The Divorced Duchess

Chapter 2: A DUCHESS’S DETERMINATION

THALIA opened her eyes in a strange room before it sank into her thoughts that she had become a Duchess yesterday. Everything was surreal, at least to her knowledge of the past. Thalia tossed the linen blanket to the side and rose. She rang the bell hanging beside the bed, and shortly after, servants entered the room. They began to help her remove the nightgown. Some servants prepared the tub to bathe and leave as she soaked her body in the water. A distinctive lavender aroma and essential oils of chamomile that mixed with red rose petals, had soothed her nerves. It may have taken her an hour before she changed clothes from the comfort of the tub. The servants entered the room again, dressed her up in a dress, and let them pamper herself with makeup and hairstyle. Afterward, Thalia proceeded to the kitchen restaurant and started her day with a croissant and strawberry milk. It would probably be her daily routine starting today. She was about to finish half of the milk when Noxton appeared in the room. If before, her heart thumped loudly because of Noxton's presence, now, she felt nothing. It could be that her love for him had changed since she already knew his true self. Even though she wanted to finish the rest of the milk, Thalia stood up without saying anything. She neither paid attention to him as he sat down.

"Simone had already prepared the ducal documents. Even if you don't want to do the Duchess's duty, well, I know you will accept it, though." Noxton nattered away.

Thalia's eyes bored unto him. "How are you sure that I will accept the duty of being the Duchess?"

"You made a promise to my father."

Really? He remembered the promise she had made two years ago to his father. Even so, the promise she made was a spur-of-the-moment one. The former Duke made a word of honor to descend the state seat only if he surpassed the former Duke's expectation－ and he did it. With strength and persuasiveness, he inherited the Duke's title even though the former Duke was still alive. Immediately upon receiving Noxton's academy degree and the Order of Merit given by the late emperor. Thalia knew Noxton's achievement because she had always been on Noxton's side.

"I'm glad that you still remember, but how can you be sure that I can carry out my duty? Well, you don't trust me." Thalia grilled him with malice.

Noxton shrugged before giving her a once-over. "You, as my wife, are not a bad thing, since I know you are capable of handling things on your own. Also, I'm indebted to your assistance. Though I can merely see you as my trophy wife."

Thalia's orbs widened with rage. Her husband's remarks were like a sharp knife cutting her into pieces. She even felt indigestion and suffocation as her face flushed with anger; moreover, she could no longer stay in the same room with her husband. How could he say those words right to her face? Thalia curled her hands into fists until the nails dug deeper into her skin, and they bled as she walked out of the dining hall.

She tossed furiously everything from the expensive ceramic and marble vases in the room. The shattered, broken sharps were scattered on the floor, and her hands were bleeding despite the pain she felt; her emotional affliction was more severe. The servants were flinching at their posts as they heard behind the door the Duchess's wrath. Simone, on the other hand, apprehended the situation. He immediately asked one of the servants to get the first aid kit from the clinic. Simone, as well as the servants, dared to break into Thalia's room. They gasped upon seeing her vulnerability. Simone reacted; first, he ordered the servants to clean the mess and tended to the injured Duchess. Thalia's eyes were swollen and red; she was more like a lifeless doll after what happened.

"Your Grace, for the meantime, you can take some time off, and I'll handle the duty until you can manage to come back to your senses."

Thalia made no answer; instead, she flopped exhaustedly on the bed and let the servants cover her with a blanket. Her mind went blank, and her body was devastated by pain till darkness swallowed her consciousness.

****

It had been three days since the day that happened between Thalia and her husband. She never left the chamber for three days, only to keep herself away from the outside. She smiled bitterly. Who would have thought that the Chauverthier Duchess would cry her eyes out and confine herself after the wedding?

"Please be careful, Your Grace. It would be best if you didn't have to move your hands for the time being," said the resident physician.

As soon as she calmed down, Simone instantly called the Duke's resident physician to treat her wounds. The servants carefully attended her and frequently visited the chamber even though she hadn't called them. It was like Simone instructed them to be aware of her current situation.

Instead, Simone responded to the physician's prescription. "Yes, I'll remind her, Grace. You only need to send the herbal cream here." With that, the physician humbly left the room. Simone stood at the end of the bed, glanced at her. He didn't say anything, as if he had trained himself to observe quietly.

"Simone, prepare all the ducal statements as soon as possible," Thalia commanded.

Simone's surprised expression focused on her to see if she was blabbering. Despair washed over her, but she was forced to show confidence.

"Do you mean to take over the duty, Your Grace? What about your health? The physician advises that you should take a rest before doing heavy tasks."

"After my hands are fully recovered, I can start my duty in the office, but for now, I have to tour around the manor for proper inspection of the workers."

Simone nodded. He was at his prime age of being a bachelor. His bowl-cut brown hair and jet-black eyes had given him an innocent impression of a butler. He was Duke Noxton's aide. Only a few trusted confidants from a noble family served the Chauverthier family. Albion's family was one of them. His great-grandfather, Constantine Albion, had started the pledging tradition of abiding loyalty to the Duke's family, so that even his descendants had to follow the custom of serving them. As a noble confidant, he managed all the Duke's daily tasks; he was the closest friend of Noxton. There was also a widespread rumor that Simone supported his master's affair.

"I'll ask Marrie to guide you around, your grace. And if you have concerns about the household, please do not hesitate to ask. This humble servant will answer your inquiries."

"It doesn't matter if I ask you a personal question, right?"

"Absolutely," Simone said, confidently.

"How long have you known Klarine?"

Simone was stupefied to answer her. Well, it was visible on his face that he knew something. He didn't deny nor confirm; instead, he stayed tight-lipped and looked down. Thalia squeezed her eyes shut. She had to be wary around people close to the Duke. They may show affection towards her, but maybe one day, they will drive a knife deeper into her back.

"It's alright. Truth is mighty and must prevail." Thalia smiled with veiled hostility at him.

Simone was quick-witted enough to understand what the duchess conveyed. "Please forgive my ignorance, Your Grace. I'm only doing my duty as the butler of Chauverthier house."

"Forget what I have said. You are dismissed."

As Thalia dismissed Simone, she was now alone in the room. She stood up and hurried to the wardrobe opposite her bed. Thalia yanked the closet open and peered over to see what she could wear for the sunny day. It was a summer season when she and the Duke tied the knot. She grimaced. That day should be forgotten, and thus, the person who brought pain to her. Thalia changed into the dress she chose and looked in the mirror. The sundress was designed without a corset but fitted to be worn during summer because of its lightweight, comfortable fabrics. It was comfortable to wear; significantly, she had to tour around the Duchy. The dress didn't complement Thalia's appearance, so it looked like an incredible mess. She had her sunflower ornament in her blonde hair, and her pale skin didn't match the lively color of the dress. Should she change into gloomier shades? It took her an hour to decide what clothing to wear till she wore the sundress. She didn't bother to call for assistance, so she tried her very best to fix her hair and apply makeup to a decent level. Thalia sighed with satisfaction, though he could see her terrible beauty techniques. However, if any beauty specialist had seen her, they would click their tongues, criticizing the unpleasant overall sense of appearance.

"Your Grace," the servant stepped inside after knocking thrice on the door. Thalia tilted her head as she saw the servant carrying a white envelope. When the servant handed the letter to her, she waved her hand, leaving the servant out of the room. The letter has her name written in cursive.

Duchess Thalia Psycheberg Chauverthier

Without hesitation, she tore the envelope as she pulled out the letter. "Congratulations to the new Duchess," she read aloud the first sentence.

'I would like first to congratulate you on becoming the Duchess of Chauverthier. It may sound late, but it comes from the bottom of my heart. I apologize for not being present at your wedding. However, I will congratulate you again if we meet personally. Setting aside the reason, I am sending you a letter to inform you about the great Mage of the tower, for he can help you solve the mystery behind the little jewel. As I continued my journey all over the continents, I found your Hiax similar to the old prophet a hundred years ago. Hoping you receive this letter and find Kayne.'



P.S. If you happen to locate him, tell him my name.

Yours, Leaf Avery

It has been too long since they met. Thalia's face beamed with delight, taking a trip down memory lane with Leaf Avery. She picked up the treasure box from the drawer and unlocked it, placing the letter inside. She will meet him soon.