Chapter 4 Came Knocking
The breeze on that spring night was quite chilly.
Sadie gritted. Left with i
her choice, she instructed a few servants to assist in the retrieval.
Finlched
The butler was puzzled. “What happened? How did you manage to drop the item gifted by Lady Talulla into the pond, Miss Francis?”
Sadie glanced at Zephyr out of the corner of her eye.
Through the shadows cast by the lantern and the night breeze lifting the edges of his robe, the young man revealed eyes that were beautifully radiant with a hint of a simile, yet his gaze was chilling to the extreme and bewitching.
He was also watching her.
It felt as if the moment she dared to speak the truth, his alluring gaze would strangle her to death.
She curled her fingers slightly, murmuring, “It was my own fault for being clumsy.”
Zephyr let out a soft scoff.
When Sadie returned to her chamber, the maid gifted to her by Talulla approached to report, “Miss Sadie. the three young masters from the Francis family are waiting at the back door. They wish to see you.”
When Sadie reached the back door, sure enough, the trio was there.
At the time, they didn’t yet possess the splendid aura of their previous lives, where they had achieved fame and success by passing the imperial examination. They simply appeared as ordinary young men.
Her eldest brother, Adonis, was the first to speak. “I heard you’ve been studying at Cranesong Academy?”
Oliver, her Second brother, scoffed dismissively. The whole of Dwarven City is talking about you ranking last in the exam. You’ve admitted yourself that you don’t have a knack for studying, so why bother?”
Her third brother. Neville, declared with a hint of arrogance, “We’ve discussed this amongst ourselves. You should give Daisy the opportunity to study! She has been learning music, chess, calligraphy, and painting since she was a child. If she were to attend Cranesong Academy, she would definitely not bring shame to our family!”
Sadie quietly observed them.
In the past, her family always insisted that she had caused harm to Daisy while they were still in their mother’s womb. Hence, she was always expected to yield to her sister in every matter.
And so, Daisy was privileged enough to have a lady teacher come to their home for lessons, while Sadie wasn’t even allowed to listen in. All the could do was clean the house, do the laundry, and cook meals.
Daisy had her own private bedroom, while Sadie had to share the communal sleeping quarters with the
maids.
She yearned for the affection of her father and brothers, and so she complied with their every word, always putting their needs before her own.
But in the end, things didn’t turn out well.
Chapter 4 Came Knocking.
Sadie didn’t feel like she owed Daisy anything
Finished
The old maid in the Magistrate’s Office once let slip that it was the three brothers lack of care for Daisy that led to her ill health. They had taken her out to admire the plum blossoms during the harsh winter months, causing her to catch a severe cold while she was still just a baby. This laid the foundation for her sickness, and she grew up frail, falling ill year after year,
Yet, they shifted the blame onto her.
Sadie stood on the steps, her gaze shifting.
After a moment, she spoke softly. “All of you are right. The best things should always go to Daisy”
Neville snorted lightly. “At least you know your place!”
Oliver chimed in. “You’re not as smart as Daisy. All your studying has been a waste. You should have stepped aside a long time ago.
“Sadie, you’re a good girl. This is how our dear sister should be.” Adonis said, his face showing approval. “Tomorrow, tell Lady Talulla that you no longer wish to study and that you want to give Daisy the opportunity to learn instead.”
Sadie gripped her handkerchief tightly.
These people still think I’m the same Sadie from my previous life, who always followed their every word
For just a word or two of their praise, I was willing to do anything.
She smiled. “Lady Talulla is quite fond of me. During the family banquet today, she specifically mentioned that she’s worried I might not get used to the academy. She suggested that I could bring Daisy along with me to study. Also…”
spot. She said I
A flicker of cool mockery passed through the young girl’s eyes. She continued with a hint of sarcasm, “Also, Lady Talulla mentioned that, in recognition of my filial piety, she would grant me an extra could arrange for one of my brothers to enter Cranesong Academy.”
Of course, Talulla had never uttered these words.
Sadie just made all of this up.
However, her brothers never had the chance to meet Talulla, so they had no way to verify it.
The lantern hanging under the eaves cast its light and shadows that flickered on the girl’s face.
She tilted her head innocently and asked naively, “But I have three brothers. Which one should I choose?” Those who were admitted to Cranesong Academy were either wealthy or the children of high–ranking officials in Aurelia Province.
The Francis family’s low status barely qualified them to cross this threshold.
At this point in time, Oliver and Neville hadn’t yet begun their ventures in business or joined the military. Their father was pushing them to focus on their studies, with the intention for them to pursue a career in civil service and earn a reputable name for themselves.
Entering Cranesong Academy not only meant receiving a top–tier education, but it also offered the chance
Chapter 4 Came Knocking
to build valuable connections.
The three guys stood frozen in place.
Clearly, they were all eager to join the academy.
Adonis voice was slightly hoarse. “L…”
Oliver cleared his throat and said, “Adonis, we should tell Father about this. We need to consider this seriously.”
We are all brothers born of the same parents.
Why should all the good things go to Adonis
Neville stated. “Exactly. Adonis, are you planning to hog the spot for yourself?”
A flicker of discomfort crossed Adonis‘ face as he protested, “Am I that kind of person?”
Finished
The three of them agreed to give Sadie a response in a few days, then they left while bickering with one another.
Just as Sadie was about to turn around and leave, she suddenly heard a soft scoff.
She then lifted her gaze and glanced over.
Zephyr leaned casually against the majestic horse, his arms folded. He had completely lost track of time while engrossed in the spectacle.
Zephyr said in a gentle voice, “I had to step out for a bit due to some matters at High Court. I didn’t expect to return to such a spectacle. Apple of Discord, huh? How interesting.
The phrase “Apple of Discord” was often used metaphorically to describe the act of sowing discord and manipulating others to do one’s dirty work.
Zephyr had seen through her scheme.
Sadie couldn’t help but clench her hands that were resting by her side.
After a moment, she lowered her gaze and bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Lord Zephyr. I’m afraid my knowledge is limited. I ranked last in the exam, and I don’t understand the meaning of Apple of Discord. Hence, I’m unable to grasp what you’re trying to convey.”
She didn’t want to offend Zephyr.
However, he was not buying it.
He led his steed, passing by Sadie.
A strange scent hit her square in the face, overpowering the original sandalwood fragrance that the young man had been exuding.
She then saw a peculiar lantern hanging beside the saddle.
A lamp, crafted from bone and shrouded with a thin, eerie skin, was burning. The ghastly white flame that flickered through cast a pallid glow, painting Sadie’s face a similar shade of white
by Wed, 13 Aug
Chapter 4 Come knocking
Sadie took two steps back.
Finished
Meanwhile, the heir to the Gates family, known for his gentle and courteous demeanor, approached her. Hel slowly leaned down, meeting her gaze at eye level.
He gently asked. “Do you like my new lamp?”
Sadie dida 1 respond. Her eyelashes, delicate and long, trembled softly. She was like a butterfly that was caught in a spider’s web, struggling desperately.
Zephyr gently patted her head, much like a protective ligure would lovingly comfort someone they
Treasured.
As Sadie felt a shiver run down her spine, a strong hand suddenly gripped the back of her head, forcing her into an embrace.
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