Chapter 49
Got it. Dolliné deeply engraved Hena's advice. Hena guided Dolliné to the door. Stepping outside, scattering petals filled her view. Late spring, yet Rohanson Mansion's cherry blossoms showed no sign of fading. Evangeline, hanged from the cherry branches, swayed in the wind.
"You worked hard today. Take care on your way."
Dolliné snapped to at Hena's farewell. Wiping her mouth and nose, white powder came off, but she didn't even notice.
'What was I doing?'
Oh, right, I got money from the butler and left. She furtively touched her pocket—heavy with cash.
"Ahem, ahem. You too, Hena. See you next time."
Dolliné bid awkward farewell to the gloomy maid and left Rohanson Mansion. When did she get hurt? She vaguely recalled it hurting; her knee was scraped.
What was she planning after leaving? Right, send a letter. That's how she'd get Holy Water.
But a big problem arose. Dolliné had to follow Rohanson Mansion rules, so she couldn't disclose inside happenings.
What to do? No letter means no Holy Water. Pondering, Dolliné wrote one anyway. Of course, that letter, like others, never reached Javania Bishop—instead piling neatly in Dolliné's desk drawer.
***
To Bishop Javania.
Bishop, I safely entered Rohanson Mansion.
The count is away, and the mansion's managed by a butler named Flox. The interview was simple. He said he's not noble-born, so probably lacking learning—didn't spot the forged papers and rated me highly. A druggie as etiquette teacher? Hilarious, right?
This mansion has tons of rules to follow. Forcing them on home tutors too, with staff shortages—Evangeline Rohanson must be picky as hell. Attaching the rules I got. Starting proper lessons next visit. But Bishop, what do I even teach for etiquette?
Safely hired, Dolliné Phonor.
To the unresponsive Bishop.
Yes, I get your intent. No chit-chat, handle it myself? So I did. Borrowed Basic Etiquette Education from the library. For ten-year-olds, but it'll do for show. Hope you appreciate this druggie's efforts.
Dolliné Phonor.
Bishop, are you too old and dying soon?
Forgive the rude start. Your fault. I asked about Lady Rohanson—you brushed it off as 'not ordinary.' You must have presbyopia. Holy Water suits you more than me.
You live at the temple, always seeing statues everywhere. That's why Lady Rohanson feels familiar. But if those statues moved? I'd faint. That's my state now. Pity me teaching ten-year-old etiquette to a living statue.
Recommending treatment, Dolliné Phonor.
To the Bishop.
I'm doing my utmost. Seems those around Evangeline Rohanson know more, so I'm prying bit by bit. But mansion folk tremble at her name. Got some from Lantana, who loves bragging.
Lady Evangeline's scary but won't scold if you don't cross lines—no need to fear. Her two maids handle chores, so no need to get close. I saw three; asked about Kanna—got cursed like Olive—dunno who—and told never mention that name.
Also spilled on her two monsters, Daisy quitting and returning, new hires. First person this loose-lipped.
What if I blab? She said 'You won't be able to.' What? Means I'm trustworthy?
Seeking sincerity, Dolliné Phonor.
Bishop. Do you even read my letters?
You promised Holy Water upfront on hiring. I've waited plenty—no nagging. Know how many I've sent?
Withdrawal worsening. Might fail your request. Not threatening—how could a druggie like me? So please send drugs, er, Holy Water quick.
All other teachers quit but me and one. Couldn't last day one? See my effort?
Seeking grace, Dolliné.
To the Bishop.
Bishop. Just using me? You bastard! What did I say? Withdrawal bad! Voices telling me die all day. Little drugs left—snort to stay sane. Snort then teach etiquette! Evangeline has amnesia. Did she do drugs? Weird place. Stepping on flesh walking. Saw hanged Evangeline's corpse today, accidentally popped an eyeball. Signing off.
Dolliné.
To the Bishop.
Lady is fear(scratch marks) Bishop, Lady's kind. Spied her privacy like a rat, but she'll forgive. Love her more than unresponsive you. Last letter. Love this mansion. Worship Lady Rohanson. She'll save me.
From Dolliné Phonor at Rohanson Mansion.
To Ms. Dolliné Phonor.
Dolliné, handling my request well? Not rushing, but no letters arrived once. Heard you were hired, no updates—worry you've met harm. Doing well? So curious how you're faring at Rohanson Mansion. Fine telling of your employer, Lady Rohanson. Hope you remember our deal.
From Javania, God's favorite, where sun shines brightest.
"Butler, a letter for Ms. Dolliné. What to do? Tell Lady?"
"No. If Lady knows, it blows up—send to Sir Gabriel. He's visiting this afternoon. Daisy, you handle it."
"Yes. Will do."
"Pray God's favorite makes wise judgment."
***
At the shortest shadow time, when Rohanson Mansion usually hushed lullabies for still-sleeping Evangeline, it bustled unusually.
Four carriages stopped at the main gate; mansion staff helped unload.
"Stay in the second-floor guest room. We'll move your luggage."
"Ah, thank you for helping."
"There, the fabric's dragging! Careful!"
Ornate embroidered cloths, colorful fabrics, lace trims—couldn't fit all in carriages; catalogs alone needed two people.
"Fucking ridiculous amount…."
Value? Sell fabrics alone buys a provincial estate.
Watching the procession, Raphaella gasped unwittingly. The directing woman smacked her back—crack. Raphaella twisted, collapsing.
"Ow! Misha!"
"Then I wouldn't hit if no pain? What're you doing? Help."
"Me? I'm a knight?"
"Then they're your porters?"
Pointing: solemn, revered Pararos Knights in uniform, ant-like hauling. Knights' stamina doubled loads effortlessly.
"Uriel, Seraph…."
Even lazy-breathing Yeremi mobilized. All but entered Commander visiting Lady Rohanson. Raphaella dragged feet to help, then halted.
"Misha, why not scold your brother?"
"…Michel's head hurts now."
Artemisia eyed Michel pitifully. Raphaella ignored her softened words for kin—water ghost mode. Head hurts, body fine—can't idle labor.
"Sigh…."
Michel eyes closed, deep breathing. Raphaella ignored Artemisia's glare, arm-hooked him.
"Michel, what're you doing?"
"Breathing freely. Lady Rohanson's presence makes air clear, fragrant. First time seeing such blooming cherries. Yearn to join this scene, but regrettably atone in Pararos Knights."
Crazy bastard…. Goosebumps; Raphaella slipped arm free.
