However, the servants understood that now wasn’t the time for further discussion. Simon still had to take care of the arrangements for the caravan, and the steward naturally needed to assist him. Maria, on the other hand, was eager to visit the garden to check on her precious plants.

Iris walked beside her, reporting on the state of the plants. During the absence of the masters, the Pedro family had taken extra care of the affairs of the castle, knowing how important the garden was to Maria. Iris regularly checked with the gardeners about the condition of the plants.

"During the coldest weather, we moved the plants indoors, but unfortunately,...