#16

After bathing, I stepped out of the tub, feeling cleaner and more refreshed than I had in years—or lifetimes. Milla was waiting patiently, a towel in her hands.

“Let me help you, my lady,” she said warmly, wrapping the soft towel around me.

Once I was dry, she led me to a vanity where an array of elegant dresses was displayed. “The duke requested that you be dressed appropriately for dinner. Let’s try this one,” Milla suggested, holding up a pale blue gown embroidered with silver accents.

As she helped me into the gown, I couldn’t help but marvel at how delicate and soft the fabric felt against my skin. It was a stark contrast to the coarse uniforms I once wore. Milla carefully laced up the back, her fingers moving deftly, and then placed a pair of matching shoes on my feet.

She stepped back to admire her work, her eyes wide. “You look... breathtaking, my lady,” she said, her voice almost a squeal. She clasped her hands together, her excitement evident. “So cute! You’re like a porcelain doll!”

I blinked at her, unsure how to respond. “C-cute?” I echoed, feeling my cheeks flush.

“Yes! The duke will surely be proud to see you,” Milla said, spinning me around to face the full-length mirror.

I stared at my reflection, momentarily stunned. The girl in the mirror looked nothing like the one I used to be. The gown hugged my figure perfectly, and the silver embroidery shimmered in the soft light. My hair was brushed and styled neatly, falling in soft waves over my shoulders. For the first time, I actually felt... noble.

Before I could fully process the transformation, a knock came at the door. The butler entered, bowing slightly. “My lady, the duke has requested your presence in the dining hall. Dinner will be served shortly.”

“Oh,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “I see. I’ll be there in a moment.”

The butler nodded and left without another word.

Milla clapped her hands together, a wide smile on her face. “This is so exciting! You’re going to dine with the duke! Please, let me fix your hair just a bit more before you go.”

As she fussed over the final details, my thoughts began to swirl. Dine with the duke? Why was he going through all this trouble for me? I couldn’t shake the feeling that something bigger was at play, and I was about to find out what it was.

After Milla finished fixing my hair and ensuring every detail of my appearance was perfect, she stepped back and clapped her hands. “There! Now you’re ready, my lady.”

With a deep breath, I made my way to the dining hall. The mansion was far larger than I had remembered—or perhaps it had been remodeled entirely. The marble floors, intricate carvings on the walls, and golden chandeliers felt almost overwhelming. Each step I took echoed softly, heightening the anticipation bubbling within me.

When I finally arrived at the grand double doors of the dining hall, the butler who had escorted me earlier stepped forward and opened them with a flourish.

“Presenting Lady Arwenzylle,” he announced.

I stepped inside, feeling my heart race. The dining hall was just as extravagant as the rest of the mansion, with a long table draped in fine linens and adorned with golden candelabras. The aroma of rich, flavorful dishes filled the air.

At the head of the table sat Duke Veyner, a man of imposing presence with sharp, discerning eyes. He had been casually sipping wine when I entered, but the moment his gaze fell on me, he froze.

For a moment, silence hung heavy in the room. His piercing eyes widened slightly, and his lips parted, as if he was about to say something but couldn’t find the words.

“Is... Is that really you, Arwenzylle?” he finally asked, his voice low but filled with surprise.

I hesitated, unsure how to respond. “Y-yes, Your Grace,” I said softly, bowing my head slightly.

The duke stood from his chair, his expression unreadable as he walked toward me. He stopped a few steps away, studying me intently.

“You... look different,” he said, almost to himself. His tone wasn’t unkind—it was more as though he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “No one would guess that this was the same girl I took in. You look... regal.”

“Thank you, Your Grace,” I replied, feeling my cheeks heat under his intense gaze.

He gave a small nod before gesturing toward the table. “Come. Sit. We have much to discuss.”

As I followed him to the table and took my seat, my mind raced with questions. Why had he adopted me? What did he mean by “regal”? And why did he seem so stunned by my appearance?

Dinner was served shortly after, with an array of dishes laid out before us. The duke, however, seemed uninterested in the food, his sharp gaze focused entirely on me.

“You must have many questions,” he said after a moment, his tone calm yet commanding.

I nodded hesitantly. “I do, Your Grace. But... I don’t know where to begin.”

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***