Chapter 12
Raylenne gathered her thoughts once more as she walked. She wanted to get rid of the magnolias immediately, but if she did that, the culprit or accomplice might realize she was onto them and become more cautious. Therefore, she planned to first find out who was applying the scent of Sana grass to the magnolias.
According to Helen, the flowers were ordered monthly from the magical greenhouse and delivered to the manor the next day.
“Whoever receives the delivered flowers and puts them in the vase is likely the culprit,” Raylenne thought, trying to remain calm as she called for Helen as usual.
“You called, miss?”
“The magnolias seem to be wilting a bit. Are you watering them properly?”
“Are they? Flowers from the magical greenhouse usually don’t wilt easily…” Helen tilted her head in confusion but quickly changed the subject when she realized she was contradicting Raylenne.
“…I’ll check to see if they’ve been watered.”
It seemed that Helen wasn’t the one managing the magnolias.
“Who’s in charge of the flowers and neglecting their duties?”
“A maid named Shana… She must have forgotten due to being busy recently.”
Shana… The name was unfamiliar to Raylenne. Given that Raylenne didn’t usually remember the names of her maids, it was no surprise.
“Is Shana also responsible for replacing the magnolias?”
“Yes, that’s correct. If you don’t like the wilting magnolias, shall I call Shana to order new ones?”
Raylenne waved her hand dismissively.
“No, there’s no need for that. This time, I want to change the flowers to something else.”
“What kind of flowers?”
“I’ll go to the magical greenhouse myself to choose.”
She suspected the Sana grass scent might be applied at the greenhouse, so she planned to check it out herself.
“If the flowers from the greenhouse are fine, then it must be Shana applying the scent here.”
Helen hesitated at Raylenne’s words.
“But miss, you have a hard time going to places with many people…”
“I can’t stay cooped up like a flower forever, can I?”
Though Raylenne knew about her social phobia, there were too many restrictions if she let it dictate her actions. People might find her sudden change odd, but she could use her recent illness as an excuse, saying that nearly dying made her want to go outside more.
“…When are you planning to go?” Helen asked.
Raylenne looked at the sky. The sun was still high, so there was plenty of time.
“I’ll go right now.”
“I’ll prepare the carriage.”
After changing from her robe to an outdoor dress, Raylenne went downstairs, where a luxurious maroon carriage was waiting.
‘It’s been a while since Raylenne left the manor.’
It felt nostalgic for Raylenne, who had been almost a recluse, to be leaving the manor. While she didn’t know why she had developed social phobia, she felt sorry for the Raylenne who had to stay indoors all this time.
Reading her memories often made her click her tongue in pity, but there were certainly sad aspects as well.
“Please get in, miss.”
Raylenne pushed her sentiments aside at Helen’s voice. As they both boarded the carriage, the sound of horse hooves signaled their departure.
“Helen, how long will it take to get to the greenhouse?”
“About 30 minutes.”
Helen answered calmly. With that, a silence fell between them.
Raylenne rested her chin on the windowsill, watching the scenery fly by. Turning her head, she noticed Helen had dozed off, her head drooping.
‘She must be tired…’
Raylenne, not feeling sleepy herself, watched Helen’s peaceful, innocent face.
Despite the calm appearance, Raylenne’s thoughts were more cynical.
‘Though Shana is the prime suspect, I can’t completely rule out Helen either.’
According to her memories, Raylenne’s maids were often replaced due to her difficult personality. Yet Helen had stayed by her side for quite some time. Despite seeming young, she had been with Raylenne for nearly five years. As a close attendant, Helen could easily harm Raylenne if she wished.
Raylenne didn’t want to suspect Helen, as it would be heartbreaking if her loyal companion turned out to be the culprit.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, miss!” Helen suddenly woke up, realizing she had been sleeping, and quickly bowed her head in apology.
Seeing Helen’s flustered state made it hard to link her to any wrongdoing.
‘But it doesn’t hurt to be certain.’
Raylenne decided she needed to learn more about Helen.
“Helen.”
“Yes…?”
“Which family do you come from?”
Raylenne had very little information about Helen in her memory, as she rarely engaged in personal conversations with her servants.
“Why are you asking all of a sudden…?”
Helen seemed startled by Raylenne’s unexpected question.
“If it’s because I fell asleep—”
“It’s not that. I was just curious.”
Raylenne’s explanation made Helen lower her head slightly.
“I’m from the Barony of Maklar.”
Maklar? That name was unfamiliar.
“Where is your family located?”
“You probably wouldn’t know even if I told you…”
Helen blushed, seemingly embarrassed.
“There is no place I don’t know. Tell me.”
“I didn’t mean it that way… It’s in the Hatar region.”
Hatar? Raylenne had no memory of that place. She genuinely didn’t know.
“It’s a small rural area, and we don’t have any territory, so it’s natural you wouldn’t know.”
Raylenne nodded.
“How many siblings do you have?”
“I have two older siblings and three younger ones.”
Raylenne widened her eyes in surprise.
“You mean there are six of you?” she asked. Including Helen, there were six siblings in total.
“Yes, that’s correct,” Helen replied.
Raylenne then understood why Helen had managed to endure serving her for so long. As a maid from a rural baron’s family, Helen likely had to support her three younger siblings, making it necessary for her to earn money despite Raylenne’s difficult personality.
“We’ve arrived, miss,” Helen announced as the carriage came to a stop.
‘The interrogation ends here,’ Raylenne thought.
When the coachman opened the door, Raylenne saw the large glass greenhouse. She stepped out, impressed by the sight. So this was the magical greenhouse. Inside, large firefly-like lights hung from the ceiling, emitting warmth.
‘Amazing…!’ Raylenne couldn’t help but look around in awe.
As she was taking in her surroundings, the greenhouse owner approached, bowing his head.
“Hello, Helen.”
His eyes then shifted to Raylenne, and his expression changed to one of surprise, likely recognizing her as a member of the Ergen ducal family from her distinctive navy blue hair.
“And who might this be?”
“This is Lady Raylenne Ergen,” Helen introduced her.
The greenhouse owner quickly bowed deeply.
“Oh, my! It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Raylenne.”
“Nice to meet you,” Raylenne replied.
The greenhouse owner seemed overwhelmed by the presence of someone from the ducal family.
“Have you come to choose flowers yourself, Lady Raylenne?”
“Yes. I’ve grown tired of the magnolias,” she responded.
“You’ve come at the right time. We have many new flowers in stock,” the owner said, leading her around the greenhouse, showing her various flowers.
“How about these lilacs?” he suggested, presenting a beautifully blooming lilac.
Raylenne, however, was drawn to the magnolias nearby. She stopped in front of them.
“I heard from your maid that you’re tired of magnolias. Would you like to see them in a different color?” the owner offered.
“No, I just like their scent,” Raylenne replied, bending down to sniff the magnolias.
The scent was indeed different from the magnolias in her room. The ones at home had a faint medicinal smell, while these had a fresh fragrance. Having confirmed the difference, Raylenne realized there was no need to stay longer.
She pointed to the lilacs the owner was holding.
“I’ll take these.”
Since she wasn’t particularly interested in flowers, she chose one at random. The owner smiled and began wrapping the lilacs.
“These lilacs have a strong pink hue, making them popular among noble ladies. You have excellent taste.”
As she watched the owner skillfully wrap the flowers, Raylenne realized there was no need to wait.
“The flowers will be delivered, right?” she asked, realizing she didn’t need to carry them herself.
Turning to leave, she heard the owner’s puzzled voice behind her.
“Won’t you take them with you? Shall we deliver them this time?”
Raylenne stopped in her tracks.
‘This time…?’
[The flowers are ordered from the magical greenhouse and delivered the next day.]
Helen had mentioned that they always received deliveries from the greenhouse. Raylenne glanced at Helen, who quickly approached the owner to take the wrapped lilacs and return.
“You said you always received deliveries after ordering,” Raylenne pointed out.
“That’s right. We usually have them delivered. The greenhouse owner must have been momentarily confused. Since we’re here, I’ll carry them myself this time,” Helen explained.
Raylenne frowned slightly.
‘Why is she lying?’
It seemed unlikely that the greenhouse owner would be confused when dealing with a ducal family. Raylenne considered questioning him further but decided against it. She needed to catch Helen in the act of applying the Sana grass scent to the lilacs.
If Helen was the culprit and realized Raylenne suspected her, she wouldn’t add the scent to the newly delivered lilacs. Moreover, if there was an accomplice, it was crucial to act carefully to catch both of them.
Suppressing her uneasy feelings, Raylenne turned back.
“Alright, let’s go home,” she said, deciding to keep a close watch.
