FIRST DAUGHTER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
541 Words
The entire dining hall fell into a heavy silence.
"How insolent," the duchess scolded.
"How dare you put words into Father's mouth?" Alara, the second daughter, spoke while delicately covering her mouth with a small white handkerchief.
Irene, the duchess's eldest daughter, slowly sized Lilac up, a mocking smile playing on her lips.
The duke, however, simply watched Lilac. His gaze was gentle as he observed her calm expression.
Once, someone had asked him a question that still lingered in his mind.
"Husband, did you marry me as a replacement?"
Shaking away the memory, he looked at Lilac.
"You have to fulfil your responsibilities as the first daughter," he said. "Lilac, it is what you owe this family for raising you all these years."
The warmth disappeared from Lilac's eyes.
Her entire presence changed.
"Owe..." she repeated softly.
Then she looked directly at him.
"What exactly do I owe you?"
The duke frowned slightly.
"What do you mean?"
His voice changed as he continued.
"Your duchess mother has been sending all the funds needed for your upbringing to your aunt in the countryside all these years."
"Dear father..." Lilac chuckled.
"Which aunt?"
She picked up a grape and slipped it beneath her silk mask.
The duchess's face immediately lost all colour.
Lilac slowly stood.
"Please confirm your facts before you come demanding a debt from me."
Her voice remained calm, but every word carried a sharp edge.
"And don't pretend you don't know that I have never even made my debut into high society. If you truly wish to ask me to do something for this family, then at the very least, give me the proper debut ball I deserve."
The duke stared at her.
For a moment, he could only sit there, his mouth slightly open, guilt filling his eyes.
He watched helplessly as Lilac turned and stormed out of the dining hall.
After a moment, he slowly shook his head and turned his cold gaze toward the duchess.
---
Far down the corridor, Lilac could still hear the duchess's furious screams and the duke's angry voice echoing through the halls.
"Hehehe... Dorian, am I being naughty?" she asked with a cheeky smile.
She jumped gracefully onto the beam where Dorian had been concealed in the darkness.
"My lord is magnific—"
"Shh."
Lilac interrupted him, pressing closer without a second thought.
Dorian immediately fell silent, swallowing deeply as he looked at her with an unreadable expression.
---
Meanwhile, the duke stormed out of the dining hall and summoned his personal shadow guard.
"Sir Illis."
The knight immediately appeared and dropped to one knee.
"Is it true?" the duke asked solemnly.
"Yes, my lord," Sir Illis replied. "Lady Lilac has been living in a small shed in the mountains all these years. Meanwhile, Lady Maria,the Duchess's sister ,has been living in a mansion in Lingwood County."
The duke closed his eyes and sighed.
His hand trembled slightly.
"Alright," he said softly.
"Escort the duchess to the west wing. She needs time to atone for her sins."
He paused before continuing.
"And immediately begin preparations. I will give Lilac the greatest debut ball the world has ever seen."
His voice lowered.
"That is the least I can do for her."
- Writer
