"Bang!"

They wince when I position my hand. Closed knuckles with only two of my fingers aiming at the forehead of the Grand Duke. Just like what I saw from the picture of that amazing book I read.

"What if, you can kill the enemy from afar."

"You mean shooting arrows Madam?" Jackson asked, as his old eyes filled with curiosity to my actions.

I remember this scenario; it feels like we were back again in this kind of meeting. With the butler and his knight beside him and I, at the presence of His Excellency. Perhaps, this will become a routine for us.

We will discuss strategy every time the Grand Duke will go to the battlefield. It wasn't uneasy dissimilar before I entered his office. The aura was welcoming me instead.

"No, I'm talking about a weapon that could kill in one shot without minding the trajectory in aiming."

"Probably, you read another history about the other country."

I hastily nodded, smiling to what my husband stated. "You're not wrong."

The information was a long time ago. For I was meaning to suggest this while I was living in my dreams in the Claintery Empire. Yet, no one listened to a mere child. They took it as a ridiculous and impossible to create.

On condition that my memories are correct, it was originated in Kingdom of Velez. Then, suddenly exists in Louthia. Well, there are things that the books don't contain. But the fact that the production of that weapon didn't spread is good news.

"Tell us more."

"From what I can remember, it was called a gun." I boldly borrowed His Excellency's quill and drew a picture, close enough to the real one. I just hope that they can understand my art. "Something like this."

Then I added another thing on the paper to be more precise and detailed. "Loaded with heavy bullets. What made me interested was, it could pierce right through the armor of the soldiers that the arrows couldn't."

Yes. This might be a possible solution. I kept my mouth shut about the Datae gem for I'm not sure. They all just need to listen to this and I hope that nothing will go wrong.

"Hold on. I can't process it Madam," Josh said as he was raising his hand, asking for a paused. "You mean, that small weird shape can pierce a hole into the solid metal armor?"

"Yes, is what I want to say."

"Interesting," the Grand Duke blurted as Josh whistle. "Would finding the raw materials would be difficult?"

"Yes, Your Excellency."

"Then, what made you decide to suggest it?" His stares gave me the chills. Analyzing how confident I am.

"Because it's worth the cost." I chuckled inside of my head. There's no exemption even I was his wife. He's not willing to take a risk if it doesn't have a high value for him.

"Hmm. Would the enemy be killed instant?"

"Yes. I can guarantee you."

Jackson decided to interrupt the interrogation. "It could be called a deadly weapon, Your Excellency."

The tyrant man nodded his head. "Right. Josh, do whatever it takes for us to generate that gun."

"Yes, Sire." He salutes before leaving the room.

After the door was close, I turned back my focus to the front. "Pardon me, but why do you seek to conquer Mazo?"

"I was ordered by His Majesty. He was quite being suspicious to the sudden move of the Arello's King. Probably, that ruler wants to expands his territory by attacking our land near at their border."

He looks up from the documents he was signing and stared at me. "Why? Do you have any relative in there?"

"Not really. Though I met a friend that lives in that country." I dig for the name in my mind. "Hmm, her name was Delphine Lastima. A daughter of a Marquis."

I smiled when I remember how shopaholic she was. Though, she was not a selfish woman. Just that, she was born with a golden spoon and never entire life that she experienced poverty.

Her hands were soft, not a single trace of handwork. Everything was served for her and spend on her luxury. Carrying around herself with dignity and proud.

After a week. The good news came that they were able to construct of what I suggested. They must use all of their connections just to be able to get a hold on that weapon.

Our days spend the usual. The Grand Duke was enjoying the new invent. He kept aiming for the knight's forehead during their practice. It's been like that ever since they manage to possess the guns.

I shook my head with pity in my eyes. Poor soldiers, they were shaking while standing with an apple on their head. Praying that their leader won't miss. During this time, they will usually train with their swords and His Excellency was treated like a devil. Nevertheless, even using a different weapon, he was still ruthless and unforgiving.

"If you move, I'll kill you."

"Y-yes, S-sire!"

A loud bang sound that made me stopped from continuing my walk on the hallway. I glance back again on the outside of the enormous window. The trembling knight with his tightly closed eyes, appears like he was about to faint when my husband pulls the trigger.

The apple fell on the ground into two pieces. The other knights were left with their mouths wide open to watch how their companion almost got killed without dignity. A wicked grin formed into the tyrant Grand Duke's lips. "Wonderful."

He once again positions his hands with a different angle. "Now, let's aim for the chest. Shall we?"

I knew that he just wants to try the durability if it will really pierce into the metal armor of the soldier effectively. However, I wish he would have mercy on the person that gulped down for his own life. Yet again, he doesn't have those characteristics.

"Look, it's our Madam," a random knight exclaims.

The Grand Duke accidentally pulls the trigger as he glances from my side and thankfully the bullet hit the ground. The man that he was aiming for, collapsed but no one actually cares as almost every one of them looks up.

Being distracted with their training due to my presence. I couldn't help but to be startled and my cheeks suddenly feel burning with their stares that they give off. I modestly bow partly of my head to greet them.

"Madam! This is amazing!" Josh yelled. "It's quite heavy yet not as the sword. This is great! We can easily put it inside of our pocket."

He resumes his ramble while half shouting for me to hear where I stood, giving a review about the product. The other knights kept nodding their heads like a fool as they listen to him.

"Continue practice!" His Excellency hissed.

"Yes Sire!"

The Grand Duke turned his gaze back at me. And before I can even blink. He was already in front of my path.

"Wife."

There was no sign of him panting, perhaps this is due to his constantly drill with the soldiers. "I forget to ask. What time will you leave?"

"At dawn." His hands dared to wrap around my slim waist.

"Then, I will have to wake up early to say my farewell." I wipe his dripping sweat with my handkerchief that I always carry around.

"You don't have to, I will back immediately."

We stared at each other's eyes. The silence grew wider and it seems like we were debating inside of our minds. I wanted to see him off because the last time, I couldn't.

I wanted to witness how will the soldiers march towards the gate as the rising sun welcome them. The waving of the flags with the goosebumps of trumpets, the cries and goodbyes of one another. I wanted to watch all of them with my naked eyes.

"Safe travels. Perhaps?"

"We will." He kissed my forehead. "Be good. Just stay here and wait for me."

By the next time I open my eyes. He was no longer here. The terrifying presence that I once felt is literally gone. I won't hear the cold voice that will start my day in a jiff.

I smelled the aroma breeze as the tree leaves dance in the air. It was unexpectedly a peaceful morning. Calm yet lonely.

"My Lady, why don't you visit the market? I heard there are a lot of new things that they sell. It will be a good bargain," Celine advised while stroking my hair with a brush. I just took a warm shower and still wearing my white bathrobe. Her talks were appealing as it was such a perfect timing.

"Now that I think about it. I haven't visited the towns here. Well then, I shall comply to your words."

I was cage here in the manor for months and only able to visit the Persian because of the issue that occurred. But what does the town of Celtic look like? I wasn't really able to roamed around freely because of my complicated schedule.

"Alright. I will make you the most beautiful Grand Duchess."

When my heels set foot in the market. They greet me with bustling noise and crowded places. I wore a simple dress inside the cloak. Being certain to hide my blond hair over the hood for it was simply thirsty for attention.

I brought Celine with me, she insisted that she'll carry the things that I might purchase. Some enough of the knights are also here to guard me. Even I can do it alone just fine but Jackson sure worries a lot.

As I pass by a vendor, I noticed that they were loudly arguing about something. They also caught a lot of people observing them.

"Like what I said My Lord. We can't sell this for a cheap price."

"Perhaps, can you make an exception? I forgot to bring money with me."

The wind blow and the man's cloak go along with its motion. Just a second was enough to see a familiar crest in one glimpse that was hidden beneath the mantle. That's where I decided to interfere.

"Excuse me. May I help you?"

"Oh, I see. Young Lady, if you're his companion please pay his fees," claimed by the seller.

"Pardon?"

"It will be three silvers."

"Alright." I don't have a choice but to grab my wallet and pay the merchant. I look at the apologetic man beside me.

"I'm sorry. I will make sure to show my gratitude next time."

I grabbed his clothes to where a space that are less ears. "Forgive me for being rude. Your Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, what are you doing in the street without guards?"

Because his the next-in-line to the throne, many nobles that don't support him are scheming to kill him. Thus, not all of the people can recognize his face. As for me, my teacher provided a portrait of him. It was included in our lesson for me to be aware who I should not offended.

"I managed to trick them and escape." That's how explains why he is being penniless. Perhaps, a maid that was assign to him was in-charge of holding his baggage. For the reason to avoid spending much. I slap my forehead. Goodness, what might come into his mind?

"Though, worry not. No one has noticed me until you came."

I suddenly remembered, the time when rashes appeared on my skin because of the flowers. I heard they were talking about him wandering in Celtic. Months already passed by, yet he was still here. Strolling alone, perhaps his exploring the lands that he will rule.

"Quick! Find him!"

Voices of the guards that seems hunting for someone interrupt our conversation. The Crown Prince became alert. "I have to go now."

He run away like he was an animal in the forest, escaping from the predators. I've should have said it before he left. That it was just a little repayment of what his healer did for me.