Chapter 35: A Clash of Emotions
"Duchess, are you coming for dinner?" I heard Vix’s voice, which brought me back to my senses.
"No, I will be in my room," I replied, my focus returning to the account books of the mansion.
"Should I bring dinner here?" Vix asked once more. However, my mind was still preoccupied with the numbers, and I nodded absentmindedly.
Before I could regain full awareness and decline her offer, she had already set my dinner on the table in front of me. Meanwhile, the table I had been using was cluttered with old files. Some of them had already gathered dust, while others looked relatively untouched.
"Duchess, I have placed your dinner here. Please make sure to have it," Vix said as she tried to leave.
"Wait a minute!" I stopped her.
"Yes, Duchess?"
"Vix, how long have you been working in this mansion?" I asked.
She looked pensive for a moment, her expression reflecting the complexity of her memories. I waited patiently for her response.
"I actually have no idea when I was brought here. But I have spent my entire life here," she replied.
"Your entire life?" I inquired.
"Yes, my aunt brought me here. I’m not sure why, but she passed away a few years ago. The duke and duchess treated me like their daughter, so I’ve been working here ever since," she explained.