The Second Lady's Sudden Anemia

Princess Havina… ah, yes, one of the most influential figures in Galacia… and that niece who was so close to Larkin. Hearing about her uncle marrying someone new would surely make her investigate. However, Miel had reason to believe that discussing things about her with the twins wouldn't be so fruitful.

"I will deal with Princess Havina. No need for you to bother about her." Miel waved his hand after realizing that the twins had moved on from the sensitive matter and had joined in their efforts in keeping it a secret. He then took a deep breath and gestured to the door. "Please leave, Lady Wessel, Lady Princesley. I have to clean up the mess Lord Ellis had made."

The change in address was a cue for them. Miel decided to end the conversation then and there, and they were driven out of the study. Marissa could only take Clarissa's hand and lead her away. The seneschal and the archduke were left in the study, and the former only spoke seconds after the door had closed.

"Lord Ellis, is it necessary for you to feign weakness in front of them?" Miel's eyes quivered as if guilty. "They would take this differently."

"Feigned weakness?" Larkin only moved to lean against the couch and stare at the wall in front of him. "I have no inkling what is fraudulent and what is genuine in my sentiments any longer." He then moved his head to look up at the son who was giving him a rather concerned look. "You have quenched their thirst for information, Miel. You have my gratitude."

"It's my duty to you..." Miel's voice trailed a little. He didn't know if he was obliged to save Larkin because he was the seneschal or if it was because he was an acknowledged son of the archduke. Before he could speak again, Larkin got to his feet and regarded him again: "Miel, Havina will be arriving tomorrow with a child and a husband. What do you feel?"

Miel was taken aback by the question. Instead of a confused face, he only rubbed his forehead and openly expressed helplessness. "Your Grace, I have a feeling that she will be wreaking havoc in the guise of excitement. 

"I do not know how Lady Shen would handle her, but it scares me… thinking that they might clash just like the rest of the women around you." Miel knew that it wouldn't sound proper without context, but it was true that every woman close to Larkin or was affiliated to the archduke had been in conflict with Artie Shen.

Silence was then cast upon them as they both worried about the day to come.

…

The sun had risen from the east, and Artie sprung from the bed like she always would during her working days. She could barely remember her time working in her father's company anymore, but it didn't feel like she was any less encumbered by work now that she had transmigrated to another world. Moreover, today… the guests would be arriving, and she was bound to receive them all.

Yawning and stretching were so natural that she might sometimes forget that she was staying in someone else's bedroom. She had moved more items in Larkin's gigantic room, and even if it wasn't customary for married couples to have the same room in these like this, she didn't think it was strange enough. Besides, she wanted to make use of the shimmering bathwater more often now that they had guests.

When she finally opened her eyes while moving her bed hair off of her face, she found the curtains drawn and herself staring at Miel who was fitting newly laundered clothes in the archduke's wardrobe. It was easy to say that Miel was quietly judging her for having quite a very chaotic appearance after a long sleep.

"...Lady Shen, please hurry. The carriages had arrived already, and some of them were looking for you." Miel then turned away and continued with his work.

"....!" Artie then twitched before panicking inwardly. "They're already here? Why? What time is it? It is way past breakfast?" The archduchess hurried to the drawers and collected a brush. She went to the tall mirror and began brushing her hair to rid it of the tangles. Since she was used to moving around in haste while her Auntie Zhang was cleaning her room, she didn't collide with Miel despite her actions.

"Breakfast had been served and cleared already. I will arrange a simple meal for you, Lady Shen." Miel wasn't surprised anymore. She had done this strange routine from time to time already. Though he was still amazed by her speed and mobility. He had also prepared clothes for her that she took to the bathroom before diving in for a quick bath in the shimmering water.

Miel only sighed and shook his head before leaving the room. When he closed the door behind him, he came face to face with Gustova who was shocked by his appearance from inside the room. The seneschal frowned a little. "Second Lady Miral, this area is prohibited to guests. Please leave."

"I was just wondering why I can't see Lord Ellis in his own room." Gustova painstakingly tricked the two knights and gained access to this place. However, she was still robbed of the chance to see Larkin's room because the seneschal was in the hallway. She then moved her head and saw the door he came from. "Is that Lord Ellis's room? Is he inside?"

"I'm afraid not, Second Lady. Please leave." Miel didn't want to look threatening, but he didn't like this woman snooping around the castle—especially along prohibited areas. She had attacked Artie once already after all. It's just that… Gustova was a guest and a socialite. He must be very careful in handling her.

"..." Gustova didn't move. Instead, she huffed and puffed her full chest. "No. I want to wait for him in his room."

"Second Lady..." The seneschal cleared his throat. "You will be removed from the premises should you insist your stand. Please leave the area on your own accord."

As a queen of looking pretty in ten minutes, Artie Shen had slipped into her clothes swiftly, but she was having problems with her wet hair. She kept it in a towel for now and walked out of the room to find someone who could help her. However, she ran into the scene between Gustova and Miel.

Of course, Gustova had seen her emerging from the same room. She was shocked first before slowly covering her lips with her hands. The second lady then started to look away suggestively. "Oh, my, I didn't realize—"

Bang! Artie fired off another psychic attack, and the blast had caused Gustova to fall over. The archduchess then feigned a gasp and acted like she was concerned for the second lady. "Oh, my, the second lady's sudden anemia strikes again! How could she just fall down like this? Guards!" 

Artie ran halfway down the corridor to call the attention of the knights that just returned. "Guards! Someone fainted!"