Reveln’s rise to kingdom status was marked by a series of conquests against its neighboring kingdoms, culminating in the absorption and unification of their territories. Following these conflicts, the once-independent lands surrounding Reveln were integrated into the kingdom, with Revelhorn established as the royal capital.
The conquered territories were reorganized into four distinct districts, each centered around Revelhorn and governed by an emperor alongside their subordinate vassals. These districts were delineated as the Duchy of Zerkan to the east, the Duchy of Schaller to the west, the Duchy of Callius to the south, and the expansive Duchy of Grüsewald to the north.
Notably, while the eastern, western, and southern duchies were assimilated through defeat and absorption, the situation in Grüsewald differed. Rather than being conquered outright, the ruling family of Grüsewald chose to relinquish their royal status, voluntarily integrating themselves into the Kingdom of Reveln. Consequently, the Dukes of Grüsewald emerged as one of the foremost influential families within Reveln, representing the legacy of their former realm.
The Duchy of Grüsewald was not merely another noble lineage within Reveln, but rather a prestigious and esteemed family with a significant heritage. Their decision to align with Reveln elevated their status, ensuring that the Grüsewald name retained its esteemed reputation and honor within the kingdom.
The arrival of the carriage belonging to such a prestigious family marked its presence before a secluded mansion nestled in the mountains. Stepping out from the carriage was a young man of striking appearance, possessing the same fair complexion, silver locks, and captivating eyes as Odette.
Blair von Grüsewald, the second son of the Duke of Grüsewald. He was indeed a blood relative of the renowned Lady Odette, known for her breathtaking beauty.
As he alighted from the carriage and entered the manor, my gaze momentarily diverted, catching sight of my own pale fingertips. A shiver ran down my spine as the realization dawned upon me that the blood relative of the woman who had orchestrated my death was coming to this very place. Though I understood that the body once belonging to the ill-fated queen already lay lifeless, the approaching footsteps seemed to echo the approach of an executioner, sent at Jocelyn’s behest to claim my life.
“My dear, dear Odelliana!” exclaimed a man, breaking through the tension, anxiety, and fear with his warm embrace.
At close proximity, his features appeared even more refined and pronounced than they had seemed from afar. The careful grooming of his appearance was evident, with eyes neither too large nor too small, a prominent nose, and teeth that aligned flawlessly. Like Jocelyn, his demeanor exuded warmth and hospitality, radiating a joviality that put others at ease.
“I missed you so much I didn’t even bother going home, I came straight here. How are you?” he inquired, his tone filled with genuine concern.
I remained silent, my thoughts swirling amidst the tumult of emotions.
“Were you surprised by the suddenness of my visit?” he continued.
Nothing about the visit was truly sudden, as unexpected arrivals had become somewhat commonplace. What truly caught me off guard was the revelation of my connection to the Duchy of Grüsewald.
“Why are you so sullen?” queried Blair.
Because I couldn’t eat, I replied in my head. Anyone would turn into a skeleton within a month if they only relied on hard bread and thin soup for meals.
“It’s because of the worsening illness, milord,” interjected Adella.
“Ah, Adella. It’s been a while,” acknowledged Blair.
The middle-aged woman, identified as Adella, nodded in agreement. “It’s been a while indeed, Lord Blair. You seem to have become more refined since we last met. You seem to have been doing well during your studies abroad. You look much better than before.”
Blair looked at me, noting my supposed changed appearance. “And Odelliana seems thinner than before… You must have gone through a lot.”
“I’m worried about the young lady. She seems to be getting weaker day by day, and I’m afraid it might become a serious problem soon.”
Disgusted by Adella’s pretense, I couldn’t help but laugh. The conditions this body endured in confinement left little room for anything but survival. If only “I” had been provided proper nourishment and care, the circumstances might have been different.
“I hope to take Odelliana on a trip as soon as possible,” announced Blair. My confusion mirrored Adella’s surprise at Blair’s sudden plans.
“Odelliana, I’ve finished my studies abroad and returned completely. I’ll visit more often from now on,” Blair elaborated, his tone filled with sincerity.
Studies abroad? My mind raced with disbelief as I processed Blair’s words. He had been studying abroad since his teenage years and had only returned home in his mid-twenties, long before Jocelyn ascended to the throne. Lelusha’s death had transpired years later, after Blair had established himself as a successful businessman in Reveln.
