Carina held out a tiny pouch of salt. Kledson's eyes widened in astonishment as she produced the salt, knowing well the exorbitant cost of even a small bag.
"You found it in the forest? How is that possible?"
Carina's smile was radiant. This was the greatest discovery since her arrival in this world.
"Father, I discovered a cave filled with salt crystals," Carina declared.
The room erupted in shocked astonishment upon hearing of Carina's find. The idea that she had stumbled upon something as valuable as salt crystals was hard to believe.
"A cave? Do you mean a hidden mine behind the forest? The forest within our family's domain?" Nathan asked, evidently stunned.
"Yes, the forest close to our home. I think you need to see it with your own eyes to believe it."
"You've unearthed something which could incite Count Delmo's wrath. Alright, your Father will check it tomorrow. Would you want to manage the mining?"
Carina pondered momentarily before responding to Kledson.
"I think it'd be best if Father handled it. He understands mining far more than I do. As for me, I think my role should be to sell it. At least, I'll be able to create job opportunities for the people of Navre."
Kledson was impressed by Carina's thoughtfulness. Despite her own hardships, she still cared for others. Truthfully, Carina's only wish was to enhance the prosperity of Navre's people, improving her family's reputation in the process.
Afterward, they engaged in light conversation for a few minutes in the dining hall. They cherished the exchange; Carina was no longer gloomy and withdrawn but animated and laughter-filled, dissolving the chill of the room with her levity.
***
The following morning, as Carina devised plans for the future, the mansion abruptly came alive with the arrival of emissaries from the imperial palace.
"Miss, quickly, come outside. An envoy from the palace wishes to meet with you," Letta said, pulling Carina away from her desk.
"An envoy from the palace? Why would they visit here?"
"I'm not sure. The lady instructed me to assist you in dressing."
Carina rolled her eyes wearily. Her moment of peace was disrupted by some officious interruption from the Emperor’s abode. She resigned herself to dealing with the palace representative's visit.
"Sir, Madam, I’ve brought Miss Carina."
She entered the living room where the atmosphere was tense. The Emperor's personal secretary, Faron, had come to visit.
"Carina, come here. It appears the Emperor has sent a message for you," said Sara.
Faron, the young man with glasses, was taken aback by Carina's beauty. It had only been a short while since he last saw her in her humble attire, and now, she had transformed into an exquisitely beautiful woman.
Carina took a seat on the vacant sofa, facing Faron, her expression far from welcoming.
"What is it, Mr. Faron? What message do you have for me?"
Faron was startled; Carina's gaze was icy. Not as usual did she bow in his presence. Now he could clearly see her face, realizing her features bore a resemblance to Sara, the imperial white rose.
"Miss, the Emperor and Empress call you to the palace. They wish to discuss your divorce with the Duke. As you know—"
"I have already divorced Duke Wadson. He will soon marry Brenda. So, what more is there to discuss concerning this divorce? From the start, it was the Emperor who arranged my marriage to his nephew."
The memory of how the marriage had been hastily arranged caused Carina great anger. The relationship between the Emperor and Carina's father was more than diplomatic; they shared a close comradeship as knights.
"I am aware of this, Miss. The Emperor invites both you and Duke Wadson to a private conversation. He is deeply grieved to hear of your separation by Duke Wadson," Faron explained.
Carina turned to Kledson, seeking her father's response to Faron's words. Despite his intense anger at the Emperor for causing his daughter's suffering, he could not refuse the sovereign's request.
"Carina, go to the palace. Tell the Emperor how you felt as the Lady of House Wadson. I hope that afterward, he ceases to arrange any further matches for you," Kledson said.
Acknowledging her father's wishes, Carina agreed. Faron felt a small relief. He had never felt such pressure in conversation before.
"I shall go. When does the Emperor wish to meet?"
"He requests your presence at the palace today itself. I apologize for the rushed notice, but this is the only spare time the Emperor has this weekend," Faron replied.
Carina rose to her feet, remarking, "Very well. I shall change my attire first. Please wait here for a moment."
***
At the Grand Duke Nedilius' residence, the mansion was abuzz with activity. The building was opulent, its grandeur twice the size of the Marquess of Navre's abode. Despite its splendor, the atmosphere was bleak and colorless.
That morning, a commotion rose among the servants, indicating something had gone awry concerning the Grand Duke Nedilius. They scrambled out of the main house, some trembling with fear.
"The Grand Duke's aura is out of control again. Find shelter quickly!"
"Do not approach the main house! Injury may befall you if you venture there."
A dark aura enveloped the main house—an aura that felt painful to any unsuspecting human who touched it.
"My son... why does today seem worse than before?"
Elda, the former Grand Duchess and mother of the current Grand Duke, was deeply troubled by her son's condition. Though she longed to help, all she could do was wait outside.
"My Lady, neither my medications nor restraints can curb the Grand Duke's aura. His senses, especially smell, are worsening. No one is permitted near him; proximity only heightens his sensitivity," Thiago, the personal physician of Grand Duke Nedilius, explained.
"Claude is in agony. What am I to do now? All this is because of that man! He caused my son's suffering."
They stood helpless, Elda, in particular, appearing despondent. She had tried everything to save Claude, but nothing had pulled him from the depths of his torment.
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