The Divorced Duchess

Chapter 5: UNWELCOME GUEST

THREE days had passed since Thalia visited the great Mage. She was more surprised when Kayne revealed the meaning behind Hiax. At first, Thalia thought it was a fraud or a made-up story. Out of a million creatures in the world, how would she become the Hiraya that Kayne talked about? According to him, Hiraya was the protector of the world, the destined child of Goddess Enah, whom she loved the most. Kayne had also advised her to be cautious among nobles now that her awakening might draw their wicked interest. Significantly, the holy temple and the high priests had declared Hiraya's awakening to the whole Empire; nevertheless, enough with this trivial matter. She never planned to be a heroine or a saint. She was in circumstances where her marriage was on the verge of collapsing.

"You've been tense since you entered my chamber, Selia. Is anything bothering you?" Selia flinched but didn't move.

Thalia stared at her suspiciously. "Selia, are you hiding something from me?"

"My apologies, Your Grace! There is a rumor around the Duchy that the Duke would bring his lover here, and the butler confirmed it."

Thalia took a deep breath and looked at the window. A moment later, a carriage stopped in front of the main Duchy edifice. She peered behind the curtains when a pale brunette lady got out of the carriage. And that she should expected that she would be the last person to receive such filthy news. The lady smiled widely as her eyes wandered around the vast mansion. Thalia trembled upon seeing that innocent face. No way! She mentally exclaimed. Duke Noxton had been crossing the line. No matter how much he wanted the woman to be part of Chauverthier, Thalia's status should be considered. She composed herself before welcoming the uninvited guest. To think she had become a laughing stock among nobles had degraded her dignity.

"We have to welcome the unexpected visitor to the hellish den."

Even Selia couldn't discern the Duchess's words, yet she obediently followed her until they reached the grand foyer. While waiting for them to enter the mansion, Thalia stood elegantly straight with a stoic profile.

"Duchess?" Simone was flabbergasted as soon as he opened the entrance.

She gave him an apathetic gaze even though he only followed what his master ordered him to do. "The butler had never informed the Duchess of the House. Should I bestow punishment on those who ignore my presence? Do you agree, Simone?"

Simone kept his unfazed expression, yet the humility was still there.

"How about you?" Thalia's hostile gaze shifted to the lady standing behind Simone.

"Marrie never mentioned to me that she would hire another servant for this house. Do you mind telling me where you got the recommendation?" Thalia emphasized her rudeness to the lady.

Even though the lady was insulted, she gave a daring smile. "Greetings to the Duchess. This is Klarine, and the Duke's only consort."

Thalia's ocean-like eyes widened with feigned shock. "Correction: Courtesan. Concubine. You shouldn't be proud of your status because you're a disgrace to society.”

"But he loves me more than his Duchess."

Thalia's face hardened, hiding her defeated facade. What a shameless woman! Is that all she has?

"Why are you so confident when you are only his kept woman? Your manner is like your beautiful face: pretty but vulgar." With that, Thalia turned away with a satisfied smile on her face.

****

"Simone, did Klarine offend the Duchess?" Klarine innocently asked the butler. She had already known what kind of person Thalia was, yet she dared to speak her thoughts. A few days ago, Noxton had sent a letter telling her to move to the estate. It had been her dream since the Duke confessed his love to her. She packed her luggage and bid goodbye to her adoptive family in her excitement. Finally, she could now see the Duke as much as she wanted without any hindrances.

"No. Her Grace is the most generous person I've ever met. She had a lot on her plate because she had to manage the whole Duchy since the Duke was away. For now, I shall guide you to the annex."

Klarine nodded. "Is Klarine's room near the Duke's chamber?"

Simone shook his head hesitantly. "As the Duke's order, you have to stay at the annex. The fifth manor from the main manor, but if the Duke is back, he may consider moving you to the Prime Manor." The Prime Manor was the most luxurious edifice in which the current Duchess stayed. It was a traditional custom of every Chauverthier Duchess to remain in the Prime Manor, passed down from generation to generation.

Klarine pursed her lips in a pout, then picked up her luggage. "Klarine was expecting to stay near the Duke's room, but it broke her heart. Do you think Klarine will live a comfortable life here?"

"It depends on how you live your life, Miss Klarine," Simone answered.

"You are so stiff, Mister Butler. Klarine will probably follow every rule in the house, right?"

"Yes. So, please follow me." Simone motioned with his hands as he led the way. On their way to the annex, Klarine enjoyed sightseeing around. She let her eyes capture everything. It was like a dream come true: the fountain, the gardens, and the palatial edifices. All of these were beyond her wildest dreams because she had only imagined this before, like having an afternoon tea with the Duke. Klarine didn't want to go back to the border village, where it was like a dumpster. Cleaning dirty clothes, cleaning filthy stables, and even kissing the feet of the landlords were never her dream. Klarine wanted to escape from that kind of hellish life until she met the Duke patrolling at the nearby border. While camping guard, she found a way to serve the Duke. She was mesmerized by his beauty and his tenderhearted nature.

"We're here," Simone announced. He opened the huge door, and the expansive room was exposed to view.

"Your accommodations are arranged. An aide shall be sent to see to your comfort."

As Simone closed the door, Klarine plopped into the bed. Looking at the ceiling, where the luxurious chandelier hung. It was surreal to think that, despite everything the Duchess had said, she swallowed every insult she received from her. She was aware of her status as a young and broken woman living in the second district near the border. People would judge her identity, but she didn't give up on her dream that one day, she would escape from the painful reality of life. Her hands slid down to her abdomen, caressing it with gentle love. "Little Duke, are you happy now that we will become a happy family? You, me, and the Duke will live forever. Though life is tough, we must face it together, right?"

A slow smile spread over her mouth and spilled into her eyes. This unborn child was the sign of her love for the Duke. Klarine was excited to see the Duke, and she even imagined his handsome face once he found out the good news. "Little Duke, are you excited about meeting your father? Well, Klarine is, too. Let's welcome him once he arrives."

Knock. Knock.

Klarine peeked at the door when a female servant entered with a carving trolley. As the servant took the cloche off, her stomach growled upon smelling the mouthwatering dishes. "Your lunch is ready, Miss."

When the servant left, she immediately stood up from the bed and began to eat the food. The savory steak had left an impression on her tongue. "So delicious," she exclaimed.

"Little Duke, it's my first time eating something fresh and delicious. Klarine wants to live here forever. Let's do our best to stay here, promise."

Klarine was busy savoring the food when someone knocked on the door.

"Miss, may I come in?"

"You may, Mister Butler."

Simone stopped at the door, a meter away from her. "Her Grace summons your presence. After you finish meal, the servant will guide you to the Duchess's scrivener hall."

Simone uttered a sigh. "Miss Klarine, even if the Duke has granted you to stay here, please be mindful of your manners and etiquette towards Her Grace. I'm neutral between the Duchess and the Duke, but I'm also taking into account the Duchess's nobility."

Klarine lowered the spoon, her appetite gone. She felt sudden unwelcome. Should she visit and provoke the Duchess for a piece of revenge? Klarine left the food on the table and went to see the Duchess with that thought. She met the servant in the hallway, whom the butler chose to stay by her side.

"Miss, I will guide you to Her Grace."

Klarine didn't respond; instead, she followed the servant. The Prime Manor was indeed grander compared to the annex. The marble tiles and valuable vases, and gemstone decorations were truly magnificent.

As soon as the door opened, she was greeted with an atmosphere of authority. The Duchess was dignified in her seat. Her sophisticated manner conveyed a significant gap between them. It felt like Klarine had gone into the lion's den, as if there was no chance of escaping.

"Why do you want to speak with Klarine?" She asked with an aggressive demeanor.

The Duchess's mouth twisted into a wry smile, and she gestured her to the chair. Klarine sat down on the long sofa opposite the Duchess. She could not make a mistake in front of her because, without a doubt, the Duchess would mock her ignorance.

"Don't be tense. I am certain that you like the idea of living in the Duchy." The Duchess's voice was very low and refined. Then she called her lady-in-waiting to bring in the tea. She poured the tea into the cup elegantly; an aromatic flavor filled the air.

"Have you tried drinking chamomile tea? Hibiscus or Jasmine tea?"

Klarine shook her head with a smile. "It's Klarine's first time to drink an imported tea. But Klarine is happy to have tea with the Duchess."

"Is that so?" Duchess Thalia took a sip of tea before placing the cup into the saucer. "Well, I didn't call you to have small talk with me, but to ask why you need to ruin MY marriage with the Duke?"