The Divorced Duchess

Chapter 3: UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER

COUNT Darvan, the inspection commissioner, rescued the young little Leaf Avery from the slave traders about ten years ago. Leaf Avery's magnificent copper-red long hair and emerald eyes revealed the actual appearance of an elf. Thalia was mesmerized the first time she met him. Even though he wore shabby clothes, his beauty was radiant like the sun. As a result, greedy nobles took advantage of selling him off as a slave. Leaf Avery belonged to the fallen Alfaen elves tribe. The late Emperor, who began subjugating all over the continents, including the isolated pillars of the Goddess Enah, had fallen into despair. These fallen pillars were brought to the Claverence Empire as slaves. Leaf Avery was among the vulnerable slaves who were said to be the last heir of the Alfaen tribe. Fortunately, Count Darvan took the responsibility for saving him and took him to the Psycheberg mansion. At her young age, Thalia showed compassion for him; nevertheless, they had racial diversity. They grew up together under the same roof and became siblings long before the Count decided to send them to study at the Saint Cypress Academy.

"Good morning, Your Grace!"

A cheerful young lady attendant came in. She had a lovely personality, and her freckles matched her tan complexion. Thalia scanned her from head to foot. She might be the lady-in-waiting that the butler chose.

"Which family house are you from?"

"I am the third daughter of Baron Rownie, Selia. I am at your disposal, Your Grace."

"You must be the top student of the etiquette class. They said you have exceptional skills; I bet you can also vow commitment only to the Duchess."

Selia gave a bright smile and bowed her head slightly. "Thank you for the compliments, Your Grace. It's my honor to serve the Duchess, Thalia Chauverthier. I will do my utmost to perform my duty as your lady-in-waiting."

"I'm glad to hear you have your word. Anyway, ask Marrie to accompany us on a tour. You also have to know every corner of the manor."

"Yes, Your Grace." Selia bowed her way out. Thalia had also prepared herself to meet the people of the Duke. A minute later, they arrived, and Marrie formally greeted Thalia. Marrie was the head maid in the estate, next to Simone. She was in charge of internal affairs, assigning servants to various posts, and keeping a close eye on their performance.

"Greetings, Your Grace, may I ask where to inspect first?" Marrie politely asked.

"I will trust your knowledge in guiding us on our tour. So you can lead the way."

The three of them went out to the garden and greenhouse. The gardeners and nursery laborers were diligently trimming, watering, and sweeping the area when they noticed Thalia's presence. They gave her a warm welcome as the official Duchess of the estate. She loves the various flowers because they were all imported from a foreign kingdom. She and the Duke, younger selves, had always hung out in the beautiful spot of the garden, and these people predicted that they would end up together. Their prediction was quite half-accurate.

Goodness gracious, Thalia, enough with the useless memories!

They continued visiting the other edifices and places of the manor until they reached the last destination — the training ground. Thalia was supposed to turn around and leave that place; however, a muscular, tan man called her name.

"Lady Thalia!" Marrie and Selia blocked the man from coming to her, as if this muscular man were a threat to her. Thalia looked at the man arguing with the two ladies, and she knew him: the Dame Captain of the Duke's knights, David Oswald. His likable

personality and undeniable strength never failed to amaze her. Sadly, his excessive loyalty to the Duke drove him to a tragic demise.

"Enough with the bickering, we came here to inspect." Thalia chided them.

"But, Your Gra—"

Selia protested, but Thalia gave a straight face that made the lady step aside, then her gaze shifted to David, who was obviously confused at them.

"Lady Thalia, what made you come here? Are you here to visit the Duke's wife?"

Right! The knights were not present at their marriage ceremony because they had been guarding the borders for two months. They might have known that the Duke was married to a noblewoman, but they didn't know who the Duchess was.

"She is the new Duchess of this estate." Marrie declared.

His eyes widened. "Huh?"

"Duchess Thalia is the official wife of the Duke. Now that you know her status, please refrain from discourtesy, Sir."

That made him fall silent, and then he knelt on one knee on the ground. "Please forgive my rudeness, Your Grace. I will bear in mind my mistakes and discipline myself."

"I will pay no heed to what happened today, since it's my responsibility to introduce myself to all of you."

David got up from his knees, and, as customary concerning higher nobles, he greeted Thalia with honor. "I, David Oswald, will faithfully follow Her Grace. Please rely upon your well-being with us, the Chauverthier knights."

"I appreciate your sense of duty, David. I'm looking forward to your cooperation."

"Err," David paused for a second. "Are you here to visit His Grace? I will gladly guide you in our training battle. He is currently wielding a sword with other knights."

The expectation on David's face disappeared when Thalia stiffly said no. "Forgive me for being impertinent, and if it made you uncomfortable. I will now go back to my post, and I'm glad to see you again as the Duchess." David walked away from them until his figure dwindled. He might have felt the discomfort upon seeing her stiff face and emotionlessness. Thalia couldn't be as soft as before because the wall barrier she built would surely collapse. She was sorry for him and the people who became attached to her, but if it's meant for her future, everything was worth fighting for.

The night came, yet Thalia had another plan to fulfill. She had an early dinner before the Duke. The servants seemed to notice their coldness to each other, yet they didn't bother to spread a rumor about them, at least not in her presence. She avoided him as much as she could. They did everything to avoid each other's presence except at gatherings where they both had to act as a perfect couple. Simone also informed her of Noxton's departure for the frontier, and he stated that the Duke's return would take a month. But the case was different. Thalia didn't care if he returned or if he'd stay forever on the border, as long as they didn't see each other. Thalia took the black cloak and the sheath of the dagger out of the closet and pulled her hair up in a ponytail. Finally, her ocean-like eyes checked the outfit. Surely, no one would notice the Duchess in the street with this suspicious look. Everything was settled; it was only a matter of time to figure out how to leave the room without someone suspecting her.

However, the Chauverthier mansion wasn't that tight in security. Thalia sauntered onto the balcony. Looking from above would give her a heightened anxiety. She swallowed, her throat dry with nervousness. However, in a split second, her eyes lit up. Vines! Whoever planted those thick vines near the balcony was a godsend. She held the sturdy vine and positioned herself by jumping off the high floor. Thalia closed her eyes in anticipation of plunging into the rough ground, but that didn't happen; instead, small bushe caught her tiny body. Feeling a little hurt, she rose and dusted off the leaves on her clothes.

"Step out!" Someone shouted from a distance. It occurred to her mind that tonight was the time for patrolling. She clicked her tongue in frustration. The patrol knights were coming her way. Even the torch made a way to her that almost caught her shadow. Thalia flustered, and suddenly, a luminous light flashed through her palm, the enigmatic spectral shrouded in mystery. Everything went so fast. The next thing she knew, she was staggered to her feet, swaying a little. Thalia forced herself to discern what had transpired tonight. The cordial streets of the town rested in silence as the chilly breeze swept over them. Several emporia and dining inns were closed, betokening the day had ended, except nearby pub houses where fellow carousers began to enjoy life as if they'd been living their lives to the fullest. Despite the dizziness, Thalia forced herself up and strode forward, cursing as she lost her balance.

Oh damn!

She would definitely kiss the ground, yet strong arms gripped her delicate body from falling, lifting her off her feet. "Be careful," a baritone voice from behind sent a shiver down her spine. Thalia slowly looked up to face the handsome man. She gaped in astonishment as she caught sight of his dazzling beauty. The bright moonlight enhanced his shimmery silver hair, and his crescent-shaped eyebrows were thick and narrow, harmonizing with his golden eyes, which gleamed like a bellicose wolf. His smooth skin and tall stature, and solid yet slender body were comparable to a beast. It was unusual to meet such a beauty carrying an imperious nose so well, and his angular cheekbones carved down towards a flinty jaw. She couldn't compare him to other men she met, even the Duke. Who would have thought that there would be such a person whose beauty was beyond society's standards? Thalia's ocean-like eyes accidentally slid down to his crimson lips.

Stop harassing him, Thalia!

"Can you walk on your own, Milady?" he asked. This time, their bodies were pulled apart from each other.

"Yes. Thank you," Thalia glanced at him again. She lifted her chin to show a resolute expression as she hid her amazement. "Mister, would you tell me your name? Because I hated being indebted to others. A simple thank you wasn't enough, so tell me your name and name your price." In the blink of an eye, Thalia got a glimpse of amusement on his face. She felt a little embarrassed and glanced sideways to hide her flustered face.

"You may call me by the name Kallix, Milady. I'm a mercenary, and your offer is tempting, but I need to decline it. Helping others does not need anything in return, but you can pay me at some other time if you insist. If there are chances of us meeting in the future, I will gladly accept a simple afternoon tea."

"Chances are rare. What if I cannot repay you? It will haunt me eternally, because there is a person whom I have forgotten to return the favor."

The gorgeous man plastered a gorgeous smile on his face. "I believe in chances, so like destiny. 'Till we meet again," he then turned back away from her until his silhouetted figure faded along with the darkness of night.