NARRATOR

Katherine watched the lively scene in the dining hall, observing the struggles of their guest families.

Though they had started to relax, their discomfort with many things was still obvious.

They had discussed it, and they would live in houses near the forest, under the castle’s protection.

The women would take on important roles under the Duchess’s administration, serving as her support.

By the time night fell, Katherine had already arranged for them to stay in the guest wing, with the servants at their disposal.

She stopped by to check on Freya, who was still recovering but much better.

Then she remembered the chest and asked her about it.

"I think I saw it once. I believe your mother opened it with a stone of the same material," the elderly woman replied from the bed, wrapped in blankets, a bandage around her head.

Lavinia had just left after reading to her.

Katherine remained puzzled by the mystery.

So much had happened that she hadn’t had time to examine that object.

At