บท 21: The Last Step
Before the first rays of dawn embraces the ground, Aradia woke up from slumber. She hadn't forgotten that they had to go on a journey today. That's why she didn't waste any time and stood up to check the preparations one last time.
She looked at the snoring cat in the corner and went to freshen up.
After that, she went straight to Drusilla's bed chambers to see if she had woken up yet. She was familiar with Drusilla's sleeping habits and that's why she was certain that Drusilla must still be asleep.
But to her surprise, Drusilla was not only awake but she was already dressed up, ready to leave any time. This really took Aradia by surprise. It was so unexpected, after all. Seeing the joy on Drusilla's face, Aradia was getting more and more suspicious about the purpose of this trip.
However, whatever the purpose was, one thing was certain she couldn't escape it. So, why bother wasting time on it? It was better to just follow the orders she received.
"Sister Aradia!" Drusilla called out once she caught sight of Aradia's figure at the door. "You're here." Then she looked at Aradia's attire and frowned slightly, "Why aren't dressed up yet? We are leaving after breakfast."
Aradia looked down at her dress and replied, "Aren't I dressed up?"
Drusilla shook her head, "No. You're going out with me. How can you go like this?" She clapped her hands as she thought of something, "How about you wear one of my dresses? Yours are too plain and dull. I really don't understand your aesthetics. So, wear one of my dresses."
Aradia wanted to refuse almost instantly. She didn't want to touch anything that belonged to Drusilla. It always made her feel uncomfortable. But she couldn't refuse Drusilla either.
"There is no need for that, Lady Drusilla," said Aradia. "I'm comfortable in my clothes."
"But I'm not comfortable looking at you," replied Drusilla. "No way. I said you have to change that means you have to change." She turned to one of her maidservants and said, "Bring out that blue dress of mine for sister Aradia." She went up and held Aradia's arm and shook it coyly, "Sister Aradia, just listen to me. Anyway, we have the same size. My clothes would fit you. There is no trouble. So, don't refuse. Okay?"
When she acted like this Aradia was even more helpless and agreed subconsciously which made Drusilla laugh happily.
Then she turned in front of Aradia and asked, "How do I look in this light yellow dress? Does it make me look paler? Do you think Daddy will be able to tell that I'm not sick?"
Aradia shook her head, "No. The Duke won't notice anything." She was telling the truth, Duke Callen would selectively become blind when it came to his daughter. How would he be able to see that she was just pretending? Even if all the clues were placed in front of him, just as Drusilla frowned, he'd be distressed enough to believe all her lies.
Under Drusilla's order, Aradia had to change into the blue dress she pulled out from her wardrobe. When Aradia wore this dress, she stood in front of the mirror for a while looking at herself. Honestly speaking, she was uncomfortable in these clothes. Even though the dress was made with the softest fabric and didn't even hurt the skin, it still made her feel like ants were crawling on her skin.
She kept chanting in her head that it was all her illusion but it wasn't really helping at the moment.
Just as the two of them went to dining hall, they found Duke Callen and Sylvan at the dining table eating the breakfast. Drusilla hid her smile instantly and showed the weakness that indicated how ill she was.
"Good morning, Daddy!"
Duke Callen looked up and seeing his darling daughter, he stood up to help her, "Silla, why did you come here? I asked them to send your breakfast to the room."
Drusilla pretended to cough lightly and said with a forced smile, "I wanted to have breakfast with you, Daddy. Eating alone is not fun. Can't I eat with you?"
Duke Callen was instantly happy to hear that, "Of course. Why can't my daughter eat with me? Come and sit here with Daddy."
Aradia watched this act and sighed softly as she followed behind. Once Drusilla sat down, Aradia also sat down beside her. Duke Callen was busy serving his precious daughter which allowed Aradia to focus on the breakfast in front of her.
But suddenly, she felt a touch on her calf and froze. She looked down and saw that sneaky foot and looked up at Sylvan who smiled at her knowingly. Aradia looked at Duke Callen and Drusilla before focusing on the breakfast.
"Daddy is really uncomfortable sending you away," started Duke Callen. "I don't feel good knowing that I won't be able to see you. And you are not in good health too which is making it even worse. I really don't want to let you go."
Drusilla was horrified and wondered if she went too far with the act. She had to hold in her acting skills and not ruin everything at the last moment. This was the last step towards her freedom. Once she stepped out of the Duke's manor, she'd be the master of herself. How could she fail at this point?
"If Daddy doesn't want me to go, I won't go," said Drusilla looking like an obedient daughter who would do anything for her father. "I don't want to worry Daddy at all."
Duke Callen was gratified seeing his obedient daughter but he couldn't be selfish. He reined in his emotions and said, "No, Daddy is just worried. But this involved your health. We can't be careless. You should go and rest properly there." He took a pause and added, "Besides, it's not like you are going too far. It's just a few hours journey from the manor. If I miss you, I'll just come to see you."
"Thank you, Daddy!"
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