A week had passed since Ulrich returned from the capital after recovering Airam.
To the people of the Rubenhart Estate, the story was simple.
He, Hendrick, Rina and the others had been ambushed on the road by a group of bandits. Airam had been taken during the attack. Ulrich had ordered Hendrick and Rina to return to the Estate with Hermione and Esther while he pursued the kidnappers alone.
And he had brought Airam home.
That was the story told to the staff, the guards, and every servant who asked.
It had spread through the Estate quickly.
The people who served House Rubenhart had always feared their Count. Ulrich was cold, demanding, and difficult to read. He did not tolerate failure. He did not waste words on praise. Most people could never tell whether he was pleased, disappointed, or simply thinking of something far beyond their understanding.
But now they saw him differently.
