Chapter 016: New Status
Duke Hugh Ethan Griffith is the second son of three sons born to Grand Duke Griffith. Hugh was granted his dukedom at the age of 23, one year after he led his forces in a major war against the Kingdom of Targozar and Vuldrekh, successfully seizing control of the entire Skythia region. Skythia is a vast mountain range that has long been contested between the Kingdom of Xipil and the Kingdoms of Targozar and Vuldrekh, a region that is highly strategic and rich in natural resources.
From the age of 12, Hugh was thrust into the battlefield alongside his elder brother. However, at the age of 15, after his brother's death in battle, Hugh was entrusted with leading the army in an attempt to capture Skythia. In the nine bloody years of war, Hugh finally succeeded in driving Targozar and Vuldrekh out of Skythia.
Skythia covers an area nearly as vast as the Alps, a region that has been under the Griffith dynasty's control for over a century. Although only about 30% of Skythia has been explored and developed in the past five years, the region is rich in coal, copper, and gold mines, bringing extraordinary wealth to the Griffith family. Hugh's victory in conquering this region has further strengthened their position within the hierarchy of the Kingdom of Xipil.
The Griffith family is the only one to have successfully controlled three major territories that have been fought over by four great kingdoms for centuries: the Alps, Skythia, and Kargavs. While the Alps have long been under Griffith control, Skythia only recently fell into their hands after a long and grueling struggle. Kargavs, the third resource-rich territory, is currently in the process of being conquered by Hugh's younger brother, Maximilian Griffith.
Despite their conquest of these regions, all three territories—Alpen, Skythia, and Kargavs—remain under threat from the Targozar, Vuldrekh, Varkhassa, Zorthen, Drazhkar, and Kharzeth nations. These six nations/kingdoms are known for their brutal nature, immense physical strength, and horrifying rumors of their habit of devouring captured enemies alive. This threat has caused many of the Xipil nobility to hesitate in attempting to secure control over Skythia and the Alps, even though these regions have long been under Griffith control.
The presence of the Griffith family in the northern territories is crucial to the political stability and security of the kingdom. If the Griffiths were to fall, the territories closer to the heart of the Kingdom of Xipil would be vulnerable to invasion by foreign nations. Griffith's position in Xipil's politics has always been viewed with ambiguity—despite their immense power, many nobles despise their harsh methods. However, there is no alternative for the kingdom but to rely on the Griffith family's strength to protect the northern regions, which contribute the most in taxes to the kingdom.
The Griffith dynasty is known as the "Conqueror Wolves of the Alps," and in a century, they managed to take control of the Alpine region. Now, Skythia has also fallen to them, thanks to Hugh's efforts, who has completed what was started by their predecessors. Without their hard work, the path to victory would certainly not have been as swift as it appeared.
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That morning, a woman, appearing older, with a sturdy build and a very stern expression, approached Atthy, who had just woken up, followed by several servants behind her.
"Good morning, Your Grace Duchess," the woman greeted with a firm, elegant demeanor, her voice full of authority. "My name is Helena Whitmore, the High Head Maid of the Skythia Duchy."
Atthy stared at her for a moment, feeling slightly awkward. "Good morning, Madam Helena... may I call you that?" she asked, still hesitant.
"Of course, Duchess," Helena replied, her expression unchanged, making it unclear whether she liked it or not. "But just 'Helena' will do, no need to call me Madam."
Atthy paused for a moment, feeling unsure. Calling Helena without the title of "Madam" seemed impolite, especially since she was just the granddaughter of a poor Baron. But since she was only a guest, she decided to follow Helena's preference.
"...Helena, may I correct one thing?" Atthy asked, in an elegant yet friendly tone.
"Yes, Your Grace," Helena responded firmly.
"Why are you calling me Duchess?" Atthy inquired, still with a puzzled expression.
Helena looked surprised for a moment, but her face quickly returned to its usual firmness. "Duchess... because as of this morning, you have officially become the wife of our lord, His Grace Duke Hugh Ethan Griffith," Helena said, her voice clear and loud. "You are the Mistress of the Skythia Duchy."
Atthy was taken aback, her eyes wide in shock. "When?!" she asked, her voice barely audible from the surprise.
"Since this morning," Helena answered firmly, without the slightest hesitation. "An official letter from the Kingdom, complete with the King's seal of approval, has arrived. Of course, with that, you are now officially Duchess Athaleyah Galina Griffith."
Atthy stood up quickly, as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard. "Where is the Duke?!" she cried, frustrated, unable to hold back her emotions.
"Duchess?" Helena asked in surprise, a bit startled by Atthy's sudden movement. Her hands quickly steadied Atthy, who almost fell from moving too quickly.
"I need to see him!" Atthy shouted, her face filled with panic, even though she had nearly collapsed.
"Sorry, Duchess," Helena replied firmly, "But His Grace the Duke is not at the Manor."
Atthy furrowed her brows. "Where did he go?" she asked rapidly, still in shock.
"His Grace the Duke is inspecting Granthar and taking care of business there," Helena explained.
"Did he know all this mattered?!" Atthy asked, starting to feel frustrated.
"The Duke left after reading all the documents that arrived this morning," Helena answered calmly.
Atthy fell silent for a moment, her breath heavy. "He left even after knowing there was the marriage approval letter?" she asked, her face showing both shock and disappointment.
Helena remained silent, staring at Atthy without changing her expression. The silence made Atthy feel even more uncertain about her new position. She felt disappointed, not given the chance to explain anything to Duke Hugh.
"Duchess," Helena's voice broke the silence, "His Grace did not bid you farewell, as he was concerned it would disturb your rest. However, he had a more urgent matter to attend to."
Atthy could only stare blankly ahead, her feelings a mix of anger and confusion. Inside, she felt a deep sense of injustice. "If I am truly the Duchess, why do I feel so neglected like this?"
"What's going on... why is it like this?! I wasn't even given the chance to explain why I came here!" Atthy screamed inwardly, her breath almost gasping as she held back her emotions. "If that's the case... he's so rude. How could he leave without even saying goodbye to me... He should respect me so I can respect him as my husband... Unbelievable!"
Helena gave Atthy a moment to process the recent news before speaking again.
"Duchess, your three servants are still unwell. For now, they will serve you. I hope this doesn't trouble you..."
"Hm?!" Atthy replied lackadaisically, as if indifferent. "Of course. What about them? Are they in such bad condition?" Atthy asked, seemingly just making small talk, more out of politeness than genuine concern, especially since her mood was already bad.
Helena looked at Atthy for a moment, feeling a hint of disappointment inside. "This young lady..." But she quickly dismissed the thought, "Oh, well!" she thought to herself.
Atthy's behavior gave the impression that she was a haughty noblewoman who didn't care, even though they were her personal servants. In the Manor, their position would be more special compared to other servants, but it seemed Atthy didn't care much.
"They'll recover soon, so I hope you can come to terms with the situation for now!" Helena replied calmly, her expression unchanged.
Atthy merely nodded faintly, saying nothing.
In truth, Atthy felt somewhat irritated. Helena's professionalism and charisma made Atthy feel somewhat defeated. On one hand, she was still in shock, unable to think clearly. Her body was still trembling, and her head felt heavy. Meanwhile, Helena appeared much more in control in such a situation.
"Good morning, Duchess. Let me introduce myself, I'm Lily..."
"Good morning, Duchess, I'm Miriam, Lily's assistant..."
They spoke in unison, offering warm smiles, even though they knew this was only temporary.
"Good morning. Starting today, we'll be working together," Atthy said in a friendly tone, though inside, she felt slightly annoyed and burdened. Still, Atthy tried to mask those feelings with a seemingly warm demeanor.
"Of course, Duchess," Lily and Miriam replied together, pleased with the warm reception they received.
"Well then, Duchess, is there anything else you require?" Helena asked, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor.
"No, Helena," Atthy replied flatly, her eyes empty. Her spirit had truly disappeared since the moment this all began.
"Very well," Helena responded with a slight bow of her head. "In that case, I'll return to my work. Lily, Miriam, Her Grace the Duchess will be under your care now!" Helena directed the two servants with authority.
"Understood, Lady Helena," Lily and Miriam replied in unison.
"Duchess, I'll be taking my leave now," Helena said as she bid farewell, giving a polite bow. Atthy only gave a brief nod, almost not noticing, and let Helena leave the room.
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"Duchess?!" Miriam exclaimed with a puzzled expression, her eyes wide in slight surprise.
"Is something wrong?" Lily asked, continuing Miriam's thought. "Are you displeased because we, the inexperienced ones, have been assigned to serve you?"
Lily appeared worried, while Miriam observed Atthy closely, hoping her assessment was correct.
Atthy then gazed at them both with a gentle expression. "Lily, how old are you?" she asked with curious tone.
"Twenty-five," Lily answered, a bit surprised by the question but trying to maintain composure.
"Hm, and you, Miriam?" Atthy asked again.
"I'm nineteen..." Miriam replied softly. "I still lack experience, but Lily, she's quite skilled, Duchess."
At that, Atthy gave a slight smile. "Miriam, you're only a year older than me," she said, attempting small talk while recalling the days before she became a Duchess.
Lily and Miriam were taken aback, their gazes fixed on Atthy, as if seeing her for the first time. "Duchess?" they both exclaimed almost in unison, this time with more admiration.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Atthy asked, slightly puzzled by the shift in their expressions.
"Duchess... just... eighteen years old?" Miriam asked, her voice trembling slightly, as if finding it hard to believe.
"Hm," Atthy nodded innocently in response to Miriam, "Three months ago."
"Duchess, but we were told you're 25!" Miriam replied, her face full of confusion, her voice slightly trembling.
Atthy furrowed her brow and then laughed softly. "Hey, do I really look that old?" Atthy asked with a pout. "Even if I do, who assumed that without asking me first?"
Miriam and Lily immediately looked panicked. "We're sorry, Duchess," they both said simultaneously, bowing their heads anxiously.
"It's alright," Atthy answered with a reassuring smile. "I know, I do look older than my real age. Life has been tough. Don't worry, I won't hold it against you."
However, Miriam quickly protested, her face serious. "Duchess, that's not it... You're very sweet, very sweet! Even if you appear more mature than your age, you're still... beautiful."
Miriam looked at Atthy with admiration, then said with conviction, "Trust me, Duchess, your face has a unique beauty, very distinctive. Even though it seems simple, it only makes you more captivating."
Lily added eagerly, "We were both so shocked, Duchess. We were told you were 26, so we thought you must be more experienced, more mature. But now, seeing you, we're truly surprised... you're even younger than we imagined."
Atthy stared at both of them, then laughed softly. "So you thought I was older than that, huh? Hahaha... it's fine. I understand. Life forces us all to think that way."
Miriam, with a worried face but still trying to smile, said, "Duchess, no, that wasn't our intention. You're beautiful, very beautiful. There's nothing more perfect than you."
Atthy smiled, though inside, she felt a bit tense. "Alright, I believe you. Thank you for all your attention." Atthy looked at the two servants, then continued more seriously, "But of course, you need to learn more. I want to see your work improve."
Miriam and Lily responded enthusiastically. "Of course, Duchess. We'll do our best!"
"One more thing," Atthy said with a slight smile, "Helena was the one who assigned you, right?"
Lily and Miriam nodded in unison. "Yes, Duchess."
"Ah, no wonder," Atthy said with a mischievous grin. "You both are skilled at charming and winning people over. I like that."
Miriam and Lily were slightly taken aback by Atthy's joke, then they laughed together, easing the previously tense atmosphere.
"Duchess, we're not just flattering!" Lily and Miriam exclaimed in unison, trying to explain seriously.
"Hahaha... alright, I believe you," Atthy responded with a chuckle, feeling a bit calmer.
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