When the Duke arrives at his palace, the royal staff is once again in a precarious situation. Their master's words are comparable to the words of God.

"Your Majesty, welcome. It was a long journey. We appreciate the master's return.".

Alex, the dukedom's butler, lowers his head to the ground as a sign of respect and sincerity for the duke.

"I see. A word in my office, Alex, but not you three together".

They were about to object when the duke dismissed his three knights, but Alex had already told them to leave.

When it comes to managing the affairs of the duchy, Alex is a very powerful person in the Astrid castle. He received the title of butler from his father because their family's ancestors had served as the dukedom's butler for many generations. They received nobility and wealth, and their family will always be the Astrid's obedient vassals.

When Alex entered his office, the Duke was busy reviewing the paperwork.

"Alex, tell me about Lady Rachel's activities and how she came to be so ingrained with the noble families in the north".

The butler is taken aback when the duke asks this question as soon as he arrives.

He speculated, 'Could it be he is worried about the safety of the crown princess now that Lady Rachel appears to be gaining support from the noble families in the north?'

"To answer his majesty, lady Rachel fit in well with the noble families of the north. She partners with the Marques Van Leyn family, a vassal of your majesty, as you are aware from my letters. The famous department store, where you can find anything, was founded by them along with Lady Anne Van Leyn and the young Marques. In addition, she started a coffee shop with a distinct flavor and a takeout option where customers can drink their coffee and tea in paper cups."

"Yes, I am aware of what their business is about. In addition to her flourishing business, does she engage in any fights or misinformation campaigns against the southern royal family?

"If your Majesty permits, I will speak in accordance with the information I have learned from the shadow knights I asked to follow her for the past six months."

The duke nodded to allow him to proceed.

"Lady Rachel has not engaged in inappropriate behavior. In fact, she employs the common people in her company to help them find decent jobs, and she donates a portion of her profits to the temple to help feed the hungry children. Her noble friends also lend a hand as she prepares meals for them all by herself. Your majesty, the northerners love and appreciate the Lady.

"Hmm, something seems off. We must continue observing her. It might be a ruse to seize control of the north and use it against the southern royal family."

The duke makes a tapping motion with his finger as he muses.

"I obey your majesty's command. By the way, everything is ready for your welcome victory ball. Is it okay if I invite Lady Rachel? As you are aware, the lady lost her title and is now unable to enter the castle without your permission."

Alex added,

"The Marques Leyn also sent a request for her admission to the ball as their guest."

"Interesting. Yes, do invite her. Let's investigate and closely examine the subject."

The duke dismisses Alex and continue his work.

***

Rachel drank her matcha tea at the coffee shop and felt relieved. She believes that someone is talking about her.

"I can't wait to go to His Majesty's Welcome Victory Ball. To get you an invitation, Rachel, we will ask our fathers. I'm confident that the invitation for you might already be in Anne and the young Marques Simon's possession".

With gusto, Bianca sipped her macha tea while chatting animatedly.

"Guys, hold on a second. I don't want to start a commotion inside the victory ball. I don't believe his majesty will let it go just like that knowing my past rumors in the south".

She murmurs as she surveys her surroundings, "I had a disagreement with his EX-GF".

"Ex-Gf?". Samantha and Bianca are confused with the foreign words again.

"Ex-GF is an abbreviation for ex-girlfriend. Sshhhhh". Rachel made a secretive gesture by placing her index finger in her mouth.

The two women are having a great time discovering new four-letter words thanks to Rachel. She is the Goddess of Cuteness to them.

"Awww our Rachel is so cute we want to hug her forever". And the three hug each other and laugh.

***

Rachel got an invitation from the Castle of Astrid the next day. She finds it hard to believe she has been invited to the upcoming victory ball.

'I don't want to dwell too much on his grudge against me because, as the TV show's plot develops, I know he will return to the south in three months to be with Ara.'

Since this will be my first time, let's just go to the ball and have a good time.

Rachel receives a visit from Lady Anne Van Leyn at their downtown boutique office.

"Rachel, I heard! You were invited by the duchy of Astrid to the welcome ball. I was aware of it! Your talent and fame have already reached the dukedom".

Anne excitedly hugs Rachel.

To make their friendship more intimate, Rachel taught her friends to refer to one another by first names. To avoid violating their traditions and laws, they will, however, use their formal names when other nobles are present.

"I'm also surprised, Anne, but as you know, given my infamous past in the southern capital, I would like to avoid any conflict with his majesty. I'll go, show my respect, and have a good time at the ball with our friends.".

"My dear Rachel, the crown prince leaving you for your cousin wasn't your fault. You're too great for him, and he has an eye condition. Tell me now, are you still in love with the crown prince?

"I had already learned a very painful lesson in the past, Anne. I don't feel anything for him, and I'm happy for them in their marriage."

As she prays for the soul of the original "Rachel," Rachel feels as though she has freed her from the agony of unrequited love. She would like to return to her own world as soon as the story was over. She must have been sorely missed by her parents and brother. She suddenly experienced sadness about her family and her life.

"Oh Rachel, please don't be sad. They don't deserve someone so stunning as you. Our dear Rachel, you have changed our lives here, and we will always be grateful."

Anne comforted her by sighing and holding her hand.

"It's not what you think Anne, I suddenly miss my family. I hope they are alright in the capital".

Meeting the family of the original Rachel makes her nervous. She was the villain of this narrative because she was aware of how much they spoiled and loved this vessel.

"I'm sure that once your status is reinstated, you will meet them again in the south. I sincerely hope that His Majesty will absolve you of the crime you didn't commit."

The south and north control the laws in the Kratoryah empire. The only people who can pardon a nobleman for a crime are the King of the south and the Duke of Astrid of the north. The councils of the empire have approved this law, which is shared by the two Kingdoms.

To avoid her death flag, Rachel simply grinned and expressed her hope that she would remain in the north. Because she's supposed to be dead in season one, she doesn't want to change the plot the way other time-traveling characters did in other novels she read.

'I don't want to add fuel to the fire; the plot of this series is already very messed up. Let's have fun and be happy so that someday I can return to my own world.'

"Anne, let's head over to our coffee shop so I can play you my newest song."

"Oh yes you have a new one. I'm so fortunate to be the first to hear it, but after can we go to one of our famous designers. He found the dress you will wear in the ball".

Rachel will undoubtedly be the star of the royal ball because Anne is so eager to dress her up. When she sees Rachel in the red dress, poor Simon will be unable to sleep for days! It's a pity that Rachel doesn't see her brother in a romantic relationship.

Of course, she will be pleased if Rachel joins their family, but she is aware that Rachel deserves to find a man she can truly love in light of her experience with the crown prince in the capital, and I am aware that my brother isn't that man.

Simon is someone who Rachel will always love as if he were her own brother. She will never rob Rachel of her happiness because she loves her like her own little sister.

"You know I can never say no to you Anne? I love you this much. Let's go! I can't wait to play with you'.

The two happily left their office and went to their famous coffee shop.

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*photo used not mine. Taken from pinterest, all credits and rights to the original owner.