Chapter 3 Oversized Clothes

Eloise led Athena through the gates of the estate, turning to the servants as they entered. “Take Lady Athena to wash up first. After that, she’ll pay her respects to Lady Margaret.”

Then she looked at Athena with a gentle smile. “Your grandmother’s getting on in years. Her health hasn’t been great—she’s been relying on herbal tonics these past few years. When you see her, be sweet and respectful, and don’t bring up anything about the last three years. It’ll only upset her.”

Athena nodded quietly. Margaret had always been the most fair-minded person in the family—but she was too old now to involve herself in household affairs.

Seeing Athena accept her words without protest, Eloise finally relaxed a little.

She continued, testing the waters, “You’re eighteen now—of marriageable age. What happened in the camp… let’s not mention it again. If word gets out that you spent the last three years living among soldiers, day and night, people will start talking."

“That kind of gossip could ruin your chances of a good match. I’ve already come up with an explanation. We’ll say you were away recuperating, and now you’ve just returned.”

Athena’s face remained calm. She gave a soft “Yes,” then followed the maid assigned to her.

But after a few turns, she realized something was wrong. This wasn’t the way to her old courtyard.

She asked, and the maid smiled brightly as she explained, “Lady Willow has been in poor health for years. The doctor said the trees in your courtyard were too damp and affected her health. So they were all cut down.

“To help her recover, they leveled your courtyard and merged it with hers. They even diverted hot spring water to the new space for her treatment. But don’t worry, Lady Eloise had this new courtyard cleaned and prepared for you before your return.”

The maid said it as if it were completely normal, perfectly reasonable. As if everyone had conveniently forgotten that Athena was the true daughter of the house—while Willow was merely adopted.

The maid led Athena to a small, modest courtyard and pushed the door open. “You’ll be staying here from now on, Lady Athena.”

The space was much smaller than her original quarters, and with no greenery in sight, it looked bare and lifeless.

Two unfamiliar maids stepped forward and bowed. “Lady Athena.”

Athena didn’t recognize either of them. After three years away, most of the household staff had changed.

One had a round face, the other an oval one. Both were attractive and sharp-eyed—clearly selected for looks and cleverness.

“I’m Siena Hotham.”

“I’m Aliza Crofton.”

Together, they echoed, “Hi, Lady Athena.”

Athena gave a small nod and motioned for them to rise.

Then she asked, “Where are Thalia and Macy?”

Those had been her personal maids before she was sent away. But once she entered the military camp, all news of them vanished.

The maid smiled and replied, “Not long after you left, they both got married. I imagine they’re living quiet, peaceful lives now—looking after their husbands and raising children.”

Athena nodded. A peaceful life sounded good. Far better than serving others for the rest of your days.

The thought brought a faint sense of ease. She stepped inside.

The table was already set. The meal was generous—four dishes and a soup—but the plates were no bigger than a clenched fist.

She began to eat. One plate of pasta disappeared in just a few bites.

Her brows knit slightly. “Is there more?”

Siena looked momentarily stunned, then quickly nodded. “Yes, of course, I’ll get it right away.”

Watching her eat so fast, Aliza spoke up gently, “Lady Athena, please slow down. You’ll upset your stomach if you rush like that.”

Athena’s fork paused in mid-air. She had nearly forgotten—this wasn’t the military camp anymore.

This was the duke’s estate. No one here was going to snatch her food. No one would dump kitchen slop onto her plate.

The pasta was fragrant. The dishes were fresh. And the meat—it was real bacon. Not rat. Not snake.

Siena returned with two more plates of pasta.

Athena ate quickly and without grace. There was nothing delicate or refined in her manners—she looked more like a starving beggar than a noble daughter.

Siena opened her mouth several times to speak but held her tongue each time.

After the meal, the servants had already prepared hot water for her bath. Siena and Aliza followed her in. “Lady Athena, allow us to help you bathe,” Siena offered politely.

“That won’t be necessary. You can leave,” Athena said.

Siena hesitated, clearly unsure.

Aliza added with concern, “If Lady Eloise finds out, she’ll punish us for not serving you properly…”

Athena didn’t speak. She simply looked at them—calm, expressionless.

There was no anger in her eyes, no emotion at all. But the chill behind that blank gaze made both girls shiver.

Without another word, they backed out of the room and quietly closed the door behind them.

Only then did Athena step behind the screen and begin undressing.

Her body was gaunt, skin stretched tightly over bone. Her once-fair skin was now covered in bruises—some new, others long faded.

If she hadn’t known medicine, she would have died in that place.

After washing, she reached for the fresh clothes laid out on the rack. The fabric was fine—soft, warm, and tailored to fit.

But on her starved frame, the robe hung loose and shapeless, making her look more like a walking skeleton than a noble daughter.

“Lady Athena, Lady Eloise and Lady Margaret are waiting,” Aliza reminded her from outside.

Athena nodded and made her way toward Starling House.

In just three years, the duke’s estate had changed so much.

She paused at the edge of the pond, lost in thought. “What happened to the lotuses?” she asked.

“Lady Willow said there were too many mosquitoes in summer,” Aliza replied. “So Lord Nicolas had them all removed.”

Athena thought, ‘Of course. Willow—again.’ Athena felt a familiar ache in her chest.

When she had first arrived at the estate, she tried so hard to win everyone over.

She had planted those lotuses herself, hoping to make wine from the blossoms and gift it to Nicolas.

He had laughed at her back then. “You’re my sister. There’s no need for all that. But if it makes you happy, I’ll help you plant them.”

The proud, aloof heir of the house had actually gotten his hands dirty—for her.

At the time, Athena had thought, ‘So this is what it feels like to be cherished.’

But now… it was clear. Whatever kindness they’d shown her didn’t come close to how they treated Willow. Not even a tenth of it.

She arrived at Margaret’s quarters. The room was already full.

Eloise looked toward the door—and frowned. She wondered, ‘Why does the robe look so oversized on Athena?’