forgive me for my ignorance of the word, miss."
Chalice stood up and turned Lucy to face her. She squinted at her bewilderment.
"Lucy, listen to me. Will you please stop being too formal? That's an order. And call me by my name."
Lucy started to protest which Chalice cut off immediately.
"Chalice. C-H-A-L-I-C-E. Get it? Call me Chalice."
"Ch-Chal..Ch-Chalice."
A blooming smile appeared on Chalice's face when she heard Lucy's compliance. She let her go and went back to lounge in the chair.
"Good. So, about the good news. Which one do you want to hear first, Lucy?"
"Whatever you want to tell first my la-, I mean Chalice."
Chalice's smile widened at Lucy's reply. She twirled a small section of her ebony hair, contemplating on what to tell first and how.
"Hmm. I asked my father to punish me. I requested to be banished to Veridia."
She said after a few seconds. Her voice was nonchalant and indolent as if what she said did not concern her at all. Chalice glanced at the girl and nearly laughed out loud at the horror on her face.
"Oh, calm your nerves down, Lucy. It's not as if I'll die by being banished to the territory. Besides, I was the one who asked for it."
Lucy walked up to Chalice and stared at her uncaring face, unable to make sense of what she wanted to do.
"Why would you ask that, my la-... I mean Chalice? Why would you want to be banished? That would be too much. You were already injured by His Highness."
Lucy protested indignantly. Her anxiety for her mistress was at an all-time high.
"Lucy, this is something that I have decided on. Trust me. I've thought about it quite well. Besides, it's time I concern myself with our duchy."
"I cannot refute that. But if that is the case, I am going with you, Chalice."
Lucy's words were full of conviction. So much so that Chalice felt guilty for not being able to grant her wish. She sighed audibly.
"You didn't stutter saying my name this time. Wonderful. However, I'm truly sorry Lucy. I can't take you with me."
Lucy's eyes widened with shock, her face filling up with grievance. Chalice touched her nose, keeping silent amidst Lucy's stare.
"Why not? Have I done something that you dislike? I can change if that's the case."
Chalice shook her head helplessly. She kind of expected Lucy to be against the notion. But not this strongly.
"You didn't do anything wrong, Lucy. My actions, of course, have sufficient cause. And by having you stay behind is the same."
Chalice walked toward the French windows, her gaze traversing the splendid gardens of their estate.
"I promised my parents that I will not disappoint them this time around. I want them to see that I can become useful and not merely a headache for them. This banishment of mine is merely a disguise. I want to take control of Veridia. I want to care for our people there. I know you want to help and support me. But I am telling you, you will be able to help me better by staying here. You will confirm this soon enough."
Chalice explained, her gaze still lingering with the freesias. Then she turned Lucy with a smile that was unlike a smile.
"I got ahead of myself. I had something to ask by the way."
"What is it?" Lucy asked, her voice unsure.
"Will you... be... my sworn sister? For years, you have taken care of me and... and I was blind not to see that. That truth is I treat you not merely as a servant but as my sister. So, will you please accept this favor of mine?"
Chalice came up and held her hand tightly. Lucy had her head down, silent. She waited patiently for her to speak.
"Silly Chalice. Of course. I've always treated you as that. You're even more precious than Luke."
Lucy answered after a long silence. Chalice chuckled at her words and then engulfed her in an embrace.
"Thank you so much, Lucy."
Chalice let her go and looked at her, her eyes tinged with a bit of hesitance.
"I asked my parents to take you in as their goddaughter and have you enter high society. Lucy, I need you to be my eyes and ears here while I'm away tempering myself. I'm sorry if I'm dragging you into this. But you are the only one I trust. You will suffer even more... at my expense and I- I feel reluctant now that I think more about it."
Chalice bowed down, unsure of what to say. She had taken her as a sister yet in the end, she was still putting Lucy in a tight spot for her reasons. The guilt of her selfishness suddenly ate her up. There may be other ways to go about the circumstances. She should pull out this request.
Suddenly, Chalice felt a light pat on her head and heard the soft voice of Lucy.
"I didn't know that you could be sillier than this, Chalice. I have always wanted to do something more for you even as a mere maid. Now that you have given me a chance to be of use, not to mention took me in as your sister, then all the more, I am not letting you take away this chance. So please, rest assured that I am willing to help you. Just focus on doing what you need to do."
Chalice blanked out. The kindness of this girl was astounding. And she was on her side. She was her friend. Chalice was ecstatic at this revelation. She found herself clinging to Lucy in an embrace.
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