Chapter 3 3

"Only one kingdom is not interrupted by our king, it is the Monalian Kingdom," explained John, The Butler.

I signed the papers he had given me a while ago while listening to his teachings as well.

"No one dares to challenge that Kingdom. We're not enemies nor friends with,"

I stopped and looked at him. He was standing there, prim and proper. He adjusted his eyeglass when he saw my curious face.

"People know how strong the Northern Kingdom is, even the duke," he explained.

I nodded and went back to signing.

He told me a lot more. Even though I knew I had let it go.

Who dares to go to the north? It's so cold there? You have not yet reached the Monalian Kingdom you may die in the cold.

Knights are also trained well. It seems like assassins so no one really try to beat their kingdom.

They do not fight for no reason.

I stretched my arms upwards when I finished signing John.

I still want to do more! Cook sweets! Oh, try the gowns in my cabinet! Or you can sleep too!

But my face was lost when I saw more paperwork needed.

I got up and opened the door to the veranda. I went out there and breathed.

It's been two days and all I did was sit down and write on the papers.

Manang just brought me some food and went back to work again!

I sighed. I roam my eyes around the garden below. There's a pond in between. It's still full of water lilies!

I want to go there but I don't have time!

I looked at the paperwork again. I'll run out of that today.

I've read reports. Wrote some replies. Read some invitation to a party and declined them.

I am drained. I had no desire to walk back to my room and lie down there.

I'm happy because it's done but my whole body aches! And I immediately fell asleep.

I was stunned by the sunshine of the sunlight on my face.

I saw Manang calmly opening the window.

Arghh !! I still want to sleep!

"Good morning duchess, your food is ready to go downstairs," he smiled.

I got out of bed and went straight to the bathroom. As usual he bathed me and dressed me.

I walked down the stairs and walked around the whole mansion.

Now I just noticed that its design is so boring!

From here I see the dust on the curtain.

"Please wash the curtains. It's dusty, its color is no longer seen-" I stopped.

Am I allowed to make them do this?

I used to look at Manang. With someone talking to an assistant!

"Get curtains, the duchess is washed,"

Your girl nodded and left.

I think yes, I am allowed. I'm the duchess, so yes.

I smiled at the dining room and ate there.

On the third day Felix was gone I cleaned his mansion!

Although they couldn't do that for just one day because of its size and more rooms.

But it will end, before my dear wife arrives!

Five days have passed and the mansion seems to have come out! It still shines in my eyes.

Now I'm taking the garden. I decided I would plant it with roses. It's not fun to look at just green!

Unlike the mansion, the garden is well taken care of. I thought the pond will be green and will look nasty but it's really clean and clear!

Thanks to our gardener!

I put a table and a seat at the bottom of the tree so I could do nothing in the mansion.

I sat there and drank some tea. I asked one of the gardeners to have some of my cupcakes but he didn't want to.

The Sun's shining above and really hot! I stopped them first.

"Just continue with it this afternoon!"

They bowed and went away.

I blew violently and ate the cupcakes.

When I was leaving I went to the Knights Quarter. I have nothing to do, so I will challenge them into a race!

I smirked.

"Duchess!" Surprised one shouted.

The noise of the spads stopped and they shouted.

I just walked around and made sure I was here.

"I am general mack, what can we do for you, my lady?" asked it.

"Who's the best rider of your squad, general?"

He was surprised to see me but immediately called a man.

"Benim, our best rider," he introduced.

"Good afternoon!" Its greeted.

I smiled and held out my hand. We shaked hands.

"Nice to meet you Benim! Now, I want to challenge you into a race!"

I immediately heard their whispers.

"I beg your pardon, my lady" she said confused.

I didn't answer her anymore, but she was sure she heard it.

"Where are the horses?" I asked as I tied my hair into a ponytail.

Good thing I wore some jeans and a boots! My top's a white long sleeves!

This'll be fun.

Eventually I let them go. As I was riding the horse, I heard Manang's cry.

"Duchess! What are you doing!" I saw her running to me.

"Don't worry Manang, I'll be fine,"

I arranged myself to the height of the horse.

"Oh my! If something goes wrong we can kill the duke!" worried it says.

I just laughed.

"I'm not going to do anything that will kill you!" I regret it.

I saw Manang hit the general and scolded it.

"Don't be easy on me, Benim" I warned him.

"Yes, my lady," he said then smiled.

We positioned ourselves and when the general blew his whistle, I quickly ran my horse.

I've been into races since I was a child. But now I just got back!

It feels so nostalgic. Riding a horse, feeling the harsh wind slaps my face as my horse run fast.

Benim's a great rider. But no one has ever defeated me.

I smirked as I am nearing the finish line.

I am only inches ahead from him. But still, I won.

"You're awesome!" He praised.

I just laughed. Every time I would hear compliments I would just laugh it out.

We both returned to the Knights Quarter.

As I got off the horse, Manang immediately wiped my face.

Seriously! I'm not a child anymore!