The Scoundrel's Tribute

Little shadow

Rene

- Is she following us again? - I asked and Magda nodded. My garden was almost done, except a few rare herbs which I'll have to get from the herbalist in the town. Dina became my little shadow since the birthday party and I found her adorable. I'll have to get my hands on a few poisonous herbs as well and find a way to carefully build up, Dina's resistance. "How did my mother do it? *-I wondered when I remembered of the candies she always used to give me. They tasted a bit weird and I got sometimes a bit dizzy or nauseous after eating them but nothing too serious." If I can keep an eye on her after she consumes the candies, I can avoid being caught and in these two years I can help her." - Okay, that's the plan. Hopefully I won't get caught nor murdered before then, I shouldn't have sent that bird to Uncle but it's already late to cry over spoiled milk. I've decided to surprise Dina today and I sat into the grass next to the flower bed.

- Duchess! Your dress will get dirty! - I smiled at Magda.

- I'm sorry, for causing you extra work, I can wash it.

- No! I didn't say because of that! Please don't wash your own clothes my Lady!- I've chuckled ay how flustered she became.

- That's not such a big deal Magda! It won't hurt me to learn a thing or two about housework. Who knows when I'll make my new knowledge useful? - Magda got red.

- A Duchess should never do these kind of things! This is why the maids are here my Lady!

- What if I end up being the Duchess one day Magda? - she gasped and I heard another soft gasp. "So cutes".

- That's not going to happen my Lady!

- Let's talk hypothetically. If I end up being divorced what can I do? I have no family, neither friends and for my Uncle I'm only useful while I live in this Duchy. Magda, I have to learn to take care of myself. If I won't have to use my new knowledge, nothing will happen. - she looked troubled and only then noticed the head ornament I mad out of flowers.

- My Lady is that for? - she asked and I motioned for her to keep quiet and she giggled.

- It's getting late, we should head back and arrange the new seedlings. - I said and got up, taking a glance towards the bushes where Fina hid. As we walked back I looked over my shoulder and saw her smiling at the head ornament. She put it on her head and looked towards me. I quickly turned my gaze away, to keep the appearance of her secret alive for a while. On my way back to my room I've bumped into a young knight. He was around my age and very handsome.

- Duchess, please pardon me! Are you okay? - he asked after he stepped in front of us in a corner and I managed to walk head into his armor. I held my nose and grinned.

- Yeah, I'll survive! I should have paid more attention.

- No it was completely my fault Duchess ! I'm really sorry! Could you please turn a blind eye just this time? I'm still in training. If the captain finds out that I hurt the Duchess, he'll kick me out flying from the Duchy! - his sincere blue eyes and brown hair made him look like a wolf puppy.

- Just this time! But I'll need your name. - I said and he kissed the back of my hand.

- My name is Jesse, it's my pleasure to meet the Duchess personally!

- Nice to meet you too Jesse, but if I'm not wrong, you were in a hurry!

- Oh shoot! Yes! Sorry!, Thank you Duchess! See you later Duchess! - he said and ran away I giggled and Magda noticed my good humor.

- He is cute but very clumsy. - she said and I nodded.

- He is just young. - Magda looked a bit confused.

- What?

- He is around the Duchess's age, yet you said this as if the Duchess was around at least sixty years old! - I chuckled and realized that I've never bothered myself be counting how old I really was. I mean, in this life, I'm currently eighteen years old, but this is my fourth life. We went back to my tower and finished planting the seedlings. Magda noticed that I've prepared a few new places in the shadow.

- What are those for?

- I'll plant a few dangerous plants here, but don't worry, they have their benefits as well.

- I trust the Duchess. - she said and I laughed.

- You are probably the only one in this castle Magda! I appreciate it. Let's go wash up and have some dinner. We have worked hard! - she smiled and when we reached my room I found the door open.

- Is there someone here? - I asked and Magda got in front of me to protect me but she was trembling. I held her hand and pulled her behind.

- Duchess. - she said pointing at my bed. There was a little note on it. I opened and a smile spread on my face.

- What is it? - Magda asked.

- A dinner invitation. Can you please help me to get ready? - Magda smiled and nodded happily.

- Of course Duchess! - in a matter of minutes I was dressed beautifully, my hair got braided into a long braid by Magda, she even put a few daisies into it and I was standing in front of the dining room. My heart pounded in my throat. I took a deep breath and opened the door.

- Duchess! You came! - Dina smiled from her regular seat. I bowed and curtsied.

- I couldn't say no, to the little Lady's invitation. I hope it's okay. - I said directing my words to Dmitry. He didn't say anything just kept eating. I walked to the seat next to him, but decided not to. Instead, I walked to Dina's side and took a seat there.

- Duchess... - she said smiling. We ate our dinner when I decided to make Dina fluster a bit.

- I wanted to report a rare appearance to the Duke. - Dmitry stopped eating and he looked at me coldly.

- Let's discuss after dinner. - he said but I shook my head.

- I'm sorry Duke, but I saw a fairy in the garden. She kept following me lately so I've decided to leave her a flower ornament today. Hopefully she is not angry with me.

- SHE IS NOT! - Dina said and immediately covered her mouth. I smiled at her and woth faked surprise I asked.

- Did Dina also saw the fairy?! - she relaxed and shook her head.

- I didn't, but why don't we search for it together tomorrow? - she asked and I giggled.

- That would be very useful! I happen to know that the Lady like fairy tales! You must be an expert when it comes to fairies! - Fina blushed and I was happy to be able to share this moment with her. "I should have taken better care of you in the past. I'm so sorry dear." - I thought as I wiped her mouth and kept chatting about our plan to catch the fairy. Dmitry kept silent for the whole time until I asked.

- I'd like to request your approval for me to visit the town the day after tomorrow Duke. - he stopped eating and leaned closer.

- What for?

- I need a few rare herbs to my garden. - Dina gasped.

- Daddy! Can I go too?! Please!

- No. It's dangerous. The Duchess can go.but you have to stay here. - she pouted and held my arm.

- But the Duchess can protect me better than any knight! - I saw Dmitry's head getting red and I gently turned Dina's attention towards me.

- No one can protect you as well as your father Dina. Also, if we both leave, who will keep an eye on the fairy? I need you to stay and tell me everything you see! We could be the first ones who see a real fairy! - she sighed and nodded.

- Fine.

- Thank you so much Little Lady! This is so exciting! - I caught Dmitry's glance and I felt strange. His gaze softened this time while he was looking at me. He never looked at me that way, only when I got executed in my last life. I felt a bit dizzy, but luckily the diner was over, so I could go back to my room. When I arrived, I found Magda knocked out and a man was standing in the window.

- You have to come with me. - he said and I scoffed.

- Or else? - I asked and he grinned.

- I'll take you by force. - he said and I felt a wicked grin spreading on my face. He looked scared but it was late.

- Such a shame you won't be able to tell to whoever sent you, to spend more if he wants to catch me alive! - I said and woth my magic I pushed him put of the window, closing it behind him. I woke Magda up and checked if she was right before sending her to rest. I sat down on my bed and sighed.

- This is getting boring.