“…Young master, Miss Odelliana maintains composure only in your presence.”
“Is that so? Then, at the very least, Odelliana demonstrates the ability to discern individuals properly. Can such behavior truly be classified as madness? Are you suggesting that a lunatic can regulate their conduct at will?”
Adella faltered, unable to offer a response. Her once-assured demeanor had faltered, revealing her vulnerability.
“Blair von Grüsewald is not to be underestimated.” From the outset, within the Grüsewald ducal lineage, his intellect surpassed even that of the eldest son. It would be folly to disregard someone destined for success in the world of business.
To Adella, now in her middle years, it was clear that she regarded him as nothing more than a pampered child.
Blair’s decision to institute a one-month probationary period felt like a death sentence to them all. As their expressions darkened, I could sense their despair.
Yet, I remained convinced. Lady Odelliana had never been afflicted with madness. If she truly experienced fits of aggression as Adella claimed, there would be no need for such despair.
Why did they do this to Odelliana? Perhaps there were elaborate justifications for their actions. After all, human relationships are complex and subjective, influenced by individual chircumstances.
But regardless, I refused to be swayed. Even if there were valid reasons for Odelliana’s suffering, I had no intention of enduring it. One life of misery was more than enough.
***
Under Blair’s scrutinizing gaze, the once arrogant and reckless behavior of the servants came to an abrupt halt. The annex where she had been confined was sealed off, and after a thorough examination of the estate’s finances, Blair stripped Adella of all authority, assuming management himself. The family doctor faced dismissal, and during the financial review, a significant sum of money was found to have funneled into his pockets.
Once the veil of corruption began to lift, revelations poured forth like unraveled sausage links. Unable to withstand Blair’s relentless pressure, the family doctor confessed to embezzlement and falsifying medical records.
Blair wasted no time in dispatching word to the lord of Anatolia, urging the recruitment of a trustworthy replacement to assess Odelliana’s condition.
“Physically, she is frail, with congenital leg disabilities being the primary concern,” the new doctor reported.
“Are you certain?” Blair pressed.
“Yes, although her weakened state is exacerbated by malnutrition. It will be imperative to bolster her strength with nourishing meals and basic exercise to enhance stamina.”
“And regarding her mental state?” Blair inquired further.
“She does not exhibit signs of lunacy. However, the memory loss you mentioned appears to be genuine. It seems she has suffered some degree of amnesia.”
“Can the cause be determined?” Blair inquired with a furrowed brow.
“It is suspected to stem from prolonged psychological trauma resulting from sustained abuse, although it’s difficult to pinpoint with certainty. Mental illness remains a complex and elusive diagnosis,” the doctor concluded solemnly.
Under Blair’s command, the once reversed hierarchy found its proper order. Now, she lived like any noble lady: a plush bed, cozy blankets, and an array of delectable dishes to satisfy my palate. Yet, beneath this veneer of luxury, a persistent problem lurked.
Blair’s presence was temporary; new servants would inevitably arrive, potentially perpetuating the cycle of abuse once supervision waned. Dealing with the illness was daunting, and without genuine compassion, enduring it would prove challenging. The stress of their duties would likely be vented onto someone weaker – namely, the unfortunate lady who struggled to walk unaided.
A solution was imperative. Blair needed a successor, someone to take up the mantle of protection. A familiar voice echoed in her mind.
“Remember this feeling, Teacher.”
A cool hand enveloped hers.
“The hand you should have held first belonged to your disciple.”
“…Matthias.”
Suddenly, she snapped back to reality. Seven years ago, she wasn’t alone here. Alongside her stood the future heroine, destined to play a pivotal role in overthrowing the throne of Jocelyn. An untamed spirit, awaiting guidance.
