Chương 56: Chapter 55

Nina looked at the luxurious street before her. Double-checking the paper in her hand to ensure she had arrived at Lamb Street, she walked toward the entrance. The area was a gated community. After showing the guards the token she had received, they looked at her with visible confusion.

"Are you not traveling by carriage?" one of them asked. Nina did not understand the question.

"There is no need."

"Ah... I see." The guards exchanged glances before opening one of the smaller side gates for her. Nina stepped through and began following the map Miss Roosevelt had given her. She walked quietly down the road, taking in the scenery around her. Countdown. 20 days, 13 hours, 10 minutes, 4 seconds. Nina continued walking. After some time, however, she noticed something strange. There were no residences in sight. According to the map, she should have already passed several estates before reaching her destination.

Instead... There was nothing but forest stretching into the distance.... Countdown. 20 days, 12 hours, 30 minutes, 45 seconds. Finally, the first residence came into view. Nina glanced toward the timer in the corner of her vision before quietly quickening her pace. However, once she reached the estate, she realized just how enormous it truly was. Simply walking past the property would take quite some time.... Countdown. 20 days, 12 hours, 15 minutes, 39 seconds. First residence passed. Five remaining.... Countdown.

20 days, 10 hours, 55 minutes, 59 seconds. Nina let out a quiet sigh.

"I finally made it halfway." She glanced at the time. The meeting had been scheduled to begin an hour ago. However, with Lamb Street being so unbelievably vast, she wondered if she would even arrive before nightfall. Just as the thought crossed her mind, she heard the sound of approaching hooves. Looking up, she saw a man riding a horse at full gallop from the direction she had been trying to reach.

Seeing that he appeared to be in a hurry, Nina simply turned her attention back to the road ahead and continued walking through the absurdly luxurious district. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it However, just as she passed him, the rider suddenly pulled on the reins. The horse came to a stop directly in front of her. The man quickly dismounted before calling out to her.

"Excuse me, young miss." Nina stopped walking. She looked at the man with eyes as cold as ice.

"What is it?" she asked plainly. She did not have time for this. She needed to reach the meeting place, retrieve her belongings, and return home. The young man visibly flinched beneath her icy gaze. After collecting himself, he spoke again.

"May I ask who you are?" Without another word, Nina took out the crest Miss Roosevelt had given her, the one she had been instructed to show the guards and anyone else who questioned her while she was on Lamb Street. The moment the young man saw the crest, his expression changed completely. The domineering attitude he had carried moments earlier vanished.

"I... I apologize." He quickly bowed his head.

"I was actually sent here to escort you. Please forgive my rude behavior." Nina thought for a moment. That old lady really is considerate. She had even remembered to send someone in case Nina became lost.... Or perhaps it was simply a way of making sure she did not quietly leave before the meeting. Either possibility sounded reasonable. The young man cleared his throat.

"Do you know how to ride a horse?"

"No" Nina shook her head.

"I see." The young man said, "Then, if you'll excuse me." He carefully helped Nina onto the horse before climbing up behind her. With a gentle tug on the reins, the horse turned around and immediately began galloping back the way he had come. Nina quietly watched the scenery pass by. Although traveling through Lamb Street on foot had been a nightmare, she could not deny that the scenery was beautiful. Eventually, the horse slowed to a stop. They had arrived.

Before them stood the estate where she would finally meet the elderly woman who still had her clothes. Countdown. 20 days, 10 hours, 40 minutes, and 13 seconds. The young man stepped off the horse before approaching the guards standing before the residence. After informing them of their arrival, the guards immediately opened the gate. The young man did not return to take the horse's reins. Instead, he gently guided the horse forward, allowing Nina to remain seated on top as they entered the estate.

Nina quietly observed the people around her, her thoughts wandering for a moment. If this had been her original body... Would riding such a creature have frightened her? Would she have been nervous being carried on the back of a horse? However, before Nina could dwell on those thoughts for too long, the young man spoke.

"We have arrived." After helping Nina step down from the horse, she turned her attention toward the manor before her. The first thing she noticed was its overwhelming luxury. The entire residence seemed to radiate wealth. However, for some reason, Nina's eyes twitched. She could not shake the feeling that the entire place was trying to announce: We are wealthy. Look at how wealthy we are. We have money. Yet, the quiet elegance of the exterior prevented her from judging too quickly. Perhaps she was mistaken.

But once a servant arrived to guide her inside, Nina's suspicion only grew stronger. The moment she entered the manor, she saw gold and emerald decorations displayed throughout the interior. Her feeling became even more certain. Maybe these people were simply the type of wealthy individuals who had recently gained their fortune. After all, compared to the Roosevelt family, the difference was obvious. The Roosevelt family was wealthy. Extremely wealthy. Mr.

Roosevelt was a respected merchant whose home was luxurious by any standard. However, despite the expensive materials and beautiful architecture, everything had a purpose. The wood used throughout the residence was exquisite. The design of the house itself was elegant. Everything represented quality. But this place... Nina felt as though someone had misunderstood the concept of luxury. As if they believed that covering everything in gold, diamonds, and jewels automatically made a place beautiful.

To be fair, it was beautiful. It was impressive. But it was simply too much. Especially after seeing the Roosevelt residence. If this had been the first wealthy household Nina had ever entered, she probably would have been amazed by its grandeur. However, now... All she felt was her eyes twitching. That only strengthened her determination to retrieve her materials and leave as quickly as possible.