‘Such a massive greenhouse!’
She was once again awed by the grandeur of the fallen empire.
“Let me remind you again—if you go back to the south wing, stay away from the grass. There might be mutant snakes.”
“Mutant? What are those?”
“You don’t know about mutants?”
Cecilia shook her head.
Russell let out a wry smile, feeling as if he was finally confirming just how detached people outside of Lagos were from its reality.
For residents of the Lagos territory, mutants were an inseparable part of life, both a source of fear and a strange benefit.
“Mutants are creatures that only appear in Lagos. They’re stronger, more aggressive, and more hostile. While regular animals avoid humans, mutants often attack first.”
“That sounds terrifying just hearing about it. So, if there were a mutant snake in there…”
“It would sense a human’s presence and charge in for the attack.”
‘I’m definitely staying away from the grass.’
Cecilia decided firmly. She really didn’t like snakes.
“But it’s nice and warm here.”
“There’s another greenhouse courtyard, smaller and without any snakes. Shall we go there?”
“Sure.”
Cecilia nodded, smiling brightly, not noticing the brief flicker in Russell’s eyes. He turned his gaze away, pretending to search for the right path.
The expansive greenhouse had multiple exits, and they followed the edge, avoiding the tall weeds, until he led her down a corridor to a small inner courtyard.
Cecilia instantly loved the place.
A domed glass ceiling covered the courtyard, with a large stone basin carved in the center. The floor was paved with neat, square stones, with only a few weeds growing in the cracks.
Russell paused, focusing on something in the distance, and then frowned slightly.
“It seems someone’s looking for me.”
“Oh, then you should go.”
“Stay here a moment. I’ll check and come right back. Don’t go anywhere.”
Cecilia nodded.
The courtyard had four doors leading to adjacent rooms, and Russell exited through one of them.
Left alone, Cecilia looked around. It was so silent she could hear her own breathing.
The atmosphere of this place was entirely different from when someone was here with her, compared to now that she was completely alone.
‘A building left unused for a long time has an oddly chilly feel. This isn’t a place to come alone.’
Then, when Russell soon returned, he looked somewhat conflicted.
“The caravan has arrived, so I need to go. We’ll have to continue this conversation later.”
“Caravan… Do you mean the Ewen Guild?”
“Yes.”
“They come every two months, right?”
“Except in winter. You seem to know them well.”
In her past life, Cecilia had eagerly awaited the Ewen caravan’s visits. Grand Duke Jericho would send her requested items or gifts through them.
However, she’d never actually seen them arrive in person—she only knew through her nanny, who’d informed her of their arrival while maids delivered her items to her chambers.
“I’d like to go and see it. Is that alright?”
Russell hesitated, not giving an immediate response.
‘He’s not allowing it?’
Cecilia looked at him, puzzled.
“It’s crowded and chaotic. Everyone’s busy unloading and organizing things.”
“So?”
“It’s not a neatly arranged shop—”
“I know. Do you think I don’t understand something that basic?”
Cecilia answered, somewhat indignant.
“Do as you wish.”
She caught a glimpse of him stifling a smile as he turned his head, and it irritated her, feeling as though he was treating her like a child.
“Believe it or not, I’ve lived through enough to handle this.”
She heard a laugh disguised as a cough.
“Oh, how rude. Are you laughing at a lady?”
“I’m not laughing.”
“I clearly heard you…”
Arguing as they exited the room, Cecilia spotted Joy.
Joy didn’t seem like she was one to hide her emotions well, and although she quickly lowered her gaze, Cecilia could sense her nervousness.
Feeling slightly embarrassed, Cecilia pressed her lips together in silence, feigning composure.
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