Chapter 3: Who is Ruby Chrysanthemum?
Ruby Chrysanthemum, was a maid of Duke Savoy. Duke Savoy liked Ruby and Ruby felt the same way. They became lovers despite knowing that Duke Savoy's family would surely not accept a mere maid, so they kept their relationship a secret. No one knew they were lovers until Rosaline saw the two cuddling lovingly. While they were dining, Rosaline started a conversation planning on telling what she saw
Rosaline: How was your transaction with the nobles
Duke Savoy: It was-uh rather fun
Rosaline: Really?
Duke Savoy: Not really, they were mostly bragging about their ladies and w-
The Former Duke Savoy: When are you going to have one?
Duke Savoy: P-pardon?
The Former Duke Savoy: When are you going to have a lady yourself?
Duke Savoy: Well uh-
Rosaline: He already have one, Father
The Former Duchess Savoy: How delightful, who is she?
The room went silent, Rosaline looked at Duke Savoy like she was telling him to reveal his secret
Rosaline: Well, Mother. Who suddenly have expensive jewelries and dresses?
The Former Duchess Savoy: Who, Dear?
Rosaline: His maid!
The frightened Ruby look down even lower and trembled after the Former Duke Savoy banged the table angrily upon hearing what Rosaline said.
The Former Duke Savoy: What?! Son, is that true?
Duke Savoy stand up confidentially and confirmed his relationship with Ruby
Duke Savoy: Yes, Father. I am not ashamed and will no longer keep our relationship a secret
The Former Duke Savoy: End it
Duke Savoy: What?
The Former Duke Savoy: I said end that shameful relationship of yours!
Duke Savoy: Never! I love her!
The Former Duke Savoy: You-
The Former Duchess Savoy: Enough! No dowry for you(Duke Savoy) until this conflict is solve and your grace, if you may, please stay calm.
The Duke stand up and stormed to his bedchamber. The Former Duchess Savoy looked at Rosaline, signaling her to leave them. Rosaline left leaving the Former Duchess Savoy and Duke Savoy.
The Former Duchess Savoy: Why, son? Why a mere maid and not someone like Layla De Mare?
Duke Savoy: Layla De Mare? The Priest's Daughter?
The Former Duchess Savoy: Yes, who else would I refer to but the most elegant lady in the entire empire
Duke Savoy: Pft, that lady can barely walk straight
The Former Duchess Savoy: She recently had an injury which makes her walk wobbly
Duke Savoy: That explains why she walk like that
The Former Duchess Savoy: Yes and we're gonna take her injury to our advantage
Duke Savoy: ?
The Former Duchess Savoy: She sometimes fall when walking so find the right time and catch her. Not only will she fall on your arms but she will fall inlove with you as well
Duke Savoy: What?! I cannot take advantage of someone
The Former Duchess Savoy: You can and you will! That's the least you can do
Duke Savoy: I will not do it
Former Duchess Savoy: Ugh! No dowry for a year, you will just waste it on that... maid!
The Former Duchess Savoy then left leaving Duke Savoy on thoughts. He then went outside, strolling in their garden to clear his mind. He saw a daisy along the way, it reminded him of Ruby. The daisy's grayish petals resembles Ruby's silver hair and the daisy's golden pollen grain match the color of Ruby's eyes. He stopped and crouched to look closer at it, it was dying. He then heard a scream, it was Ruby's voice.
He ran in their mansion, he saw his mother pulling Ruby's hair.
The Former Duchess Savoy: SO YOU'RE THE ONE WHO SEDUCED MY SON. HOW DARE YOU?!
The Former Duchess Savoy saw the pearl necklace Ruby had on. She then grabbed and pulled the necklace from Ruby's neck, the string broke and the beads scattered everywhere.
The Former Duchess Savoy: SO THIS IS WHERE HIS DOWRY WENT, YOU GOLD DIGGER
The Former Duchess Savoy was about to slap Ruby when Duke Savoy stopped her.
Duke Savoy: Mother, STOP
The Former Duchess Savoy: Why are you protecting her?!
Duke Savoy: As I said, I love her. I promised to protect her
The Former Duchess Savoy: Why are acting this way?! Perhaps, she had you drink a love potion, yes, that's it! YOU WITCH
The Former Duchess Savoy charged at Ruby, but this time Rosaline stopped her.
Rosaline: Please, stop! Let's talk about this
Rosaline whispered at Duke Savoy
Rosaline: I'll handle this
Ruby sobbed and Duke Savoy hugged her comfortingly
Duke Savoy: Don't worry, I'm here
Rosaline grabbed the Former Duchess Savoy
The Former Duchess Savoy: What are you--
And dragged her into an empty room
Rosaline: *sigh* He'll continue defending her so there's no point of attacking that woman
The Former Duchess Savoy: What are you implying?
Rosaline: *smirk* Let's say, she won't be our problem any longer