บท 89: Evangeline's office
The Seldings Family House
Goldyewn's Bedroom
Goldyewn sat in her lavish bedroom, draped in a short silk gown and delicate slippers, her golden hair wrapped elegantly in a loose bun. A smoldering cigar hung from her lips, casting a faint trail of smoke as she reclined in her chair, her eyes drifting over the newspaper she held. Her gaze narrowed when she spotted a photograph of Dominic and Evangeline, walking together arm in arm, both looking uncharacteristically at ease and—dare she say it—happy.
She raised a single eyebrow, her face hardening.
"Oh... Are they officially together now?" she muttered under her breath, clenching the edges of the newspaper until her knuckles turned white. "And what happened to her bodyguard?" She bit down on the cigar as jealousy simmered within her, twisting her expression.
Unable to suppress the resentment tightening in her chest, she threw the newspaper across the room, watching it flutter down like a defeated bird. "I have to see him again," she decided, almost as if the words carried a weight of inevitability. With a slow, deliberate motion, she took the cigar from her mouth, exhaled a stream of smoke, and crossed her legs. Her lips curled into a bitter smile as thoughts of how she might interrupt their closeness started to form in her mind.
But her mind was already working on a plan. If Evangeline thought she had Dominic's attention, Goldyewn intended to make her reconsider, whatever it took.
Azielle Sarogath Manor, Liyue Estate, Verdaselles
Azielle sat comfortably in the sunlit sitting room, her fingers gently turning the pages of a worn book. The peaceful silence of the manor embraced her, and a calm smile touched her lips as she delved into the familiar story. She looked perfectly at ease, reclining in a velvet armchair, her gaze steady on the words as she sipped a fragrant cup of tea beside her.
The tranquility was soon interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Leonard, her loyal attendant, entered with a respectful bow.
"Good afternoon, Your Grace," Leonard's voice broke the silence, causing Azielle to lift her gaze from her book. With a calm, graceful movement, she closed it and settled it on her lap.
"Ah, Leonard," she greeted warmly. "Has something happened at the Serenity Palace?" She studied his expression as he straightened, a slight shake of his head signaling reassurance.
"No, Your Grace. It's the media," he replied, his voice calm yet cautious.
Azielle raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "The media?" she echoed, and Leonard handed her a freshly printed newspaper. She accepted it, her eyes scanning the headline that featured her granddaughter, Evangeline, pictured arm-in-arm with her husband, Dominic, in front of the family's hotel.
A soft chuckle escaped Azielle's lips, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Evangeline is truly growing up to be a proper woman. Though, knowing Dominic, I'm sure he orchestrated this for the media," she mused, a hint of fondness in her voice.
Leonard allowed himself a slight smile. "I suppose so, Your Grace. Ever since she married him, Evangeline has hardly shown any affection for him."
Azielle nodded, folding the newspaper thoughtfully. "Quite right... I think I'll reach out to Dominic to discuss Evangeline's progress in managing the hotel. I've trained her a little for the business world, but as for matters of the Viceroy… well, Dominic can handle those. She is the heiress, after all," Azielle replied, her gaze lingering on the photograph, a mix of pride and contemplation softening her face.
As she set the newspaper aside, she noticed Leonard watching her with quiet admiration. "There's a wisdom to Evangeline," Azielle added with a smile. "Just like her mother had. And if anyone can hold her own in this world of Dominics and alliances, it's her." She exhaled contentedly, picking up her book again, her smile lingering as she resumed her reading, with Leonard nodding silently, recognizing her unwavering confidence in her granddaughter's future.
The West Wing of Verdaselles Serenity Palace
Evangeline's Office
The next day, Evangeline sat at her desk, reviewing notes from the previous day's meeting, though her mind wandered. Her gaze drifted around the office, a space Magdalene had carefully prepared for her, and she felt a sense of warmth in the elegant, familiar surroundings. "I suppose Dominic is off handling those matters," she thought, a hint of resignation tinged with relief. "Not that he even said goodbye, but I'm not bothered by it."
Magdalene's voice pulled her from her thoughts.
"My lady, you can look this over and see if it's to your liking," she said, her tone gentle yet pleased.
Evangeline glanced up, her face lighting up with a soft smile. "This is amazing… Magdalene, I absolutely love it," she said, her voice filled with genuine joy as she admired the room. She turned slowly, taking in every detail. The walls held five beautifully arranged terraces, each adorned with shelves that displayed a few charming new toys. An elegant, spiral staircase led to a small mezzanine, lending a sense of regal grandeur to the space. Hanging plants added a touch of natural vibrance, and classical paintings were spaced tastefully along the walls. Dark green velvet curtains draped the large windows, casting a warm, tranquil light across the room. Magdalene had remembered her love for the color green, and it felt like a quiet haven from the outside world.
Through a set of glass doors, Evangeline could see a small palace garden. Nearby, her desk and plush chair were thoughtfully placed, with a vintage telephone on the table and a comfortable sofa with a small, ornate side drawer beside it. A grand, dark green rug covered the floor, soft under her feet. She noticed the toys on the shelves, and a faint blush crept over her cheeks.
Magdalene chuckled softly. "I'm glad you like it, my lady. I know how much you adore the color green, so I did my best to prepare everything with that in mind."
Evangeline nodded, placing the papers she'd been holding on the desk.
"Just like your childhood bedroom in the Cold Palace," Magdalene added with a warm smile, "I made sure there are blankets for you, and a wardrobe with some clothes, just in case you need them."
Evangeline laughed softly, her cheeks flushing again. "I love it… and the toys too. It reminds me of when I was a little girl, when my parents were still alive. I still like plushies." She let out a slightly embarrassed giggle, lowering her gaze. "I know I'm an adult, but… it's nice having something cute around."
She turned, her eyes lingering on the toys with a mixture of nostalgia and gratitude. "You're amazing, Maggie," she said, her voice wavering slightly. "I'll give you a bonus for all this. You've made me feel so comfortable, like you've brought a little bit of my childhood back as I step into my family's business."
Her voice caught as she tried to hold back tears. But Magdalene saw her distress and gently wrapped her arms around her in a comforting hug, patting her back affectionately, like a sister.
"Oh, my lady, please don't cry," she whispered, her voice filled with kindness. "I only did my best because I knew it would mean so much to you."
Evangeline's sobs broke free, her emotions finally spilling over as she allowed herself to be vulnerable in Magdalene's embrace. She felt the depth of her friend's care, and it was a relief, a small sanctuary amid the weight of her new responsibilities.
Pulling back, Magdalene handed her a handkerchief, smiling softly. "Here, my lady. We can't have you crying on your first day in this lovely office."
Evangeline took the handkerchief and dabbed at her tears, smiling gratefully. "Thank you, Maggie," she whispered, regaining her composure. As she looked around, the room felt more than just an office—it felt like home.
Magdalene continued, her voice warm and attentive. "I also arranged a new number for the telephone here, selected your favorite music, brought in your preferred ink color, and even retrieved some study books from the National Library to support your studies in politics. Everything is ready and waiting for you, my lady." As she spoke, her eyes sparkled, recalling the effort it had taken to secure the books from the library.
Evangeline's eyes widened in surprise. "The National Library?! That's… that's too much, Magdalene!" Her surprise was genuine, as if she hadn't been emotional just minutes earlier. Her gaze shifted across the room and fell upon a familiar book, the Eardoznian text she'd purchased at an auction not long ago.
"She even brought this here," Evangeline thought, a newfound sense of purpose lighting up her expression. "As the future Duchess, maybe I can use this knowledge to assist the Verdasellen Military, perhaps even aid them in securing advanced weaponry."
A determined look crossed her face as she brushed her hand across the polished surface of her desk, her wedding ring glinting softly in the light. Her thoughts lingered, considering the significance of this space. "This might just be a temporary office, but someday… someday I could sit in the main office once used by my mother and grandmother. Though I think I rather prefer this one. Magdalene did an incredible job, and she deserves a bonus."
Noticing the small smile on Evangeline's face, Magdalene's heart swelled with relief. "She looks healthier… Dominic even called the physician to check on her before he left," Magdalene thought, noting Evangeline's renewed energy.
With a small bow, Magdalene asked, "May I bring you something to eat, my lady?"
Evangeline glanced up, her face softening as she smiled. "Yes, please. I'd love some berry yogurt and maybe something light to eat. I would appreciate that very much." A faint blush colored her cheeks as she spoke, and Magdalene returned her smile with a gentle nod.
"Did you bring everything I need to work on here?" Evangeline asked, her gaze shifting to Magdalene. Magdalene nodded confidently as Evangeline opened a drawer in her desk, finding all her documents neatly organized, including the Viceroy's and Duke's records. A small smile of satisfaction crossed her lips as she drew out a brown envelope and handed it to Magdalene.
"I'll need you to gather information on everyone listed here, so we can begin contacting them," Evangeline said, her tone sharp yet pleased. "And please, have Caleb bring me the manual as well." She gave Magdalene an appreciative smile.
Magdalene took the envelope and nodded. "Yes, my lady... also, I have some news for you." Noting Evangeline's raised eyebrow and curious expression, she continued, "Master Dominic summoned the physician before he departed the Palace. The doctor should be arriving tonight."
Evangeline's shoulders eased, and she let out a quiet sigh of relief. "Alright…" she murmured, folding her arms in thought.
Turning to leave, Magdalene gave a slight bow. "And I'll be sure to remind Caleb about the manual, Your Ladyship," she replied, before heading to the door and quietly shutting it behind her.
Once alone, Evangeline approached the nearby window, her gaze steady as she looked out over the palace grounds. "No one will look down on me again," she thought, narrowing her eyes with determination. "I'm coming back into business, stronger than before."
The afternoon light cast a warm glow over her figure, silhouetting her poised stance as she silently prepared herself for what was to come.
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