Chapter 14
My Purpose
“This way, please.”
Ebony followed Cedric, the butler who was escorting her. He led her to a waiting area for guests where carriages arrived and excused himself, saying he’d call for a carriage soon.
“W-Wait!” Ebony called out, stopping him urgently. She hesitated before asking, “If it’s not too much trouble, may I take a little tour around the Duke’s estate? Would you mind showing me around?”
While staying at the Magnus Duchy, Ebony had been waiting anxiously for Diego’s decision. She knew it wasn’t likely for the cold and distant man to change his mind quickly, but she couldn’t help but hope.
Although she wanted to stay in the manor, she decided against it to avoid provoking him and opted for a tour instead.
“It’s not a problem,” Cedric replied. “But since winter has just started, there may not be much to see.”
“That’s okay! This is my first time in the northern part of Evgenia, so I’d find it interesting regardless.”
“Then I’d be happy to show you around.”
“I didn’t mean for you, the head butler, to go through the trouble yourself. You don’t have to take care of this personally.”
“It’s all part of my duty, so please don’t feel burdened.”
With a kind smile that eased her discomfort, Cedric called for an open-top carriage. Before getting on, Ebony looked around, feeling a mix of caution and anticipation for what was to come.
“This carriage should make it easier for sightseeing. But the weather is chilly, so please take this.”
Cedric handed her a shawl, which she draped around herself before putting on gloves.
Having come from Evgenia’s capital and the Dominic Duchy, where it was still late autumn, Ebony found the early arrival of winter here fascinating.
“Thank you, Cedric.”
“Please, just call me Cedric,” he replied warmly.
“Alright, Cedric. Thank you so much for being considerate. I was worried my sudden request might have been bothersome.”
“There’s no need for concern. If anything, I should apologize on behalf of His Grace.”
Cedric gave a sheepish smile and bowed. Though he didn’t know the full story, he seemed to understand the situation’s tone.
“To make amends, His Grace has prepared a small token of appreciation for you and Sir Leonhardt. It’ll be in the carriage when you return. I hope you’ll find it to your liking.”
His polished apology hinted that his master had a history of such mishaps.
“As an uninvited guest, I can understand His Grace’s reaction. Please don’t worry too much. Instead, can you tell me more about the Duke’s estate?”
“Of course, leave it to me!”
Brightening up, Cedric took the reins of the carriage. With a light snap, the white horse began moving forward.
As they passed through the gates of the Magnus estate, Ebony looked around at the tranquil northern landscape, so different from the bustling capital.
The estate’s hedges were neatly trimmed, and the well-maintained trees gave off an air of both elegance and subtle intimidation. Even in winter, colorful flowers bloomed beautifully, making Ebony smile.
Cedric had proudly mentioned employing hundreds of gardeners to maintain the grounds, and she couldn’t help but recall his words.
He continued to enthusiastically recount the Magnus family’s rich history as she admired the estate’s harmonious blend of nature and human craftsmanship.
As they neared the village visible when they first entered the estate, Ebony noticed the quiet streets, likely due to the harsh winter ahead. The somber atmosphere somehow added to the beauty of the place.
But as they passed by the homes of the residents, something unusual caught her attention.
“What is that…?”
Her gaze fixed on a large river dividing the village and the forest. The water was stained red, as if with blood.
Noticing her reaction, Cedric slowed the carriage and followed her line of sight. With an awkward laugh, he explained, “During winter, monsters occasionally appear from the forest. It’s not difficult to deal with them, but cleaning up their remains is another story.”
“Then where do the residents get their drinking water?”
“In winter, we request purified water from the temple. It’s troublesome but necessary for the people of the estate.”
Cedric sighed deeply, continuing, “However, with most of the north also relying on the temple for purified water, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to secure enough. It’s why His Grace has been so busy lately…”
As he spoke candidly, Cedric noticed Ebony staring at him intently and stopped mid-sentence.
“I’m sorry, I must be boring you. Let’s head to the city; it’s just a bit further ahead.”
Before he could steer the carriage forward, Ebony quickly interrupted.
“If it’s alright, I’d like to take a closer look at the river.”
“…Pardon?”
“Would that be okay?”
“Well… it’s not a problem. Yes, of course.”
Stopping the carriage by the riverbank, Cedric helped Ebony out. She walked toward the water and crouched down, inspecting it closely.
The water was so murky it reflected no image, and the smell was overwhelming. It was clear this was no safe place for the people nearby.
Standing up, Ebony asked, “Is there no way to purify this water?”
“We’ve tried everything, but nothing has worked. Even divine power hasn’t been enough.”
If no one else could do it…
“If I can purify this water…”
Simply supplying purified water wouldn’t prove her worth—anyone could do that through the temple. But purifying the contaminated river, something no one else could do…
“That would show His Grace my value.”
Determined, Ebony crouched down again and reached her hand toward the water.
“Think you can do it?” a voice whispered.
It was Wade, appearing silently beside her.
“You should ask yourself. After all, it’s your power.”
“I want to. I have to.”
“Then go ahead.”
With a sly grin, Wade guided her hand into the water.
“Using this much power will exhaust you. Are you ready for that?”
As Ebony nodded, Wade continued explaining.
“Picture the water as you want it to be. Imagine it as clear and pure as possible, down to every detail.”
Focusing on the cold sensation at her fingertips, she closed her eyes. She envisioned the pristine water she wanted to create, and instinctively, her hand moved.
She swirled the tainted water slowly at first, then faster and faster, her motions growing stronger.
A droplet splashed onto her cheek, brimming with life—completely different from the murky filth she’d touched before.
“…Lady Dominique?”
Cedric’s startled voice broke the silence. Ebony opened her eyes, revealing a sight she had longed to see: the river, perfectly clean and pure.
“The water… how did it…?”
Standing up, Ebony dusted off her dress and looked at Cedric.
“Please let His Grace know about my usefulness.”
Approaching the stunned butler, she extended her hand.
“It’s a butler’s duty to keep skilled people by their master’s side, isn’t it?”
Still frozen in disbelief, Cedric hesitantly took her hand.
“Thank you for the tour. I’ll head back to the manor now…”
Before she could finish, a voice interrupted sharply.
“Ebony Dominique!”
A man suddenly appeared, cutting between them and grabbing her arm.
