I was just having a good sleep when I woke up from a loud thud.
Before I realized what was happening. I got drenched in water.
Ok, not a very good morning. I looked up to see Leo and Kas. Holding an empty bucket over my head. I
t's already late autumn, so it's freezing... being soaked in cold water first thing in the morning isn't the most pleasant thing.
These two are such a pain in the ass. Always pulling all sorts of pranks on me. I just wake up and already have a headache.
"Leo, Kas... didn't I already tell you not to do this sort of thing?" My voice lacked the usual softness I use with the kids.
They just looked at each other and smirked before looking back at me with eyes full of hate and a hint of bitterness towards me. Their eyes look puffy from crying yesterday. It's only been a day since their father died, and they are back to bullying me already.
I guess kids are kids; they still don't get the gravity of the situation yet. Not that I want them to fully understand that.
I just want to do my best to take care of them. But they're still annoying pranks. You can't just always let them get away with it!
Kas spoke up, his voice full of coldness and bitterness.
"And why should we listen to you of all people?" I looked down at my wet clothes and then looked at them.
"Because I'm your mother."
Leo quietly spoke, correcting me.
"Stepmother"
I had such an urge to just roll my eyes and tell them to fuck off, but I held back.
"Still your father's wife. Go back to your room, NOW." I said, my voice dripping with authority, leaving no room for argument. They ran off, closing the door behind them.
Well, I can't go back to sleep now. I guess I'll get to work... No, I should have breakfast first. I got down from the wet bed and changed myself into some normal dresses.
If this was still 2025. People would think I'm going to some kind of big event for celebrities. But these are just the most modest clothes for nobility. Well...damn.
I called for Lilith through a bell. This thing sure is loud. She came and gasped, seeing the bed wet. "Is this Lord Kas and Lord Leo's doing?" She asked, her voice soft as always.
"I shouldn't have told the guards to leave... My apologies, Your Grace," she bows in an apologetic way.
"Lilith, No need to apologize for something so insignificant. I told you to tell the guards to leave. You have nothing to apologize for." I paused for a bit before saying,
"Are all the kids up?" she said, still looking down.
"Not yet, Your Grace," I hummed in acknowledgement as she came forward and started to change out the bedding. I watched and sat down on the sofa.
"Call them all for breakfast... at 9.30am. And have the chief cook all their favorites." I ordered Lilith as she simply nodded and continued with her work.
I just sat there thinking about how crazy all of this is. I don't even know which year wasn't crazy since I was born in this world. No matter how much I look at it... it kind of makes no sense and a bit of sense at the same time.
I sat calmly as I looked at myself in the mirror. Looking at my short hair being brushed by Lilith. She made me look somewhat not dead after getting me fully dressed and ready for the day.
What will I ever do if Lilith isn't here to help? I guess I'll look even worse than I already do.... I sighed softly and looked up at her. "Thank you for your help," she smiled and replied, "With pleasure, Your Grace."
Lilith is one of the best people I know in this world. This 28-year-old lady has been nothing but kind to me since the day I came to the Duchy. She was there for everything ever since then… she is like a big sister but the good kind, always kind and caring. It makes me feel bad for ordering her around. But she insists that I'm in a high position; that's why it's ok to treat her like that. If it was up to me, I'd treat them the same as me.
After getting ready, we walked down the hallway to the grand dining room. Big wooden chandeliers with gold decor, vases full of fresh flowers picked this morning, and a very long wooden table in the middle. All the windows are open, letting the fresh morning breeze fill the room. All the food settled with perfection.
I sat down at the end of the table where Master used to sit as I waited for the children to come and join me.
I looked at my pocket watch. You might be wondering, how do I have a pocket watch while wearing a dress? It has a damn separate little pocket for the watch.... 9:41 still haven't come yet.
I looked over at a maid who understood my unspoken words and went to call them again. A few moments later, all 5 of the children came.
Alaric Von Korvaldt, 15 years old, is the eldest son and the next head of the dukedom. Isolde Von Korvaldt, 13 years old, is the second lady of the house. Cedric Von Korvaldt, 13 years old, is Isolde's twin brother and the second load. Leopold Von Korvaldt, 9 years old, the third lord of the house, and at last Kashmir Von Korvaldt, the fourth lord and Leopold's twin brother.
"Finally, some people decided to show up," I said calmly, yet with a hint of sarcasm in it.
They didn't say anything and sat down. The maid started to serve them. I just watched as they started to eat without saying a word.
They are too mentally exhausted to even argue with me. Good for me, I suppose. All five of their eyes were swollen and red from crying yesterday.
Even Alaric's eyes look red. I guess he cried when he was alone. He is strong, I know that… but it's ok to cry in front of people... he's still just a kid.