TGDHC Chapter 08

Chapter 08: Arrival

As we got closer to the destination, Perel kept insisting that I switch carriages with him.

It was true that arriving for the first time as the Grand Duchess in a beat-up rented cart was a bit embarrassing, even for me.

Not to mention, calling it a carriage was embarrassing—it was actually a cart meant for transporting goods.

And I picked the cheapest one at that, I thought to myself.

Hedrick had muttered under his breath, “That pile of wood…” as he glanced at my cart. As we approached Blenheim, the freezing winds slipped through the cracks, leaving my hands and feet numb from the cold.

Eventually, I gave in and moved to the official Grand Duchy carriage with Perel.

When the carriage came closer to the final mountain, the snow-covered Grand Duchy came into full view. At its center stood the imposing gray castle, surrounded by vast plains and hills dotted with villages of various sizes.

“Beyond those mountains is the border with the Kingdom of Rondoris. To the south, we’ll have to cross the second mountain range,” Perel explained.

I couldn’t help but gape.

“I didn’t realize the Grand Duchy was this large.”

“Most people in the capital rarely have a reason to come here. Many just assume it’s a small, remote area,” Perel said with a shrug.

Having been cooped up in the capital’s mansion and then traveling through endless forests, I found myself thrilled at the thought of finally seeing bustling towns and marketplaces.

“Do you think I’ll get a chance to visit the towns soon?” I asked, my eyes sparkling with anticipation.

It was then that Perel hesitated before speaking cautiously.

“Your Grace… I did inform His Grace the Grand Duke of your arrival today, but… he has been very busy lately. He might not be able to come to greet you.”

Seeing his apologetic expression, I smiled reassuringly.

“That’s fine, don’t worry about it.”

Honestly, I’d be lucky if he doesn’t kick me out on the spot.

Perel’s concerned eyes only deepened, as if he had taken my response as self-deprecation.

“But still…”

“Really, it’s fine. This is the same man who was too busy to attend his own wedding, right?”

“Thank you for being so understanding,” Perel replied awkwardly, his lips curling into a sheepish smile.

The one who holds out longest always wins, I thought, watching Perel who shift uncomfortably.

---

“We’re honored to welcome Your Grace, the Grand Duchess. I’m Whitley, the head butler of Blenheim Castle,” greeted a tall, white-haired gentleman with a bow.

“Thank you. I’ll be in your care,” I replied politely.

“Your journey must have been tiring. I’ll take you to your room,” Whitley offered.

I hadn’t expected the Grand Duke to greet me, but seeing only a single butler at the castle gates still left me feeling a bit disappointed.

Well, at least I wasn’t turned away outright. That’s something.

Inside the castle, the high ceilings amplified every footstep, echoing loudly as we walked. Climbing the stairs behind Whitley, I shivered at the chill seeping from the stone walls.

There was hardly any warmth or sense of life in the castle, the eerie silence adding to its cold atmosphere. I stayed close to Whitley, not wanting to get lost in the oppressive stillness.

Thankfully, my assigned room was warm, with a fire already lit.

“I’ll send up a maid to assist you shortly,” Whitley said, preparing to leave.

“Wait,” I called out, stopping him. His large frame and calm demeanor were somewhat intimidating, though his voice remained soft and courteous.

“Where is the Grand Duke?” I asked.

“His Grace is away on official business,” Whitley replied.

“And when is dinner?”

“If you’re hungry, I can have it brought to you right away, or you can dine in the dining hall.”

“No, I was just wondering if I’d see the Grand Duke at dinner.”

“His Grace did not provide a specific time for his return,” Whitley said, his tone neutral.

“I see. If he returns, could you let him know I’d like to meet him?”

“Of course. I’ll inform him as soon as he arrives,” Whitley assured me with a practiced, flawless smile.

“Also, I’d like to have dinner in my room tonight,” I added.

“Understood. Is there anything you’d prefer to avoid?”

“Not really, but I’d like something simple. I’m a bit tired today.”

“I’ll have something light prepared immediately,” Whitley said, bowing slightly before leaving.

The butler is very experienced, I thought, settling into the warm and comfortable room.

The room wasn’t overly luxurious but was clean and well-maintained. Any fears that the Duke might give me a shabby, cold room to try and get rid of me, but he didn’t seem like that kind of petty person.

If I’m going to meet him tonight, I’ll need to freshen up first.

I had spent the entire journey thinking about how to convince the Duke to let me stay. Every night before bed, I rehearsed all sorts of scenarios.

Who knows? Maybe he’ll see me and fall for me at first sight. After all, Annette is pretty cute.

No, that’s probably too much to hope for.

Chuckling to myself, I lay back on the soft bed, feeling oddly optimistic about how my first meeting with the Grand Duke might go.

---

“You’ve gone too far, Your Grace!”

Perel’s voice trembled as he spoke, but Loic only narrowed his eyes in response.

“That’s my line, isn’t it?” Loic said, tilting his head slightly.

“Perel Othis,” he continued, his voice dropping into a cold drawl.

Perel flinched at the sound.

“My orders were simple enough, weren’t they?”

All Loic had said was that the lady should be sent back. Yet here was Perel, blatantly disobeying. Loic crossed his arms slowly, his sharp gaze cutting into his subordinate.

“Have you finally lost your mind?”

“N-not at all!” Perel stammered, clasping his hands together as if pleading.

“But she’s already here! How could we send a new bride away immediately after such a long and difficult journey?”

Loic’s lips curled into a mocking smirk.

“Oh? Did the precious lady whine about how hard it was?”

“Precious lady?” Perel’s tone turned incredulous.

“If you’d seen what she rode in on, you wouldn’t be saying that,” he retorted.

Loic had, in fact, caught a glimpse of her arrival from his office window. He’d noticed her pale blond hair, which faintly resembled the snow-covered mountains of Blenheim.

Now that he thought about it, there had been another cart trailing behind the official carriage.

Did she really ride in that thing?

Remembering the dilapidated state of the cart, Loic’s mood darkened. He glanced at Whitley, who had just returned after escorting the Grand Duchess to her room.