Shadows Over Arcadia Chapter 31: 31. Sylfina Pt 2

Read chapter 31 of Shadows Over Arcadia by Zacheas on NovelPedia.

31. Sylfina Pt 2 I am Sylfina Elowen, 324 years old, and I am a lot more than just a loyal servant and Governess to the Noble Griswald Household. https://shadowsoverarcadia.com/api/storage/objects/uploads/8c358212-6119-4210-aba2-44806292c67c "You won’t do nothing ," I counter, keeping my voice steady. "You will act like a leader should, by organizing a proper response instead of blindly charging into the unknown. We do not even know what happened yet. For all we know, their wagon may have simply broken down." Lord Griswald looks down at me, his brow twitching as he wrestles with the decision to push past me. I hold my ground, meeting his gaze with unwavering defiance, while Daphne and Abigail cling to him in a futile attempt to hold him back. His eyes flicker to the small hands gripping at him, and his expression softens, not because they are stopping him, but because their effort, however hopeless, is endearing. The only reason any of us dare to stand against him, to speak so boldly, is because we know he will never strike us down for it. To him, we are not mere property, we are treasured loved ones. He protects us, fights for us, and would lay down his life for us without hesitation. And so, we would do the same for him. Not just out of love, but because we know that no other noble would ever grant us the freedom and kindness he does. Losing him would mean losing the only home where we are more than slaves. He exhales heavily, his tense muscles gradually relaxing as reason wins over impulse. Just as the tension in the room begins to settle, the door to the dining hall swings open. Aeris, the black-haired half-elf maid, bursts in, concern etched across her face. She stops abruptly at the sight of the three of us restraining Griswald. “I heard a commotion,” she says, scanning the room in confusion. Griswald sighs, running a hand down his face. “I’m fine, ladies,” he mutters before turning his gaze back to me. “You are right, as always, Silfy.” I let out a quiet breath of relief. Griswald may not be like other nobles, but he is still a noble. He is used to getting what he wants and is not at all used to being told no. That makes moments like these victories. “Thank you, Master. Then shall we discuss our plan of action in your study?” I ask, stepping back and returning to a poised, respectful stance with a slight bow of my head. “Very well,” Griswald agrees, and as he finally ceases his struggle, Abigail and Daphne release him as well. Daphne immediately wraps her arms around herself, shivering as she suddenly becomes acutely aware of the morning chill against her bare skin. “Aeris, please inform Sir Nix outside that the master needs to speak with him,” I say, shifting into business mode. “Stephaney, your shift is over—head to bed. Abigail, please assist Mira in preparing breakfast. And Daphne…” I glance at the still-naked elf, “get yourself dressed, then go entertain the master in his study.” “Yes, ma’am,” the others respond in unison, except for Daphne, who blinks in confusion. “In… that order?” she asks hesitantly. I roll my eyes in exasperation. “Goodness, girl, the house is about to be swarming with solicitors and retainers needing to speak with the master. His servants need to be presentable.” “Yes, ma’am,” Daphne nods. With each of the girls heading off to complete their assignments, I gesture for Griswald to lead the way. Now the real work begins. Lord Griswald crosses the parlor to his study in a few long, hurried strides, and I follow close behind. He pushes the door open with more force than necessary, sending it swinging into a bookshelf before it rebounds. I barely slip in behind him, narrowly avoiding the door as it slams shut. By the time I glance over, Griswald is already at his desk, moving with sharp, aggressive motions. He tosses his staff against the bookshelf behind him, barely sparing it a glance as he yanks open a drawer, the force sending its contents clattering. His hand finds a sheet of parchment, and h