She looked at Karl, her gaze clear. There was none of Lady Isabella's open hostility in it, but neither was there any joy or dependence at a long-awaited reunion—only a businesslike calm. "The journey went smoothly. Let's get settled first. We've been in the carriage for days, and everyone's tired. I want to go to the castle."
Karl said, "A new villa has been built at the foot of the mountain. It's more comfortable and spacious, and the view is better too. I've already had it prepared for you all..."
"I like the castle." Charlotte interrupted him softly but firmly. Her gaze drifted toward the familiar, steadfast silhouette of Carnford Castle on the distant ridgeline. "We'll stay at the castle."
"...All right. As you wish. The castle has always been maintained; it's ready to live in at any time," Karl conceded.
The carriage started moving again. Karl swung up onto his horse and silently followed alongside it. The atmosphere was quiet and delicate.
Lady Isabella said nothing more, merely taking in the sights along the way—busy construction sites, orderly farmland, an increasing number of houses, and patrolling soldiers.
Charlotte kept her head lowered, softly soothing her son in her arms. Every now and then, she raised her eyes to look out at the scenery, her gaze lingering briefly over the newly erected defenses and the expanded urban district. A flash of contemplation crossed her eyes, yet she remained silent.
Upon reaching the castle, everything was kept simple.
The maidservants carried the necessary luggage into the castle. The interior had not changed much from Charlotte's memories. The greatest change was perhaps the main hall, which had once served as both dining room and council chamber, with its enormous long table. Now, that table looked more like a purely decorative piece.
And