"My friend, to achieve one heart's desire isn't it best to plan ahead your succession? Such as become the vassal of his Majesty."

Allesandro gave an interesting grin.

"You know as they say, consolidate your power by joining the powerful house."

"My father will not give up yet his position and he is currently the loyal vassal of the Duke."

"I'm not talking about succeeding your father's position, perhaps find an open political position similar to you father's power in the northern royal court."

Allesandro chuckled and whispered something in his ear.

"I receive a very confidential information; the temple already found the future duchess of the Astrid. This is between you and me, there are noble families positioning themselves as the loyal vassals of the future duchess."

Simon looks at the surrounding and the frown on his face is visible to the surprising news his best friend has spoken.

"Do you know which family she is and if the temple is involved, this means your tale has a substance."

"Unfortunately, there was no information of her family name. I only gather this classified information from one of our men in the temple."

Simon nodded and he thinks that Alessandro is right. Once the duchess is appointed, she would need a vassal from the noble families in the north. A political position will open, and he will have a chance to be a part of this vassal to earn his title and influence.

"Thank you, Alesso. Put me in the loop once something came up."

Alessandro smiled widely and they continue to drink their champagne.

***

Over the course of the next two days, Rachel concentrated on the contract marriage. While she has a draft of her addendum, she is unsure whether the Duke will accept it.

Clause 1 Addendum: The duchess of Astrid has the right to conduct her personal business inside the dukedom.

Clause 2 Addendum: The duchess of Astrid has the right to refuse the duke of Astrid if the sexual activity is not acceptable to the duchess and which include the following.

o No bondage is allowed or use of objects which can harm the body of the duchess

Clause 3 Addendum: In the event that the curse is cured prior or up to a year, the duchess can leave the dukedom of Astrid and formally announce the separation by the temple.

Clause 4 Addendum: The duchess will have the protection of the duke of Astrid after the annulment of the marriage.

Clause 5 Addendum: The duchess will receive a considerable amount of compensation from the Astrid duchy after the annulment of the marriage. The compensation shall be decided by the duchess after the divorce.

Clause 6 Addendum: The duchess is not subject to produce an heir from the duke of Astrid. For the period of one year, the duchess shall be given a contraceptive pill to avoid pregnancy.

Clause 7 Addendum: Under any circumstances, the duchess will perform the contract given that all of the above clauses are accepted by the duke of Astrid.

'I think all of these are acceptable. I just need to lay out with him that there will be no bondage moment here with me. I'm not Ara who can perform all of these weird sex stuff, this is real life, and my body is on the line.'

She scoffed and pursed her lips in irritation at having to be direct when writing it into the contract because she didn't want to regret it later if she couldn't stand the duke's strange sexual inclinations.

***

Sebastian gathered his three dependable knights and general at the duke's palace for a late-night meeting. Since they will soon have a second member of the duchy, Alex the butler is also present to record the minutes of the meeting.

"William, care to tell me about the affection of the little Marquis to Rachel. Will this affect Rachel's image after her succession?"

"Your Majesty, although it is known to the upper society of the noble families that the little Marquis is in love with Rachel, the lady did not respond to the romantic affection given by Sir Simon."

Sir William carefully looks at the Duke's face and he seemed to be provoked by the mention of the little Marquis connection to Rachel.

"Your Majesty, I ask for your permission to convey my other thoughts."

Sir Ian nearly gasps in horror if Sir Alfred asks the Duke the forbidden question as he respectfully kneels down in front of the duke.

"Ho. You may proceed General Ian. I trust your guts."

Alfed took a deep breath and strongly ask the duke.

"I think the little Marquis is not the problem your Majesty. The Crown Prince Hugo will disagree of your wedding to Lady Rachel because of the past incidents and it will create a scandal among the noble families between the south and north kingdom."

Sir Alfred must ask this question to know the thoughts of the Duke. His duty is to protect the duchy of Astrid, and this will include the future Duchess.

"Hmmm Alfred I appreciate your concern, but you must know that Hugo doesn't have an equal power to interfere my marriage with the lady of Monchy. Even the temple cannot dictate my decision."

Sebastian said it flatly as if the concern is not of importance.

"Once Rachel becomes the Duchess of Astrid, any noble families who would slander her will be considered enemies of the dukedom and we all know it will not end well for them."

Sebastian grinned menacingly while his eyes blazed with fiery red. The four men in the room are terrified for whoever will be the target of the Duke's wrath.

"So, your worries are futile. No one can taint my property even the royals of the south are not spared."

Alex felt the cold sweat in his neck. He has to diligently take care of the lady for no one is spared if the new lady of the Astrid will be offended. In a short period of time, the Duke's obsession with the lady was obvious. Every day, the duke plays the hair clip that she left in his room after their night affair. He occasionally observed him gazing out the window as he brushed the hair clip in his hand.

He is puzzled by how she was able to get into the Duke's head.

"I understand and obey your Majesty. I will remove my unnecessary thoughts and guard the lady's reputation with care."

Sir Alfred gives his knight salute and the other two generals followed as well.

"You two are dismissed. William, please stay. Alex are the preparations ready?"

Alex informed him that the papers for the wedding are ready, and the duchess room is almost done. He didn't leave any information about all the preparation for the lady's settlement in the duchy palace.

Alex left them afterwards and the Duke ask William about his meeting with the Master of the Wizard tower.

"Your Majesty, there is a big chance that lady Rachel's vessel is occupied by another soul. According to Aldworf of the great wizard, soul travelers from another world can occupy a dying vessel and enter their body. Although this rule is forbidden by the gods of Kratoryah, a flaw can happen if there's no balance in our world."

"Hmmm defying the laws of the God's of heavens is an interesting change."

Sebastian gave a sarcastic laugh as if mocking the Dragon Gods above.

"To continue your Majesty, the lady displays a different behavior and her ideas that does not belong to this world is projected in her business creations. Even her manner of speaking is different from our culture. She might be a soul traveler."