Once again i woke up to the sound of the door being slamed. It's the maids who hates me. Maria and Karen, everyday they slamed my door when coming in my room. How impolite but what can I do, in this house everyone hates me. If I go around punishing them then they'll say the Duchess is a cruel person. Sigh being a Duchess is tiresome i wish I could just disappear.
The girls yanked my hair really hard. It hurt but let's just take it in. I need them to make my hair look good. A knock came from the door, it seems he's here. I gave permission to enter and the old butler came in. As usual his neatly slicked back hair and the uniform devoid of any wrinkle, a man every servant in this house look up to.
"Breakfast is ready, My Lady" he said
I just nodded and followed him out. It's a strange relationship between him and i. Butler Heinz doesn't hate me nor is he my friend. However he's the only one whom I'm close with. He helps me when I'm going through documents late at night so for that I'm thankful. What we have is just respect for one another.
The dinning hall is empty, once again I'm alone. The seat opposite me is empty again. In fact I've never seen someone sit there in a long time. The cook brought out my breakfast, as expected it's another plate of green leaves. I shouldn't refute, the cook said this will make me loose some weight. But... But I want to eat more.
It was a nice day so I decided to go out. I heard there's a new pastry shop opening today so that's my destination. Once again my maids brought out a dull black dress. I shouldn't refute afterall they said a Duchess should dress like this. But I want to wear colourful clothes too.
The carriage ride was the best. It's just me alone in a small compartment I like it. As I approach the city i began hearing lively sounds. Children were playing here and there. "Don't run!" A mother shouted. The shop owners yelled aloud advertising their sales.
How lucky. I wish I could also yell out loud. What should I shout about? Probably "oiiiii". People must think I'm a lunatic if they say me laughing by myself. Perhaps some already do. My reputation isn't pleasing.
The new pastry shop looks luxurious. Perhaps they only opened it for the nobles. I came in alone and took a seat at the far corner. The menu does look pleasing and all the items sounds delicious.
"Isn't that Duchess Velentine?"
"Oh my yes! What's she doing here?"
The whispers began flowing inside the shop. Can I also not enjoy myself and have something to eat? Is that so wrong? I ordered a large size strawberry crepes and a ginger tea.
"I feel bad for the Duke."
"I know right. He loved Lady Jesseline."
"But she's happy with the Crown Prince right?"
"He deserves someone like her not that cold Duchess."
I can hear all of you. And i do agree with you. My husband deserves someone better.
"Here's your order, Duchess Velentine please enjoy"
Seeing my large sized food everyone began whispering again. I know you all are saying i shouldn't eat this much but you should see what they gave me as food back in the house.
"I heard the Duke gave the Canavo Mines to the Crown Princess as a present for her birthday."
"Really?!"
My hand stopped when I heard those words. The Canavo Mines were rich in minerals and gem stones. It was a property under my family, more specifically under my name. I discovered it and fought with my father to take it and now I guess all that was in vain.
My family was just a poor noble Viscount's family. My father who had many affairs had many bastard children, me being one of them. Ever since he lost a bet against my husband's father, he gave up his 2nd daughter, me to be engaged for his wealth. You could say I was sold off.
My father who everyone now know as the evil man had something to do with Jesseline's disappearance 3 years ago. He who gambled with people from outside the Empire was trafficking kids and Jesseline, being the righteous soul she was got in his way.
The story goes he kidnapped her and poisoned her. She almost died and the Crown prince and my husband was the one who saved her. I, who had nothing to do got dragged in and Jesseline forgave me as if I was the one who kidnapped her.
My father was executed and my family was left with nothing. And i, i stayed by my husband's side because the Crown Princess said, "She didn't do anything wrong so we shouldn't blame her" i should thank you for that.
My husband who wanted to divorce me listened to his beloved's words and let me stay. To my husband who doesn't love me thank you for letting me stay.