Elysia woke before dawn.
Today was important.
For the first time since arriving at Draevenor Manor, she would officially assume control of the entire estate.
Naturally, that meant collecting everything that came with it.
The keys, ledgers, account books, seals and so on.
Every scrap of authority that had remained in Melissa’s hands, Elysia intended to retrieve all of it at once.
Just to be safe, she brought Miriam and Clara.
Then she added Bran.
After a moment’s thought, she invited Bertha and Maude as well.
Then, just to feel slightly more reassured, she summoned two of the largest guards in the manor and added them to her entourage.
By the time preparations were complete, her entourage looked less like a household delegation and more like a military expedition.
Only then did Elysia feel truly confident.
With her troops assembled behind her, she marched toward Rose Hall.
The moment they arrived, Miriam stepped forward.
Drawing herself up to her full height, she announced,
"By His Grace’s direct order, Her Grace the Duchess will henceforth assume responsibility for the management of Draevenor Manor."
Her voice rang clearly through the courtyard.
"We request that Lady Melissa surrender all household keys, ledgers, and records immediately."
The person who greeted them was Agnes. The same maid who had attempted to drag Elysia out to pay respects on her first morning after the wedding.
Agnes barely glanced at Miriam.
Her expression carried obvious disdain.
"Lady Melissa has managed this estate for many years."
She folded her hands before her.
"And now a duchess who has barely come of age wishes to take over?"
Her lips curled.
"I’m afraid the manor may not survive such an arrangement."
Miriam stiffened.
"This is His Grace’s order."
Agnes shrugged lazily.
"Of course."
Her tone made it clear she meant the exact opposite.
"We all care deeply for His Grace."
She sighed dramatically.
"If the estate falls into chaos under inexperienced management, who will bear responsibility?"
Her gaze slid toward Elysia.
"Perhaps it would be wiser to wait until His Grace wakes and discuss the matter properly."
Miriam froze.
She had never encountered someone so shamelessly obstructive before.
For a moment, she didn’t know what to say.
Elysia, however, merely turned her head.
Her gaze landed on Bertha and Maude.
Bertha remained perfectly silent.
Maude stepped forward.
Without warning—
Slap!
Slap!
Two crisp strikes landed across Agnes’s face.
The sound echoed through the courtyard.
Everyone froze.
Including Elysia.
Including Miriam.
Especially Agnes.
The maid staggered backward in shock.
One hand flew to her cheek.
Her eyes widened.
Maude’s expression never changed.
"Matters concerning His Grace and Her Grace are not for a servant to comment upon."
Her voice was cold enough to freeze water.
The authority she carried after years within the royal palace was overwhelming.
She took another step forward.
"Now," Her gaze sharpened.
"Invite the Duchess inside."
Agnes immediately wilted.
Faced with true authority, she abandoned all resistance.
Clutching her burning cheek, she lowered her head and stepped aside.
Elysia’s eyes sparkled.
Impressive.
So this was how experienced palace women handled problems.
Quick.
Efficient.
Decisive.
Beside her, Miriam’s eyes shone with admiration.
She had learned something important today and was positively inspired to put it to good use in the future.
"Is that Elysia?"
A gentle voice drifted from inside.
A young woman emerged from the inner chambers.
Her smile was warm.
Her movements graceful.
Roxana Asheford.
"I’ve heard my cousin married a great beauty."
Her eyes curved pleasantly.
"Seeing you now, the rumors were far too modest."
Before Elysia could respond, Roxana continued smoothly,
"You’re here for Mother, aren’t you?"
Elysia nodded.
Roxana sighed.
"Last night’s events must have frightened her terribly."
Her expression grew troubled.
"She’s been asleep ever since returning."
"Asleep?"
Elysia blinked.
"She hasn’t awakened once?"
Roxana shook her head sadly.
"Not even once."
"Did you summon a physician?"
"We did."
Roxana sighed again.
"He found nothing wrong. He simply advised rest."
Elysia stared at her.
For a moment, she was speechless.
Melissa had actually decided to imitate Cassiel’s coma.
The sheer lack of originality was almost insulting.
Still, Elysia maintained a sympathetic expression.
"What a pity."
Roxana nodded mournfully.
"Indeed."
"Then who should I collect the keys and ledgers from?"
Roxana spread her hands helplessly.
"Mother handles all such matters."
Her smile became apologetic.
"Until she wakes, no one else can help you."
Elysia nodded thoughtfully.
"I see."
A brief silence followed.
Then she smiled.
"Since Aunt Melissa is ill, I should visit her."
Roxana froze.
"...What?"
But Elysia was already walking deeper into Rose Hall.
Roxana hurried after her.
"M-my lady, perhaps that isn’t necessary—"
Unfortunately for her, Miriam had been paying close attention to Maude’s lessons.
Before Roxana could take another step, Miriam threw herself forward and wrapped both arms around her in a firm hug.
A perfect restraint hold.
Roxana shrieked.
"What are you doing?!"
Miriam beamed.
"Helping."
By then, Elysia had already reached the bedchamber.
Melissa lay beneath several blankets.
Motionless.
Pale.
Completely unresponsive.
At least, at first glance.
Elysia stood beside the bed.
Quietly studying her.
Then her gaze shifted to the bedside table.
A teacup sat there.
Still warm.
Elysia picked it up.
Turned back.
And poured the entire contents directly onto Melissa’s face.
Splash!
The tea drenched her from forehead to chin.
A moment later—
"Aaah!"
Melissa shot upright.
The scream practically shook the room.
Tea dripped from her hair.
Her eyes bulged with outrage.
Elysia lowered the empty cup, her demeanor perfectly calm and polite.
"Aunt Melissa."
She smiled warmly.
"No need to thank me."
Melissa stared at her.
Utterly speechless.
"Thank you?"
Her voice nearly cracked.
"You poured tea on my face!"
Elysia tilted her head.
"Roxana told me you had fallen into a mysterious sleep."
She sounded genuinely concerned.
"The physicians couldn’t cure you."
Her smile widened.
"But one cup of tea restored you immediately."
She clasped her hands together.
"Surely that’s worth a little gratitude."
Melissa nearly choked.
What kind of twisted logic was that?
Worse—
The tea had washed away half her powder.
The healthy color beneath immediately became visible.
No one looking at her now would believe she had been ill.
Elysia handed the cup to Bertha.
Then returned to the real issue.
"Now that you’re awake, Aunt Melissa..."
Her smile remained pleasant.
"Please hand over the keys and ledgers."
Melissa’s expression darkened.
Of course.
This was what Elysia had come for.
Fortunately, she had prepared for this possibility long ago.
A cold smile appeared on her lips.
"There are far too many account books."
She leaned back comfortably.
"And countless keys."
Her eyes narrowed.
"You are still young. I’m afraid you wouldn’t be able to carry them all."
Then she smiled sweetly.
"Why don’t I continue to keep everything here for now?"