One could wonder. No matter how badly the duke treated Natalia, she remained patient. No matter how she was treated by people around her, abused, and used as a tool, she didn't plan any revenge. The answer was quite simple actually. In her last life, she did plan her revenge. She had a lot of resources at her disposal and she used them properly.
However, things went horribly wrong when she discovered that fate wasn't even on her side. Everything she plotted against others worked to a certain extent but the backlash on her was heavy. She lost her family, her friends, and anything that remotely made her happy. There was nothing satisfying about revenge. It was mutual destruction at best because the very people she sought to destroy had extreme desires just as she did.
In this life, she just wanted to die peacefully. It didn't matter what they did. It wasn't that serious. In this life, she wouldn't get involved. She would protect her family and what was left of her sanity. That was her only desire.
Still, it wasn't easy even with that resolution. The noose that had been placed on her neck ever since she was born was tightening and would become tighter as the years go by. To exist in peace in a kingdom like that was almost impossible. So, she planned to leave it behind and find, almost laughably, a normal life. As for her dearest Sebastian, he would find his own path as long as she could prevent his death. The best way to do that was to get him married.
"Tell me why you're really here, Duke Kristen"
Meanwhile, the conversation between the two egoistic males was taking a deep plunge. It was honestly interesting to watch. She knew what her husband wanted. She had coerced her brother into giving it. All that was left to do is sit and watch the drama unfold.
"I wanted to acknowledge your influence in high society"
"You didn't care about that before. Oh, my father must've told you that I would soon become the Marquis of House Adamantine"
"I only heard the financial power of House Adamantine is in your hands. From my knowledge, that means about 30 percent of the wealth flow in the kingdom is in your hands. As a financial advisor for his majesty, I understand that your position is not to be looked down on"
"You flatter me, your grace"
"I know. It would be such a pity though if such great talent is lost under improper handling"
"What….does your grace mean?"
"It's unfortunate that the current heir is not as capable as the head in his prime. If the head is not good, the ones under him would definitely suffer. I aknowledge this problem and have decided to do something about it"
"...your grace speaks boldly no matter the location"
"There is no need to hide things from my capable in-law"
For a man who didn't even aknowledge the presence of his in-law when he saw him in his home, he was very bold to say that. Sebastian looked at his sister and she looked away, pretending to be enjoying her tea. He just couldn't imagine that she would let him get away with everything!
"Since I'm your in-law, I would do my best to help you" Sebastian smiled.
"You seemed very obstinate before. Might I asked what changed your mind?"
"Didn't you know, your grace? I can never refuse a request from my sister"
"....is that so?"
Natalia, who felt the inquisitive gaze of the Duke on her, coughed. Sebastian looked at her worriedly but she assured him that she was fine.
"I guess I have to be grateful to my wife. She also entertained my vassals well today and I have heard countless praises from the nobles"
"You flatter me too much" she averted her gaze. One would think she saw was shy but her brother knew better seated beside her. She was trembling.
"Then, I'll be counting on you as the duchess"
"....yes"
"Ah, come to think of it, I haven't seen her highness, Princess Alana at all! I was thinking of visiting her highness's castle now that I'm in the palace"
The atmosphere between the two men changed in an instant. The lukewarm expression on the duke's face completely turned frosty. As much as Sebastian was pleased that the duke's attention was off his sister, he was amused about the reactin of someone who was supposedly seeking help from his in-law.
"Please don't think anything of it. Since I sent her back, I just want to ask about her well being. If it isn't neccessary to go, then I wouldn't make the trip"
With the way Sebastian said it, one would think he was admitting guilt for visiting the princess. Natalia knew what he was doing but didn't stop him. She also wanted to see how long the duke could pretend to be cordial, especially since she knew he hadn't let go of his feelings for his beloved yet.
"I didn't say anything, Lord Sebastian"
"I didn't say you did. You just looked like you wanted to come along. Shall we go together?"
That's when Natalia finally reacted, stepping on her brother. He ignored the pain and smiled at the undecisive duke.
"We have yet to visit her majesty. I think we should go there first before the birthday banquet starts today"
"I also think you're right" Natalia hurriedly interjected, stepping on her brother again. He winced this time and she smiled, pleased. Seeing her smile, Duke Fredrich twitched. Feeling his gaze, she hid her face with the teacup.
"Oh by the way sister, I receieved a letter from the Princess of Berinda. I would think….this is your doing, sister?"
"You need to consider your marriage prospects if you don't want to be engaged to the first princess by the end of the celebrations"
".....you're mean. You really want to marry your brother off like that?"
"It's your choice, brother"
"Doesn't sound like much of a choice" he grumbled. The two heard a strange sound that seemed to come from the duke...stomach?
"I will ask the maids to bring in something to eat" Natalia abruptly stood and left the living room before the two could say anything.