I packed the scented sachets for delivery into a sack. After working almost all night, I had made enough to take a day off. If I was lucky, I could even afford a nice dinner.
Now that the trial was over, I wanted to rest for a day and eat something I liked. Just as I was about to leave my room in a slightly better mood, I saw a few cockroaches scurrying into the corner. I forced myself to ignore them and shut the door.
Thud. When the door closed, the wall shook. The house was so flimsy, it felt like it might collapse at any moment. Still, I didn’t let it bother me. I held the sack tightly and went down the stairs. I was passing the first-floor lobby when—
“Revril!”
It was Mrs. Fern, the woman who managed this place. When I turned around, she waved for me to come over. As soon as I approached, she spoke bluntly.
“Do you know how much rent you owe?”
I barely held back a sigh and said,
“I’ll pay it this time for sure.”
“How many times do I have to hear that? I’ve already heard it at least five times.”
“This time, I really can. I’m getting paid today.”
“Then make sure you pay today. Otherwise, I’ll kick you out.”
I nodded and stepped back. My shoulders slumped.
‘I wanted to eat a big dinner tonight…’
It was a foolish thought. Whenever I tried to do something, things always turned out this way. Just before leaving the boarding house, I happened to glance at the mirror. It was so dirty I could barely see, but it clearly showed how I looked. My hands holding the large sack were stained with crushed herbs. My dress, though dark enough to hide the stains, had a torn hem that was clearly visible.
With a hardened face, I stepped out of the boarding house. Strangely enough, in moments like this, I always thought of Cedric. I even missed the days when I sat quietly in the parlor, hoping for his love. But I pushed those thoughts aside and quickly headed for the sachet business office.
I walked through confusing alleys and pushed past crowds to get there. Even though I left early in the morning, the long distance made the trip take a while.
The office was already packed with people who had come to sell their sachets. Some were smiling brightly, satisfied with their pay. Others were arguing with upset looks.
“I’ve been working here for years. And this is all I get?”
“Then go find another job.”
“Still, this isn’t fair. I was sick and couldn’t work for a bit, but this is too much…”
“Next!”
I quickly handed over my sack. The staff member inspected it and handed me a few gold coins.
“You’re quick and reliable, so you’re getting more.”
I smiled with genuine joy.
“Thank you.”
“Next!”
Someone behind me stepped up with their sack. I was still smiling at the feeling of holding money again, but then my shoulders slumped.
“Do you know how much rent you owe?”
Mrs. Fern’s sharp voice still echoed in my ears. The money I received would barely cover the overdue rent. I couldn’t afford any meat. I thought of the cheap cheese and dirt-tasting bread sitting in my room.
Right then, I saw a butcher shop nearby. A few people were walking by with meat wrapped in oiled paper. Inside, the owner was cheerfully wrapping more meat in paper. I stared with envy before turning away in defeat.
‘What meat? Not in my situation.’
I could be thrown out today. A big dinner was a luxury I couldn’t afford. I headed straight back to the boarding house. As expected of a cheap place, it was far from the sachet office. By the time I arrived, my legs ached.
Mrs. Fern was chatting happily with someone.
“I heard there’s a big banquet at the duke’s estate. You’re going, right?”
“Of course! One of my relatives is close to him…”
“Oh my, then can I go with you?”
I awkwardly stood nearby and held out the money. Without even looking at me, Mrs. Fern took the coins and slipped them into her pocket. She acted like it was nothing, but I wanted to make sure.
“Ma’am, does this cover the overdue rent?”
Mrs. Fern looked at me.
“It’s settled. Go on upstairs.”
Then she continued chatting with the others, laughing.
“Then you need a new dress too, don’t you?”
“Of course. One of my relatives runs a boutique, and I was going to get it from there…”
I hesitated, then interrupted.
“Um… Aren’t you going to give me the change?”
Mrs. Fern frowned at me.
“Revril, you should be thankful I let you stay this long without paying! And now you want change? Do you know how much pressure I’ve been under with all the overdue rent? Even the old man on the second floor…”
“I understand. Still, thank you for being patient.”
She continued to glare at me, but I quickly turned and went up the stairs. I had hoped to get at least a little change back, but even that was gone.
A sigh slipped out. If I had stayed like Cedric said…
In times like this, those thoughts would suddenly creep in. If I had stayed there, maybe I wouldn’t be living such a miserable life now. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized only I was still clinging to the past.
When I reached the hallway with my room, someone was waiting in front of the door. It was Felix.
“Sir Felix!”
He turned his head and smiled brightly as soon as he saw me.
“I brought all the documents from yesterday. And there’s something I need to discuss about the final trial.”
I nodded and started toward my room, then suddenly stopped. Not only were cockroaches crawling on the walls and floor, but herbs were scattered messily across the table. I felt too embarrassed to let him in like that.
“Would it be alright if we talked on the first floor instead?”
Felix nodded with a cheerful expression. I walked down the stairs with him. I didn’t really want to go to the first floor, but I had no choice. At least the lobby was cleaner than my room. We had talked there a few times before, anyway.
When we reached the first floor, loud laughter echoed throughout. I glanced at Felix. He met my eyes and asked softly,
“Would a nearby café be alright?”
I didn’t have any money, so I couldn’t say yes easily. When I stayed silent, Felix said,
“Since the trial went well, let me treat you.”
“You really don’t have to. I should be the one treating you…”
“No, it’s fine. You were the only one who trusted me with your case. I want to thank you.”
In the end, Felix led me to a nearby café. People were drinking tea or coffee and playing card games. I chose the cheapest tea.
“You’re not going to try the cream Rubole tea? That one’s really popular here these days.”
“I’m fine.”
I smiled awkwardly, but Felix smiled kindly and said,
“You should try it. The cream here is made specially—it’s unique.”
He said it so nicely that I couldn’t refuse. I nodded awkwardly, and Felix placed the order. We sat at a table with a nice view. It had been a long time since I’d seen such a peaceful scene, and I found myself staring without realizing it.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?”
Startled, I turned my head. Felix was smiling at the view, then looked at me. When I nodded, he said,
“Maybe it’s because I grew up here, but I still love this place. Even the smell of herbs.”
I quietly wrapped my hands together. Though he liked the smell of herbs, I wanted to get far away from it. But the final trial was near, so I didn’t have long to wait.
“When is the last trial?”
“It’ll probably be in a week.”
“That soon?”
“They seem to want to finish it quickly.”
“Where will it be held?”
“At the court in Duke Jedburgh’s territory.”
I widened my eyes, and Felix asked carefully,
“Do you know him?”
I hesitated, then shook my head. Felix looked at me with concern. That made me feel uneasy too.
“Why? Is the trial related to him?”
“In a way, yes. Since it’s being held in Duke Jedburgh’s territory, we’ll need his help. Plus, this trial involves a lot of money.”
I barely held back a sigh. My father and younger brother were completely useless, even until the end.
