".. Say what now?"
"I said that the southern duke is standing outside of our estate with his men, all holding flowers and gifts!" My older brother responded. "WHY DID THAT CRAZY GUY BRING A MUSICAL BAND WITH HIM?!"
"HE WHAT?!" I could not believe my ears. And I don't know if I want to see this scene that he speaks of or not. It sounds like the southern duke is going all out to make a grand gesture. I wonder what he's trying to accomplish with this extravagant display. Well, I did know why he was here. But I didn't expect this sort of response.
I hurried down after getting ready with my maids, standing beside my father, who was coldly speaking to the southern duke. The music was loud and vibrant, filling the room with energy. The southern duke seemed pleased with himself (at least, that's what Jackie told me), a mischievous glint in his eye as he surveyed the shocked expressions around him.
"Ah, my love, my dearest..." He sounded amused, kneeling down before her by the duchy's gates as he offered her a bouquet of sparkling flowers. "I have sinned gravely for discouraging your precious heart..." The crowd around them gasped in surprise, their whispers growing louder as they watched the unexpected scene unfold. The tension in the air was palpable, as everyone waited to see how she would respond to his heartfelt apology. As she hesitated, unsure of how to react, the southern duke's expression softened with genuine remorse. "Please forgive me," he pleaded, his eyes filled with sincerity. The onlookers held their breath, eager to witness the resolution of this public display of affection.
"What the hell is that thing...?" Duke Armyllis, my father, spoke in annoyance. He clearly wasn't thrilled to meet Duke Alexandro.
"Don't be like that, father-in-law..." Eugene smiled, his tone teasing and amusing. As the tension between the two dukes escalated, it was clear that this encounter would not end well. The air was thick with animosity, and everyone present could sense the impending clash of egos.
"What 'father-in-law'? You think you're worthy enough for house Armyllis?!"
"Oh, father-in-law, you wound me," Eugene let out, feigning hurt. The tension was palpable, with both dukes refusing to back down from their prideful stances. It was only a matter of time before tempers flared and words turned into actions. "Surely you can see that there are a lot of spectators eager to see me and my lady together. Or has your sword rusted to the point that your vision deceives you?"
"Ah-!" I covered my mouth in shock, not expecting the 'warm' southern duke to speak that way to the infamous duke of the north, whose pride and honour is swordsmanship. The air crackled with anticipation as the two men locked eyes, their rivalry sparking flames of tension. The onlookers held their breath, waiting for the inevitable clash between the prideful dukes.
"Father! I'll speak to his grace for a moment." I held my father's hand nervously, hoping to diffuse the tension before it escalated into a full-blown confrontation. As I approached the southern duke, I prayed for a peaceful resolution to the brewing conflict. "Please excuse his grace for his words."
"Fine. Let the 'prince charming' inside," Father responded, leaving the two of us alone to discuss the matter. It seems as though he let it off easily for my sake, the sake of his daughter. The tension in the air seemed to dissipate slightly as I began to speak with the southern duke, hoping to find common ground and avoid any unnecessary bloodshed.
I turned back towards the southern duke, hoping I didn't make a mistake by spreading that love scandal rumour…