He was worried if the Madam wanted to wield the Order at will.

Worried that she who had been ignored as the Counts illegitimate child, might become a Duchess and use her power for things she was not allowed to enjoy in the past.

Concerned that the reputation of Reinhardt, having the strongest Order in the Empire, would cease to exist.

So he led the knights and planned this.

The sky is getting dark.

Laritte stated, observing the sky above.

The brilliant sunny sky was gradually turning gray. Minutes passed as dark clouds covered the sun, bringing in a gust of wind. It looked like it would start pouring down.

Did you know that its ominous to rain during the memorial service?

Mason stared at the clouds.

The memorial service was known to be held 180 days after a persons death. However, a problem could arise anywhere.

Evidently, the weather on the 180th day was not very outstanding.

They had only received the temples note saying it would be an auspicious day to conduct the memorial service. There was no way for them to predict the weather in advance. There was no known scientific basis.

However, if it rained, it was regarded as the fault of the leader of each house in the Iassa Empire.

In other words, if it rained now, it meant that Laritte was evil.

It was just a myth, but people used to believe so.

Laritte became anxious.

What if the rain doesnt let the souls depart in peace?

..It would be tragic if that happens.

Mason thought,

If it rains, itd mean heaven does not recognize Madam worthy.

And likewise, Mason would not regard her as his owner.

Commotion among the people grew as the sky grew darker.

Ava walked up to Laritte.

Its earlier than scheduled, but allow us to proceed with the memorial service.

Ava wanted to end the service before the rain.

The servants speeded up their work. White chairs were placed in the vacant lot for the people to sit. Most of them were servants and knights because they did not receive any outside guests. Every one of them was dressed in black attire.

The service began right after the soothing tune of a trumpet.

Laritte sat in the front and watched quietly as the Duchys priest lit a candle in front of a stone plate with the names of the deceased.

The vassals who were closer in relation to the dead read prayers one by one.

Hey, look at the sky.

A soldier whispered.

The sky got darker and darker. Raindrops threatened to fall any moment. Everyone was anxious. The maids wholeheartedly prayed for the sky to clear up.

Madam.

Ava who was conducting the ceremony called Laritte. It was now Larittes turn.

To depart the remaining part of the souls, the moment Laritte went to light the candle, raindrops started falling.

Oh, my God! Its raining! Even though its just the morning!

Someone exclaimed.

The raindrops thickened with each passing minute.

Mason stood up with a knowing look plastered on his face.

It is Gods will. I cant trust the Order to this madam.

He observed Laritte beyond the crowd as people rushed to take shelter.

She was moving. But not to look for a shade or umbrella. She was walking forward.

What is she trying to do?

Laritte crouched down in front of the stone plate, covering the tombstone with both arms so the lit fires werent extinguished by the rain.

She prayed,

May you rest in peace. May the rain doesnt hold a barrier to liberating your souls.

Because I am ominous, I must try to protect you from the rain.

The heavy raindrops pounded on her head, drenching her hair and shoulders.

Her dress made of expensive fabric was soaked, but she took no care.

Mason could not look away from Laritte.

Among the people rushing to find a shade, she sat still.

He finally came to know Larittes true self.

She wasnt a pureblood like others. But, she didnt look like someone who wanted to disturb the discipline of the Order by acting however she wanted.

My, my. It seems like I cant understand people properly even after all these years.

Mason chuckled, his heart mixed with a tinge of guilt.

He thought he was the only one who could lead the Knights better than a young and inexperienced person.

But she was a good person.

Worthy enough to be served by him.

The maids tried to take her away with them.

Madam! Please dont do this!

Umbrella, bring her an umbrella!

They left to bring an umbrella when she did not budge.

But, Mason acted faster.

He took off his black coat and moved forward.

Its pouring down.

He stood beside her crouched form, holding the coat over her as a shield from the rain.

Laritte looked up at him.

Sir Mason can go inside.

How can this old man do that when Madam is in this state? Though Im old, I never catch a cold.

Yes. You do look strong.

Laritte stated softly.

Mason burst into laughter.

I train every single day. I do have a Duchy to protect for the next 20 years.

Good. I hope you stay with us for a long time, Sir Mason.

Laritte went under the umbrella the maids brought only after she saw a piece of cloth covering the headstone.

Seconds after Redra came running to her.

Madam! Are you okay?

It was because Laritte was soaked, but Redra was more worried because Mason was with her.

Did he say anything harsh to her?

Mason could read Redras face but pretended he didnt know. He tapped on her shoulder and said,

Hurry, get the Duchess inside and bring her warm tea. Otherwise, she could catch a cold in this weather.

With that, he walked off towards the vacant lot where other soldiers approached him.

Even though Redra was relieved he was gone, she frowned.

What happened between them?

She came to her senses when Laritte sneezed.

Achoo.

Oh! Madam, let us get inside!

She hurried to guide Laritte inside.

When the rain stopped after a while, the memorial service began again.

Redra thought the soldiers would start to nitpick about what happened, but they surprisingly remained calm and polite.

Meanwhile, the priest joined his hands and prayed,

I pray in the name of His Holiness that all their souls rest in peace.

Everyone followed him, even the soldiers.

It was clear that Mason solved whatever complaints the soldiers had.

What happened to you?

Her eyes continually switched between Mason and Laritte.

The fact that the knights did not speak ill of Laritte even after the rain, unsettled her. She was relieved as much as she was concerned.

She had no idea what happened.

Hence, the memorial service of the Duchy ended without a hitch.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep