At the uncomfortable dining table, Kaela tried her best to properly do what she was supposed to do. Thanks to Peon, her mind became clear, allowing her to focus on discussing the visit schedule of the Keruzhan delegation instead of going crazy from hunger.
However, after several discussions, a passing remark by Peon made Kaela flustered again.
“If the Duchess of Monde shows up again with the same thing today, tell her I sent my regards.”
Peon’s eyes were directed at Kaela.
Kaela used the unique nobility speech from the capital Craine of Crania. It was an elegant, roundabout way of speaking that was quite vexing for someone like Peon.
He always preferred to speak directly. Kaela knew this well, yet this time Peon was using the same meaningful nobility speech as her.
If she meets the Duchess of Monde again later, there will surely not be a good reaction.
Telling the Duchess of Peon’s regards meant she shouldn’t question it, but to come to Peon instead. It also meant that he would resolve any issues involving that household that were troubling Kaela.
Adeo de Chasser, the Duke of Ostein, also showed considerable interest.
“Why, did something happen?”
Before Kaela could answer, Peon bluntly told the Duke of Ostein exactly what the Duchess of Monde had said, and cut him off curtly.
“It’s not something you need to worry about.”
“Ah, sorry.”
The immediate apology and his quickly averted gaze made Peon regret it right away.
He knew that his tone and demeanor were quite difficult for the well-bred Princess Kaela. Before his regression, his wife had always tried to get a word in with him no matter what.
It was always an effort that ended awkwardly with him either giving one-word answers or dismissing her by saying ‘That’s not something you need to concern yourself with.’ It had been that way since childhood.
Now, having perceived Peon’s curt dismissal, Kaela would probably find him to be quite an unpleasant existence. He used to think that was how their relationship had to be, but not anymore. Peon had no intention of repeating his foolish mistakes.
“What I mean is, it’s not something worth your concern.”
Those bright azure eyes turned towards him again. Just having Kaela look at him again filled Peon with immense satisfaction.
He had already invested so much of his heart in her, so there was no way he could be okay with ending up on bad terms. At the very least, he wanted to be on good terms.
“Honestly Kaela, you should have gotten angry.”
Of course, with Kaela’s kind nature, she was unlikely to do that. She was someone who endured patiently for a very long time while gradually changing the situation bit by bit.
If they had been given more time, or if Kaela had unlimited patience and endurance, she would have eventually taken control of Lusenford Palace as the Grand Duchess.
But they didn’t have time. Four years was too short, and they ended up losing everything.
“For the Duchess of Monde to act that way crossed many lines,” Adeo muttered politely.
“A Duchess and a Princess are different,” Kaela said with a slight smile, echoing what Peon had told the Duchess of Monde.
It was closer to a formal upturn of the corners of her mouth, but Peon realized how long it had been since he had last seen that smile. She was someone who knew how to smile. Even a slight smile made a gentle light swirl around her, as if the sunshine followed only her.
“The Ostein Duchy approved by the former Emperor and an ordinary Monde Duchy are different even under Imperial law. It’s an absurd situation,” Peon said bluntly. At the same time, the precious Princess Ostein had no reason to get further entangled with the likes of the Empress’s illegitimate child.
“Such a thing should never happen again, but if it does, don’t just ignore it. Tell me, Kaela.”
“Thank you.”
The formally smiling Kaela was now someone no longer associated with him. Peon also knew that her answer was just as formal.
****
The three of them were extremely busy for several days. While Adeo and Peon consulted with the foreign ministry officials about Keruzhan, Kaela ran around the royal palace with her dress trailing behind her.
“If there was a Grand Duchess of Lusenford, the Grand Duchess could have overseen it.”
The Duchess of Monde pursed her lips, but with the current Empress unable to move, the Princess Ostein was the highest-ranking lady compared to the Emperor’s unacknowledged illegitimate children.
The Duchess of Monde had no doubt that her daughter would become the Grand Duchess. That had also been the prevailing opinion in the social circle until now.
“Aish, mother, why would you say that? Peon hasn’t gotten married yet, has he?”
Of course, Beatrice Ravalley, who was dissuading her mother, probably had different thoughts as well.
To be honest, Kaela was a bit curious about when exactly she had become close enough to call the Emperor’s name so casually, but now was not the time to find that out.
“There’s too much to do!”
Even the high-ranking Princess was screaming. The Great Crania Empire could not treat the delegation from the Kingdom of Keruzhan shabbily.
A schedule showcasing Crania’s dazzling wealth, influence, diverse food culture, and elegant banquets was prepared through the three’s efforts.
Ah, how long had it been since she last worked properly like this? Kaela thought as she collapsed in exhaustion.
She chose the dishes for the banquet and dance music, selected the napkin colors, curtains, tablecloths and flowers. She reviewed the guest list countless times and grasped every subtle political issue they would discuss.
This was all work Kaela excelled at. She had performed splendidly as the Grand Duchess, but in Lusenford, no one appreciated her efforts.
No, in fact, it was difficult to accomplish anything proper because no one cooperated, and she was often mocked when the results were a mess due to lack of cooperation. Being a Grand Duchess without any backing was that difficult.
Having smoothly carried out work she loved with professionals for a change, Kaela’s expression was bright.
“Wow, that was fun……”
The thought of having a mountain of work tomorrow as well could not dampen her joy. Feeling a sense of being a useful existence, Kaela half-kicked off her shoes as she sat on the sofa in the partially set up meeting hall.
“Ow…..”
Everything was fine, except her feet really hurt. One shoe went flying off. Right, she just needed to place the other one right next to it, Kaela thought as she flung the remaining shoe.
The arcing shoe flew farther than expected, striking the leg of someone entering and dropping to the floor with a thud. Kaela started in shock and stood up. As soon as those violet eyes turned this way, an apology reflexively burst forth.
“Ah, I’m sorry!”
She hurriedly went to retrieve the nearby shoe first, after having stepped onto the freshly vacuumed and carpeted floor.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know anyone would come in…I’m really sorry.”
She had made a mistake. Her heart pounded and cold sweat dripped down. What should she do? She would surely receive a gaze colder than the Lusenford chill again.
A gaze that dissected people one by one, filled with contemptuous disdain and indifferent loathing. Apologies poured endlessly from her mouth as her small, trembling hands frantically groped at the carpet.
It was unbecoming of a ‘Grand Duchess’. The dignity of the Grand Duke would be severely hurt, and he would find her utterly shameful. A sense of embarrassment washed over her as well.
Before Kaela could retrieve the shoe that had struck just above the man’s ankle and rolled away, the man picked it up first. Kaela, sitting on the floor and pale, followed his hand with her gaze upwards.
“Kaela, it’s okay.”
Instead of looking down at her with his body upright, Peon smiled as he bent over with her. Kaela stared at him wide-eyed with her shoulders hunched like a chipmunk facing its natural predator or a cat.
“Why did you get so startled? Did I scare you?”
It was only after seeing his calm smile and lovely face that Kaela came to her senses, her breath escaping through her slightly parted pink lips.
“I’m sorry I startled you. Can you stand up?”
Unlike the loud-voiced people of Lusenford, Peon asked in a very soft, quiet voice.
If he didn’t lower his voice for the startled Kaela with her heaving small chest and wide eyes, she might faint from shock.
