Episode 12

Breakfast concluded, and the duke withdrew to his study. Meanwhile, the three women remained alone in the living room.

Sol: Mother, sister, see you later bows

Sol exited with utmost elegance, a hint of mockery in her tone; her sarcasm was tangible, irritating both women.

It was then that Sandra began her tantrum, though also puzzled by her mother's last words. She had no clue what her mother referred to about the infusion she gave her father.

Sandra: What are you talking about, mother? What have you done to my father? she says, annoyed

Maricela: Calm down, darling, I've done nothing bad. Let's go somewhere else, and there I’ll tell you the true story of your father and me.

They went out to the patio, where there was a little tea table, ideally situated a bit away from the house, with a complete view all around. It was impossible for anyone to overhear them. Before starting their long conversation, Maricela ordered some snacks and tea. While waiting, they spoke of other things, particularly about how wealthy they now were and Sol's common attire.

After receiving their order, Maricela told her everything in absolute detail, except that she had killed her father. Sandra loved her father, and even if she couldn't recall much of him, she remembered he had been an excellent father.

Sandra: So that's how you were with my father.

Maricela: Exactly, my child, and I have no regrets. The Marquis loved me and showed it every day of his life, and thanks to that, you came into my life.

Sandra: You're right, mother. You know, I want a love like yours too.

Maricela: You shall have it, darling. I will make sure of that.

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A week had passed, with each day featuring the duke training Sol in swordsmanship. Their relationship had improved, and although Sol could still scarcely believe it, she was determined to take advantage of the situation.

Sol

Damn, I had never thought wielding a sword would be so challenging, especially since this girl's arms are fragile, never having done this before. Keeping the arm lifted and constantly moving with force is tough. This week, after studying and training, I retire to my room and simply sleep.

Today I feel much better. It seems I'm getting used to the weight of the sword. But I can't just rely on this training. I need to strengthen my arms and legs, but I can't do that here where other men are training; it would be frowned upon. Besides, no one would dare train with me for two reasons: one, because I'm a woman and still weak, and two, because if they hurt me, the duke would kill them.

Thinking about what to do, I had a great idea. I asked the seamstress to make a bag out of the thickest, most durable fabric. Yes, I'll fill it with sand and have my own punching bag. Not having gloves, I'll just wrap my hands well to avoid injury. I also requested leg weights, explaining how they should be made and what to put inside for weight, and she did it. That was the easy part. The hard part was ensuring no one saw my new toys and where to use them.

Sol: Hmm Rosita, do you know of a place where I could train by myself or a spare room that's out of sight?

Rosita: Miss, do you intend to train more? Isn't the training with your father enough?

Sol: Yes, Rosita, I just don't want to let my father down. It's the first time he's behaving this way with me, and I want to give it my all.

Sol put on a pitiful face, her eyes brimming with tears—a surefire way to manipulate, but...

Rosita: Sol, that won’t work on me, and you know it.

Sol: Ugh, fine. I still want to train, though, and if you don't help me, I'll just go to the training field and stand right in the middle for all to see.

Rosita: Alright, miss. There's a small empty bedroom in the servants' area. I doubt anyone goes to that part of the house since our quarters are there.

Sol: Excellent Rosita, this is why I love you.

They walked to the small room. Sol would check if it suited her needs.

Upon arrival, she saw it was a small space but adequate for her purposes. She asked Rosita to have it cleaned since she’d be bringing some items there tomorrow, and so it was arranged. Rosita made sure it would be spotless by then.

As Sol left the room, she encountered the duchess and her daughter exiting to the garden.

Sol: Good day, mother, hello sister bows

The annoyance on their faces at being addressed that way clearly conveyed their displeasure.

Maricela: What's so good about it when I have to deal with...

She didn't finish speaking because Sol interrupted her, sobbing.

Sol: Forgive me, duchess. I won't call you mother again. I'm truly sorry.

Sol turned and ran off crying.

Sebastian: May I know what you said to my daughter to upset her like that?

Hearing the duke's voice, both women froze, suddenly understanding Sol's earlier smile and the abrupt shift.

Damn brat Maricela thought while turning to face Sebastian.

Maricela: Nothing, dear. I said nothing. She might have misunderstood me.

Sandra: That's right, father. Sister didn't let mother finish speaking.

The duke narrowed his nose slightly as Sandra spoke, finding her shrill voice quite annoying.

Sebastian: I see, but let this be the last misunderstanding. Next time I will take other measures.

The women were taken aback at the threat, yet they nodded in agreement.

Could he have regained his memory? I don't think so; otherwise, he would have thrown us out by now. I need to give him the potion; I want to try the arms of that man the duchess thought again.

In her room, Sol laughed at the thought of those women, especially with what Rosita had told her about how the scene unfolded.

Sol: What did they think, that they were the only ones who could play that part? Ha, and to think that’s nothing compared to what I have planned. For now, I'm content with my childish pranks, but soon enough, the real game begins.

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