It didn't work...
I mean, how could anyone dismiss such a heartfelt speech?! I told him I'd be his ears, for goodness' sake! I poured my heart out and he just brushed it off like it was nothing. It's frustrating when someone doesn't appreciate your sincerity.
"Ughh... The southern duke in the novel is described as a warm and sociable man... He's a complete devil!"
But perhaps I was too rash, mentioning his condition out of the blue. I feel like I came off as a sketchy dealer... It's important to consider the timing and delivery of sensitive information, especially when emotions are running high. Maybe a more subtle approach would have been better received.
Truthfully, I didn't think it would work. I just needed to act dramatic for half an episode. I called for Jackie, my maid, who obediently returned to my side. "Time for plan B and C," I whispered, trying to salvage the situation with a new strategy. Jackie nodded, ready to assist in executing the revised plan to address the southern duke's condition discreetly and effectively.
"There's a third plan, my lady?" Jackie asked, blinking in surprise.
I let out a small laugh, "Of course, I need a plan C. Because plan B is bound to failure as well,"
"Oh..."
"What- 'oh'?? Jackie, I assure you, plan B MUST fail in order for plan C to succeed!" I assured her, my pride slightly bruised.
"Oh!" Jackie smiled. What a precious child. I couldn't help but chuckle at her innocence, grateful for her unwavering support in my time of need. With Jackie by my side, I knew we could overcome any obstacle that came our way.
Let's just hope that we don't have to resort to plan E...
The following days I tried to meet up with the southern duke on various occasions, but he rejected me every time, claiming he was too busy with other matters. Frustration began to build within me as I realized that our plans were slowly unravelling. It was becoming clear that we needed to come up with a new strategy if we were going to succeed in our mission. As tensions rose, I knew that a confrontation with the southern duke was inevitable. I needed to find a way to break through his defences and convince him to join our cause before it was too late.
Which is why I have smoothly moved on to plan C!Surely he wouldn't be too angry over a small prank, right?Right??
{The Southern, Duke Alexandro's estate.}
"YOUR GRACE! YOUR GRACE, HAVE YOU SEEN THE PAPERS?!" Elliot Wildenburg, the Southern duke's aide and closest friend, burst into his office, waving a newspaper frantically. The Southern duke looked up from his desk, a look of concern crossing his face momentarily as he glanced up at the paper in Elliot's hands.
"Elliot. Surely you have a fairly good reason for barging into my office without knocking," Eugene von Alexandro smiled slightly at his close companion, wondering what he had come to rave about this time.
"This is no laughing matter, your grace! Just look at the latest news!" Elliot responded dramatically, handing over the latest newspapers.
Eugene raised a brow before his eyes landed on the big, bold letters of the (just as bold) header. 'Auriell de Armyllis heartbroken after being coldly rejected by the southern duke.'
".. What is this?"
'The precious daughter of the house of Armyllis was left feeling dejected and depressed after the sociable Duke Eugene von Alexandro rejected her signs of love coldly! The poor lady who sought out a marriage proposal can't even cry without her eyes. Lady Armyllis claimed to be secret lovers with the duke. Was the Duke Alexandro a womaniser, perhaps—'
Eugene crumpled up the papers, not reading any further. "What utter nonsense..." He gritted out. "Seriously... Now a marriage proposal?" He sighed. Most of high society would want a marriage between the two duchies, so it would be difficult to ignore Lady Armyllis. The rumours and gossip surrounding Lady Armyllis and Duke Eugene von Alexandro were beginning to spread like wildfire throughout the high society circles. It seemed that their supposed secret love affair was becoming a topic of conversation among the elite, much to Eugene's dismay.
".. So... What will you do now, your grace...?" Elliot asked, adjusting his glasses with a curious expression. Eugene leaned back in his chair, contemplating his next move as he gazed out the window at the bustling city below. He knew that his decision would have far-reaching consequences, not just for himself but for the future of both duchies. With a heavy sigh, he finally spoke.
".. I think I'm going to pay my 'lover' a small visit..." He responded with a mischievous smile.