Return of the General's Daughter-Chapter 237: A Royal Lineage

The first light of dawn crept softly through the curtains as Lara stirred awake. Stretching her limbs, she realized she had slept dreamlessly, the kind of sleep that wrapped around her like a cocoon and refused to let go. Perhaps it was the first real rest she’d had since their relentless ten-day journey. But was that truly the only reason?

A lingering warmth and subtle scent of flowers still clung to her thoughts, an unfamiliar comfort she couldn’t quite place.

She got out of bed and went to the corner, where a washstand stood. The night before, Reya had thoughtfully placed a jug of water and a basin on the washstand, which didn’t have a sink or plumbing. It was simply a small counter with enough space to hold the small basin and jug.

Underneath the washstand was a chamberpot, which Lara awkwardly used. She promised herself that during her stay at the manor, she would spend time introducing a flashing toilet, if not one that was more hygienic and less smelly.

She sensed a presence at the door, and she silently opened it. To her surprise, Sandoz stood just outside, dressed in his training attire, his posture upright and brimming with energy.

"Sis, we haven’t trained properly in the last ten days," he said with a grin that brightened his whole face. Yet his eyes betrayed him—there was a shadow there, a flicker of sadness that she caught but chose to ignore. Some things were too fragile to touch.

Lara smiled back, her tone gentle. "Little Bro, go get Little Grey and Snow. They need exercise too, now that they’ve grown up a little bit."

The suggestion worked like magic. Sandoz’s eyes lit up as he dashed back into the room, scooping up the small bamboo basket that housed the two pups. Little Grey, with its dark fur and sharp eyes, eagerly licked his hand, drawing a giggle from Sandoz that echoed through the hallway.

Sandoz was still a little boy, easily swayed by simple things.

Lara watched from the doorway, her smile softening. She knew that parting with him was definite—his own path waiting for him, his own destiny to carve. But for now, he was still her little brother, and she would hold onto that as long as she could.

"Miss, I checked Sandoz, but he is no longer in his room." Reya’s voice came hurriedly from the far end of the corridor. Her cheeks were flushed, a stray strand of hair sticking to her brow. Then her eyes widened. "Oh, you are here!" she exclaimed with obvious relief. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

Sandoz got out of the room carrying a basket in his hand. Little Grey’s eager nose poking out from under the lid. Reya led them down the grand staircase and through the winding halls, finally opening a set of heavy wooden doors that led to the back of the manor.

Outside, the lawn stretched wide, freshly trimmed and glistening under the sun’s morning light. The horizon blazed with hues of gold and amber, casting everything in a warm, ethereal glow. Dewdrops clung like tiny diamonds to the blades of grass, catching the light as if the earth had been adorned with jewels.

"Miss, this is where the General used to train his soldiers," Reya whispered reverently. Her voice picked up with excitement. "I heard from the other servants last night that General Odin was rewarded with the noble title of Marquis because of his contribution in the last war. He is now called Marquis Odin Norse, and his fief is the town of Carles." She paused, eyes gleaming with pride. "That makes you Lady Lara now."

Lara’s brows rose.

Carles—what a good place. Its bay was ideal for a seaport. In fact, in the early records of Azurverda, neighboring countries waged war with it because of Carles. The countries coveted Azurverda because of its strategic location between the tropical and subtropical regions.

Lara’s gaze drifted to Sandoz, who was busy releasing the pups onto the grass. They tumbled forward, legs unsteady, but barking excitedly as they chased each other through the dew-drenched field. For a moment, Lara’s thoughts stilled. Sandoz was of royal lineage. The weight of that revelation settled quietly in her mind.

She was confused by the nobility titles, but she learned that the most noble title a commoner can have is the Marquis.

"Reya, the Duke of Arces, is he from the Royal Family?" Lara asked curiously.

"Miss, ...My Lady, from what I have heard, Sandoz’s great-grandfather was a prince. The title was passed down to his son, then to Sandoz’s father."

"I always thought his grandfather was granted the title, like my father... I didn’t realize..." Lara’s voice trailed off, her eyes following Sandoz as he played with Little Grey and Snow, their laughter and yelps filling the crisp morning air. She had not known his roots ran so deep.

"But, Miss.. My Lady, Sandoz is the son of a concubine. His status is... lower because of it," Reya added gently.

Lara’s heart tightened. She watched Sandoz’s carefree smile and felt a pang of pity. It wasn’t his fault—none of it was. Why should children bear the weight of their parents’ choices? His father’s polygamy, why did he have to bear the result? Before she could linger too long on the thought, Sandoz’s cheerful shout broke her reverie.

"Sister, look! Little Grey is chasing after a butterfly!" His voice rang out with pure delight, drawing Lara and Reya’s gaze. Little Grey leaped clumsily after the fluttering wings, pouncing and tumbling through the grass, and Sandoz came after it, still laughing heartily. Lara couldn’t help but smile, her heart softening. If only he could stay like this—innocent and unburdened.

...

After some time, Lara moved to the edge of the lawn, where the lush green grass seemed like a carpet. She stretched out her limbs and began her morning exercises. The familiar flow of yoga movements eased the tension in her muscles, followed by warm-up drills for mixed martial arts.

Sandoz and Reya joined her; their laughter ceased, replaced by seriousness and determined efforts, adding life to the stillness of the morning. Even the two pups seemed to be in harmony with them. They ran around the trio in circles, sometimes tumbling down, sometimes jumping. Their barks sounded timid, but determined.

Suddenly, Lara stopped. She felt that someone was watching them. She looked back, and her eyes flicked to one of the windows on the second floor. She saw the curtain swaying, and a shadow retreated deeper into the room.