Under the Oak Tree: Season 1 (1) by Suji Kim

Author:Suji Kim [Kim, Suji]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: RIDI
Published: 2022-02-20T23:00:00+00:00

Maxi returned to her room alone, for Riftan had returned outside to supervise the squires’ training. As she sat beside the fireplace, Ludis brought a tray of ginger tea and biscuits flecked with dried fruit.

“Lord Calypse will hold a feast with the knights this evening,” said Ludis, pouring her another cup of tea. “Would you like a new outfit for the occasion, my lady?”

Maxi gave her a puzzled look. “N-New outfit?”

“Yes. This is your first appearance as Lord Calypse’s consort. I thought it might serve you well to dress for the occasion, my lady…”

Ludis trailed off, her face tensing. She bowed her head and continued.

“I-I spoke out of turn, my lady. Please forgive me.”

“N-No, it’s all right.”

Maxi peered into the mirror that stood against the wall. The elegant bun that Ludis had styled so carefully had become disheveled in the wind. She brushed back the loose strands and nodded.

“Th-Then p-please…”

Ludis rose and left the room with the teapot in her hand. She returned with a small box containing a comb, scented water, and jewelry. Maxi sat in front of the mirror as Ludis swiftly undid her hair and combed until it gleamed under the light. Maxi was accustomed to her nursemaid combing with a force that threatened to tear off her scalp. In contrast, Ludis’s hands seemed miraculously skilled.

“Would you like a hairpin, my lady? Or a circlet, perhaps?”

Ludis opened the box of jewelry. On the red satin lay brooches adorned with precious stones, pearl necklaces, gold rings, and silver hairpins. Maxi’s eyes went round with wonder.

As far as Maxi knew, Riftan had no mother, sisters, or other family members. Why, then, did he have all this jewelry? It was also strange, in fact, that he had had such an extravagant dress prepared within a day of her arrival. Could it have belonged to a former lover?

“My lady, are these not to your liking?”

“N-No, they’re lovely…”

Maxi focused her attention on the ornaments, trying to ignore the strange feeling.

“P-Please use th-this hairpin…”

“Yes, my lady.”

Ludis braided Maxi’s hair and rolled it into a thick bun, fixing it with a sparkling hairpin studded with flower-shaped jewels. Next, she hung a string of pearls around Maxi’s neck and slid a crystal ring on her finger. Maxi beheld her richly dressed self as she would a stranger. With her flushed cheeks, wavering eyes, and uncertain expression, she looked like a clumsy child who had stolen her mother’s jewels.

“Shall I bring other jewels if these are not to your liking?” Ludis asked cautiously. She studied Maxi’s expression while straightening the creases on her mistress’s skirt.

Maxi shook her head.

“I-It’s all right. Th-These are g-good enough.”

Ludis rose from her seat, visibly relieved. Maxi wrapped a thin shawl around her shoulders and left the room. Outside, the sun was already setting.

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