3 Drastic Change

Lucy was dumbfounded. Her miss was sweetly smiling at her. Something that she stopped doing years ago. Lucy grew up serving the young lady of House Amaranth. She was used to her mean, haughty ways. She knew that despite that, the miss was kind and generous. Lady Chalice would not have saved them if she was evil. It was only because of the people who corrupted her mind that she became that way.

Lucy hated those people who made her miss like that. But it was not in her place as a servant to interfere. She was painfully well aware of the etiquette expected of a master and of a servant. Her job was to serve and support her. She regretted not interfering though. If she had maybe her precious miss would not have nearly died.

But now, she saw that kind, sweet smile again.The smile that saved her from the abyss, from the hopelessness that enveloped her and Luke's lives. If it were not for the chance of new life that smile gave to them, they'd have already been on their way to ruin. Lucy could not help but tear up.

"Oh my, Lucy why are you crying? I am truly fine now. There's no more need to worry, alright."

Lucy reined in her tears and composed herself. Her miss was worrying about her. It was a sin for a servant to add to her master's burdens.

"It is nothing, my lady. I am just glad that you are alright now. It is truly a blessing."

She heard Chalice chuckle. Lucy saw her taking her hands. Her eyes widened in shock.

"Now, now. I've made my cute Lucy cry. How unbecoming of me."

"My lady, I, I-I'm...Pardon my lady, my relief overwhelmed me. I'm sorry for acting out of turn."

---

Chalice sighed loudly. How could she have been blinded by those white lotuses. It was this sweet girl all along who truly treated her good. Gratitude welled up in her heart.

"Lucy, you are not at fault alright? I could not thank you enough for all the things that you did for me. I'm glad I have you by my side."

Chalice smiled at the girl who was struggling so hard to keep her composure.

"My lady, I am only doing my duty. You are my savior. This is not enough for me to repay what you have done for us siblings."

Chalice did not reply to that. She could not. Especially when she saw the firm gaze of the girl. She just smiled at her instead.

"By the way, where are my parents?"

Lucy cleared her throat and replied.

"The duke and duchess are at the study, my lady. Would you like me to call for them?"

"There's no need, Lucy. I'll go to them instead. Could help me get dressed please? I can't really move my shoulders."

Lucy replied in agreement and helped her prepare.

"No. I do not like that Lucy. Could you please look for something simpler and easier to move in?"

Chalice cringed when she saw Lucy take out a gaudy piece of gown that was in pastel orange embroidered with white flowers and sprinkled with gems. It was beautiful but it was too much for her. She pointed at a white gown with peony appliques and laces at the sleeves. It was the complete opposite of the previous gown.

"But didn't you hate this style of gowns, my lady?"

Lucy quietly asked. Chalice did not answer and focused on Lucy who helped her ease herself into the dress.

"Actually, I like these simple ones better. So Lucy could you please get rid of those gaudy and flamboyant gowns in my closet. I don't like seeing them. They remind me of hateful people."

The coldness in Chalice's tone did not slip from her maidservant's ears. Lucy nodded her assent to the orders and proceeded to fix her hair. She noticed that her miss had such a drastic change in demeanor ever since she woke up. But Lucy just credited it as a result of the incident.

Chalice walked slowly through the hallway leading to her father's study. She breathed in deeply before knocking softly at the door.

"Come in."

Chalice heard her father's rich baritone dully muted by the door. She went in and held her head high to meet the eyes of her parents.

--

Alaric heard soft knocks at his door, he signaled for the person to come in. He was expecting that it would be the Sei, their butler whom he sent in an errand. Little did he know that what would greet him was an unexpected surprise.

"Father."

Alaric was taken aback by the familiar soft, breezy voice of his daughter. Strange, her usual tone with him would be full of anxiety. Now there was no trace of it. He looked up, a glint passing through his emerald eyes similar to hers.

His daughter was different today. Her usual bright and glaring clothes were changed with a pristine white one. Her face devoid of her usual unsightly make up. Standing in front of him was a perfect combination of his beloved wife. A lady with her mother's features and her father's eyes.

Alaric exclaimed internally. It has been a long time since he had seen his daughter looking like this. He could not help but lament the times she was inseperable with him.

"You're awake. How do you feel?"

He asked, trying hard to keep the coldness in his voice. He doted in this daughter of his. He just didn't know when they started drifting apart. This was something that he blames himself of. Maybe he should not have become so strict with her.

"I'm quite alright now father. I'm recuperating well. Thank you for your concern."

Alaric gazed at his daughter pointedly and found that she was staring at him. Her expression was soft. A trace of faint sweet smile could be seen from her lips. He coughed awkwardly.

"Good. It's good that you are fine."

Alaric returned his attention to the papers in his hands. The silence was making him tense. He didn't know how he was going to interact with her.

He was fearless be it in court or war. This is why Alaric was dubbed as the Titan Duke. Even the emperor, his sworn brother, is intimidated by him sometimes. But when it comes to this daughter of his, he was at a terrible loss.