Fate : A Twisted Story

Chapter : 67

Entering the dinette, Arya saw Ivan already seated at his chair. Seeing her approach, Ivan's face lit up with a smile, his eyes filled with tenderness. He got up and escorted Arya to her seat. "You seem elated. Were you that eager to see me?" she teased, but his unexpectedly honest reply left her nonplussed, "Umhm, I missed you."

The look in his gaze made her heart pound faster, averting her gaze; she asked, "Um, did you finish that urgent matter of yours?" As the first course was being served, he nonchalantly replied, "It still needs attention; I'm afraid this is going to keep me preoccupied for some days. This matter needs to be dealt with without any further ado." Hesitantly, she asked further, "Wha-what is it about, th-that's concerning you so much?" He paused before replying, "It's an issue regarding the tower. Don't worry, this matter will be resolved in a few days." All Arya could do was give a smile in reply.

The next morning :

Arya found herself buried in paperwork upon returning to her office after several days in the capital. Despite her efforts to tackle the workload swiftly, it seemed never-ending. Frustrated, she slumped onto her desk, lamenting, "it's just too much!"

Miya, pouring tea, offered chamomile to soothe her fatigue. Arya, still weary, glanced at Miya, asking, "Where's the butler? How could he leave me with all this and vanish?"

Miya gently reminded her, "This is your workload, madam. He's occupied elsewhere with his duties." Arya, with a mischievous grin, vowed, "I'll make him regret it."
After some progress, Arya instructed Miya to summon the head maid, Martha.

Knocking gently on the door, "Madam, it's Martha." With a nod of affirmation, she stepped into the room. Offering a deferential bow, she inquired, "You rang for me, Madam?" Setting aside her pen, Arya remarked, "Martha, I've noticed you haven't taken your leave. How do you fancy spending it?" Martha, taken aback, replied, "Beg your pardon?" Arya elaborated, "I'm instructing you to have some time off." Perplexed, Martha questioned, "What's prompted this suddenness? If I've erred, I apologise, Madam. I..."

Interjecting, Arya assured, "I simply wish for you to enjoy some respite as a token of appreciation for your dedication, dear Martha. Perhaps a visit home?" Martha grasped Arya's intent, responding with a smile, "You're too kind, Madam. To exploit my day off thus." Arya cocked her head slightly, "After all, who toils harder than the head maid, eh?!"

It was past noon, and Arya finally finished her work. Stretching her arms, she sighed, "Ah, that was exhausting. How about a walk in the back garden?" Miya intervened, "Madam, what about lunch?" Considering for a moment, she inquired, "What about the Duke? Has he eaten?" Miya replied, "He's busy with his work. I saw a maid bring food to his office." "Hmm, then tell the chef to prepare something light and bring some fruits along. I'll have them at the gazebo," Arya said as she exited her office.

As she walked in the garden, she saw many flowers in full bloom. Witnessing such a sight, she felt buoyant. Enjoying the floral view, she strolled along the garden paths. Just then, Miya approached, "Lunch is ready, madam." As she turned, she noticed Misham walking towards her. "Greetings, your grace," he politely greeted her. "Hello Misham. It has been a while, hasn't it?" she asked. "How have you been, my lady? I have missed you!" he expressed. "I have been very well, I might say. Have you eaten? If not, would you like to join me for lunch?" she asked with an alluring smile. "I am famished, my lady!" like a puppy he expressed.

Sitting down in the gazebo, Arya ordered the maids to prepare another serving for Misham. A maid spoke, "Madam, how can he sit along with you? It might…" Arya cut her off with a steely voice, "he is hungry. We must never let our people starve. Now bring it."

Turning to Misham, her expression changed to warmth. "Tell me, how have you been these days?" Shyness was visible on his face as he fiddled with his fingers. "I have been waiting for you, master. I was fretful after hearing about your accident. It was petrifying for me. No matter how much I improve, I am still unable to protect you, master." He was on the verge of crying. Arya spoke, "I'm all right now. Look at me. Besides, what's with you protecting me? As your guardian, it's my duty to protect you, so don't worry."

Surprised, Misham looked at her. "Guardian?" "Well, basically I am. But if you don't want to, then…" Misham didn't let her finish. With tears filled eyes, he expressed joyfully, "I want. I want it to be you, master. No one else, but master." Smiling, she assured, "Okay, then eat a lot and grow stronger. Only then can you protect me, right?"

After having lunch, Arya spent some more time with Misham and then went to Ivan's office. The guard opened the door for her since her hands were occupied with a tray. "I see someone is madly in love with their work! How far have you gone, huh?" Arya spoke while approaching the tea table. "Don't say that, dear," getting up, Ivan says. Seeing his face, Arya was shocked and made a sound like 'ah' loudly. "Huh? Dear?" Ivan rushed to her. "Looks like you've been carrying the weight of the world under those eyes lately!" she remarked.

"He has been like that since last night," Stefan came out from behind the pile of papers, looking no less exhausted than Ivan, and his case seemed even worse. "Please, try to fix that!" Pointing the pen in Ivan's direction, he continues, "it's all about work! Work! Work! Ah! I want to resign, but he won't accept it either. Madam, help me." Exhaling, she says, "Let me help you with some. You two also need rest. Ivan, how many times have I told you not to neglect rest? It's necessary to rest to work effortlessly." Seeing Ivan being nudged by her, Stefan felt a sense of relief; however, "Me and Stefan will continue," hearing Arya's last words made him facepalm himself.

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