Deviating from the original plot

Chapter fifty-seven

It was finally midnight when their shift ended.

"I can't believe I actually worked like a commoner," Celeste groaned, stretching her arms dramatically. "I am exhausted!"

"It's the sacrifice we have to make," Victoria replied evenly. Her tone carried quiet determination. "If there's a lead to be found here, we just have to be patient—and keep looking harder."

"I'll be heading home now," Evelyn said softly, already turning away. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," the others echoed, and with that, the ladies dispersed into the cool night, each slipping back toward their respective homes.

✦ ✦

The next morning, sunlight filtered through her curtains as Anne gently shook Victoria awake.

"Mmm... what is it..." Victoria groaned, rolling over. "I thought I cleared my schedule for today."

"You did, my lady," Anne said with a small smile. "But there's a surprise waiting for you outside, in the estate grounds."

Victoria blinked her eyes open, still heavy with sleep. She sat up slowly, only then noticing Little Guy perched beside her pillow. Despite herself, she smiled and patted his back. She was growing accustomed to this silly bird's constant presence.

"All right... I'll be ready in a minute," she yawned, dragging herself out of bed.

Anne helped her dress swiftly, and soon Victoria was stepping out into the crisp morning air.

Instead of leading her toward the main grounds, Anne guided her toward the servants' quarters. There, tucked in a corner, stood a newly built wooden coop. Inside, two chickens clucked softly, pecking at the straw.

Victoria blinked in surprise. "Oh my... how... nice."

"The servants built this for you," Anne explained warmly. "Since you've taken to keeping a chicken, they thought it's best to prepare something proper. It will be more convenient than having him trail after you everywhere. There's food, water, and even companions so he won't grow lonely."

Victoria's lips curved, though a faint frown tugged at the corners. "It's thoughtful. Truly... nice."

"Shall I fetch Little Guy? So he can see his new home?" Anne asked.

"...Yes, I suppose so," Victoria muttered, uncertain.

Left alone, Victoria stepped closer to the coop. The hens inside tilted their heads, beady eyes studying her. She exhaled softly, conflicted. She had, after all, considered the idea of parting with Little Guy... but now that the coop stood before her, the thought felt far too soon.

Anne soon returned, carrying Little Guy in her arms. The chicken flapped and squirmed until she lowered him to the ground, and immediately he bolted toward Victoria.

Victoria laughed, crouching to pat his feathery back. "You silly thing."

"Go on, my lady," Anne encouraged. "Introduce him to his new home."

Victoria hesitated, glancing between her chicken and the coop. "Are you sure he'll even like it? He's already so attached to me."

Anne tilted her head, faintly puzzled. "I only thought you might find this arrangement reasonable."

"It is reasonable," Victoria admitted, lifting Little Guy into her arms. "But you know how he is—he'll never approve of it." With a resigned sigh, she carried him to the coop and set him down just before the open door. "See? He won't like it one bit."

To her utter surprise, Little Guy dashed straight inside without hesitation, immediately scratching at the straw and pecking enthusiastically at the seeds scattered within.

Victoria blinked, dumbfounded. "Traitor," she muttered under her breath.

Anne bit back a laugh. "It seems he approves, my lady."

Crossing her arms, Victoria tried not to pout. "After all that fuss about following me everywhere."

Little Guy clucked happily from inside, scratching at the straw as though he had lived there all his life.

Anne smiled warmly. "At least now you can rest easy, knowing he is cared for and not underfoot all the time."

Victoria shook her head, her gaze still fixed on the coop. "Rest easy, yes... though I can't help but feel oddly betrayed."

Anne chuckled softly. "If you ask me, my lady, it seems you're the one who got too attached—despite all your earlier complaints."

"Anne," Victoria muttered, pressing her fingers to her temple, "please... I require a moment of peace."

Still smiling, Anne inclined her head. "Of course. But you know, you can visit him whenever you like. It's not as though he's been sold away."

"Anne," Victoria repeated with a sharp exhale, "peace."

That finally earned a quiet laugh as Anne curtsied lightly. "Very well, my lady. I'll leave you to it." With that, she withdrew, leaving Victoria alone by the coop.

Victoria lingered, arms folded, watching Little Guy scratch about happily with his new companions. A strange mix of relief and disappointment churned inside her. He seems so content...

A small laugh bubbled up from her throat despite herself.

"Ungrateful bird," she murmured fondly. "Abandoning me so quickly for a handful of seeds."

And yet, as she watched him blend so naturally with the other hens, a thought struck her: maybe this was a good thing. He had a place now, a corner of the world that belonged to him. Still, she resolved she would visit him daily.

She stood at last, smoothing her skirts, and turned toward the manor.

✦ ✦

And so, three months slipped quietly by. The women carried on with their work at the casino, settling into their double lives. As the winter faded and warmer days returned, the nobility began to stir in anticipation. For the season of gatherings, banquets, and endless social obligations was upon them once more.

"Why don't you try hosting a tea party?" Damien suggested. "It would help you get acquainted with the other nobles in your new status as heir."

"I don't think I have the necessary energy for that," Victoria yawned, rubbing her eyes.

"Still tired? You weren't like this months ago. Are you sure you're alright?" He leaned forward, searching her face.

"I'm fine," she assured him with a faint smile. "It will all be over soon."

Damien smirked. "Sometimes I feel like you're living a double life. Got any children I don't know about?"

"Shut up, Damien." Victoria snatched an upholstery pillow and smacked him with it.

"Ouch!" he laughed, shielding himself.