The Ashford family's main residence is elegant. The building, with its large pillars and elegant carvings, creates a majestic impression. The gardens are well-maintained. They are filled with colorful flowers and large trees. They are beautiful.
As Laguna dismounts from his chariot, he feels the tradition surrounding the place. The servants greet him, but their forced smiles make it obvious. There is even one person who glances at her with dislike.
One of the servants spoke to him while glancing at Laguna and bowing. The head of the family is already waiting for you, Young Master.
Laguna walked in front of the servant. "Since when did a servant dare to look at his master?"
The servant stayed silent, her head lowered in resentment. She saw his sweat fall to the ground.
Laguna walked past the servants who greeted him. He stepped toward the lake behind the Ashford family's main house. Julia followed behind him, feeling the servants behind her laughing at her.
When he reached the edge of the lake, Laguna went straight to his mother's grave located in front of the lake. Seeing that, Julia felt that this was a personal moment for Laguna. She turned around and left Laguna alone.
Laguna sat in front of the tomb. He felt as if he were speaking to his mother, who was gone, expressing pent-up longing and regret. In the silence, suddenly a shadow covered him.
"Those who have died will not be able to come back to life. So, live well if you want to share it," the voice sounded firm yet soft.
Laguna turned his head and saw an old man with neat white hair. He was Alfred, the head servant of the Ashford family, a figure who had been in his life since childhood.
"Long time no see, Alfred," Laguna said as he stood up and patted his pants to remove the dust and grass that had stuck to him. Alfred bowed, placing his right hand on his chest in a gesture of respect. "It's nice to see you growing up well, sir."
"Thank you, Alfred. How are you?" asked Laguna, feeling the warmth of Alfred's presence. "All is well, sir. However, the Head of the Family is waiting for you to have lunch together," Alfred replied in a caring tone. Laguna nodded, feeling the responsibility he had to face. "Alright, let's go."
Laguna and Alfred stepped into the dining room, where the aroma of delicious cuisine filled the air. Upon entering, Laguna saw only Leon Ashford, his father. The man's authority still resonated, despite his meal.
"Laguna," his father called, his voice firm. "Finally, you came back."
"Yes, Dad," Laguna replied, trying to contain his nervousness.
"Sit down." We need to talk about your future," his father said. He raised his hand toward a nearby chair, telling Laguna to sit beside him.
Laguna sat down, feeling the sharp gaze of his father. "I know you're sad after Mom's departure. But you must understand your responsibilities to this family," her father said, putting down his fork and knife.
Laguna swallowed, trying to contain the emotions that wanted to overflow. "I want to prove myself, Dad. But I also want to find my way."
His father frowned, looking dissatisfied. "I've given you time, son. And what do you get? You must remember, Laguna, the name Ashford carries hope and responsibility."
Laguna dared to look at his father. "I need a little more time and money. I'll definitely find a tool that can take this world by storm."
Leon looked at Laguna, his eyes full of judgment. "You want additional money for your experiments?" he said, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "It's been too much time and money that I've spent on your ambitions, Laguna."
"But Dad, this experiment is important. 'I want to prove I can achieve something,' Laguna said, frustrated."
Leon sighed with a deep breath, then said in a flat tone, "In that case, I have a condition. Head to Veredale Village."
"Veredale?" Laguna frowned.
"The village used to be the pride of the Ashford family. Any plants and fruits grown there will thrive. But for the last few years, the soil there has become dead. No one knows why," Leon explained, his eyes narrowing. "I want you to go over there and find out what happened."
Laguna shook his head. "Dad, I'm not a farmer. What I've learned up to now is about machines and magic. How can I solve such a problem?"
Leon offered a faint smile, "In that case, there are other options." He stared at Laguna with intensity. "You will be married to the Chairman of the Merchant Union's princess." Then, the Merchant Union will fund your experiments. You won't need this family's money anymore."
Laguna's face turned cold. "No. I won't marry someone I don't even know just for the sake of money." Leon shrugged his shoulders, as if it wasn't a problem for him. "In that case, your choice is clear. You're going to Veredale. Or you won't get a penny again from the Ashfords." Laguna clenched his jaws with great force. He understood that Leon had trapped him on purpose.
"Okay," Laguna said finally, though his tone was tense. "I'm going to Veredale." Laguna stood up from the dining table, bowed his head to his father, and left.
When he stepped out of the dining room, Laguna felt the cynical gazes of some of the servants passing by. They whispered between themselves, and Laguna could feel the ridicule directed at him. Frustration and anger began to burn inside him. But he kept walking—until he saw the commotion ahead.
In front of him, he saw Julia fall to her knees. A dark red liquid soaked her hair and clothes. The wine dripped from the tip of her uniform, pooling on the ground. In front of him stood a young woman in an elegant dress, holding an empty glass with a look of humiliation.
"How can you be so careless in getting in my way, lowly servant?" said the woman, raising her chin. Her sweet tone was a thin veil for her mocking words.
Julia lowered her head, her body shaking as she attempted to clean the wine from her clothes. His silence seemed to comfort the woman. She was about to speak again when Laguna's voice echoed with piercing clarity.
"Stop it!" Laguna's tone of voice was sharp as he stepped toward them.
The woman raised her eyebrows, as if in disbelief. How dare anyone reprimand her? But his expression transformed into a smile in an instant.
"Ah, Sir Laguna." She said with a practiced smile. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Aurora Montclair, daughter of the Leader of the Merchant Union Group."
Laguna ignored his introduction and knelt beside Julia, helping her to his feet. The touch was soft, but his eyes burned with intense anger that he struggled to control.
"What are you doing?" Laguna focused his gaze on the Aurora while assisting Julia.
"Ah, Sir Laguna. I'm giving a brief lesson to your servants who lack manners," her eyes bore into Julia.
"Manners? With what you just did to her? Laguna stood up and looked into Aurora's eyes hatefully."
Aurora chuckled, covering her mouth with her fingertips. "The servant is still a servant, Sir Laguna. We must provide them with a comprehensive education to ensure they do not dare to act against us. Like... talking about us behind your back."
Julia stood still behind Laguna. She pulled up his sleeves and whispered, "Enough, Master. I'm fine."
Laguna's jaw stiffens. "Julia has more loyalty and dignity in her little finger than you can expect."
Aurora's smile completely vanished at her words. For the first time, his calm cracked, and his voice became cold. "It seems that I am overestimating you, Sir Laguna. You should reconsider where your loyalty lies."
Without waiting for a reply, Aurora turned and walked away. Her dress swept dramatically behind her. But not before he glanced at Julia for the last time; cold contempt filled his eyes.
Laguna sighed and turned to Julia, his expression becoming softer. "Come on, let's clean you up."
Julia nodded, though her hands trembled while she gripped her stained apron with a firm hold. "Thank you, Master," she whispered in a voice that was almost inaudible.
Laguna takes Julia to a beautiful garden. The flowers are vibrant. A fountain in the center flows into a clear basin. The soft sound of the fountain mixes with bird chirps. It is a striking contrast to the previous tension. Julia, still squeezing her wine-stained clothes, sits on the fountain's edge. She feels both embarrassed and grateful. Laguna, with clenched fists, stares at the water, angry.
Julia broke the silence, her voice soft but tinged with worry. "Master, you don't need to defend me like that. She... someone important, isn't she?"
"Important? Maybe for my father." Laguna sat with his arms stretched out on a garden chair. "But for me, no one has the right to treat you like that, Julia."
Julia's lips curled into a small smile and hesitated, her heart touched by her words. "Thank you, Master," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the soft drops of the fountain.
Laguna stands in the middle of the park, looking out at the fountain in front of her. Julia stands beside her, looking confused and curious at the same time.
"Julia," Laguna opened the conversation, his voice sounding heavy. "I'm going to Veredale Village."
Julia was shocked to hear the name. "Veredale Village? Isn't that a very fertile village? People say that any plant grown there will grow easily. Why do you want to go there?"
Laguna sighed, turning his head to look at Julia. "That was in the past. Now, not a single plant can grow there. The village is like it's losing its life."
Julia was silent for a moment, then glanced at Laguna with a furrowed brow. "That sounds like a big deal. Are you sure you're going there?"
Laguna nodded. "My dad gave me a challenge. If I manage to investigate what happened in Veredale, I will get his support to continue my experiments."
Julia looked at Laguna with determination that began to strengthen. "In that case, I will come along. I don't care what happens. I'll be by your side, Laguna."
Laguna regarded Julia with uncertainty. "It's not your job, Julia. You don't have to come along."
Julia smiled with a hint of warmth, though her eyes showed unwavering determination. "I've promised to support you. And... "who else will ensure that you have proper meals during the trip?"
Laguna sighed, but he couldn't help but smile. "Alright. But remember, this may be dangerous."
Julia just nodded.
However, unbeknownst to them, Aaron stood on a balcony of the Ashford mansion. He watched them in silence, with an unpredictable gaze. His face was full of mystery. But his gaze was intimidating. It seemed he had a secret plan.
Dusk fell, shrouding the mansion in shadow. Aaron's figure faded into the dark.