Chapter 184: The Dream!
She stepped closer to the carriage, peering at its covered load. The faint smell of papers and wood wafted from it and a very familiar smell that made her frown, but it revealed little else.
"Let me make this clear," she said, her voice steady and authoritative. "Manni has served this castle faithfully for decades. Treating him with suspicion is disrespectful, especially when there is no evidence of foul play. I will take responsibility for this delivery. Allow the carriage to pass."
The guards hesitated, their loyalty and sense of duty warring with her command. Finally, one of them nodded. "As you wish, Your Grace. But we must insist on offloading the goods here and inspecting them before they are taken further into the castle."
Salviana waved her hand dismissively. "Do as you must."
The guards began unloading the carriage under Manni’s watchful gaze. Salviana crossed her arms, watching as crates and bundles wrapped in cloth were carefully placed on the ground.
"Your Grace," one of the guards said after a thorough inspection, "there appears to be nothing dangerous. The goods seem to consist of fine wood, canvas, brushes, and... flowers."
"Flowers?" Salviana repeated, perplexed.
Manni finally spoke up, his tone cheerful. "Indeed, Your Grace. Flowers and other items for a special project. But I’m afraid I must keep the details a surprise."
Salviana gave him a long, searching look, her curiosity now thoroughly piqued. "Very well. Have the items brought to my chambers. I will wait for my husband to return and shed light on this mystery."
The guards complied, carrying the goods to her chambers. Salviana followed, her mind buzzing with questions.
Once everything was placed neatly in her sitting room, she dismissed the guards and maids, leaving the crates untouched.