The Duchess' state is worrying everyone on the royal staff at Astrid Palace. She looked as though she had just cried when she returned from the tea gathering. The Duchess has a solemn expression on her face and is quite quiet. They are aware of the dialogue between Viscountess Olga and the Duchess. They have an idea of what the Viscountess said to the Duchess given how vulgar she is. All of the royal staff members are in a panic because they are unsure of what to do if the Duke learns what happened at the tea party.

The Duchess' attendance at the tea party is the main story on the front page of the northern news. Including her pictures taken inside the tea banquet and her iconic attire. A sneaky photographer captured Viscountess Olga paying her respects to the Duchess, and they inserted that image in the tea banquet photographs.

Her Majesty, the Duchess of Astrid arrived in an elegant manner and her iconic side sweep hat took our breath away. See her looks inside the banquet and her interactions with the northern aristocrats. For all the thrilling images, turn to page six.

When Alex saw the pictures on page 6, he asked the knight to "take care" of the sneaky photographer who took those pictures. He knows the hidden message even though there was no caption put behind. Prior to his marriage, the Duke of Astrid had some infamous affairs with a handful of noblewomen, which are widely known and talked about throughout the north.

He is at his wits' end trying to manage the information about what transpired at the tea banquet as the Duke is expected to arrive today. Due to the Duchess's state, the atmosphere in the palace turned from warm to gloomy. She behaves exactly the same, yet their fear and panic are increased by her silence.

Rachel went to the Wizards tower with her head lady in waiting before she even finished her breakfast. The Duchess is heading silently while Sir William and Anne followed behind. It is frightening to have to put up with Rachel's extreme silence ever since she returned from the banquet last night.

Today, the Duchess decided to wear a pair of dark pants, a white top with long sleeves, and knee-high boots. She chose to dress casually because she will need to work with Suhin on their project and that she would need to be able to move around easily. As a result of her wearing fitting pants that display her beautiful bum, her contours appear more defined.

Sir William hastily made his way to the Wizard Tower to tell Master Aldworf to seal the whole department where Suhin and the Duchess will be working since he cannot afford to face the Duke's fury if he learns that other men have seen the Duchess attire.

Rachel wondered why it was silent and empty inside the Wizard tower when she arrived. She spotted Suhin working on their project, and he gave the Duchess a flushed look as he greeted her with a ceremonial bow.

"Suhin, no need to be formal. I will visit you often to work with our project so please be comfortable around me. Can you do that?".

"I obey her Majesty's order". Suhin bows his head timidly and scratches his head.

"Alright! Let's get started. Then I'll ask you to show me the glass monitor".

Suhin quickly got up from the table and removed the glass container. Rachel's mouth dropped open as she felt such excitement that she momentarily forgot about her heart ache.

"Oh my god! Suhin, this is amazing! You are marvelous!". She nearly gives the young genius a hug but restrains herself.

"I don't take credit for anything; her Majesty had the brilliant idea," Suhin looks down meekly to cover off his embarrassed expression. When he heard the Duchess' compliment, his heart began to beat rapidly.

"Please turn it on". For the first time, she smiled genuinely, and her excitement came back.

Sir William and Anne exchanged glances while feeling relieved that the Duchess's mood had improved. They must get this little genius a gift because he has brought back the sparkle in the Duchess' eyes.

Suhin turned on the glass monitor, but there is nothing visible on the screen. Additionally, there is no connection between the glass keyboard and the monitor. He made several unsuccessful attempts to figure out how to connect.

When it worked, Rachel smiled brightly. They can begin using it after she connects it to the central box and encrypts the data. She then asks Suhin to make a cable made of mana materials. While she is waiting for the cable to be done, she began writing the command program. Suhin finally finished the cable and hand it over to Sir William. Rachel took the cable and plugged it into the central box. When the glass keyboard and monitor screen turned on together, they all let out a unison gasp.

The royal maid unexpectedly appeared and informed Sir William that the Duke had arrived. Rachel was about to continue her work when she heard that Sebastian was at the palace. Her hands shook as her heart began to beat so rapidly.

Sir William hastily departed after obtaining the Duchess' approval. Rachel remained seated, contrary to what Anne had anticipated would happen.

"Anne, if it's alright with you, please carry my journal back to my room. I will stay here little bit to finish the work". Rachel dismisses Anne for she needs space to gather her emotion before she can face the Duke. Anne sigh in reluctance and left.

"Shall I also leave your Majesty?". Suhin thought the Duchess needed some space because she seemed downhearted, and he suspected it might have something to do with the Duke since she didn't leave to welcome him.

"Don't leave just stay". Rachel smiled but her eyes aren't. She lets out a heavy sigh and puts on her eyeglasses to type the command into the glass monitor screen. While typing, she asks Suhin a question.

"Suhin, do you ever feel as though this is a place where you don't belong?". A sorrow can be heard in her voice.

"Your Majesty, I...I sometimes feel alone and desolated for I look different from the people here and, I also miss my home".

Rachel smiled bitterly. "Me too. I miss home". She whispered as she lowered her eyeglasses just enough to clear the tear duct from her eyes.

"Suhin and I are the same, we came from a different place and yearn to return home". Rachel said the last sentence as if talking to herself.

When Suhin heard what the Duchess stated, he was puzzled as to why she would say it given that her home was in the southern region and that she was the highest-ranking noblewoman in the empire. She speaks as if she doesn't belong in this world. He sensed the pain and longing in her heart.

Rachel continued her work when the atmosphere in the room suddenly turns chilly.

The Duke is standing at the door with a fury look on his face.

Author's note: I've finally found a picture on Pinterest that perfectly captures Rachel's appearance, eyes as brilliant as the blue sky. She resembles Mystique from the webtoon comic. All rights reserve to the photo owner.

Background Playlist Song: The Scientist by Corine Bailey