Chapter 9: The Distance Between Us
Rael sat behind his desk, quietly flipping through a stack of documents. Peter stood at his side, a ledger tucked under one arm, ready to assist.
The door opened with a soft creak. Butler Howard stepped in and bowed.
"My lord, the report from the Mondego port has arrived. It came late last night. The progress documents are inside."
Rael accepted the file without a word and began scanning its contents.
"…So it's finally complete," he murmured. "The northwest port. This changes everything."
His gaze lingered on the last page.
"With this, the House of Mondego gains access to the outer islands. Rare spices, untapped markets—trade will flourish. A new era begins."
Howard straightened, hands clasped behind his back. "Will you be inspecting the port personally, my lord?"
Rael gave a slow nod. "Just a brief inspection."
"I will accompany you," Howard offered.
Rael didn't look up. "You know that's not possible. Your presence is required here."
Howard fell silent. Countess Gweneth barely fulfilled her duties—too preoccupied with parties and finery. He couldn't leave things unattended.
"I'll go, as usual, my lord," Peter said.
Rael nodded faintly. "Of course."
Then Howard, choosing his moment carefully, added, "If I may… I suggest bringing Evelise."
Rael's hand paused mid-turn. He looked up slowly, his expression unreadable.
"Evelise?"
"She's recently taken an interest in trade and estate affairs. This could be a chance to teach her—real management, logistics, construction oversight. With guidance—"
Rael's gaze sharpened. Silence stretched between them. The air grew still. Peter glanced between them, sensing the shift.
At last, Rael looked back at the page.
"…Tell her she's coming. Explain the task. She'll assist Peter. That's all."
Howard bowed, a flicker of relief in his eyes. "Yes, my lord."
---
When Howard informed me of the Count's decision, I hid my surprise behind a composed nod.
"Of course. I'll do my best to help," I said, though my mind raced with questions I dared not ask.
I packed quietly, keeping my hands steady even as my thoughts spiraled.
---
By morning, the palace courtyard shimmered in golden light. An ornate carriage, its gold trim gleaming, waited beside a crowd of black-clad nobles and silent servants. As soon as Rael appeared, everyone bowed in unison.
The horses pawed at the stone, snorting softly. Butler Howard, the senior stewards, and maids stood in position. Countess Gweneth, unsurprisingly, was absent. Only my mother stood nearby.
"You take care of yourself," she whispered, her voice trembling. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
"I will, Mother." I hugged her tightly, suppressing the ache in my chest.
Then he arrived.
Rael strode into the courtyard, every step measured. He ignored the crowd, his eyes fixed on Howard.
"Handle things here. Send word if anything happens."
"Yes, my lord. You can rely on me."
Rael gave a curt nod and stepped into the carriage without so much as a glance at anyone else.
Peter joined me in the second carriage, settling across from me with a warm, easy smile.
"First time traveling this far in the territory?" he asked gently.
"Yes," I said with a small nod.
"You'll enjoy it. The landscape is beautiful this time of year."
I tried to smile back. Part of me wanted to believe him.
But the journey was miserable.
We traveled almost nonstop, stopping only once—for barely an hour—at a roadside inn. No time to stretch. No real rest. The carriage rocked constantly. My head throbbed, and my stomach churned with every bump.
I wanted to scream. Rael never once checked on us. Never asked how anyone was holding up.
Worse, I hadn't spoken to him at all. He stayed locked away in his carriage. Untouchable.
And me? I lay curled on the seat, clenching my stomach, praying I wouldn't throw up.
This was not the journey I imagined. Not even close.
---
After three grueling days, we finally reached Mondego Fort.
All my regrets about coming vanished the moment I saw the sea. The harbor sparkled under the sun, stretching into the horizon like a living jewel.
We soon arrived at the Mondego Mansion—elegant and refined. Pale walls shimmered in the morning light. Pink petals floated in the breeze, brushing over hedges and a golden clock tower that chimed softly above a flower-lined path.
When Rael stepped from the carriage, the atmosphere shifted.
Six maids bowed in perfect unison. No one spoke. Only the sound of petals falling and leaves rustling filled the air.
Two elderly figures stood at the center of the path, bowing deeply.
"Welcome home, my lord," they said together, voices low and full of reverence.
The woman, graceful and probably in her sixties, radiated quiet strength and kindness. The silver-haired man beside her stood tall, his presence calm and sharp, like Howard's.
A meal had been prepared—but Rael dined alone, of course. I ate in the kitchen with Peter, Captain Joel, and a few others. Even here, hierarchy ruled the air.
The maids glanced at me—curious, admiring. The older woman's gaze lingered on me the longest. Gentle. Almost motherly. I felt strangely… accepted.
The food was excellent—grilled fish, shrimp, seaweed salads—but exhaustion dulled my appetite.
I collapsed onto my bed without even changing. My body throbbed with fatigue. I drifted off almost instantly.
---
A knock startled me awake.
A maid stood at the door. "Peter says to hurry. Master Rael's inspection will begin shortly."
"…Got it. Just need a moment," I mumbled, biting back a groan.
I shut the door and clenched my fists.
Was Rael even human? We had just arrived—no rest, no pause. He was already on the move.
I dressed quickly and hurried downstairs, relieved to find the others still waiting. Peter, Captain Joel, the silver-haired butler, and the kind older woman—Mrs. Molly—greeted me.
"Good afternoon, Evelise," said Mrs. Molly.
"Good afternoon, ma'am," I replied politely.
And then—he arrived.
I froze.
Rael always wore his dark vest and loose cravat. But now, draped in gold chains and a regal cloak, he looked… different. His shirt was slightly open at the collar. He looked more relaxed, like the sea breeze had softened his edges.
Still dignified. Still untouchable. But less… caged.
I glanced down at my own attire—light dress, sunhat tilted over my brow. Practical, but suddenly too plain.
"Let's go," he said.
---
The harbor city was alive with movement. Ships swayed gently at the docks. Sails snapped in the wind. Sailors shouted and hauled crates. Above it all rose a grand white building—new, gleaming, and full of promise. Beyond it, green hills rolled, a church spire reaching into the sky.
Then—
"You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. May I know your name, lovely lady?"
"Ehh?" I blinked, caught off guard.
A young man—early twenties, kind eyes, charming smile—stood before me. Completely unaware of the moment he had just shattered.
The knights stepped forward instantly, shielding me.
An older man rushed in, graying hair tousled, eyes wide with panic.
"My apologies, my lady. My foolish son meant no harm." He bowed deeply, then dragged the young man away, scolding him.
I stood frozen, unsure whether to laugh, cry, or fling myself into the sea.