"Can you imagine how lucky we are?" Catherine laughed, her voice light as they strolled through the fief. The golden rays of the setting sun bathed the landscape in a warm glow, casting long shadows across the winding paths and the stone walls of the manor. There were hardly any people around, just the distant sounds of servants tending to their chores—mending fences, gathering firewood, or preparing for the evening meal. It was an almost surreal quiet, the kind of peace that felt like an old dream.
"It feels like we're living in a different world," Cathy (Catherine) said as her eyes scanned the surroundings with awe. "Everything's so perfect."
Winny gave her a knowing look. Her lips curled into a small smile, but her gaze seemed distant. "It's easy to get lost in the quiet, isn't it?" she said softly. "But trust me, it's not as perfect as it seems. This place has its share of secrets. Its own kind of chaos."
Cathy tilted her head, intrigued. "Chaos? Here?" She waved a hand around, showing the peaceful scene before them. "It looks so calm."
Winny's smile widened slightly, a hint of something unreadable sparkling in her eyes. "Calm doesn't always mean peace, Cathy. You'll learn that soon enough."
They continued walking, the path leading them past the stone walls of the estate. Occasionally, a servant bowed as they passed. Cathy glanced at Winny again, still thinking about her words. "So, what happened during the holiday? You've changed. It's not just the hair—though that's definitely a big difference."
Winny laughed softly, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I suppose it's just how life goes. Things change. People change."
Cathy raised an eyebrow. "But you're different. Not just outside. You seem... more confident." Her voice dropped a little as she added, "Like you're not hiding anything anymore."
Winny's expression softened. She looked away for a moment, gathering her thoughts before speaking quietly. "I suppose I'm not. Not anymore." She paused, running her hand through her long hair again, letting it fall freely, wild and untamed. "It's funny. People think it's just the hair, or the clothes, or the way you walk... but sometimes the biggest change happens inside. Sometimes, it takes getting away from everything you know to realize what you're capable of."
Cathy's eyes widened, her curiosity piqued. "Capable of what?"
Winny met her gaze, a faint smile on her lips. "You'll see. There are things you don't understand yet. You'll get them when the time is right. But for now, I'll leave it at that."
Before Cathy could respond, a figure stepped into view—Eli, the ever-watchful servant. He leaned against a stone pillar with his arms crossed, watching them closely with a mix of bemusement and scrutiny.
Winny noticed his gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Eli, I know you're there. No need to stare."
Eli straightened up at her words, a small grin on his lips. "I wasn't staring. Just admiring the view. Wondering why the gymnast girl changed so much. You've got a whole new energy about you."
Winny's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Gymnast girl, huh? You're not wrong. But it's more than that, Eli. It's everything that's happened, everything that's been hidden, and everything that's about to come." She paused, her tone growing serious. "And trust me, there's more to come. A lot more."
Eli didn't respond right away, glancing between her and Cathy. "Well, whatever you say, Winny. But the Baron's been looking for you two. I think he's ready for you. He said everyone's going to be there soon, and you don't want to keep him waiting." He straightened up, urgency creeping into his voice. "The whole house will be gathered. It's going to be one of those events you'll want to be on time for."
Winny gave him a sidelong look. "The Baron, huh?" She exhaled sharply, as if trying to hold back a sigh. "Well, we'd better not keep him waiting. The last thing we need is another lecture on punctuality."
Catherine, sensing the mood shift, laughed lightly. "I bet you'd rather be anywhere else right now."
Winny grinned, though there was a hint of playfulness in her words. "You have no idea. But duty calls."
Eli, sensing the conversation winding down, took a step back. "I'll let you two get ready. The Baron expects you both in an hour. Don't take too long."
Winny nodded. "Thanks, Eli."
As Eli walked away, Winny turned to Cathy, her eyes thoughtful. "Well, here we go. Let's see what this evening holds for us."
Cathirene hesitated before speaking again. "You seem... different, Winny. More than just your hair and attitude. It's like you've... unlocked something."
Winny's eyes softened at her words, and for a moment, she appeared almost vulnerable. "Maybe. But the truth is, Cathy, sometimes unlocking something means realizing you've always had it inside you." She shrugged lightly. "I don't expect you to understand now, but you will. In time, everyone does."
Cathy nodded slowly, feeling a mix of unease and excitement rising within her. "Alright, I guess I'll just have to wait and see."
Winny smiled again, her eyes glinting with something unreadable. "We all do. But for now, let's get ready. The night is just beginning."
As the two girls made their way back to their quarters to prepare for the evening gathering, the atmosphere around them seemed to shift, becoming heavier, charged with an energy they couldn't quite name. The Baron's event was more than just a social gathering. It felt like a turning point—a moment where things would change, not just for Winny and Cathy, but for everyone in their world.
As they entered the manor, the grandeur of the evening awaited them: candles flickered in ornate sconces, the scent of roasted meats and rich spices filled the air, and the murmur of conversation drifted from the great hall. It was a scene of opulence and elegance, but underneath the surface lingered something else. Something unspoken.
Winny's heart raced, not from fear, but from anticipation. The evening was not just about being a guest—it was the start of something bigger. Something she could almost taste. She was ready for whatever the Baron had planned. Whatever it was, she knew it would change everything.
And Cathy, standing beside her, could feel it too. Though she didn't understand it yet, she sensed the shift in the air—the promise of something extraordinary about to unfold.
As they entered the hall, the doors closing behind them, the world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the next chapter to begin.