If I knew what would be the consequences of my abrupt decision, I would've made a different choice. If only… would things have changed?

*

Samael and I stood on the central plane of the bifurcated stairs of the mansion's great hall. From the floor below the stairs, Mister Fabian, the butler, the acting duke, Rufus, and all other important individuals in this manor stared at the duke with utter horror.

Seeing their reaction, I secretly curled my hands into a fist. I clenched on the rear of my dress, glancing at Samael's side profile every so often.

"Pardon me, My Lord. But, I believed my ears had been deceiving me." Said Rufus sternly.

His brows furrowed together. Rufus glanced at everyone who was standing with him, noticing the exact shock expression plastered on their faces.

"No, you heard me right. I'm getting married." Calm like usual, Samael waved as he chuckled. He added;

"Grimsbanne will have to welcome the first and the only duchess it will ever have."

"But, My Lord! You can't just marry without the blessing of the King. Even if we overlook the difference of your status, please consider your racial difference as well, My Lord."

Rufus exclaimed, brave enough to voice out his opinion. His voice thundered, resonating across the vast great hall of the mansion.

"I agree with Sir Rufus, My Lord. Not only this marriage will affect your status as the Lord of Grimsbanne, but it will incite different opinions from the nobles and the royal palace."

Fabian was quick to back Rufus' argument. After the two voiced out their opinions, one after another, some knights also spoke and stood on Rufus' side.

Meanwhile, I could only watch how this argument unfolds. Obviously, even if the duke wanted this ridiculous marriage with a peasant, it wouldn't be that easy.

Samael's people were right. Even if they agreed to overlook my status as a peasant, Samael was a royal-blooded vampire. I am a human.

Not only we would have problems with having an heir, it was impossible. I never heard about a success story between vampires and human.

Therefore, I had no hopes of this arrangement. Although deep down, I was conflicted whether to feel relieved they were against it; or feel ashamed that I agreed with Samael on the spur of the moment.

Am I just deluding myself with the title of the duchess? No. I never wanted to be a duchess. I already knew the answer, and it was far from that.

After a while, Rufus spoke once again.

"My Lord, please reconsider you decision."

Upon stating so, Rufus directly stared at Samael with unbending resolve without looking away.

My fist trembled as I watched them unite. Part of me wanted to plead with them, but I already gave Samael my word.

He had given me the liberty to change my mind earlier, but I carelessly told him I was in his care now. Even a peasant knows how to keep their word.

Unconsciously, I snuck a glance at Samael and caught him looking at me. The second our eyes met, he smiled brightly as if the situation at hand unfazed him.

"I'm glad you're not protesting with them." Samael whispered, and I immediately dropped my gaze to the floor.

Don't make it sound like my silence was something amusing. I'm merely keeping my word.

I heard Samael let out a faint and brief chuckle before he cleared his throat.

"If you worry about the nobles' opinion that much, why don't you serve them instead? Did my long slumber wane your loyalty and beliefs?"

When Samael spoke, I couldn't trace the slightest resentment in his voice. Instead, he sounded like someone who's giving them an option before anything else.

"I would understand and give you freedom to leave this mansion. However, if you choose to stay, you must know I might hear your voices and opinion, but I could never guarantee to abide them."

Samael bluntly uttered. I glanced at him again and his expression stern while his eyes were sharper than ever.

However, the next moment, Samael stretched his neck in a circular motion with his hand on his nape. It produced a faint, soothing crack.

"Grimsbanne had stood from hundred of years without those nobles. I don't recall having such people in my fief. Alas, now I, Samael La Crox, had to listen to them?"

Unlike his calm tone previously, this time, his mien sent a chill running down my spine. I sensed danger, death, and bloodlust.

Watching him, I gulped. He looked totally disgruntled, and this side of him scared me on a different level.

"Gentlemen, I am aware you mean well. However, I have no tolerance for traitors. Leave now and I won't deem you as one." Samael paused, his gaze slowly traveled across the knights.

"But if you stay, it must be clear that I, the Duke of Grimsbanne, am your lord. And as the Duke, I have only one duty to fulfill; that is to return the peace that was robbed from them."

Upon hearing his remarks, I blinked my eyes in awe. He was radiating as a gentleman of character and integrity.

His words brought a tremendous impact on me. My heart felt moved. His tone full of conviction could make anyone submit in obedience.

Where did that irrational, nonchalant duke go? I could barely recognize this Samael right now.

If I was in a different situation, I would instantly swear my fealty and serve this incomparable man.

"No matter how this marriage appears to you, have faith in your lord, just like how you strongly believed in my return! Grimsbanne is not what it used to be, and I'm ashamed to face my people for their sufferings."

Again, Samael paused as he raised his hand and slowly curled his fingers into a tight fist.

"Alas, there is no need to dwell in the past. What matters the most is the present and the future of this land and its people! I promised you, I won't make the same mistake and fall for the enemy's trap just like hundred years ago."

My breath hitched as I could not look away from Samael. His words and conviction were slowly giving my heart the sliver of hope. Watching and feeling his firm sense of justice was something I never thought I would witness.

"Gentlemen, fear no one, for I have returned. I would let no one trample your spirits of valor unjustly again. Help me cure the disease that caused Grimsbanne nothing suffering."

Slowly, Samael's fist loosened as he extended his arms in his people's direction.

So, this was what the duke was truly like… his words and unbending mien brought me courage and more willingness to fight for everything I had believed in.

It was inspiring.

Rufus bent his knee on the floor as he bowed with his fist on his chest. Just like him, the knights did the same stance.

"We welcome your return, My Lord. We are at your lordship's service!" In unison, they exclaimed with resolved.

I've never witnessed something so incredible and remarkable. It felt amazing that this side of him etched deep in my mind along with his words.

"I'm at your service, milord." I whispered as a subtle smile resurfaced on my lips.