Next Day,
I was looking at the application letter of Dhakun which the Grand Duke sent once again early this morning. He is persistent in making me bait and sending in the den of snakes. If so, Then I have no other option but to change the tide in my way while pretending to go along with his plan. I filled out the rest of the form and put it inside the envelope.
Dhakun, This time I will make sure you become my stepping stone toward my happy ending not destruction. I started for Grand Duke's office which was on the opposite side of my bedroom. The structure of the main building always reminds me how much Grand Duke wants to outcast me. Waren's room was at the start of the staircase which led to the Grand Duke's office directly, opposite to his room was Vivian's room which led to the drilling ground easily, and next to her was Valmud's room. While mine is at the end of the hallway the stair next to it only led me to the backdoor which is rather unknown by most of the members living here as I never saw a single user it. Ha! Unfair. Yet I craved his love and attention even in my second life.
I saw Count Ryan standing in front of the Grand Duke's office.
'' Good Morning Count,'' I greeted him. Count Ryan flinched after hearing my greeting. He turned around and smiled sweetly, '' Good Morning, Miss Valentiara.''
Count Ryan Devur, Grand Duke's most trusted person and one of the prominent graduates from Dhakun. After becoming Grand Duchess myself I offered him the position as my assistant but he said he will never serve someone as cruel as me. If I had him by my side then I won't have heard the stupid's advice that almost caused the recession within the Empire. I originally planned to have his son Rason by my side who will become the genius of the century also, First Prince's loyal follower. If It wasn't for me hindering and accusing the First Prince of war crimes, Rason almost made him the Emperor. As far as I remember, Rason and First Prince got close to each other after First Prince helped him when they were in Dhakun and it was 3 years later from now.
'' It's been a while since I saw Count but you don't look so good,'' I asked him out of fake concern. But how can I let go of my chance to get close to a golden ticket which will lead me to a golden goose?
'' Even Young Miss can see.'' He chuckled and sighed before continuing, '' Last year's flood is causing hassle. We are out of Water Mages, if we don't take measures now this year will be harder than before, and things will be out of control.'' Seeing his drained self I realized how worse things are. I shouldn't be like this but I am glad for this misfortune that will highlight me as someone intellectual.
''That'a's bad. Water Mages are rare. If only we weren't dependent on magic like this and had technologies that can preserve the overflowing water for summer and prevent it from entering inside the city.'' I said rather casually but enough to cause Ryan to become interested in it.
'' Can Young Miss be more specific?'' He asked me. I acted nervous and continued, '' I just thought if we could make dams which will hold water of rivers and canals which will prevent water entering in the mainland we won't need Water Mages to consume the water. We can open the dam when summer comes which will help us to prevent drought too. '' Count Ryan's eyes widen hearing my advice. His dull face brighten up and he smiled brightly,'' Young Miss, You are a genius. I will discuss this with other members and if things go well, it will be all thanks to you. Thank You.'' I blinked a few times before realizing that I was thanked for the first time just for a little advice. His smiling and beaming face made me feel warm for some reason. I had my selfish reason to help him but his gesture seemed too genuine. The door opened but Count didn't enter.
'' Aren't you coming in?'' I asked him. He shook his head and said, '' I can't wait to discuss this marvelous plan with others young miss. I will meet Grand Duke next time.'' He walked away but it seemed he was running excitedly. A smile appeared on my lips. Helping others isn't that bad after all.
I entered the room and saw Grand Duke looking in my direction.
'' What brings you here?'' He asked me coldly. I didn't bother to answer him and walked toward his desk to put in the application form Dhakun.
'' I have filled this up, Your Grace,'' I informed him. He looked shocked but relieved at the same time. He took the application form and said, '' You will live comfortably in Dhakun as a member of the Casvoner family.'' Family! Is he making fun of me now? I thought he will say things so I decided to do what I couldn't do in my past life.
'' I won't join as A member of the Casvoner family,'' I told him. He frowned and narrowed his eyes asking me to explain what I meant. I looked into his eyes coldly before replying,
'' I am not family with you, Your Grace so it will be unfair to use the name of Casvoner when you don't even see me as your Daughter.''
He froze in his place and looked at me in shock. My heart was beating rapidly but I remained calm without showing any emotions.
'' Prepare for the ball.'' He only said that much. What did I expect from this person? I nodded and left the room with satisfaction. The door behind me closed. Staring at the door I finally said those words which I never thought I will say,
'' Thank you for being heartless to me Father in my both life. You despise me but I never regretted holding your hand when we first met.''