Chapter 91 New Home
“Is this… alright?”
Is it really that weird for a noble to visit an orphanage?
As far as I know, the orphanage in Winter City gets visitors every year. Just two days before the Day of the Divine Birth, the Lady went there too, bringing a ton of clothes and snacks.
“No, Miss, you’re new here and don’t understand what our Royal City nobles are like…” One of the soldiers glanced around nervously, lowering his voice for his next words, “We commoners, without even the title of knight, are just lambs waiting for slaughter in their eyes… Miss, you’re a good person, but I have to warn you: it’s better to avoid those people unless absolutely necessary.”
I nodded.
“Hmm.”
I just came here to study, so I’m not interested in getting involved with those folks. Learning more knowledge is the most important thing for me right now.
What will the Royal Academy be like?
I felt a little flutter of anticipation in my heart.
Longdoll Street is located in the heart of the Royal City, which makes sense since it’s near the Royal Palace… But what surprised me was that it took us over an hour to get from the city gate to our destination.
Clearly, compared to Winter City, which is also one of the four great human capitals, Order Royal City is quite a bit larger.
The War Chariot rolled past countless bustling streets, finally coming to a stop in front of an elegant little manor, where the soldier bowed to us.
“Sir, Miss, we have arrived.”
Oh, is this the place?
“Thank you for your hard work.”
Carlos tossed him a silver coin casually.
“Thank you for your generosity. Over there is the residence at 3 Longdoll Street. I wish this beautiful Miss a smooth entry into her studies~”
“Thank you.”
I hopped off the War Chariot with a black suitcase on my back and looked up at the grand two-story residence in Rococo style.
The manor was simple but beautiful, designed with two stories and a small attic. The bluish stone bricks paired with white window frames and columns, while meticulously trimmed vines adorned the walls. The front yard was lush with greenery, tall trees flanking eight flower beds bursting with color, and a charming circular square that featured a beautiful stone fountain gently spilling water.
It looked like a sleeping beauty—don’t ask me why that metaphor popped into my head.
Is this really my new home?
So pretty! I love it!
As the soldier drove away, I felt Carlos approaching from behind. I turned to see him lugging my big suitcase—otherwise, his hands would be empty, and I wouldn’t even know where that silver armor went. His only carry-on was the sword he never left behind, if that even counted as luggage.
I seriously suspected he had several sets of matching light armor ready in every city, and only wore them like a superhero in movies when needed.
“This manor was built over three hundred years ago and has always been the residence of the princess, until the Royal City got its first queen… Now it belongs to you. Do you like it?”
“Mm!”
I nodded emphatically, the delight in my eyes probably not hidden at all.
“Let’s go.”
Carlos walked to the large iron gate of the manor, pulled a set of keys from his pocket, unlocked the gate, and stepped inside. I followed closely behind him, stepping onto the winding stone path through the lawn.
“Every ten days someone comes to do some cleaning, including trimming the grass. All you have to do is water the flowers and make sure they don’t d*e. I didn’t arrange for a butler or maid… I figured you wouldn’t like that stuff, right?”
I tilted my head, thinking.
Actually, I’ve gotten a bit spoiled as a young lady at Shanter Castle… oh well, I’ll just manage for now.
“Hmm.”
When we reached the door of the manor, Carlos opened it and tossed the set of keys to me.
“All the keys to the rooms, including the attic, are here. Take care of them.”
I quickly reached out to catch them, saying “oh,” but realized there was nowhere to store them—my coin pouch was too small… I guess it’s time to buy a bag.
The decor inside wasn’t as luxurious as I imagined; instead, it was filled with a warm, practical charm, giving off the feeling that everything was carefully chosen—a vibe I quite liked.
The only item that really caught my eye as being valuable was a stylish, super cozy-looking sofa in the center of the living room, alongside a brand-new shiny black grand piano tucked into a corner near the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Carlos and I ascended the spiral staircase to the second floor and opened the door to a room on the west side.
“This is your bedroom.”
The room was cozy and predominantly white, very similar to my room at Shanter Castle, complete with a wardrobe, vanity, mirror… even the style of the bed was quite similar, clearly someone had prepped for this.
I dropped my black suitcase in the corner and glanced back at Carlos.
Not bad at all… just as that thought crossed my mind, another one suddenly overshadowed it.
Staring blankly as he placed the suitcase beside the bed, I hesitated before asking something completely out of the blue.
“Do you… have a spare key hidden somewhere?”
Without turning, Carlos replied, “Of course I do. I’ve got several.”
I was caught off guard by that.
“What are you… planning to do? Give me the key! Not you holding on to it!”
My sweet voice sounded a bit domineering, and only then did Carlos glance back at me.
He then pursed his lips, giving me a disdainful look.
“Please, this was all set up by Queen Elizabeth. How could I possibly have a spare? And don’t you look in mirrors? Take a good look—no chest, no b*tt, and you can hardly reach my chest. You’re just standing there like a slippery eel!”
Clang!
I charged at Carlos like an angry little bull, knocking him against the wardrobe behind him.
I immediately winced and clutched my head.
“Ouch, that’s hard! What was that?!”
Carlos hurriedly straightened the almost toppled wardrobe, turned back, and smiled widely.
“Just my armor, perfect for stopping little Shay’s headbutts.”
I was grinding my teeth in frustration.
“…Get out.”
“Why should I?”
“This is my home!”
“But the contract is still in my hands.”
“I don’t care! Leave! I don’t want to see you!”
Carlos threw up his hands.
“Where am I supposed to go?”
“To the church inn, sleep on the street, I don’t care!”
“Pfft. Heartless woman, backstabbing wolf… I’m staying here tonight. What can you do about it?”
Seeing Carlos play the stubborn card, I pouted and pushed him toward the door with all my might.
“Get out, hurry up…”
It was as if Carlos suddenly realized something.
“Actually, I need to go out for a bit… stop pushing.” He flicked his sleeve, “I’m off now.”
“Go, go.” I waved him off impatiently, then added, “Buy some good snacks and come back.”
“Oh-oh.”
Carlos shrugged at me before turning and exiting the room.