Morning sunlight spilled across the stone courtyard as Zilayefa stepped out of the manor, the crisp mountain air carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. Behind her padded Fire, the enormous black wolf moving with silent confidence. Every servant who crossed his path immediately stepped aside. Some bowed their heads, while others avoided looking into his piercing amber eyes.
No one dared come close.
Fire belonged to Duke Ralston alone, and everyone in the estate knew the stories surrounding the beast. Soldiers who had once mistaken him for an ordinary wolf still carried the scars of their foolishness. He tolerated no stranger's touch.
Yet beside Zilayefa, he walked as calmly as a faithful shadow.
Several maids watched from the corridor with amazement.
"I still cannot believe it," one whispered.
"He lets her scratch behind his ears."
"Try that yourself and you'll lose your hand," another muttered.
Zilayefa couldn't help smiling as Fire brushed his head lightly against her arm.
"You enjoy frightening them, don't you?" she teased.
The wolf merely flicked his ears and continued walking.
As she entered the servants' courtyard, familiar faces turned toward her. Unlike the noble ladies who had recently begun serving in the manor, these were people she had once worked beside.
"Mina!" an elderly cook exclaimed with delight.
Zilayefa's face brightened. "Mama Tessa!"
The older woman hurried over before stopping several steps away after noticing Fire. She wisely kept her distance.
"You've become such a fine lady," Mama Tessa said warmly. "We always knew your kindness would take you far."
Zilayefa laughed softly. "And you're still making the best honey bread in the castle."
The cook beamed.
Soon more servants gathered, greeting her with genuine affection. They remembered the hardworking girl who had scrubbed floors beside them, shared meals in the kitchen, and never considered herself better than anyone else.
Unlike many nobles, Zilayefa knew each servant by name.
She asked about their children, their aging parents, and the harvest from nearby villages. Her concern was sincere, and it warmed hearts that had long grown used to being ignored.
One young stable boy approached carrying a bucket of water. Forgetting Fire's reputation, he stretched out a trembling hand.
"What a magnificent—"
Before his fingers came close, Fire stepped forward with a deep, thunderous growl.
The boy froze.
Every servant immediately backed away.
Fire's lips curled just enough to reveal gleaming white fangs, his powerful body tense as if daring anyone to make another move.
"It's all right," Zilayefa said gently.
She rested one hand on the wolf's thick neck.
Instantly, the growling stopped.
Fire relaxed beneath her touch but never took his eyes off the frightened boy.
"He doesn't mean to be cruel," she explained kindly. "He's only protecting those he loves."
The stable boy swallowed nervously.
"I... I'll remember that, my lady."
A quiet chuckle spread among the older servants.
"Fire has chosen his family," Mama Tessa murmured with a knowing smile.
Zilayefa looked down at the great wolf resting calmly beside her. It still amazed her that such a fearsome creature trusted her completely. Deep in her heart, she knew the truth.
Fire was not gentle because of her alone.
He accepted her because Duke Ralston had.
And somehow, that realization made the Duke's absence feel even heavier.
Ever since Zilayefa was moved to the main castle, everyone has become so nice to her, they don't look down on her anymore or even talk behind her back.
Larry must have said something to them before he left, because why are they so nice all of a sudden, even her maids are extra nice, they are so polite, and even when she is not trying to be controlling but just gently telling she did not like something, they tremble immediately. Larry is not here but it felt like he was there with her, there in the castle, his aura never left.
She wondered why the Ralston's where the only ones that own a castle apart from the Royal family. It turns out that the Ralston's are also royalty, more like King makers. They have been existing from the beginning of Nero, and so owns equal right to own a castle, it was said that the fore father of Ralston was a prince himself, he was born to the crown princess of Ralston, that's the kings sister, the king never had a daughter, but had so many sons, the princess ran away with a nameless merchant, and disappeared for so many years, the princess later returned home after so many years with a teenage son, the king was so elated to see his sister, so he gave her everything she needed, and made sure she was comfortable, so that she will never leave again, because she was his only remaining sibling. He legitimized her son Ralston and named him Ralston Nero.
Ralston Nero was a lucky man, he was a strong general and defended the realm all through his days, he was awarded with so much wealth and late on after this death, his generation kept the family tradition, fighting for the realm and keeping the peace.
The Ralston's are a respected family in Nero. Even the king respect them Alot. Because they hold the military power of the kingdom.
Well it was a good thing she had this discussion with master Edwin. Such a powerful family, that's why he is so pompous, she thought to herself. Duke Larry Ralston of Ralston. Such a powerful and fearful name.