In the kingdom of Etherion, it has always been the law and tradition for the eldest child to inherit the parents' title, regardless of gender and background, it means that even if you are the child of a lover, not from the official spouse, you are still the heir. That is also why chastity before marriage is so important in Etherion. However, there are exceptions. If the heir apparent is proven to be inadequate or incompetent in handling his or her responsibilities at the age of twenty, the next in-line, whether it be the next sibling or the closest relative, will have to inherit the title.
The social season is where aristocrats, young and old, poor or rich, gather and celebrate the founding of the nation. It is a week-long festivity that starts off welcoming winter, then the next day would be the debutante ball where young aristocrats aged 16 are recognized in the upper echelons of society. The next two days will be the sanctioning of titles, this is when the children of the society are given their official ranks and titles. The day after that, the church joins in and blesses the nation, the royal family and the newly recognized aristocrats. This is also the day the commoners sets up the bazaar or fair, arrange competitions and dance around the central plaza.
The sixth day is an exclusive party inside the palace ballroom where only the highest ranking officials, nobles, important personages from other nations and the royal family take part in. The last day is a street parade, this is how the Etherion kingdom show their military power and magical might. It is a chance to show off and have a little bit of nationalist propaganda thrown in. At the end of the festivities, there will also be a chance, although rare, that the oracle will give a prophecy.
Since I... Elysia is recognized as the eldest child of the duke, Elysia is the heir apparent. This is not true though. Elysia is the eldest child but not of the duke but of the current king. That is also the reason why she was sentenced to death. The public didn't know but in the story, the ones who knew the truth were Duke Xanros, King Xavier and his most trusted ally, the prime minister. Even the villainess did not know, she only knew that because she sided with the Demon king, she was sentenced to death.
The light bittersweet apple flavor surrounds the inside of my mouth. It's so hard to swallow when the intimidating gaze of the duke is directed towards me. "Why, this is a pleasant chamomile, don't you think, my dear Elysia?" the duchess chimes in.
My staredown with the duke is interrupted by the cheery voice of the duchess beside him. "Y-yes, it is most...uhm... Ahem... delightful." I'm so glad that the duchess is here. The intensity of the atmosphere seems to dissipate whenever she speak-
"Elysia, I have heard that you wanted to speak to me about your duties as the heir." The sharp tone and assertive voice cuts off the air and the tension once again rises. "Yes,.."
Wait, what should I call him? Father? Your grace?
"Yes, what?" He interrupts and my confidence shrinks back more than ever. "Yes, your uhm grace. I wanted your permission in taking back my duties as the heir."
He scoffs and puts the cup of tea down. "Taking back? I have never even seen you having to do these 'duties' you want to 'take back'."
Damn. Touché, duke Xanros.
"Well, Elysia did study for her responsibilities, my lord." The duchess tries to back me up.
Oh no, I know she's trying to help but that was not the most helpful response. The enemy is too strong. Why did I make the duke like this?!
"Even if she did, what good are those lessons if she did not apply these in her real duties. She was never going to be a student forever."
Agh! There is only one thing I need to do now. There is no going back to the past. "I apologize, your grace. Because of my past indiscretions, I became ignorant and prideful."
He stares at me, doubt clear on his face. He narrows his eyes and taps his fingers on the table. "I haven't realized you can speak this... maturely, child." He lingers on the mature word too strongly and sighs. "I can't ignore your past behavior, you may not have had your debut but your attitude has garnered rumors that would have collapsed a noble name if it weren't a duchy."
Well.. phew! Then, lucky me! ... I guess.
"You will have to prove to me that these rumors will not escalate any further than what is heard."
I gulped and I can also see the duchess getting anxious. The duke is known for being strict so I will have to suck it up and do as he says.
"Make everyone in the household think of you in... Let's see, another light. If in a week's time, everyone, at least those inside the manor, see you improve, I will give you my permission. Do we have a deal, child?"
"You have deal, your grace."