When the carriage entered the Astrid castle, Sebastian was waiting outside looking impatient. Since Rachel hadn't seen him in three days, her heart began to race. Seeing him again lifted her spirits because she was feeling so down right now.

He opened the carriage door and assisted his wife to descend in the carriage. His expression suggests that he is not in a good mood.

"Wife, do you know what time is it? Do you still recognize the Astrid castle?". He holds her chin with a domineering look on his face.

Rachel suddenly hugs him tight. "Husband, please don't be mad. I am here now, alright? I haven't seen you for three days". She tightened her embrace on his waist that made Sebastian calmed down.

His wife seems to be acting strange at the moment, 'Did something happened?'.

He heaves a deep sigh and kiss her temple. "Is everything alright?". Sebastian holds her face and observe her reaction.

Rachel nods and touch his face. "Are you staying in the castle tonight?".

With a sigh, Sebastian kisses her lips. He devoured her mouth, taste the sweetness of her tongue and drink the juice like he was thirsty. He had missed his little wife so much that it suffocates his very being when he can't find her in the castle when he arrived. Even though he was aware that she went to her parent's house, it still terrifies him not to see her in his vicinity.

"Forgive your husband but I still have to continue the hunt". He then kissed her eyes, nose and cheeks to coax her. "But please do your husband a favor not to wander around outside the castle since it's not safe for you to be exposed in public."

Rachel nods in response for she understood her safety. Since she became the Duchess Astrid, she might also become the target of her husband's enemies. They are waiting for the right moment to find his weakness.

Among the Generals and Knights, Garaitz is the only one who seems to be shocked of what he had just witnessed. He never imagined he would be able to see his great master show such a tremendous sense of affection for the Duchess.

'Is my master under her spell? I don't think so. I can't feel her powers, but her mana is so bright as if she's purifying your soul'. Garaitz pondered while looking at the couple. 'There's something about her crystal blue eyes, where have I seen that before? He tried so hard to remember but it's like his memory was trap by an unknown force.

While contemplating, the Duke calls for his attention. "Garaitz! I want you to guard the Duchess these days. William will go with me in the hunt".

Sir William displayed a hesitant look as he is used to protect the Duchess. He is not a hundred percent sure to delegate this task to Garaitz. However, the crafty shapeshifter chuckled and eagerly obeyed the order, acting as though he had just won something of great worth.

"I just came back to catch a glimpse of my wife, but I have to leave again". He then kissed her temple and turned around to signal his men, but Rachel tightly embraces him from behind.

"Sebastian, just a moment please". She savored the moment to feel her husband's presence and let him go reluctantly.

Sebastian smiled and cupped her face. "The royal designer will give you the ball gown tomorrow. Be ready, we will attend the banquet ball at the Carlyle palace two days from now."

He then kisses her one last time before he departed with his knights. His wife is acting so cute that he almost lost his sense of control to abandon the hunt. He has to leave otherwise he will spend the whole night tormenting her with his pent-up desire.

When the Duke left and his men, Garaitz greeted the Duchess with a full excitement on his face. "Your Majesty, this servant will protect you with his life". He kneels and bow down.

Rachel was so amazed to meet the famous shape shifter. Garaitz, who can summon a blue flame, is one of the most powerful characters in the original story. His mother is human, and he is a member of the clan of guardians of the fallen dragon. Although he is incredibly beautiful, this creature is mischievous and wicked. This dangerous creature joined Sebastian in his quest to destroy this empire and conquered the monster realm. He became the Guardian's right hand and destroyer.

'OMG! I just realized that I'm surrounded by powerful and psychotic characters.'

"Please rise and be comfortable Garaitz." Rachel smiled and led the way to the castle. The powerful shape shifter space out when the Duchess smiled at her. He now understood why his master is smitten of this fragile being.

Other than her unparalleled appearance, she has a delicate countenance that makes you want to protect her uncorrupted soul. He has never encountered a being whose mana is so pure and bright, it's as though she came from the heavenly realm to cleanse the darkness of this world. Garaitz felt the familiarity of her soul, but he can't just pinpoint yet where he has seen this one.

He happily skips and followed the Duchess.

***

The Duchess dress rehearsals are keeping the palace busy the following morning. Rachel notices how modest the dresses were, with the front and back being covered. She felt as though she couldn't breathe while wearing it because her neck was completely covered.

"Oswald, I can't wear this. Look, the weather is warm here, and this dress will make me suffocate to death". Following that, she makes a drawing on the paper and presents it to the royal designer.

"I want a slit to be cut into the front of the gown about above my knee. This is quite acceptable and modest. What do you think?"

Oswald choke his saliva and examines the illustration while feeling nervous. "But your Majesty, doing this would reveal your legs and the Duke might not approve".

"Oswald, as your Duchess, I command you to follow this design. I will guarantee your life, so don't worry". Rachel let out a frustrated sigh and used her position of power to persuade the royal fashion designer.

"I follow her Majesty's command". The royal designer can't resist any more for the Duchess have used her authority. He prayed that the Dragon Gods will protect his life from the Duke's wrath.

"By the way, his Majesty have also given you the inner garments for you to wear in the ball". Oswald handed over the small box to the head lady in waiting.

After opening it, Rachel quickly closed the box as her face started to flush in embarrassment.

Anne and Oswald exchanged glances and understand the content of the Duke's gift to their Duchess.