章 57: Unbound 04

Duchess Grandis smiled and approached her daughter. She was glad that Cailina was going out more. It was only right; her daughter should not spend her blossoming days inside a mansion.

Her smile turned into a frown the moment she got a closer look at Cailina's outfit. Simple as a merchant's daughter. She sighed and crossed her arms.

"Where are you off to?" she asked and eyed her daughter's dress, "wearing such a humble clothing?"

"I am visiting a friend," Cailina replied, "you always told me to be simple, mother."

Duchess Grandis smiled. She repeatedly did say that when Cailina was a child. She only wanted for her daughter to not be inclined with overspending on useless things.

She paused and realized her daughter mentioned a friend. Friend? Since when did she decide to have one other than that dog back in the fief?

"Friend?"

"Yes, mother," Cailina said in a haste, "I shall be off now."

After seeing her daughter's carriage disappeared from her sight. She waved her and as her attendant went closer to her. She pursed her lips and locked her gaze at Cailina's way.

"You failed to inform me about this matter."

The attendant apologized as he was about to, the Duke's attendant stopped him by the order of the Duke. He had no choice but to obey, and would gladly accept any form of punishment from the Duchess.

Duchess Grandis sighed. She rather knows it from her husband if he even went out his way to stop her attendant from doing his work.

She entered her husband's office without delay. She crossed her arms as she waited for him to finish his work.

Duke Grandis looked up and saw his wife with an inquiring look. He inwardly sighed, and placed down the papers. He stood and offered a seat for his wife.

"Is something troubling you?" he asked.

"Why did no one inform me that Cailina made a new friend[BSA1] ?"

He knew this day would come. The reason why he prevented his wife from knowing this was she would act this way.

"What?" Duchess Grandis raised her brow as her voice got higher, "You permitted our daughter to mingle with a boy?"

She patted her chest. She refused to accept this; her daughter's reputation was on the line. If rumors started going around that Cailina seemed closer with another nobleman.

The worst part of it was Cailina's only destination was going to the Galgon's residence. Her husband informed her that their daughter would spend the rest of her day out with the boy.

Duchess Grandis shook her head. She needed to put a stop to this relationship before some awful storylines would float around the social circle.

Her daughter has yet to make an appearance, and this would happen? She looked at her husband with a disappointed look. She should have never expected him to know how spiteful the social circle was.

"There is none that would speak ill of our family."

"I doubt so," Duchess Grandis glared at him, "the times have changed, and our family is not the same as before the incident."

Duke Grandis' eyes dimly lit. His expression turned grim, "Your worries are far-fetched."

Indeed, the glory of the Grandis was no longer terrifying as before. He knew that, but hearing it from his wife made his taste sour. He did so much to erase the stain that his brother left, but the mark stayed as a curse on them.

"Put a stop to this madness, Yaegar."

Cailina alighted the carriage with a small smile. She was led by a servant towards the parlor area, with Fione in tow. She has been visiting for a few days since the injury.

The gruesome memory of that day remained vivid in Cailina's mind. It could've been her.

Now, she feels indebted to Cassius as he saved her from ruining her face. It happened before she could realize it. Although she was training her aim, her reaction was still normal compared to the fast reflexes of Cassius.

She sat silently while waiting for him and sipped her tea as the time ticked by. Cailina was in no hurry as during the past days she visited, she has enjoyed Cassius' company.

"I hope I wasn't late."

Cassius leaned at the door as he flashed a warm smile at Cailina. He took some time as his wound was giving him a hard time to pace normally.

"Not at all," Cailina stood and gave smiled, "It is your home. You should not feel rushed at all."

Fione stood silently behind her master. Her gaze kept low as she lessens her presence. She was happy for the Lady as she was no longer sadden by being separated from her puppy.

The two talked for a while about the remodeling of the weapon. It seemed that the only topic that they talked about for the past days was how to have the weapon be at its best use.

Fione did not expect her master to be this interested in a man's taste, but she gradually adjusted to Cailina's newfound obsession. It was better this way, rather than sulking inside the mansion because of Aris.

"How is your hand?" Cailina asked.

"It's been healing alright," Cassius returned a smile at her concern, "my recovery would be in no time as my Lady showed concern."

"It seemed that your attendant didn't come with you today."

Cailina felt her lips subtly twitched at the mention of Lai. She would prefer to think of someone else than concern herself with that rebellious attendant of hers.

Ever since Lai discovered a hidden chamber designated for her father's dealings, he has been going there without missing a day. She could even consider herself lucky if Lai decided to accompany her.

He was the only attendant to openly say what was on his mind. Cailina should have long disposed of him due to his behavior, but he would always show her that he has some use.

She would keep him for a while until he has run out of things that would benefit her.

After a while of exchange of ideas, Cailina left with a smile on her face. It was wonderful talking with Cassius as he would tell her about his life outside the capital.

Cassius originally lived in the mountains with his father as it was where their kind resided. The Naugrim Tribe nestled between mountain ranges, and Cailina's kind has a firm relationship with them.

The golden light seeped through the window. Cassius stared outside; he had been looking aimlessly ever since Cailina left. He removed the bandages on his arm and stretched it as if an injury never existed, but left a scar on his skin.

"My Lord, is it wise to keep fooling the Lady?"

"I am not," he turned to meet his attendant's eyes, "I am still wounded."

He raised his arm and showed a long line of a scar, "see?"

The attendant bowed. He would never understand his master's aim, but it would be best not to know of it.

Cassius dismissed his attendant and was left alone with his thoughts. His personality would change along with his features. After all, he was truly not as friendly as Cailina thought him to be.