"Greetings, Duke Grandel of Celeste. Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Emperor's Prime Minister, Marleen. I have come to greet you in his stead." he smiled.
Marleen was a young man, tall and muscular. He looked fancy, something to be expected of the nobles of Thuhelda, Uryasha's richest yet strongest nation.
"Pleasure to meet you, my lord…" Grandel curtsied.
"Pleasure is all mine, I hope that you savored Thuhelda's hospitality. The Emperor is truly apologetic for not having you as a guest in his Palace. Though he had sent a letter, he hoped that you'd be sending it to the Princess of your nation."
"Very well, my lord…" Grandel bowed.
Grandel presented jewelry that came from Selestia's very own collection; A comb covered with jade, a bracelet coated with onyx, and a ring with bright ruby.
"My, all these for His Majesty. Celeste's princess is truly thoughtful. Though I thought Celeste was wealthy in harvest, I did not expect you to bring jewelry of the precious stone for His Majesty. Princess Selestia seemed to be incredible."
'Indeed she is, she's so incredible that she sent me here as if I'm performing a death wish.' Grandel thought.
"Milady had not forgotten about the pride of Celeste."
Grandel took a box from his baggage and introduced it to Marleen. "This box is used to store fruits and maintain them fresh. Because the travel was quite long, the princess ensured that the fruits will be delivered still with brilliant quality. Milady hopes that His Majesty will love her gifts."
"Certainly, he will. All thanks to you…" he smiled.
"Milady will be told of your gratitude, Prime Minister." Grandel formally bowed.
"How long will you be staying here, Duke Grandel?"
Grandel raised his head, "Milady instructed me to be the witness of Thuhelda's splendor so that she won't feel new to Thuhelda as soon as she arrives. I will be staying here for two weeks at most or rather leave earlier to return to her," he politely spoke.
"Splendid, do vie to tell her Thuhelda's splendor in detail…" The Prime Minister responded.
"Prime Minister, Marleen. There you are. The carriage has arrived to take you to Celeste." Duke Floreyn told as he entered the guest hall of the guesthouse.
"I will be taking my leave, Duke Grandel…"
"Have a safe journey, Prime Minister…"
A cup of tea, a pie, and her favorite, macarons. Selestia sat as her watches gazed around the view that was before the gazebo where she rested.
"Milady, Duke Grandel sent you two letters today."
"Two letters?"
"It seems like the other came from the Imperial Palace judging from the difference of paper used. It has the Emperor's seal on it."
Cecilia handed the letters to her. The first letter was from Grandel himself. He notified her of Prime Minister, Marleen and Grand Duke Floreyn's coming arrival in Celeste. He also spake that her gifts were delivered to the Imperial Palace. Moreover, he stated that he learned too little as of the day for he was occupied with the Prime Minister's visit early on, he also told that numerous nobles were going in and out of the Emperor's guesthouse which made it difficult for his findings without getting caught suspicious.
Celestia rolled her eyes as she feasted reading Grandel's letter. The next minute, she opened the Emperor's seal and read his letter.
"My Princess Selestia,
I have received your letter, apologetically, I speak that I only formerly responded due to my blessing conference. I reckon your trusted Duke, Grandel had already informed you about this matter. My Prime Minister Marleen had left today to greet Celeste's Duke who currently occupied my guesthouse. I heard you packed gifts for him to bring, certainly and gratefully, I thank you. Though our marriage is coming near, I hope Duke Grandel had already informed you of my empire's splendor. Hopefully, you'll vie to appreciate my empire. I wish it does not bore you once you arrive. I can't wait for your arrival and I hope that you may be well in your future journey. I have received a letter from your sister, Duchess Freiya wishing I take her into my consortium. May this letter find you well that you may tell her that I decline her request, I do not wish to have any other woman but you, especially, if it is your sister. Moreover, I expect that Duke Grandel is only here for which reason you mentioned in your letter. Forgive me if I find him suspicious, my hands will not surrender not until I execute him if he does something within my empire that is not to my liking.
Yours and Always,
Venemiah LeThuhelda
Emperor of Thuhelda"
She snickered. "It seems like he doubts Grandel. I have no say in this. Grandel's safety relies on his own hands, I do not wish to intervene. Though it seems like the Emperor did not wish for any consort. Well, I was informed that Freiya wanted to stay so I can't do anything about it, sadly."
Selestia then placed the letter underneath a book in a tiny drawer below the table that stood in the middle of the gazebo. She stood and lifted her skirt as she called for Cecilia.
"Prepare a coachman and my carriage. We'll be visiting Shyna."
"Yes, milady."
Upon arrival, Duke Barlock has already arrived. His eyes seemed to search for someone and Selestia could only think of one person — Grandel.
"Duke Barlock…" She spoke.
"Oh, milady…" He curtsied.
"I thought you were occupied with your wedding preparations…"
"Well, I supposed I should come to visit and see how Grandel is managing."
The Duke looked around once again, his eyes had not perceived his son yet. Or his fabricated copy at the least.
"You seemed to be distressed, is something the matter?"
"W-Well, it's immoral of me to doubt you but I have been searching for my son and I can't find him anywhere my eyes lead me."
"Well, how can you find him if you're just standing there, Duke Barlock?" She grinned.
'Did Enric run away? That bastard!'
"Cecilia…" her voice called, calmingly. Though to Cecilia, it only meant she was suppressing her rage so that the Duke will not suspect her.
"Yes, milady?" Cecilia trembled subtly.
"Where did you say Grandel was again?"
She gulped, "I reckon he's dwelling in Mathilde's estate, milady…"
Fingers crossed, she hoped Enric was surely there as she said, or else, she'll meet tremendous punishment from Selestia.
"Very well. Duke Barlock, my maid informed me that your son is in Mathilde's estate. I shall take my leave and head to him first."
She falsified a smile and got inside her carriage. As soon as the carriage's door was closed and Cecilia had sat before her inside the carriage, her eyes darkened and her forehead creased. She gave a menacing glare that made Cecilia waver.