Before Oliver could answer, the door opened and Alaric walked in, carrying an envelope of documents. Ronnik followed, casting a discreet glance in her direction.
"Here are the documents you requested," the duke said, setting them in front of Oliver.
He, however, seemed in no hurry to take them. Instead, he smiled slightly and glanced at Elinora before turning to Alaric.
"I've been thinking... I haven't visited the manor in a long time," he said with a tone of nostalgia. "I'd like a little tour, if you don't mind."
"Of course, we can arrange it." Alaric said, looking thoughtful for a moment.
"I'd rather have... Jaden show me around," Oliver added, taking another quick glance at Elinora.
She understood immediately—this was his way of ensuring they could talk alone so she chose to remain silent. The duke raised his eyebrow slightly, but he didn't seem to find a reason to refuse.
"If you wish, I have no objection," he said.
Ronnik looked at her quizzically, but said nothing.
"As you wish, Lord Edrian," she said calmly.
Oliver gave her a slight nod and followed her out of the hall, and then they went out into the garden. They had much to say so Elinora led him to the fountain. There Oliver wasted no time.
"Tell me, what happened? Does Edmund know you're pretending to be him?"
Elinora stopped short, a lump rising in her throat. She swallowed hard, drawing in a slow breath before speaking.
"Edmund... Edmund is dead."
Oliver didn’t flinch, but his eyes darkened.
"How did he die?"
"They found him in the water, unconscious. The doctor said he drowned," she paused, hiding a sob, "But I don't believe it."
"What do you mean?" asked Oliver, frowning.
Elinora turned her gaze to the lake at the back of the garden.
"Edmund knew how to swim. Very well. He wouldn't just fall into the water. Let alone in the middle of the night.
Something happened and no one wants to admit it."
Oliver tilted his head slightly, studying her.
"Do you suspect someone?"
Elinora hesitated. She couldn't prove what she believed, it was just speculation for now.
"I have no proof," she said finally. "But my father... He reacted very strangely. Instead of grieving, he made sure that every piece of evidence disappeared. And then he demanded that I take Edmund's place."
"You mean to say that-" he said, and pursed his lips.
"I think that," Elinora interrupted him, "Edmond's death... may not have been an accident."
Oliver was silent for a few seconds, weighing her words. He knew it was none of his business, but he wanted to help her as much as he could.
"And now what are you going to do?" he asked her simply.
"As soon as I make some money," she said, "I'm going to quit and get out of here."
Oliver looked at her silently, his eyes filled with what looked like regret.
"Where are you going?" He asked her.
"Somewhere, anywhere! I can't go back home. Also, if I stay here and my secret is revealed, who knows what my punishment will be."
Oliver leaned slightly towards her.
"I don't think running away is the answer," he told her.
"For you, perhaps not," Elinora laughed bitterly, "But me? I don't have a choice, Oliver."
He was silent for a moment, watching her. It was obvious she wanted to say something, but she restrained herself.
A rustling sound broke the silence. Elinora stiffened. She and Oliver exchanged a glance before a figure emerged from the bushes. It was Ronnik, his expression uncertain as he wiped a bead of sweat from his brow.
He, clearly confused, approached the two of them with an awkward smile and panting.
"Sorry if I interrupted you, but I was looking for you," he said, looking alternately at Oliver and Elinora, "The Duke is looking for you, Jaden."
Oliver smiled reassuringly and turned his gaze to Elinora, who was doing her best to maintain her composure.
"I'll see you later, Jaden," he told her in a tone that sounded more like a promise than a simple statement.
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