As I applied the finishing touches to my attire, the sound of Alex’s voice drifted through the door.
"Madam, are you ready?" he inquired from outside the room.
"Oh yeah, just a minute! I’ll be right there," I replied, hastily securing my attire and taking a deep breath.
"I’m downstairs. Co when you’re ready," he said and left. As I heard his footsteps retreating, I slowly opened the door to check if he was gone.
"He left?" Erios asked, his spectral presence providing a reassuring presence in the room.
"Yes, we’re safe," I answered, my breathing steadying.
Vix erged from the room, her transformation astonishing. She looked nothing like her usual self, dressed similarly to , and her face entirely altered.
"But, Duchess, is it okay for to go like this?" Vix questioned, her eyes filled with uncertainty.
"Yes, it’s okay. He won’t recognize you. And even if he did, I don’t think there would be any issue," I assured her, scratching my face, a hint of mischievousness in my tone.
"What do you an by ’there won’t be any issue’?" she asked, tilting her head, her curiosity piqued.
"Nothing," I said, suppressing a grin. How could she even think that the Duke, her lover, would not grant her request to go outside? And even if he found out later, how could he scold his beloved?
"Co, let’s go," I said, tugging her hand to join .
We descended the grand staircase, attracting nurous curious glances, but no one seed to grasp the situation, and no one recognized her. They didn’t dare to ask any questions, as if they knew that if anything happened, the Duke might take my side in front of everyone.
"Madam, you’ve co?" Alex greeted as he turned toward . His voice trailed off as his eyes fell on Vix.
"Who’s she?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. "I’ve never seen her in the mansion."
"Duke, do you rember everyone’s face in this mansion? No, right? Then how would you even rember who this person is? It’s challenging, I know. So why start interrogating?" I asked, a playful tone in my voice.
"But, Madam..."
"I know what you’re going to ask, so let tell you. She’s just a normal maid from the mansion, and I’m taking her with to the palace in case I need sothing," I explained, my words laced with a hint of mischief.
"Where is Vix?" he inquired.
"How would I know? She finished her work and left. Maybe she’s inside doing so other tasks," I responded, evading the question without thinking it through.
"Oh, as you wish," he said, extending his hand to escort inside the awaiting carriage. I thought he would do the sa for her, but instead, he mounted his horse without entering the carriage.
A subtle unease hung in the air. Was he uncomfortable with sharing the carriage? Or was it because I brought soone without asking? I wasn’t sure, as his expression remained enigmatic.
"Duchess, there won’t be any issues, right?" Vix asked again, her apprehension palpable.
"As Erios said, the spell will last for a few hours, so I don’t think there should be any issues. And during that ti, I’m sure we’ll return, and you’ll return to your original self as if nothing happened," I reassured her, offering a reassuring smile.
"Still... I’m scared. What if I cause you trouble?" she fidgeted as she spoke, her vulnerability shining through.
"I’m confident that nothing will happen, so please rest assured," I said, trying to calm her down, as the carriage began its journey towards the palace.
At the Palace
The carriage ca to a halt, and a peculiar sensation sent shivers down my spine. On the contrary, Vix looked positively elated as she stepped out of the carriage, entering a world she had never experienced before.
"Are you happy?" I inquired, studying her reaction.
"Yes, I’m so happy. I can’t even describe how delighted I am. It feels like I’ve suddenly beco a different person," she replied, her voice filled with genuine excitent.
"Good," I said, patting her head gently. anwhile, I noticed the carriage door opening.
"Madam, we’ve arrived! You can disembark now," Alex inford, extending his hand to assist out of the carriage.
"I can alight on my own," I mumbled under my breath, though I doubted he heard .
A peculiar atmosphere enveloped us as we stepped onto the palace grounds. I couldn’t quite pinpoint the sensation, but it was as if every pair of eyes in the vicinity was fixed upon . It felt even more intense than when I first arrived in Ablia, and the entire state had regarded differently. However, this ti, the intensity of their gazes made profoundly uncomfortable.
"Madam, are you okay? If you’re not feeling well, we can stop here," Alex suggested, genuine concern lacing his voice. I appreciated his worry but declined.
"I’m fine. We can proceed," I said, gripping his hand tightly for reassurance.
We continued toward the main entrance of the room where the emperor held audiences. However, we were stopped by a pair of imposing guards.
"We have been invited by His Majesty for an audience," Alex stated, his voice carrying an air of authority.
"I haven’t been inford," the guard retorted, his tone brimming with arrogance.
"Not every audience requires informing the guards," Alex responded, his patience wearing thin.
I could sense the guard trembling in fear. After all, Alex was renowned as a war enthusiast, the emperor’s nephew, and a highly respected duke of the nation. This guard had dared to halt him.
"I will inform His Majesty," the guard reluctantly conceded and disappeared into the chamber.
"Calm down, Duke. He’s just doing his job," I reassured him.
"No, Madam. It’s utter disrespect towards us. We don’t need an invitation for an audience. I could easily enter and leave. I’ve never encountered this before," he grumbled in annoyance.
"Is it because I’m the one having the audience with the emperor?" I pondered aloud.
"Why do you think you’re the reason?" he asked.
"It’s only natural to assu. I don’t co from a prominent background, nor am I soone who can match your status. I just happened to marry you. So, it’s natural to feel inferior to others. Don’t worry; they’re not treating you poorly, it’s . They’re reminding of my place," I said with a gentle smile.
"Madam, it’s—" he began, but before he could finish his sentence, the guard returned, his tone now more subdued as he conveyed, "The emperor is waiting for both of you."
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