When I stepped down from the carriage, a pair of knights stood guard at the front gate, fully geared. At the sight of us, they moved in practiced silence, pushing open the heavy gates without a word or grunt.
Father wasted no time approaching one of them. “What are you doing here? I don’t recall issuing such an order.”
The knight saluted and responded. “It is by the Duchess’s orders, Your Grace!”
“What? On what grounds?”
“I’m afraid I can’t tell, Your Grace. The Duchess told us to inform you to seek her in her office.”
“...Why would she…” Father cupped his chin, his brows furrowing in thought.
Meanwhile, I didn’t waste a single moment and immediately headed through the gates, my steps intentionally amplified to catch Father’s attention.
“Carine?” he called out, noticing me. He caught up to me from behind. “Why are you in such a hurry, dear?”
I kept my pace brisk as I pondered his question. But I didn’t have the time nor patience to come up with an excuse.
“I just… have a bad feeling about this.”
After a long fast-walk, Father and I arrived at the grand front porch. Another pair of knights stood guard at the entrance doors. Just like before, the moment they noticed us, they opened the door in silence.
Behind that door was none other than… me.
After Anton told me that news out of nowhere, he helped me pack up without my consent, and before long, I was standing by the entrance lobby waiting for Anton, who told me to keep myself busy until he’s finished doing his business.
With a heavy bag by the side of my legs, I stared at myself beyond that door. Both of us had a look that more-or-less screamed “What the fuck just happened?”
In my mind, I kept thinking: This had to be a joke.
I wasn’t actually getting kicked out, right? But the bags, the knights outside, the tense atmosphere… they all screamed otherwise.
With the threat of having to live in the cold streets of the capital, I had only one ray of hope, and he was standing before me. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮·𝙣𝙚𝙩
“Feyt?” Father’s voice echoed from both behind me and before me. “What are you doing here? And what’s with the bag?” he asked, putting on a casual tone as he approached me.
Father… He might be my only hope in resolving… whatever this was. The faster I could tell him about the situation, the better. Just then, I heard familiar footsteps echoing down the second floor’s halls.
He’s coming. I need to be quick!
“Fa—Ehem! Sir Kyrat!” I shook my head; now was not the time for slip-ups. “Something big is going on! The knights are everywhere, servants are rushed away, and I was…” I didn’t know how else to say it other than being blunt so… “I was told that I’m being kicked out.”
Father blinked and then blinked once more. Figured even he would be surprised by this sudden news. “So this bag… is your belongings?”
I gave him a quiet nod.
I couldn’t understand what was happening. I didn’t even know what to do after this. This strict security measure imposed by Mother… While Carine would be safe in this manor, what would I do as Feyt?!
Father exhaled heavily through his nose. “This is unacceptable, even for Reyna,” he said as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Oh, but Your Grace!” A sudden boisterous voice echoed from the second floor. Anton. He took hurried steps downwards while still keeping his posture up. When he reached the base of the stairs, he continued. “Forgive my interruption, but there seems to be a grave misunderstanding.”
“Then tell me,” Father turned to Anton, his eyes practically glaring. “What is there to understand, Anton?”
“Why, regarding Feyt’s accommodation, of course!” He flashed a confident smile as he continued. “We wouldn’t be throwing him off to the streets. No, not at all! In fact, the Duchess has ordered me to accompany him and find a room for him at the finest inn in the capital!”
“What?!” I blurted out, turning my heel. “Why didn’t you tell me that part?!”
“Well, it was going to be a surprise!” Anton said with no remorse.
You don’t joke about kicking someone out! Does this guy have any decency at all?
“It was just a joke! I was trying to have fun, you know? Considering how hectic this whole day has been.” He flicked his eyes to the side, scratching the side of his cheek gently.
His words, despite how insensitive and annoying as it was, sounded weirdly genuine. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t in bad taste though.
Horrible sense of humor aside, I had another concern.
“That doesn’t answer the question at all,” I said as Carine, trying my best to not lash out at him. “Why is he getting kicked out at all? And what’s with all the commotion?” I needed to extract any information I could.
Anton’s smile lingered for a second too long. Then, he let out a slow sigh, his expression softening. “To be honest, even I don’t know,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “The Duchess suddenly gave us orders here and there, and the knights were called in for some reason. Boy, was it hectic.”
“Tch,” Father clicked his tongue. Taking a half step forward, he confronted Anton firmly. “Tell me, where is Reyna?”
“Ah yes, about that,” Anton said, his confident smile phasing right back to reality. “She is waiting for you at her office, Your Grace. Ah, and she wished for Carine to come with.”
“I see… Could you hold off on escorting Feyt until I had the discussion with her?”
“Of course, Your Grace.” Anton placed a hand on his suit and gave a polite bow.
“Thank you,” Father said. He turned to me, Carine. “Let’s go.”
Ah, leaving me alone with this jokester are you?
“Yes, Father.” I gave a curt nod and followed his trail up the grand staircase.
Before we ascend fully however, Father stopped in his tracked and turned around, facing the other me.
“Hold on tight, Feyt. I’ll get to the bottom of this.”
His voice was firm, reassuring, and gentle, like it usually was. Yet beneath it, I could sense a tinge of frustration. It wasn’t aimed at me, but at the situation itself.
As Father and I continued our journey upwards, we passed by a pair of knights. They were in full gear just like the rest, but I could tell they were feeling uneasy. One of them gave a stiff salute, while the other tried to greet us warmly like they usually would before giving a sudden stiff salute like the other.
Even they weren’t sure how to act in this situation.
Whatever this was, it wasn’t just strange for me—both of me—but for everyone.
Even the knights were hit out of the blue.
The only one who seemingly knew what was going on was Mother.
I swallowed hard, trying my best to keep my pace steady.
Mother… what are you up to?