Cecilia tightly closed her eyes and then opened them again, shaking off the gloomy mood.

‘I’m twenty-one years old now.’

The cold carriage journey helped her clear her mind.

‘I’m glad I left the villa.’

Since her body was tired, she slept well at night and even dozed off during the day.

Had she stayed at the villa, she would have struggled with the constant emotional turmoil that surged through her several times a day.

Even now, she wasn’t entirely fine.

‘When I get to Lagos Castle… what should I do after that?’

She felt lost. She didn’t know what to do.

‘Russell Cardros…’

Cecilia mouthed the name of the man who became her third husband.

He wasn’t someone considered ‘of the same kind’ as the majority of people in this place.

The ‘cursed’ Lagos was thoroughly ostracized.

And being the lord of Lagos didn’t make a difference.

Cecilia tried hard to recall, but there was almost nothing she could remember about him.

“You two, move aside a little. I’m going to get up.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Cecilia stood up, removing the fur draped over her body, and opened the carriage door.

A gust of cold wind rushed in.

Cecilia stood at the door for a moment before turning her head.

“Give me the fur again.”

“Yes, Miss.”

The maids stifled their giggles, pressing their lips together, as they wrapped the fur around Cecilia once more.

Cecilia jumped down from the carriage, and the maids hurriedly followed behind her.

Benjamine soon spotted Cecilia and rushed over.

“Miss, it’s cold out here. What do you need?”

“I was feeling stuffy, so I came out to walk.”

“Oh, just a moment. I’ll bring something more for you to wear.”

Before Cecilia could say she didn’t need it, Benjamine had already dashed off.

‘She’s quick.’

Cecilia smiled slightly.

Despite appearances, Benjamine was quick on her feet. Cecilia had never seen her move sluggishly.

Cecilia slowly walked while gazing at the surrounding landscape.

Perhaps because her mind was cluttered, the harsh, desolate scenery didn’t bother her.

“Miss! Put this on quickly.”

Benjamine returned, carrying several thick furs.

“Here, wear this, and put on another layer, and wrap this around your neck.”

“That’s enough. It’s heavy.”

“You must wear it. If you catch a cold, it’ll be terrible.”

Despite Cecilia’s protest, Benjamine didn’t relent.

“Good grief. I’ll end up rolling around with all this on!”

Benjamine laughed as if she had heard the funniest joke in the world.

“Our Miss would still look beautiful even if she were rolling around.”

“Huu, really…”

Cecilia stopped talking and stared at the horizon where the sun was setting.

The sun cast its final, intense rays, painting the sky.

The wind blew through her hair, making it flutter.

Her golden locks shimmered brilliantly, reflecting the light.

Her eyes gleamed like golden gemstones.

One by one, people stopped moving.

Before long, everyone was staring at Cecilia in awe.

Most of the workers saw her face properly for the first time today, as they usually had no reason to get close to her.

‘It wasn’t an exaggeration after all.’

Everyone nodded in agreement, realizing the rumors hadn’t been overstated.

“I’ll go back to the carriage.”

“A wise decision. I’ll bring you a hot water bottle and some delicious soup soon.”

As Cecilia walked back to the carriage, she glanced around.

Those who had been sneaking glances at her quickly resumed their tasks.

Ordinarily, she didn’t pay attention to her servants.

But today, their clothing caught her eye.

Unlike her, bundled in layers of fur, they were dressed in thin garments.

“Nanny.”

“Yes, Miss?”

“We packed enough furs when we left, didn’t we?”

“Of course! I made sure to bring plenty. You might get cold.”

“Tonight, distribute those furs so that the workers can use them to keep warm.”

“…Pardon? The workers… who exactly?”

“Those people over there, the ones working.”

Benjamine was startled.

“How could you give such precious items to them?”

“I said to lend them, not give them.”

“Lending or giving, it’s all the same. Those are valuable furs! They’re not meant for rough handling.”

“Sleeping under them won’t wear them out. And it’s not like they can steal them and run away in the middle of this barren land.”

“But, Miss…”

“Nanny. Don’t make me repeat myself. If I say give it to them, then give it to them.”

“…Yes, Miss.”

Cecilia went back inside the carriage.

The two maids glanced nervously at Benjamine’s strange expression before following her inside.