Chapter 40 The New Beginning of Ending

Chapter 40 The New Beginning of Ending
Third Person's POV

The bells chimed, making the birds sitting on the manor's roof fly up, up, and away. "One, two, three--- where is Miss Sylvia?" Madame Ingrid stopped by the line, her brows furrowed, lips pursed. She has got folded fan in her hands, waiting for the other girls to respond to her question. The newcomers are prideful in their fitted and bright clothings but the presense of the headmistress alone could shake them up.

"We haven't noticed her, Madame." answered Anamaria in a polite and hesitating manner.

"I believe she got lost in the mansion. She is a little clueless." Nora Lane replied in an honest manner.

Ingrid was about to burst in fury when the door slammed wide open and revealed a calm and reading Sylvia, her eyes are glued on the pages of her book, slowly walking towards their direction, without the sense of urgency, nor the awareness of what has been happening. "Well, well, aren't you a dear to be here so early?" Madame Ingrid welcomed her with a warm smile, yet piercing glances.

Sylvia got the hint and put her book down and fell in line behind Freya Dahl. "I am sorry. It won't happen again." she humbly apologized, while the other girls snickered.

"Now that you are all complete, follow me to the parlour. Quick." the woman instructed and trailed along the right wing.

It is the orientation day for all the new students. Their rooms and clothes are ready. And so are the hungry mouth of the predator lurking in the darkest corner of the mansion. Excited and wandering footsteps, giggles, and sparkly eyes filled the room. Each girl takes her respective seats in the long table, the headmistress stood tall on the platform like they are in some kind of a classic royal discussion.

"Greetings, ladies. I am the head mistress of this school and you will address me Madame Ingrid. Let me welcome you in our humble home, the Haugen Manor. Founded in 1688 and still thriving today. Cultivated by your one and only, Lord Constantine..." The room is filled with gentle round of applause and little giggles from the girls.

"I am certain you have heard the condition of our master and I am afraid to tell you that he would not be able to join us today or in the next events but I assure you, he will be present in the crowning ceremony." she added and showed her oh-so pleasant smile.

The eyes of the ladies are beaming with innocence and hope.

"The purpose of your schooling is no other than being a desirable wife for him. But I want you girls to treat each other like real friends, alright? No envy. No competition. The Lord will choose the deserving, all you need to do is to attend your classes and be yourself."

Someone raised a hand, it was Clarina, the youngest. "What happened to the recent crowning ceremony?" she asked out of curiosity.

Madame Ingrid put down her glasses and clasped her hands altogether. "Well, apparently, none of them is good enough." she answered, a faint of disgust is painted on her face.

"So, the search for a bride goes on?" Freya questioned.

"Yes, it does. Hopefully, this batch will be remarkable." answered Ingrid.

"What exactly does Lord Constantine looks for a bride? Appearance? Attitude? Class?" sneered Mary Kate.

"None of those matter, Mary Kate. You want my honest opinion? It is just the matter of destiny." Ingrid broke off the girl's snide remark.

Later, the servants came in the parlour and served them light meal. Trudy pours the wine. Lila rounds for serving. "And here are the helps." Madame Ingrid slightly applauded for them while the girls give them uncomfortable glances.

"Maids? I didn't know you hire maids. They said this mansion is so private you could count in fingers how many people sleeps in here." Nora Lane chuckled while chewing.

"Mind your table manner, Nora Lane." slips out the mouth of Ingrid who is composing herself not to lose control.

"More wine, please." Amalie demanded, trying to break the awkward silence.

Trudy tended to her request when the bottle of Bordeaux slips on her hand, making a terrible mess on the table. "Holy shit, you did not just ruin my dress..." Amalie cursed and looked at her, eyes filled with disgust.

"Oh, no, I'm s-sorry, Miss." Trudy panicked upon seeing the stained apricot off shoulder dress.

"Ugh!" Amalie grunted and stood up.

"Clean her up, Gertrude. Be careful next time."

"There will be no more next time because you will be out of here, do you hear me?" Amalie gritted her teeth and stormed out of the parlour. Trudy followed her and kept on saying her apologies.

Amalie shares a room with Sylvia the bookworm. "Miss, let me help you. Please." Trudy begged but the girl just shut the door right into her face.

"Shut up! Get lost!" I don't need you here. You wench!" she heard her hysterical in her room, probably crying her fragile heart out.

It's just a stained dress. Trudy thought.

Trudy just smirked and removed her apron. "Well, this is exciting." she whispered to herself.