"The timing was off. We should not impose raising tax for now," I paused as I look my stiff reflection on the mirror. I shook my head. "No, that was too feeble."

I was in the middle of applying what I learned from my mentor. Such as, how should I talk with full of authority. Particularly with my status being higher than them, I should know how to convince those malicious fools.

Making them comply with my intimidating words, definitely I'm going to make them stop whatever they're scheming for this city. I practice already for a million times, yet couldn't still grasp the confidence. I'll repeat myself as I stutter.

A knock disturbed me. "Madam, they are waiting for your presence in the meeting room."

"Alright, I will be there in a minute." For the last time, I exhaled my nervousness and assured myself that it will be successful. I recap my future plans inside my head before I smiled in the mirror. But then, it turned out to be creepy. So, I revert into a blank face.

A servant escorted me into the room where I can meet the guests. It's such an elegant area for gathering. They also opened the curtains and windows when they clean the place, now it was less suffocating as I face these nobles.

"Greetings Grand Duchess. It is such an honor to serve you."

"Very well. Let's start the discussion gentlemen."

The sound of the pouring coffee by the young butler was a signal for them to start opening their mouths. Aroma filled the air as the steam of hot drink evaporate. Pastel confections on the table made its purpose as a beautiful decoration.

Three men sitting across to me, drinking their cups. As what Jackson pertains, might be these guys are the one who plots for the sudden issue. I was expecting, plenty of them will rush here in the manor with my sudden notice. But I guess, that they're not afraid of me enough to defy my existence. I reprimand myself; they should not be tolerated.

"I don't want to be rude Madam, but if we can't collect tax then, we won't be able to help the poor."

"Viscount Mukbang Tayo, it is?" He wears a black mad hatter hat that match his tux attire with a rod on his hands.

"Yes, Her Excellency."

"Your point was not bad. However," I sip from my coffee and placed it back to its saucer. "The people have nothing to give."

They begin to murmured with each other as I continue to drink what was served on the table. Their voices have reach into my ears that I guess they intended to, didn't even bother to filter their words in front of me.

"Lord Mukbang. We should not bother listening to her. Afterall, she's just young. What does she know about this matter anyway?"

A man with a long white beard beside the Viscount, I can feel his presence with his quite negative intention to this society.

"Right. She might won't stay for too long here. We can still go with the flow as what we have planned."

When I glance up at the other person sitting down to the opposite side, his reaction shows no guilt. Even with all the sweets in front of me, I can smell his bitterness from here.

I chuckled. Holding tightly the handle of the mug, constraining my irritation for these men. "Are you mocking me right now? Perhaps, you took me for a fool."

They froze as I glare at them, meeting their eyes forwardly. "As you know. If Alcide will know about this, he might just not let you off."

Lips that started to become pale and their wrinkled hands tremble as they heard a sacred name. The person who is more frightening than the calamity. I'm glad that I listened to Jackson's advice. "Be grateful for I'm letting you stay as the lord of Persian, Viscount Mukbang. But with that attitude of yours, I might just let Alcide kill you."

When a couple address each other informal, without minding the title of the status. It means that they were close enough to call each other with their first name. Thus, every insulting word they might say to me can also pertain to harm my husband.

"A-h. it's just as you said Madam. We should not raise the tax instead; we should lower it and make it five percent," he laughed awkwardly.

"I beg to disagree. Make it one-percent."

Their eyes went wide. "But Madam!"

"Grand Duke Alcide Cajarte would also permit it if he was here," I smirked as I mention my beloved husband's name. Suddenly their shoulders went down with the motion of gulping. They look all an abandon dog with my idea. For they couldn't retaliate as I have a powerful backup.

"We shall do as what you request," They meekly obeyed.

"Good. Also, I want to discuss something." I gave a signal to a servant who was on his standby beside me. He distributed the documents that I prepared overnight for those gentlemen across to me.

"What is this Madam?"

"I want to build a school."

Their eyes lifted. As if they saw hope. "That's a good idea. A school for all the young nobles to socialize- "

"For commoners."

"Pardon?"

They looked with each other with doubtful. "Forgive me for being rude but, where would you get the fund?"

I sip my coffee and smiled. It was not a problem in the first place.

Months pass by like it was a dream. The people were happy that made me satisfied. The school was established just like what I wanted. And the children can freely learn without paying. I was able to help those in need to stand up again from their fall. Using the income of selling canned foods just to build this peacefulness, that I've never regretted.

At first, the people were curious at the sudden change of their environment. The only good thing for them was the lower rate of tax. Rumors began spreading from town to town. That I've gone insane, being married from the tyrant Grand made me infected.

For it was a ridiculous thing to waste money in building this school and making the commoners learn without paying. Then later on, they've become accustomed with the system. To be able to do this much in those months with such my age, it sure is tiring.

The knowledge that I've been keeping since I was a child have been very useful while I was staying here. I taught the farmers on how to properly cultivate the soil and their crops grew abundantly.

The learning that will cover up in the school that I institute was all about basic agriculture, accounting and swordsmanship. Of course, those were just for the early teens, while the young little ones should learn to read and write.

I was proud, because those people grabbed the opportunity. And whenever I see these children who were desperate to gain those skills made my heart clench as I witness their tiny hands hold a quill diligently for the first time.

Yet, it didn't last long.

It was going smoothly but it all ended when I received a letter. From Jackson, the Grand Duke is back. That must mean they've won the war. He was asking for my presence to return. It was also stated that he became impatient and hot tempered when he knew that I wasn't in Celtic.

I sigh. Being attach to Persian made me so hard to bid goodbye to the townspeople. The servants of the manor, assured me that they will be honor to serve me again and cook delicious foods when I return. It was a beautiful stay.

As we depart and reach Celtic, my heart suddenly started to thump when I saw the familiar castle. Maids and Butlers begun lining up to greet me. Unlike in the past, my feet will tremble as I step down from the Carriage's stairs. Worrying what might happen to me, filling my chest with anxiousness.

Then, I saw a hand. Offering to assist me as I get off. I took it without looking up to confirm who was the person for a noble lady's dress was heavy. With all of its frills and laces surrounding the cloth, it was quite a hassle.

"Did you enjoy your trip?" His baritone voice that I didn't hear for so long made me froze. With my wide eyes open, I dare to see his face. I wasn't expecting him to welcome me after I arrived.

"Your Excellency?"

"Right," he carried me in his arms. Before, I would be afraid whenever I'll see him coming closer. I wonder why, that its feel like I was home now.

"I can walk," I timidly stated. With all the servants here, witnessing such scene early in the morning, this is quite embarrassing. Though, I was hoping that they wouldn't pay attention to it. Their heads were bow, greeting me for my safe return. Still, I know that they're fully aware and that was enough to make my cheeks red.

The Grand Duke carried me all the way inside of the mansion, which is unbelievable. Our destination was his room so, I confirm that he needs me to satisfy him now. Perhaps, this is might be the reason why he's blood is boiling. Even though I just came back, I would be grateful if he would let me rest.

"Wait, I still need to change," I tried to protest. He made me sit down on his bed. I was about to stand up when I noticed that some of my things were in his place. But the most shocking was the huge gift boxes that filled the area, failing to count them with my eyes.

"What are those? And why my things are here?"

"Those are presents for you, don't you like it?"

"What do you mean?" My thick brows met together. My hands were resting on his broad chest as he locks me between his arms.

"That, I further decided that we shall sleep in one room from now on."

"You decided?"

"Yes, is there a problem with that? My wife, open these. I want to see your reaction," he proudly stated while handing me over a large box with its beautiful silk ribbon. Still not letting me go. I never knew that this man was stubborn and I was also not aware that I will let him do as he please.

"You should ask my consent first before..." I stopped yakking when I saw what were the inside of the present. It was a jewelry necklaces that glitter. Making my eyes bright to its dashing gem.

"Do you like it?" he asked that I just sigh.

"How was the war with Ivium? Were you hurt?" I ask, opening another box to hide my concern. When did I even care about his well-being? Aren't I too shameful? Not long ago, I would be terrified at the sight of him. It seems that I also have changed as I spent time in Persian.

"We won because of you. As a token of gratitude, please accept all of these gifts." The inside of the box was a bracelet that didn't also failed to glimmer with all of its expensive beads and the rest were dresses. How could I take all of these? Even the Count, my father would limit me from just buying simple dress and rather spent all of his money to my younger sister.

"Isn't it a bit much?"

"You think?" He then started to kiss me full of tender. Softness of his lips against mine, drowning me with pleasure that I can't help but to close my eyes and go with his flow.

"Is your offer still up?"

"Offer?" I questioned between our heavy breathing.

He clenched his jaw; his eyes have darkened. "Did you forget already? You said we should get to know each other."

His lips brush once again into mine impatiently. With his rough hands caressing my waist, I shiver from his gentle touch. "How can you do that?"

"Do what? Hmm." His kisses crawled into my neck.

"Speaking while holding me at the same time. Can't we just talk first?" My mind failed to process of what should I do next. It seems that I was slow to catch up what was happening right after I came home.

"No, my wife."