The day finally arrive when Rachel is escorted to the palace of Astrid. She will live here for a year and the duchy residence is located at the middle of the palace. Her quarter is within the duke's manor. Meaning she will interact and see him daily.

'I'm not sure why he made these arrangements but it's an advantage to build a good relationship with him and later it can help me a lot on my mission to return to my world'. Rachel smiled widely and close her fist showing a fighting gesture.

The attendants following her are looking at each other in a confused state. They were warned by the butler to treat her with utmost care for the master of this palace regards the lady greatly in his heart. This is what they heard from Alex, the butler of the duke.

When the attendants opened her quarter, she is welcome by the butler. The duchess quarter is one of the most luxurious areas in the palace. Decorated with gold and renaissance paintings hanging in the walls, she reminds this place of Versailles palace from her previous life.

'What an excessive wealth is this? Indeed, the final boss is the most powerful and richest man in the empire'.

The duchess quarter has its own parlor, library, kitchen, and a massive garden. It's like a castle within a castle. Alex opened the bedroom quarters, and she is astonished by the sight of her bedroom. A bed as spacious as the king's bed in the television series she watches, a luxurious chandelier and a bathroom connected like a size of a bedroom. She is in awe of the wardrobe with as big as the living room hanging luxurious clothes, bags, shoes, and jewelries.

'Wow this is living like a queen. I was rich in my earth life, but these kinds of luxuries are beyond me'.

"I hope her majesty is satisfied with your living quarters. Shall you need anything more, please inform this humble butler". Alex bows down his head to give respect to Rachel.

Rachel is uncomfortable when the attendants are calling her 'your majesty'. She has not succeeded the duchess position formally, but these people have already treated her as their duchess.

"Thank you, Alex, and to the attendants for your warm welcome. I will definitely ask for your help for I am lacking knowledge in these areas".

She smiled at them warmly and they almost gasp in awe for their hearts are beating wildly. The duchess is the most beautiful lady in the empire with a good bearing and humble temperament.

Until now, they can't believe how a wonderful lady can commit a crime and they started to believe that there was a big conspiracy going on in the southern royal family.

"It's our pleasure to serve you well, your majesty".

They all bow down and led the duchess to the parlor to prepare her snacks.

"Would it be alright to call you Alex?".

Alex is surprised that the duchess will call his name in a personal state. 'She regards me well'. Alex admiration went from 60% to 100%.

"I humbly accept your request, your majesty".

"Be at ease Alex. Do you know where his majesty is?".

"His majesty sends his apologies for not welcoming you. He went to an important matter with his knights, and he will be back in three days' time".

"I see. Then I will be in your care".

Rachel is not disappointed that the duke is not here in fact she felt so relieve that he was not here. She is afraid that she will be eaten anytime when the duke is here. Knowing how his sexual stamina, she might be secluded inside the bedroom the whole time.

Alex saw the bright flash in her face when she learned that the duke is not here. 'She seems so tiny and frail, and if my master can't restrain his desires, I fear for her health.'

"By the way your majesty, Maquis Borbon will be here tomorrow to teach your succession".

"Thank you, Alex. I will be happy to welcome Marquis Borbon".

"Then I will leave you to rest, your majesty. Please do not hesitate to call me anytime should you need anything".

Rachel spent her whole day touring her manor. She specially like the green house in the garden. She plans to visit all the areas of this palace in the coming days.

While pondering, she writes to Anne and her friends to visit her in the duchy. She will tell them honestly of what happened between her and the duke but of course the one-year contract marriage will not be discuss as she signed the non-disclosure agreement with the duke.

THE next day, Marquis Borbon arrive in the Astrid palace. Rachel personally welcomes her in the parlor and the marquis is surprised of her humble demeanor.

Since Rachel is notorious for her infamous behavior in the southern capital, she anticipated being welcomed by a rude and haughty lady.

"I greet her majesty, the future duchess of Astrid".

Rachel is in awe of her perfect posture and demeanor. She is a royal teacher and one of the most respected nobles in the empire.

"Please be at ease Marquis Borbon. I am still lacking on so many areas and I will be in your care from now on".

Marquis Borbon admire her answer, not so overbearing with a touch of class and propriety. She has a bearing of a queen. Her only problem is her beauty, a beauty which can cause a great war to obtain such fine specimen. She can use it as a tool to control the duke but then looking at her demeanor she seems to be oblivious of her charm.

"Thank you for the warmth welcome your majesty. I have here the list of the course you will take for two weeks, and it includes the selection of your lady in waiting".

Rachel read the programs course she will take and the ladies in waiting lists. She takes notice of the three noble ladies highlighted in bold letters to be selected and Anne's name is not in that category.

"The course looks good to me. For the ladies in waiting selection, I will think it thoroughly and discuss it with his majesty".

"I will support your majesty's decision". Marquis Borbon thought that the new duchess is intelligent and decisive. They may have found a gem in the north, surely the days in the north will be full of interesting events.

In the next two days, the succession course run smoothly, and Rachel learn fast. The duchess position is equivalent to a queen. The activities such as running the dukedoms budget, charity events, delegation events and public appearances are included in the course.

Rachel thought that she can handle this matter smoothly based on her experience from her previous life. Marquis Borbon admired her humility in learning, and she also became close with her in these past two days.

Apart from the course, they also talk about personal things of their hobbies and interest. Marquis Borbon describe her as the sunshine of the north. Whenever she appears the surrounding seems to shine brightly with her presence, smile, and laughter.

The Astrid palace has been so vibrant these last two days. Due to her arrival, the cold palace becomes bright and alive.

The duke's attendants are grateful to this new change in the palace, and they are all smitten by the new duchess.

***

THE duke arrives earlier than the schedule of his return. He was covered with a stench of blood and the butler recover from his surprise to his earlier return. It is late at night and the attendants promptly arrange his bathe.

"Is everything in order?"

Alex knew what this question means. He is talking about the settlement of the duchess in the palace.

"The duchess settled smoothly your majesty. Marquis Borbon taught her well and she receive it with utmost excellence".

The butler is not exaggerating as he only receives the feedback from the Marquis herself.

"Hmm".

The duke nod and proceed to go on his chamber.