Chapter 75
The afternoon sun filtered through the paper windows of Aurora's room. She had just returned from another lesson at the Imperial Medical Academy when Emily entered carrying a polished wooden box.
"My Lady," Emily said with a smile, "another shipment of letters from Emberforge".
Aurora's face immediately brightened.
"So many?"
Emily laughed. "Your father says the entire duchy insists on writing to you."
Aurora smiled warmly as she untied the ribbons.
The first letter bore the familiar seal of House Ambrose.
She carefully unfolded it.
My Dearest Aurora,
By the time this letter reaches you, I hope you and Katherine are still keeping each other out of trouble.
Your mother insists I begin by telling you that we are both healthy and doing very well. She worries you spend too much time studying and not enough time sleeping.
She is probably right.
Now for the news you have been eagerly waiting for.
You will be pleased to know that Emberforge Duchy continues to prosper.
The blacksmith workshop has exceeded every expectation.
Our farming tools are now being exported to neighbouring duchies, and merchants from across the kingdom have begun placing orders months in advance. Even the Royal Army has purchased several shipments of our tools and equipment.
Your designs have earned our craftsmen quite a reputation.
The jewellery workshop has become famous among the nobility.
Some ladies now travel for days simply to purchase one of your newest collections.
Your mother laughs every time another noblewoman asks who our mysterious designer is.
Naturally, she refuses to tell them.
She says, "If my daughter wishes to reveal herself one day, that decision belongs to her."
The clothing boutique has also become one of the busiest stores in the capital.
However,...
The shop that makes me proudest is not the one for nobles.
It is the smaller store you insisted we build for the common people.
Families who once could only dream of owning fine clothing now proudly wear well-made garments they can afford.
I have seen farmers buying dresses for their daughters and jackets for their sons before festivals.
You were right.
Dignity should never belong only to the wealthy.
The school continues to grow beyond anything we imagined.
The children now read simple books and write letters.
Some have even begun helping their parents keep farm records and calculate market prices.
Our two teachers often tell me they have never met students so eager to learn.
Your mother has become everyone's favourite visitor.
Every week she brings books, fruit, and enough sweets to spoil every child in the classroom.
She insists she is only "checking on the students."
No one believes her.
As for me...I pretend to inspect the workshops, yet somehow, I always end up watching the children study.
You would be proud of them.
Now for palace news.
His Majesty King Edward has officially retired.
Prince Lucian has now ascended the throne and is ruling as King Lucian.
By all accounts, he has taken his duties seriously and has earned the respect of both the nobles and the people.
He has written to ask about your well-being several times through the Queen.
I shall leave that matter entirely to your own judgment.
Finally...
Know that your mother and I miss you every single day.
The manor is far quieter without hearing you argue with Philip, tease Turner, or sneak into my study to reorganize my reports.
Return safely when your studies are complete.
No achievement will ever mean more to us than having our daughter home again.
With all our love,
Your Father
Owen Ambrose
Aurora wiped away a tear before smiling.
"Dad..." she whispered.
Emily quietly handed her another bundle.
"These are from the school."
Aurora immediately opened them.
The first was written in large, uneven handwriting.
Dear Lady Aurora,
Teacher says my writing is getting better.
I can spell my own name now.
Thank you for making our school.
I want to become a doctor so I can help people like you.
Please come home soon.
We miss you.
Your student,
Thomas
Another letter.
Dear Lady Aurora,
I got first place in reading today!
Mother cried.
Father says thank you because now I help him count the sheep.
Teacher says if I keep studying, maybe one day I can travel like you.
I hope China is very pretty.
Please don't forget us.
Love,
Emily Carter
Another.
Dear Lady Aurora,
We planted flowers outside the school.
Teacher says flowers make people smile.
When you come home, we hope they are blooming.
Love,
All the children
Aurora laughed through her tears, "They're growing up..."
Emily smiled softly, "They adore you."
Aurora carefully folded every letter before placing them back into the box.
She walked toward the window overlooking the bustling eastern city.
"So much has changed..."
She looked toward the distant horizon.
"Emberforge is becoming the duchy I dreamed it could be."
Emily stood quietly beside her.
"And when you return..."
She smiled.
"It will become even greater."
Aurora nodded, her heart full of warmth.
"I cannot wait to go home."
Though thousands of miles separated them...
For the first time since leaving...
Home no longer felt distant.
It felt like it was waiting for her.
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