DUCHESS 26 It seemed that the smell of the delicious porridge wafting through the air was able to attract the very tired businessman from the mattress and closer to the table. Since I have already been eating, I also took the time to get him his utensils with mine and when he sat with me at the table, his bowl and spoon were already there, filled with the portion of the porridge. He stared at the bowl for a moment, then he looked at me and stared for a long time. His gazes were something along the lines of ‘are you real?’ or ‘is this real?’ and he continued to do so with a raised brow. I sighed at this and looked at him dead in the eye then said, “Stop staring at me and just eat your fill. You are just hungry, that is why you are so grumpy right now.” With that said, I stopped caring if he is still staring or not, I just ate more of the porridge as it was so good. I even hummed in satisfaction as I ate the last spoonful of it in my bowl. When I looked back at Marcus, he was also e
DUCHESS 27 Doubting that the businessman will ever be visiting me today, I decided to just retire early for the night. I did wake up early for the day--- just to personally visit Marcus--- after all. I at least deserve a long rest. Standing up from my seat, I stretched right on the spot, popping a few joints and reviving the sleeping muscles in my body that has fallen asleep as I sat down for quite a long time. ‘Right, on to my bed now.’ I said to myself internally as I walked towards the office door. However, as I opened the door, my stomach began growling so loud, it echoed a bit in the hallway and the sounds even vibrated in the inside of the office. Was I that hungry? “Maybe I should eat before going to bed.” I said to myself and began heading towards the dining room. Or maybe I should go straight to the kitchen and eat there. Yes, do the latter, much better. I then began heading towards the kitchen. As I crept closer towards the said area, I started to smell various thing
DUCHESS 28 Once I had my meal and was ready to retire for the day, my eyes immediately closed, my eyelids were too much heavy for me to lift and stay awake that I immediately went into a deep and dreamless slumber. I only realised that I had fallen asleep the next day. When the sun rays were shining through the gaps of the curtains of my window. By how the curtains are slowly being swayed by the wind, it must have been opened by either Nikos or Yuri when they entered my room to check up on me. ‘Hmm, I guess it is already late in the morning then.’ I thought to myself as I stood up from the bed and stretched a bit. Hearing a few joints pop, I sighed in relief and went out of the comforts of my bed. I noticed that in my chair was already a dress prepared for me, as well as the bath has already been prepared as well. I smiled at this, and then proceeded to take a bath and dress up. After that, I headed towards my office, having a hunch that they would serve my breakfast--- or lunch?-
DUCHESS 29 Surprisingly, the construction of the candle factory only took two weeks for completion. Even the interior design and instalments were already there and it was according to what I wanted and how it should be. What I loved about the candle factory the most was the stone stove installed inside. It was a fully furnished marble with a rack for woods beside it. The stocking of the fire was covered so there is a less danger and hazard when melting the beeswax as well as mixing other things. There is also a place that is placed beside the stove. It is another kind of stove, but a long rectangular one with containers on top of it. There are a total of four containers and each can be filled with melted beeswax. The stove under it is also useful since the candle and beeswax can be melted from there on--- no need to worry about unnecessary drippings or whatnot, everything is about convenience. The drying place is also ready as well as a big counter table wher
DUCHESS 30 A week later, the equipment inside the storage room near the kitchen has been emptied out. The storage room itself has been emptied out as they are all moved to the small factory near the market place. Once I have heard that the moving of all the equipment as well as the tools and materials were done, I immediately got dressed and went out to go to the small factory. Yuri and Nikos were also in a hurry to accompany me, but I told them that it was fine and that I can manage myself. “I will be out for a moment, there is really no need to accompany me.” Was what I said, but turns out, nothing goes as planned. Before I knew it, it was already high in the afternoon and I was so immersed in making candles that I never noticed the time. The excitement of making candles in a real and organised factory overwhelmed me that I only noticed I was already making candles when a knock came from the doors. “Milady, it is me, Nikos. I have come to bring you some tea and snacks.” The voice
DUCHESS 31 On our way home, Nikos and I were conversing inside the carriage. Mostly me relying on what he should do once we arrive at the estate. Things must be detailed and precise so as to not waste time nor bother anyone else in the process. “Now, remember, pick only those you know that really have a light hand, and those who are quick to learn. That way, I can ensure that everything will go smoothly in our plans.” I said with authority and full confidence. Nikos nodded in understanding. “Milady, may I suggest that I also recommend those who are new in the estate? They have yet to learn things after all, and they are fairly young so they are sure quick to learn quickly.” Weighing on Nikos’ suggestion, it is a good recommendation to have those that Nikos described. ‘Wait? Do we have new employees? We are barely getting by…’ the thought crossed my mind and I guess that it was evident on my face as Nikos explained the situation quickly. “Oh, Milady. No, we are not recruiting new em
DUCHESS 32 The training of the new recruit: Helio, and with the inclusion of Olivia--- she insisted that she be included as an employee in my factory, giving the reason that she wants to earn money even though she has a farm for that--- but I indulged the request of the girl, as a way to appreciate her and also to pay back Marcus’ help… somehow. Nonetheless, the two new employees are learning at a fast pace and by the first week of their training, they have mastered how to make a few batches of drip candles. I can still remember how happy they were when they saw the final products. “How will you sell this? They are not that appealing to a noble at all.” Olivia pointed out, looking at the simple and unscented bundle of candles in front of her. She does have a fair point, such a plain thing would not be appealing to the nobles, “But it would certainly be appealing to the servants and the commoners.” I replied, also doing some drip candles beside them. Looking at me with confused f
DUCHESS 33 The next day came and we were back to making those drip candles. Although this time, I had Nikos come with Helio and Olivia instead of me. Since there is something inevitable that I cannot just set aside for a long time. Being a noble comes with its responsibilities, one of which is attending some social gatherings, parties and the likes. And from the past few weeks, I have been receiving an endless amount of invitations. And I have been ignoring them or sending a response of rejection for so long that if I continue these actions, it will have a negative impact on me. Therefore, I have to attend at least one social gathering this week. As well as 2 more social gatherings, whether it be a party or an invite in a salon. I have to have an appearance in high society as well as an impression on these people. They are a potential buyer and customer after all. adorning myself with a light green dress with floral design, some green jewels and a tiara as a symbol of nobility. An
DUCHESS 50Her Majesty the Queen then proceeded to tell me how the too much intake of steroids made my grandfather turn into a tyrannical maniac. How my grandfather would always request to have a cup of tea with her because he would experience immense straight after their tea. And then, after a few months of having constant tea with Her Majesty the Queen, Queen Elise finally gave my grandfather the blend of tea that she would always serve with him. It was mixed with all the herbs, chemicals and plants that would make up the steroids. It was a foolproof ploy and soon enough, my grandfather turned for the worst. Her Majesty the Queen erupted in a laugh as she saw the devastation and fear smeared all over my face: eyes wide from shock, tears still streaming down my cheeks as she told the whole story. She said she purposely made the writers omit that part since it would trace it all to her, “so I had to erase some footsteps so whoever tries to investigate what happened at that point of t
DUCHESS 49 The breeze of the cold wind at night made the balcony all the more relaxing, but all that relaxation was slowly being replaced by anxiety as I held the envelope in my hands. The contents were still unknown, but I hope that it would solve the final piece of the puzzle. The theory of His Majesty the King was highly plausible, given the fact that a person cannot simply overlook the emotional pain that they are holding, and it is true that the said pain will catch up to them soon. But the theory alone cannot simply explain it all. No, there must be something else, the mere grief is not enough to make a person of such good nature and good heart turn into the most tyrannical person that a person can be, and at such a fast pace. Holding the envelope in my hand, I took the both ends and proceeded to tore it apart, creating an opening for me to take the paper inside. The paper smelled like flowers and fruits--- whoever used this paper must be of noble blood and took great effort i
DUCHESS 48 Into the backrooms of the Grand Hall of the Royal Palace, the people inside were only me, Viscount Ludwig and His Majesty the King. Her Majesty the Queen and the Crown Prince were not explicitly invited thus they cannot enter here in the back rooms. The back rooms are a private room that only His Majesty the King can use and have access in to. not even the servants can just enter this room and when serving us food and drinks, the trolley was left outside and we are the ones to take it from there. Being invited in the backrooms means that His Majesty the King has something important to discuss, or it is something of a top secret kind of way. Once inside the backrooms and already had our fill of the meal: steak, fried potatoes partnered with hollandaise sauce and some wine wiiiittt h dessert included some mixed fresh fruit and honey, perfect for a refreshing end of the meal. We sat in silence as we savoured the greatness of the meal and none among the three of us dared t
DUCHESS 47 A week after the dinner at the Royal Palace, invitations are already being distributed to every noble of the Sagareste Kingdom for the upcoming awarding and banquet celebration at the end of the month. word had circled around the nobles of whom the award banquet celebration might be, but a lot of them had already suspected that the award and banquet is dedicated to the current Duchess of the Fortess uchy: Friele Marcia Madrigal Fortess— me. Upon knowing that, many of the nobles had already sent me letters of congratulations and further invitations on their houses so as to establish a connection. Still, most of the nobles are busy for the preparation of the event that is going to happen at the Royal Palace. a lot of them have been going to the modiste or summoning the best designer in the kingdom to commision a dress or a set of them. Meanwhile, the Harvesting Season had also started and the farmers were busy harvesting their produce and organising the selling price
DUCHESS 46A few minutes after my meal, I glanced over at Yuri to see how she was faring as she read through that part of the book— the one detailing the reign of tyrant grandfather when he was still alive. “Care to tell me what is said in there?'' I said while finishing up the dessert. Yuri did not budge nor acted to ever hear my voice, she was so focused on the book that she might as well place her face inside of it. her brows were scrunched, her brows almost meeting each other and forming a unibrow. I cleared my throat, in hopes to get her attention this time, and good thing it was successful.“Your Grace. Sorry, I was too immersed in the book. do– do you need anything?” the Head Maid asked as she walked closer to me, closing the book and putting it on the desk. her face was the usual blank one, a poker face if you will. but her eyes tells something else. “None at the moment. I am one with my meal. you can take them away.” I said while i wiped my mouth with the cloth. Yuri bowe
DUCHESS 45“Oh, there you are.” A voice said and soon was followed by footsteps coming closer to me. I whipped my head to the direction of the voice and the footsteps, only to see the Crown Prince, in his pajamas? That is so weird. “Uriel, why are you in your pajamas? how can you walk in the halls in your pajamas?” Seriously, we all have such weird things inside our minds. Uriel only smiled at me with his slightly sleepy eyes and replied, “I walked and traveled through the secret pathways inside the Palace walls. it's fun really, i can show them to you if you want. By the way, what are you looking for?” Uriel then grabbed a book, offering his help.“Don't you have a duty to get to?” I asked with a raised brow. nobles start their day at the break of dawn, what more for a royal. but Uriel only laughed at my question and continued, “Well, you are here. aren't you technically taking a break?” a few moments of silence passed between us with only the end of pages being flipped echoing t
DUCHESS 44“Back then your mother and I made sure that we would have time to hang out with each other, whether it be for a tea or even doing anything as long as we have each other’s presence, as long as we are on each other’s side. we are fine with that.” Her Majesty the Queen said as she took a sip from her cup. Meanwhile, I cannot help but to continue to read the letter that my mother sent to her. It was fun to read them as they would talk about just about anything. But what interested me more was when they talked about my father and the King, how they judged the two men and pointed out both the good and bad qualities of the King and my father. I could not help but laugh."Wait, my mom and you, met my father and His Majesty at the same time?" I asked, turning my head to face Her Majesty the Queen. The Queen nodded her head as a confirmation. "Yes, they used to spar with each other when learning swordsmanship. That is how we also met them, as we watched a match and we looked into e
DUCHESS 43 Violetta Suzette Perues was her name before she became queen. And even then, she was the fairest of them all. Her hair as black as ebony, her lips are red as blood and her skin as white as snow, many people swooned over her, both male and female wanted to be with her, wanted to own her. Many people would flock around her and would surround her whenever she is in the proximity, they would always try to talk to her and would always try to be close to her as proximity may allow--- they would do their best to be at skin to skin contact to her--- they would do their best to hold her. Violetta Suzette Perues then adapted an intimidating persona--- sha created a meticulously curated persona that intimidating, that is cruel and that is unapproachable--- she made it so that people would go away, so that people would flock away from her and leave her alone. But all that was in vain--- as people still flocked around her, still surround her and as if that is not enoug
DUCHESS 42 The chambers of the Queen was breath- taking. It embodies the symbols of the Royal Family: roses, gold vines and twinkling lights. The doors of the Queen’s chamber was painted pearl white and decorated with gold linings. A symbol of moon embossed on the top of the door, symbolising that it is the chamber of the Moon of the kingdom. The inside was even more so breath- taking. With red velvet curtains hanging from the huge windows, to the starlight painting at the ceiling being complimented by the chandelier inside. The receiving area of the Queen’s chamber was giving a calm atmosphere with the furnitures in the color of pastel blue. The sofas with the framing painted in gold, the tables with gold lining. The vases were filled with roses in full bloom and giving the sweet smell of flowers, it is addicting at this point. The floors were also tiled in pearl white and lined with gold. Everything was white and lined with gold: the bookshelves, the desk, the wind