Chapter 5 - The Decision of the Noble Lady Ariarein
"By order of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, I will be exiled from this country at sunset three days from now."
In the hall where everyone from the butler to the scullery maids had been gathered, Ariarein declared bluntly.
She stopped the stir that was about to rise among the servants with just a movement of one hand and her gaze.
"We must also vacate this mansion.
I thank you all for your loyal service until now."
In this country, exile did not simply mean being driven away.
Those sentenced to exile were cast out from the protection of the King and the law, and stripped of all their rights as human beings.
Whether they were killed or robbed, the perpetrator would not be held accountable for any crime.
All aid to the sentenced person was forbidden, and those who helped them knowing their status were considered equally guilty.
In reality, it was synonymous with execution; rather, it was a cruel punishment where being killed in one breath was considered better.
"Though I am in a state of exile, those who wish to continue serving me, let us go to the Marquess's territory together.
I promise treatment better than what you have had until now. For those who have relatives in the royal capital, their relatives as well."
From the servants who understood the meaning of Ariarein's words, an unstoppable stir arose this time.
"However,"
Ariarein continued in a strong tone, as if cutting through the stir.
"His Highness's command is a command, and the law is the law.
You all have your own circumstances. I hope you will follow me, but I will not blame those who stay. The mansion will pass into other hands, but for those who wish to continue working here, I will intercede with the next master on your behalf.
For those who stay in the capital and look for other work, I will provide a letter of recommendation along with wages paid in advance until the end of next month."
While standing behind Ariarein to her left as usual, Arveil was inwardly marveled.
Between the time of that lawless declaration and returning in the carriage, the young lady had thought this far.
There was no way she wasn't shaken. And yet.
"Decide by noon tomorrow whether you will go to the Marquess's territory or not, and whether you wish to work in this mansion or not.
Whatever path you choose, I pray for your safety and good fortune."
The room fell deathly silent.
Everyone must have swallowed the meaning and weight of Ariarein's words.
"...My lady."
A pained voice.
It came from the middle of the line of servants.
"My lady, I—I am,"
The one who stepped forward with a staggering gait while speaking was a young gardener.
Ariarein restrained the butler who tried to stop him, saying, "It is fine."
"For me, to abandon that garden—"
To the gardener with an expression as if he were about to cry, Ariarein nodded gently.
"It is fine.
My heart was greatly comforted by your garden.
If you will keep that garden as it is, Felix,"
Ariarein wrapped her hands around his tightly clenched fists.
"It will be one less concern for me.
Everyone else as well,"
Breaking her words and releasing his hands, Ariarein looked around the room.
"Do as you wish according to your own circumstances and thoughts.
Whatever choice you make, I will respect that path.
Thank you for your hard work despite your busy schedules. Return to your duties.
I will spend some time in the study. Have my meals brought there.
Stuart and the scribes, to the study. Arveil, you too."
Having said what she needed to say, Ariarein exited the hall.
Arveil followed behind her, and the servants returned to their respective posts in small groups.
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"So, my lady."
In the room named a study, but which was in practice an office.
Among the old butler named Stuart and the scribes, Arveil asked as if representing them.
"What do you intend to do?"
Ariarein did not answer but pointed to the wide table with her hand.
"Sit down, it will be long."
She sat down first while speaking.
After seeing that everyone except Arveil had taken their seats, Ariarein began to speak.
"I said by noon tomorrow, but I want you all to decide now.
If you aren't going to the Marquess's territory, we part ways here and now. I can't involve you in what comes next.
It goes without saying, but if you follow me, it means the punishment of exile."
Well,
Looking around at the faces of everyone sitting there, Ariarein wore a pleasant smile.
It was one of the best smiles Arveil had ever seen.
"I guarantee the hardships, and the wages to match them.
I suppose the rest is worth and enjoyment.
Whether it's worth trading for the stigma of an exile and never being able to step on the soil of the capital again depends on the person, I think."
A dry laugh leaked from the group.
The scribes and the butler knew the side of Ariarein that differed from her public reputation.
She spoke without reserve, was strict with work, and sometimes made risky jokes.
And yet, they also knew she rewarded her subordinates generously.
"Ah, I'm sorry, but Stuart, you stay here.
I will not allow you to go to the Marquess's territory."
"My lady, why?
I may have grown somewhat old, but I once joined the previous master's forces."
Ariarein brushed off the protest of the named butler with a gentle smile.
"Thank you. I don't doubt your loyalty.
But can you leave your granddaughter behind before her wedding?
I don't want to be hated by that beautiful granddaughter of yours. I can entrust this mansion to you with peace of mind, and besides, those who remain will need someone to organize them."
Having his family brought up, the butler fell silent.
"The rest of you, think carefully."
Prompted, only one person ended up standing up.
He was a young scribe, but he had an ill father in the capital.
He could not leave him behind, nor did he think his father could endure a long journey.
After greeting Ariarein politely and stating he would look for other work in the capital, he bowed to his colleagues and left the study.
"Then I shall also," the butler began to stand, but Ariarein sat him back down with a gesture, saying, "You stay here."
"Everyone is unexpectedly eccentric, aren't they?
—Well then, shall we begin?"
Exile, it's like the Imperial Ban (Reichsacht) type of thing.
The young lady is fully intent on breaking through it, though.
Well then, shall we begin (the counterattack)?