Chapter 241 - A New Life

Act 19. Getting Closer

Morning dawned, and I woke up early for once. Instead of lounging around in my room as usual, I changed clothes and went downstairs.

“Hi, Linda, how about we change the curtains today?”

“Good morning, Lady Floyen. I’ll go get new curtains.”

“Cindy, I still see dust on the furniture!”

“Y-your Ladyship! I’m sorry!”

The scene before me was something I had not been able to see while locked up in my room. Watching the servants and maids move busily, I felt strange. It seemed everyone but me led hectic lives. Until now, I had not been motivated to do anything. The only matter I had been concerned about was escaping the death flag. Now that I had successfully avoided it, the diligent workers were inspiring me to change.

“Good morning, Lady Floyen.”

Seeing the workers greet me, I addressed them as well. “Good morning.”

“Is there anything you need?” the servant asked.

I realized that my presence was making them uncomfortable. Thinking it was only natural for them to feel uneasy around me, I answered, “Oh, no. Thanks for all your work.”

“Of course.”

In the end, it seemed only Derrick and the maids who served me directly were comfortable around me. In any case, the strange feeling did not go away as I passed by the servants and maids. I had only left my room and was greeted with a whole new world outside.

I had not thought about what I would do once I successfully evaded the death flag—the only thing I had dreamt of was dating Max. Of course, our relationship was significant, but more importantly, I needed to prepare for the new life ahead of me.

‘From now on, I will write down the things I want to do to live a more fulfilled life… and the first thing on my list is…’ I headed to my dad’s study. Taking in a deep breath, I knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

When I entered the office, I saw that he was reviewing some documents. He was my dad, but I couldn’t help but notice that he was so handsome. Having been blessed by his glorious appearance, I smiled happily.

Without looking up, he asked, “How are the preparations for the coming-of-age ceremony?”

I was taken aback by his sudden remark. Coming-of-age ceremony? It was two months away—was I expected to start preparing this early? Normally, coming-of-age ceremonies were planned and prepared by the lady of the household or the person who would be coming of age. Since my mother had passed away, I had expected to prepare for my own alone, but I hadn’t expected him to ask about it now.

‘I haven’t thought of anything yet…’

As I thought of what to say, my dad spoke with a determined voice, “Do not forget. My daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony must be the most extravagant one in the empire. You may spend as much money as you like, so let it be celebrated without anything lacking.”

‘But Dad, I’ve never prepared a huge banquet before!’ I was beginning to feel burdened by his expectations when he spoke again.

“Madam Perez, are you listening to me… Jubelian?”

Realizing he hadn’t been addressing me, I let out a sigh of relief. ‘Of course! Dad wouldn’t entrust me with such an important task…’ I then remembered what he had said and blushed. ‘The most extravagant banquet in the empire? For me?’ I couldn’t have imagined he wanted such a thing for me because he had always seemed indifferent. Thanks to him mistaking me for Madam Perez, I was able to learn of his affection for me. I was actually kind of… embarrassed.