The breakfast was as silent as it could be beside the noise from plates and cutlery. They all pretend like I wasn't even here. They just ate and left. I, too, had my breakfast…not that I had the appetite, though.
Later, as the day drags on, I just did my daily routine. Going through all the paperwork and letters from other noble households.
Those letters are filled with nothing but empty words. Nobility is like a masked banquet or a puppet show. Everyone is pulling threads and making those who are beneath them dance. Every single person is so fake. The possibility that they'll backstab you isn't low. This power-hungry nobility would do anything to gain more power and authority. Though, some people have some people's backs.
But in this show... I do not have the privilege to lean on anyone for support. Or look for anyone who would be willing to help me yet. I can't trust anyone.
… Yes, I have few people on my side... Like Lilith, the knights of the Korvaldt duchy. But those are the people I have to protect. They may help me in the ways they can. But...in high society...power, dominance, and influence are everything. Just one wrong step and you might get tangled up in the puppet show.
I have responsibility beyond my capabilities.... Not that I mind. I'm going to try my best to care for everything that was bestowed upon me. Like always.
I will not lose.
I will not let others run all over me like the other noble ladies whose husbands died and became widows. Those women who had no choice but to be head of their own family, and yet they were always disrespected as if they weren't in power of their own household.
They had no choice but to deal with everything silently, as they aren't taken seriously for simply being a woman.
I won't be so helpless like those ladies.
Anyway... Now that I have finished my work and it's already evening, I'm just thinking about some snacks and tea.
All of a sudden, Lilith burst through the doors in a rush. Before I had the chance to say anything, Lilith spoke up as she tried her best to stabilize her breathing.
"Your grace! His royal highness the second prince is here!"
I paused, taking her words in. Why in the hell would the second prince come? unless it's something important. I stood up and calmly looked at Lilith and responded with a sigh.
"Lead the way and have some tea and refreshments ready in ten minutes." She nodded and started to lead me to the main living room.
Once this hallway was filled with bright flowers and children's laughter. But now it looks so dull, almost like the haunted mansion I used to go to for murder investigations.
But it's much bigger than those places. To be honest, if I hadn't lived here for long, I would have gotten lost in these hallways because it's like a huge maze. But I have it memorized by now... It's been 7 years since I came to the Grand Duke's mansion. 7 years since the Grand Duke freed me from the shackles of slavery.
I thought my past life was a sob story. HAH...But God damn. Comparing this life to my past life, it seems so much more normal. I was a famous criminal lawyer.
I had earned more than some people see in their entire life. I became a lawyer so I can bring justice to the doomed society. But death came soon, like I always wished on my every birthday since I started to understand.
For someone whose family abandoned her in her first life. Not even knowing the parents in second life sure feels like a blessing.
I guess it has become a habit to take on other people's responsibility.
Just in a few minutes I was in the main living room.
Beautiful abstract paintings hung on the white and light gold designed wall are worth more than some people's houses. A wooden table decorated with the finest beautiful pink tablecloth and some little showpieces.
I bowed, seeing the second prince sitting.
"Greetings, Prince Caelen."
He smiled politely, gesturing for me to sit.
"Greetings, Duchess..."
I sat down on the opposite sofa. The door opened, and Lilith came with tea and refreshments, setting up the table. I gestured for her to leave and close the door behind her.
"Soo...what brings you here, Your Highness?"
"Ok... Ladana I'll drop the formalities for now as we are alone." He paused.
"The Emperor summoned you. I am not aware of the reason yet. But I think it's to discuss the current affairs. You know, don't you? The things the late duke used to do."
I nodded along as we both took a sip of the tea.
"Your Highness, you could have simply sent an aide."
"Well, Father did insist on sending an aide, but I wanted to visit you." He paused and continued. "I apologize for not being able to come to the funeral," he said, taking a sip of his tea and avoiding eye contact.
"No, no, Your Highness. You have nothing to apologize for. You were busy with your duties."
A quiet moment passes as we just sip on tea.
"How are you holding up... about all this?"
"I'm alright; there's nothing really to worry about just yet. Though the kids don't seem to be doing well."
"I suppose that is to be expected." He sighed softly as we continued chitchatting for a while, talking about the current situation and what I should be most aware of.
Time passed quicker than expected, and before I knew it, it was time for him to leave. I walked him to the royal carriage. Before he got on… our eyes met with an understanding look. I watched as the carriage pulled away.
The second prince is only a year older than me. Many people might take this visit the wrong way... but few might take it as I'm under the second prince's protection. These interactions might also cause some rumors as well. Another bothersome problem. Though I appreciate his kind gesture.
His highness is a wise person for his age. But still he has a lot to learn. He is of imperial blood. He should really think everything through more before acting. Empathizing with me might cause him some headaches one day.
With a sigh, I turned around and went back to my room.