"At this time, we can or may speculate but the temple and wizards tower have not received any prophecy from the Dragon Gods for the past centuries about soul travelers".

"Hm. Talk with the Pope and see if you can find a scripture of soul travelers. I want you to protect the duchess secret with your life".

"I obey the orders, Your Majesty. She will be protected until my breathing life".

Aldworf promises that the duchess' identity will remain secret as long as he lives in this world. His master's obsession with the lady is inescapable, and he is aware that if the lady's life is in danger, their kingdom will cease to exist.

***

While riding in the carriage to her manor, Rachel deeply pondered the rapid changes that are occurring in her life and how her one-night shenanigans with the duke may have altered the course of the story.

She has only herself to blame for her drunken mishaps and the vessel she resides in. If one day she will ever have to face the wrath of the double face female protagonist, she can only rely on her benefactor, the Duke, for he needs her sexual fluids to cure his curse.

Her only concerned is the reaction of the nobilities after her social status is reinstated and what shall be the repercussions of these shocking events to the empire. A pardoned duchess of the north, will this cause an uproar to the southern nobilities?

It's as if a new script has emerged, the comeback of the pardoned noble lady and her ascension to royalty versus the crown princess of the south. The juicy tales will run wildly among the aristocrats and to other kingdoms.

'Isn't this the same in my past life? All the gossip in the tabloids about dating her rockstar childhood friend which lasted for 3 months but this time it's worse because I will be marrying the king of the north'.

And what about this vessel's family in the south? Will they gain political power again due to Rachel's ascension to the Astrid's dukedom?

Not to mention the mana she possesses in this body, are there hidden cheat codes that was not reveal in the tv series because of her death. Her head is painful thinking about all these new plots rapidly developing because of her sudden entanglement with the duke.

Due to physical and mental exhaustion, she didn't realize that they have already arrived at her manor.

"My lady, we have already arrived". William knocks the door and she descended from the carriage.

"Thank you Sir William."

"I will return the day after tomorrow, please be at ease my lady".

Sir William bowed and waited for her to go inside her manor before they left. He signaled the shadow knights guards to look after the lady as the command from the duke.

If Rachel had known sooner that she was being followed by the shadow knight guards, would she still agree to the duke's contract marriage proposal?

***

At the Maquis Leyn estate, Henry gathered his family members in the library to give them a shocking information. He is looking for Simon, but he is not found inside the mansion.

"Father, what is the commotion about?". Anne looks at her father and she felt that the news will not be good due to her father's countenance.

"Where is your brother?".

"We have already sent the knights to find him, he wasn't here at the mansion since this morning".

Mrs. Leyn sigh and oblige her husband to calm down.

"I don't know how Simon will accept this news. I hope he will not harm himself".

Henry is very worried of the outcome once Simon will find out and the two ladies in his life gave a worried face about his statement.

"This news that I will tell you is not out yet. I was in the duke's palace this morning and I saw Rachel".

"Rachel?

"Yes, our Rachel. Remember the rumors in the upper nobility families I had told you about".

Anne and Mrs. Leyn look at each other with a shock written on their faces.

"The appointed duchess in question is Rachel Lily Monchy".

Suddenly there is a thud sound and Anne collapse in the floor. Mrs. Leyn help her daughter to get up while she's also trembling.

"What? how and why?".

Anne can't believe that her best friend Rachel will be the duchess of Astrid. To be a duchess of Astrid is a critical position and should be backed by the temple.

'This means she had the special mana?' After all you can't be chosen as a duchess of Astrid if you don't possess a mana from the Goddess of Light Dragon.

Before Henry can answer, there is a loud bang in the door. Simon is standing with a raging look on his face.

"What fallacy you are spouting, Father!".

Simon came near where his father is standing, and he almost grasp his collar due to his fit of anger.

"I am sorry Son, but I can't bear to hide the truth'.

"Truth? You call it the truth? The tale these days are overrated!".

"Son, calm down. At this point, we can only support his majesty".

Henry deeply sighs and can only bear the pain his son is feeling.

"I will only believe when I hear it from her. Don't force me to support this funny tale".

Simon stormed out of the library, and they can hear a loud bang from the closed door.

"Anne, you have to support the new duchess. She needs a person whom she can trust. I will file your application for the lady in waiting".

Anne is still in shock, and she can only nod in agreement with her father. She felt upset that Rachel hide this important information from her, but she can't also blame her for this is a political matter and she's convinced that she's also in an uncomfortable position.

'She must have her reason'. Anne felt that there is a story behind this royal marriage, and she will give her best to protect and support Rachel.

***

In the evening after dinner, Rachel walks in the little garden of her manor to relax her mind and the silence seems to ease the tension she felt today. She is about to go inside the house when Corine came to her with a nervous expression in her face.

"My lady, the little marquis is outside the gate. He would like to talk with you".

"Simon?

"Yes, my lady. Shall I tell him to go back tomorrow?".

"No. Led him to the parlor".

'This can't be help. I need to tell him once and for all'. Rachel sighs and went inside in the manor.

When she came to the parlor, she saw Simon's back standing near the window and seemed to be in a deep thought. He felt her presence and turned to face her.

"Is it true?

She saw his pained expression and she doesn't know how to comfort him. She knew his feelings for her, and she made it clear that she can only give a brotherly love, but Simon doesn't give up his heart. She doesn't want to hurt him God knows that for she loves him like his own brother.

"Yes".

She only gives a one-line answer for she does not want to cause more pain to his feelings.

Simon closes his fist tightly and move near where she's standing.