Chpater 74
1422 Words
CHAPTER 74
Tatiana woke up early the next day.
After finishing her morning exercises, she quickly took a bath and got dressed before going downstairs to eat her breakfast.
The duke and the duchess just got home from their business trip last night, hence why Tatiana decided to join them in the dining area today.
“Good morning, mother.” Tatiana greeted and kissed the duchess on her cheeks. “Good morning, father.” She also did the same to the duke.
“Good morning, Tati. You woke up early today.” The duchess said.
Tatiana smiled at her and took her seat.
“Of course, mother. I want to eat breakfast with you guys.” She said.
“That’s great. It’s been so long since we last sat and ate breakfast together like this.” Duke Michael commented.
“Well, that was mostly my fault. I apologize, father and mother.”
“It’s alright, darling. We understand.” Duchess Annabelle said and smiled at her.
“Hmm… speaking of, Tati, we heard you were busy studying these past few days. What exactly were you studying?” Duke Michael asked.
Tatiana paused from cutting her steak.
It was true that she was studying something back then, but it was actually more of an investigation rather than a 'study'. Aside from that, she was also handling her investments as Investor J, which made her even busier.
“I…I was studying some…politics.” Tatiana answered quietly.
The duke and duchess looked at her in shock.
Women's involvement in politics was extremely uncommon in this world. Even holding a book about politics was considered taboo for women. The discrimination against women was that bad, however, it gradually improved when the current empress of the empire, Empress Valorie Rose Seraphina Kaylon, started empowering women more.
The empress studied politics and made great contributions to the empire. Unlike the previous empresses, who only knew how to manage the palace, Empress Valorie fearlessly stood by the emperor’s side and led the Alvania Empire to prosperity. It was even said that she personally went to the battlefield before to assist the emperor in commanding, which brought the empire to victory.
The empress undeniably inspired several women across the globe. As a result, a growing number of women began to stand up for their rights and fight for their ambitions. Now, many women become professionals in different areas aside from embroidery, socializing, and accounting.
For this reason, Empress Valorie was recognized as an extraordinary woman and the best empress of the Alvania Empire.
Anyways, the discrimination against women wasn’t the only reason why the duke and the duchess were surprised by what Tatiana had said. The main reason was actually Tatiana herself.
Duke Michael and Duchess Annabelle knew what Tatiana was like. She'd never been interested in academics, let alone politics. Tatiana despised studying to the point where the duke and duchess feared she would struggle in high society. It was a good thing that she at least learned how to dance and embroider, otherwise, Tatiana would have been a laughing stock in high society.
But now, Tatiana began studying politics. And the fact that she couldn't even go downstairs to eat breakfast with them the past few weeks indicates that Tatiana was serious about her studies.
“Politics? Did something happen for you to suddenly became interested in politics, Tati?” Duke Michael asked worriedly.
Tatiana showed a small smile to assure them.
“No, father. I just thought it was interesting.” She answered.
It was true, though. Tatiana wanted to learn more about the empire, so she studied the politics and history of this world. Aside from that, having knowledge in those subjects contributed a lot to her investments and investigations. And unlike in her previous world, she actually found those subjects interesting.
“Really?” Duke Michael couldn’t believe what he had heard.
My spoiled daughter was actually interested in politics? I wonder how Aaron would react to this! He thought.
His Highness called for Aaron last night, so he was not around today.
“Yes, father. Hmm… I was even wondering if I could have a discussion with you about it. I was hoping maybe you could tutor me personally and give me some advanced lessons.” Tatiana said in a joking manner.
Duke Michael became even more astonished.
“W-why—of course! I would love that!” He said and laughed gleefully.
Tatiana chuckled at his reaction. The duchess also grinned widely.
“Then, let’s schedule for a time that works for the both of us, father,” Tatiana suggested and beamed.
“Alright, alright. Let’s do that.”
The three of them continued their meals in good spirits after that. The duke was, especially, in a good mood.
“Ah, by the way, Tati. I heard you’re going somewhere today?” Duchess Annabelle asked when they were almost finished with their meals. Duke Michael, who was clearly unaware of this, looked at Tatiana with furrowed brows.
“You’re going somewhere? Where? And who’s coming with you?” He asked, his tone was more serious than earlier.
“Ah, I almost forgot," Tatiana muttered. "His Highness asked me…to accompany him...somewhere,” She answered quietly and averted her gaze.
Of course, she couldn’t say His Highness asked her out for a date in front of her parents, right? That would be strange and awkward.
“His Highness?” Duke Michael repeated.
Tatiana nodded and gave him a small smile.
“Yes, father. So don’t worry about it.” She said.
The duke still looked concerned, but he didn’t say anything more.
With that, their breakfast ended.
“I’m going to my room first to prepare. Ah, right! His Highness said he’ll pick me up later.” Tatiana informed them as she stood up from her seat.
“His Highness will visit here?!” The duchess exclaimed in shock.
Tatiana only nodded at her and grinned. Then, she did a small curtsy and ran out of the dining room, leaving the duke and the duchess speechless on their seats.
.
Inside her room, Tatiana was getting dressed with the help of some maids.
She chose a bright purple outdoor outfit to complement her eyes. She also braided her hair and wore a purple sun hat to match. For her accessories, she wore a simple diamond necklace and matching earrings.
“My lady, you look very beautiful,” One of the maids complimented.
Tatiana smiled at her.
“Thank you. It is all because of all of your hard work,” She said.
The maids giggled at her reply. They were still not used to Tatiana’s changes, but they felt really flattered hearing her compliments them like this.
After they finished styling Tatiana, the maids said their goodbyes and left her alone in her room.
Tatiana looked at herself in the mirror.
It has been over a year since I reincarnated, but I just couldn’t get used to Tatiana’s unparalleled beauty. She thought to herself as she twirled in front of the mirror.
Her porcelain milky skin, her long and shiny silver hair, her rosy lips, and her bright and beautiful purple eyes—Jane would never have thought such a person existed if she wasn't living as Tatiana. Her looks were simply…mystical.
Meanwhile, a knock on her door made Tatiana stop from adoring herself in the mirror.
“Come in,” She said and sat on her bed.
The door opened, revealing Mia.
“My lady, the gift has arrived,” Mia said as soon as she entered.
Tatiana’s eyes sparkled when she saw the rectangular box Mia was holding. She jumped up from her seat and approached Mia.
“Is this really it?” She asked in excitement, and Mia nodded.
Tatiana inspected the box first. It was rectangular in shape and about the size of a pencil case. The box was made of wood with a dark blue velvet cloth covering it. The word 'Val' was embroidered on top with gold threads.
She didn’t want anyone to know this gift was for His Highness, so she decided to use the name ‘Val’, which was the nickname His Highness had told her.
After examining the outer appearance of the box, Tatiana slowly opened it to look inside.
Her jaw dropped when she saw the finished product. Even Mia was astonished as well.
It was definitely just like how Tatiana had imagined it.
She smiled.
I hope His Highness will like this…
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reyankleyr
- Writer
