There was always a reason why I was called the "Ice Duchess," and the reason was because of my rude arrogance and cold shoulderings. Had it not been for my cold upbringing that I had also grown up cold. My late father, who I never considered as my father- never raised me with love or affection.
I would celebrate my birthdays every day by a cake at the dinner table and the maids around the entire estate chanting Happy Birthday. The presents I would get were books, books, necklaces, and sorts of those things. On my tenth birthday and on my first five birthdays were the only time my father came home to actually celebrate even for a minute. The ArchDuke would be present at my sixth birthday.
I grew up in an aristocratic society where I was at most almost at the top of the hierarchy system. The Castano butler was the only man in the entire estate who would be able to form a normal conversation with me without hesitating.
The customs of the Castano household were stricter than any other Dukedom. The Butler had always reminded me that our lineage held too much power for anyone else to trample upon. And the only conversation we ever had was study-related.
Because of my cold-shouldered upbringing, I was never socially active and was born prideful and arrogant, knowing that my status in this hierarchy system was that of equivalent to the Crown Princess.
Even the Holy Priest had told me to maintain my status.
But... with a change of gears...
I, Mirabelle Estella Cissy von Castano, have finally decided to leave- the Dukedom of Castano for the rest of my life!
Hah! Top of the hierarchy system? I am not arrogant anymore... no more revenge and anger! I am free...
Next heir to the Castano lineage? Forget that... this Dukedom was headed for doom anyway... why even bother? I should probably take all the riches of the Castano Dukedom and go for a run!
Next mission- Ask an excuse from the Emperor to leave for a vacation.
After that? I am never coming back!
Haha... this is amazing.
"Mademoiselle Mirabelle, pardon for my intrusion, but there is something I forgot to remind you," the butler said as he barged in through the door. I paused frozen and embarrassed with my attitude. I put my hand down and stood up straight.
"What is it? Mr. Butler?"
"Mademoiselle- today we have a scheduled meeting with Lord Count Schien,"
I frowned. Ah... that's right. Due to my memory loss, I totally forgot that Lord Count Schien was going to come over to Dukedom for a meeting. Ugh that damn brat was going to cause a ruckus. Tch... what luck.
"Oh, that pest?"
"Yes, Mademoiselle, the Late Monsieur told me that Lord Count Schien must not get any authority over the Dukedom of Castano,"
Ah... that man (referring to Duke Castano) said that? How kind... well too bad. I can't go all my way. I am following Lord Buddha's sacred path of justice and tranquility. No revenge, no assassination, no doing bad things to people.
But... he was going to come over and demand authority like last time. No, not just authority himself, he'll bring his entire set of greedy family here and demand the blood relatives' power. Just great.
Duke Castano... did you really have to die this early?
I want eternal peace. Just as I thought things were going to settle peacefully, but guess not. Life is too demanding. Should I bribe them with money to leave or just block them from entering?
Ah... my head started hurting when I remembered Lord Count Schien's gallant speech about our family reuniting again.
Tch... just great.
"Alright Mr. Butler, since they came here all the way- we should provide them with utmost hospitality that the Dukedom of Castano has to offer," I say. The Butler twitched when I said that.
"But Mademoiselle they will try to control you, we must do something before their greed-"
"Do you not believe in my words? From now on, we'll be fighting for eternal peace!" I say.
"E-eternal peace?" Mr. Butler seemed quizzical when he heard my words. He grunted twice and said: "Mademoiselle, I believe you- but there is some change in your personality I must say,"
Of course... I smiled softly.
"Mr. Butler please do not worry, I will use my sense of justice and elegantly drive them out of the Dukedom-" I say sweetly.
"Very well, Mademoiselle,"
I may be fighting for peace. But Generosity? Hahaha... you stay over there and I stay over here! Eternal peace happens when two parties never mingle~
This is how real peace is made.