The Divorced Duchess

Chapter 13: UNRAVELED AGENDAS

AFTER the succeeding task in the second district, Noxton came back to the Duchy. Though he was welcomed with hostility by his sister. Even Thalia mocked him and insisted on the divorce. However, he couldn’t let her go.

“It’s not Klarine's fault; no one informed me about the young lady.”

Noxton sighed. Klarine’s eyes were wet, probably out of regret, and the look she gave him implied an understanding of her situation.

“Stop crying.”

Despite his attempt to soothe her, tears continued to drip down her face. “I know that you were shocked, and it was their fault for being careless around you,” Noxton said, referring to the servant. “And from now on, I will punish whoever disrespects you because I will now introduce you to all the residents in the mansion.”

“Is that a promise?” He could only promise her one thing: he would make her into an official Chauverthier, but he didn’t plan to make her a Duchess. It was not until his goal was accomplished. Although he had no affection for Thalia, he treasured the time they had spent together as childhood friends. If only he could do what Thalia was capable of doing, and he admitted it, she would be an excellent companion for ruling the Duchy. Furthermore, he had the biggest problem to solve, like how he could explain to his family about Klarine. He didn’t know what he had to expect if they heard Klarine, especially Senior Qurique, wouldn’t accept her. To them, Thalia was their perfect Duchess to rule the Duchy, but Noxton couldn’t see her as a partner.

“Duke, can I ask something?” Noxton moved his body slightly away from her, looking at her compassionately. She is an innocent woman, fragile with a tender heart. It was cliche to think that he fell in love with Klarine the first time they met. Their first meeting was unusual because he was patrolling around the second district when a group of goblins attacked his knights. Living in a shabby house, Klarine had invited them to stay and for her to treat their wounds. That day, he realized that she was the perfect woman for him. He’d taken pity on her who lived in misfortune, and extended his warm support to take her away from that place.

“Anything for you, my dear.”

“Really?” Klarine’s eyes twinkled with joy as she stared at him.

“Yes, didn’t I promise to give you the world and protect you from danger?”

“Klarine remembers your promise, and she likes it. So, can you give Klarine a position in the Duchy? And to spend money lavishly or host a tea party like what other noble women do?”

Noxton nodded while gently stroking her hair. “You can do everything you want in my name. If you want to wear expensive dresses and accessories, go ahead. I will ask Simone to make a separate monetary account for you.” Her eyes lit up with excitement and enthusiasm that made Noxton animated. A simple gesture of hers made him flutter. “Your Grace, Klarine, has appreciated your efforts and promised that she will always stay by your side.”

“I am lucky to have you,” he uttered. "Would you like to speak with Alice before she leaves for the academy?"

Klarine gave a wavering smile and expressed a deep sadness. “Klarine is afraid to see her because she might not accept me to stay with her. What if she drove Klarine away? Would you listen to her?”

Tears slowly formed in her eyes while waiting for his response. Noxton chuckled and kissed her forehead. “This man would never do that to the woman he was in love with. No one has the power to go against me, even the Duchess. Let’s assure you, you will stay with me until our hair turns gray.”

Klarine didn’t know whether the Duke was teasing her or not. She blushed and puckered her lips.

“Are you ready to meet Alice?” She nodded and together they went to see his sister. Noxton had been knocking on the door, but no one answered.

“Alice, open the door and let us in. Klarine is with me to properly apologize about yesterday.” Still, he wasted his voice for nothing because the room was silent. He ordered the servant to fetch the room keys. As he opened the door, they saw Alice lying on the bed, distracted by books. She didn’t bother to look at them. “I felt hurt being ignored by my sister,” he acted as if he were in pain. Noxton knew his sister well; she couldn’t endure ignoring him. Klarine tugged his sleeve and looked up.

“She is angry with Klarine.”

Klarine broke down and sobbed like a child. “Hush, don’t cry.” Despite the sympathetic tone in his voice, Klarine did not stop. Alice witnessed their blatant drama, rolled her eyes, and moved to the sofa. Noxton held Klarine carefully until they sat on the sofa.

“I’m waiting.” Alice's voice sounded emotionless.

Klarine wiped her tears using the handkerchief offered by him and faced the young lady with a regretful smile. “Klarine is so regretful that she was disrespecting the young lady. Please forgive her.”

“I can forget what you did, but I will not accept you as a concubine. Even the Duchess agreed with my brother’s nonsensical decision. Still, I hate you staying here.”

“Alice!” Noxton hissed furiously.

Her sister was surprised at his sudden anger, as if Noxton had disregarded her.

“Brother, no, I mean your Grace, you are not to stain the family’s name. And this woman will be your downfall. If that day happens, my words will be remembered.” Alice said with a cold tone and left the room.

Noxton couldn’t comprehend his sister’s attitude towards them. Too hard to interpose between his family and Klarine. Like in the middle of two rolling stones clashing together. As much as he wanted them to be on the great side, it was impossible, and only he could persuade his family to accept his lover.

****

Thalia was thrilled to look around at Princess Stella’s library. Two days ago, before she had gone to the Tower of Mage, the Princess sent an invitation letter for a simple tea that she hosted. In the letter, the Princess expressed her thoughts about discussing business with her. She was too early to attend the Princess’s invitation. Unfortunately, Princess Stella was unexpectedly summoned to the Imperial palace, and ordered the attendant to cater to her needs while waiting for the Princess’s return. Instead of staying in the drawing room, Thalia asked the attendant to guide her to the library. Princess Stella’s library was organized and filled with interesting botany books. However, she noticed an odd book had blended into the botany shelves. She became curious and took the book from the shelf. No title is written on the cover, nor is the name of the author. She flipped the first page, “The Living Record of the Past.” Thalia read the title printed in bold font. The book caught her interest, and she leaned on the shelf and began reading the second page.

The curtain in the palace hung down.

Two ideal paths separated by misconceptions

The Light and Power fade as someone desires the scepter.

She bestowed divine intention on the first emperor.

Follows every will and respects her tender spirit.

Though greed has been born to destroy the empire.

She, who punished the man with a curse

Until another emperor was born carrying the black curse.

Before vain is lifted from resentment, a Hiraya is born with a powerful Hiax.

To save and fight the immortal beast of the North’

This author of the chronicle has written truths and virtues.

The courage to fight fate

The vigor to pursue dreams

Carve the soul into a pattern

As the warrior pours out his heart to the Goddess

Imprint the seal of eternal glory.

“Your Grace?” Thalia was startled when the attendant called her. She hid the book promptly in the top corner of the shelf and followed the attendant. They stopped in a greenhouse, still thinking about the book she had discovered in the library. Honestly, she wanted to borrow the book and continue unraveling the meaning of the text. It may have the answers she was looking for.

She will get the book no matter what happens.

The Princess was prettily sitting by a rounded table, truly a graceful noble to behold.

“It’s my honor to attend the princess’s tea time.”

Meeting the Princess for the second time was a privilege and an opportunity to build a good relationship with the Imperial family.

“Me too, Duchess. Since you accepted my invitation, I have prepared a lot of desserts and tea flavors. Tea was gifted by the king of the Southern Kingdom.”

At the moment that Thalia installed herself in the chair, she perceived mostly orchids in the greenhouse. “I learned something from your highness today,” she complimented.

Princess Stella admired the look on her face in awe. “Since I’ve become a deposed Queen, gardening saves me from distress and has eventually become my hobby. Then my sons would wonder why I cared so much about my plants, and later, they would sulk like little puppies,” she giggled.

Speaking of which, Princess Stella’s sons were working as educators in St. Cypress Academy. Thalia was aware of their outstanding competence because the eldest son of the Princess was an academic professor, and the latter was the legendary sword master.

“I admire your mothership, Your Highness. You must be proud of them.”

“I appreciate, Duchess Thalia. In the long run, the Duchess is the only person I appreciate. That is why I want you to appoint me as the Imperial Auxiliant.”

To Thalia’s surprise, she almost burnt her tongue because of the Princess's unexpected news. How could she react to it? Knowing that the position of Imperial Auxiliant was affiliated with bigger responsibilities; also, it was rare for the Imperial family to appoint an Imperial Auxiliant. This position was higher than any rank in the Empire, wherein all the intelligent people there had a desire to be one of the Imperial Auxiliant.

“But Your Highness! I am not worthy of this position, nor capable of managing the Empire family's confidential information.”

The royal Auxiliant was given to the trusted allies of the Imperial family. Taking an oath to the royal members and accepting this position was a life and death commitment. One who should take this position must have integrity and wisdom because they act as the mediator between the Imperial members. Sometimes the attendant disturbed their tea; it seemed that the Princess had another agenda; thus, Thalia humbly exited the greenhouse.

****

“My, my, what am I seeing? Is my nephew visiting me at this time? Don’t be too obvious, missing your Aunt, Your Majesty. I just had an audience with you a while ago.”

Kallixto was embarrassed while listening to his aunt poking fun at him. He hadn’t planned to visit her estate, but he couldn’t rely on anyone who had the information he obtained about his father’s sin. “Princess, I would not assume that you drank two cups of tea,” he said as he glanced at the table. Kallixto felt a familiar aura that eventually faded into the air.

“You have a keen sight.”

“I guess my timing is bad,” he sighed exaggeratedly.

“Stop making that face, Your Majesty. The Duchess had gone some time ago, and it’s not a big deal.”

Kallixto’s forehead puckered. His senses were right because the aura belonged to the Duchess. He gave a suspicious expression while his aunt laughed at him. “I offered the Duchess a Imperial Auxiliant position.”

“Why?”

“I woke up one day and ta-da.... I decided to make the Duchess an Auxiliant.”

And therefore, Kallixto concluded that his aunt, the Princess, out of her impulse, had acted frivolously. He knew her better as a beautiful person in and out, but sometimes she was an unbothered Princess. This person in front of him became his mother and adviser while growing up.

“You shouldn’t order anyone to be someone they are not prepared for, Aunt. And speaking of the Duchess, she was the Goddess Enah's daughter, who is destined to save the Empire.”