Chapter 172 –

Dolce was done with her peaceful discussion to her mother’s tomb. Lifting herself up, she went back up and was met by heavy snowfall. Henry and Elesia were dutifully standing, waiting for her. She signaled for the two. The two followed Dolce to the stone path again. The old gardener saw them.

“Leaving, milady?” he asked.

“Yes, Uncle,” Dolce said. “Take care, and please let your sons do the work next.”

“I will.”

The old gardener nodded. He led the three out of the gate and bid them farewell. The iron gate of the cemetery made a clanging sound as it was unlocked. The old gardener disappeared under the snowfall. He was like a ghost that wanders.

“The Old Uncle still works despite his age,” Elesia said. “He was so young back days.”

“Is he?” Dolce commented. “He seems to be vigorous despite his age. I thought that the old man would have croaked by this year.”

“Milady,” said Elesia helplessly. “I don’t think it would be good to say that to your elders.”

“I only speak the truth,” Dolce insisted. “Though I am glad that he’s still alive, ma was rather familiar with the old gardener.”

“True,” Elesia thought back. “The lady would always greet the old gardener. The old gardener also tends to the flowers back in the compound, taking a leave just so he can watch over the madam’s garden. He’s truly loyal.”

“Indeed he is,” Dolce nodded. She walked along the cobblestone path. “He wouldn’t become a servant that easily if not for his loyalty. He would still be a mere slave tending to tombs all day and night.”

The old gardener had a long cloudy past. Dolce still believes that he was a skilled soldier. After all, she would notice the old gardener reporting to her father. She was interested enough to know what the old man does. Still, ever since her mother died. The old gardener refuses to get out of the noble cemetery. He was not its eternal guardian. Even Dolce is worried that the old gardener might croak.

The snowfall was heavy. Dolce looked up and saw that the roads were filled with snow. She was having a hard time trudging through the snow. She looked at the road and some of the carriages were stuck. The horse pulled carriages were moving.

Dolce had enough of walking so she told Henry to holler a horse carriage. A carriage came to their service and they were able to trot down the street with less difficulty. There were still motor cars and carriages stuck in the snow so there times that they had to back up and go another way.

Dolce watched the buildings pass by. She saw fur-coated citizens ambling by. She looked at the kids with a smile. She supported her head with her left palm. She watched the snow rain with a bit of melancholy. The tapping sounds that the horse did make her recall the simple day. As the trip continued, she began to wonder what she would after arriving in that dreadful compound.

...

The compound was large. The walls and gates were finely decorated. Before entering the main entrance of the compound, there was a gate with guards watching over the main entrance. The compound was well-fortified. There were guards on the walls. It was like a mini-stronghold. It was suffocating.

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The carriage approached the entrance of the compound. It was stopped by the family guards of the Alva. The two burly guards asked who it is. But when they caught sight of Dolce, their expression turned nervous and rigid. They quickly backed off and saluted. The two guards hollered for the gate to open.

The carriage driver took the carriage inside the entrance. He parked near the doorway of the compound and opened the door for Dolce and the others. Dolce signaled at Elesia. She handed the pay and returned to Dolce’s side.

The carriage driver smiled at the money he got. He whips his horse and went back to the entrance, intending to get out. Dolce could still hear the tapping of the horse when she found herself standing near the double-doors. She gave a sigh and entered.

She was welcomed by a lavishly decorated hallway. There was a carpet on the ground. The walls had suits of armors and paints. There were chandeliers and silverware. She walked forward. She saw long-skirted maid who’s seemed refined. She had black hair and she wore round glasses. Her hair was neatly tied into a bun.

“Welcome back home, milady,” Catalina said. She looked at Elesia. “And you too, my precious junior. How’s life outside this compound?”

“Strange,” Elesia casually said. “I never knew that there would be whole lots of change.”

Catalina was a bit surprised at her tone. She looked at Dolce not doing anything and smiled. “It seems like the rumors are true. You have changed my junior, and you have become lenient milady.”

“When did I stay true to the norms?” Dolce shrugged her shoulders. “And as always you are still beautiful. Why not accompany me? A former femme fatale will come in handy.”

“Who knows?” she smiled sexually. “I thought my junior here would be enough?”

She looked at Henry.

“And who is this?” she added. “She seems like a fine young man,” she trotted near Henry and glances at him, “and well-muscled too. You have firm hands and a fine body.” she winked at Henry.

Henry did not expect that. He blushed like a maiden. Elesia frowned and launch an elbow at Henry’ side. This made Catalina giggle.

Henry touched his side and looked at Elesia as if he has been wronged. She had fine curves and her face was stunning. How could Henry not be charmed by such beautiful woman?

“You can tease him later, Catalina.” Dolce snapped. “Is father out already?”

“Yes,” Catalina said. “The only one left is the young master. There are also relatives that came to visit. Would you want to meet them?”

She looked at Catalina with a bland expression. “You know my answer to that, Catalina.”

“I do,” she smiled. “I admit that I too hate them.”

Dolce smiled gently. “I missed you too, Catalina.”

‘It is the same for me.”

Catalina smiled back. She led Dolce and the others deeper inside the compound.