Bab 26: Chapter 26

Duchess Grandis fixed her daughter's bonnet, such an adorable child. She smiled, satisfied with her work. The weather was perfect for the mother and daughter to shop for a few items. She looked forward to this day that she can bond once again with Cailina.

The mansion made her feel alone, imprisoned between high walls that have such a sinister history. She was aware of her responsibility as she married the Imperial Duke, but at times she wished to be with them as a normal family. Normal was far different in the Grandis' life.

There was no reason to go out in disguise, Duchess Grandis never let a chance to slip to showcase the authority her family has despite her husband's reminders of keeping out of the public eyes. Nobles and Commons alike must never forget the family who stayed for thousands of years.

The family crest of the Grandis was displayed for all to see. Crests were blessings given by the Emperor himself, each status within the noble circle have their respective symbol, but a certain beast must show

The Grandis' crest stood among the nobles, it was a crest given before the founding of the Empire. The emblem that everyone feared and revealed the favored one's bloodline, a companion of the monarch through storms and peace.

The two obsidian snakes bared its fangs as it shields the crown, instilled terror to onlookers. The longer people stare at the daunting crest, the reverence within their hearts for the Sovereign remains unwavering. This was the very purpose of the Grandis.

"Now, my daughter. You must never forget your blood," She patted Cailina's hand.

Cailina nodded, her mother seemed unusual today. Duchess Grandis covered her mouth with her hand, "Don't show such a boring expression."

Her mother stared at the bustling streets of her duchy. This was the life her peers wished to have, among the competition she had, the winner was her. She returned her attention to her daughter.

"See this, I chose rationality instead of mindless heart's desires," She played with her ring, "Choose the best and not just what you want."

In the end, you would eventually "love" what you reluctantly chose.

Duchess Grandis' words marked into Cailina's mind. Indeed, she only deserves the best. The ride to the middle circle passed without any interruptions. None tried to get in the way of the Imperial Duke's carriage.

Cailina alighted the carriage with the help of her mother's hand. Her legs were too short, she would've fallen without an attentive mother. She smiled at Duchess Grandis and gripped her hand.

They were led to a parlor. The most attentive staff accommodated the mother and daughter. Duchess Grandis made herself comfortable with the shop's care.

The shop gave the best treatment and everything matched the Duchess' preference. Simple and luxurious.

"I prepared tags for you to choose," She flipped a brochure, "These are better than the former."

Duke Grandis made a firm statement that she must let Cailina picked out tags, he could no longer as the research needed it for progression. She looked at her daughter with a small smile tugged on her lips.

The peaceful room was disturbed by a loud opening of the door. A woman with high brows disrupted the Grandis' time. She looked at the woman with a terrifying gaze.

Duchess Grandis tapped her fingers, "Who might you be?"

Her slightly raised chin accompanied by the conceited gaze that the Duchess always showered below her post was frustrating for the woman. If only she could...

"I deserve this room, would you kindly leave?" The woman crossed her arms, her arrogance upset Cailina.

The inner parlor was where the distinguished persons would stay and look through the products. She dreamed to be one of those people, and when she heard that woman would grace this shop with her presence, she wouldn't let it pass.

Cailina glanced at the terrified staff, the latter lowered her gaze. She clicked her tongue, "Are you aware who you're talking to?"

The staff gulped, "We're sorry, Your Grace."

They warned the woman and held her back with all their might, but who was in a match with a noble? The measure they can return for the most influential woman in the empire was to give her a discount, not that she needed it, but it was the only thing they can think of.

The woman raised her brow, "Oh?"

Duchess Grandis covered her mouth and laughed. An amusing sight for her, a kitten acted as if she were a lion. A foolish one.

"Off," She signaled one of her knights.

The knights dragged the woman out as she spouted words of the unfairness of the shop. She acted like a drunk woman dishonoring her dignity. Pitiful.

"Mother, do you know the woman?" Cailina asked.

"Just a small insect," She smirked, "Don't mind it."

The boxes laid in front of the little lady. Each tag held its distinctive charm, relating to its owner's personality. Cailina tapped one of the tags, she looked at her mother with discomfort.

She pleaded with her eyes, but her mother gave her a nod. She was more curious about the woman's identity a while ago rather than choosing helpers for her father. The time ticked away and the tea grew cold. Duchess Grandis furrowed her brows.

She sighed. "Alright, what is it?"

The staff dismissed themselves. Cailina's lips tugged upwards, "Who was that woman, mother?"

She waited for her mother, her doll eyes stared intently at Duchess Grandis. She saw herself at her daughter's image when she was younger. Free of the cruelty of the world, but the child sitting beside her was robbed of a child's innocence.

It broke her heart when her husband pressured this daughter of hers to grow and forgo the childishness. She couldn't properly raise her as a noble's princess.

"A woman who liked annoying people," Duchess Grandis scoffed, "She's the sister of your aunt-in-law."

People who went over their status irritated her to the heavens. She could silence them, but she wouldn't. Her husband always kept her inside the fence, she sighed. The woman and her sister dreamed to climb the social ladder.

"Now, choose," She pushed the box towards her daughter.

Cailina took one last glance at her mother, a person actually dared order the Imperial Duchess. She shook her head and spent the rest of the time picking qualified helpers. The whole process exhausted her, she wished to hug her puppy and regain her energy.

Duchess Grandis stopped by a few shops before returning home. The empty carriage they rode in was packed as they went back. Duke Grandis shook his head as he looked outside the window. He pushed the paperwork his attendant gave.

He adjusted his tie, "Replying to Dr. Karl, he could expect a new batch in a few days."

The two women in his life have been carried away with their shopping. No matter, he could afford whatever they desire. He greeted both of them with a smile, "How was your trip?"

Cailina nodded, her eyes failing to stay open. She rubbed her eyes and leaned to her mother. Looking at the tired favored one, he sighed and carried the little lady, "I'll take her to her room. I have matters to discuss with you."

After the maids changed Cailina, he tucked his daughter under the thick blankets. She appeared peaceful with her eyes close. He needed to pave the way before his daughter turned into a woman. The road, for now, wasn't suitable for Cailina to traverse. Duke Grandis' lips tugged into a warm smile.

The door opened and her husband entered the room, "Did she choose the best?"

Duchess Grandis crossed her arms, "Must you always do this?"

She could never understand the reason to continue this dangerous path her family was treading. Her worries were unfounded to Duke Grandis, for him, sacrifices were inevitable for the greater good.

He looked at a document that was on the table. Her husband's avoidance made her furious, "Tell me, Yaegar. Is my daughter safe?"

Duke Grandis offered a glass, "She is. Our daughter's well-being reigns above all of this. This is just the path I think that's best for her."

Cailina patted Aris' head, "Do you want more sweets?"

The puppy nodded his head like a pecking chicken. He munched another cookie, living with his Lady gave him the comfort and peace his former home fail to give. The world was cruel to those creatures born into a family with great ambitions.

Aris looked at his Lady, although she appeared cold and distant, he knew Cailina has a heart of cotton. The warmth of the sun could never compare to the feeling the puppy felt in his heart.

Fione displayed a new batch of refreshments, she neither liked nor hated the dog's presence. As long as the puppy made her Lady smiled, he would stay.

"Lady, who would attend your party?" Aris asked, "Are there boys?"

She raised her brow, her puppy's inquiring look resemble the little squirrel. She brushed off her hands, "Of course."

"Are you taking care of your pet?" Cailina took a sip of her tea, "Is it still alive?"

The puppy shook his head. He looked extremely guilty as he was unable to care for his Lady's gift. It was adorable, but it might take his place when he would show it to Cailina. He would never let such an event happen.

The person who monopolizes the little lady's attention must only be him. After all...

"It doesn't matter. If it's bound to die, it will."

His Lady's words soothed his raging emotions. He regained his usual happy expression and dangled his legs. This was the reason why his cuteness never fails, it was because she placed him on a specious place in her heart. Aris coughed, he was feeling euphoric that he forgot to chew.

Cailina offered her handkerchief to her puppy, her worried look made him smile. This was the scene he wished to experience and now, he could. His laughter filled the cold wind of autumn, the tranquil scene that he wished to play for a lifetime.

After all, good things end quickly...