Episode 3

The duke was in his study perusing some documents when the butler entered with a tray of snacks and tea, saying upon entry.

"Apologies for interrupting your work, my lord."

Seeing him, the duke thought it was a good time for a break since he had been toiling all morning without rest and replied.

"Don't apologize, Alfred, a break will do me good."

As Alfred poured the tea, he inquired.

"What are your impressions of the young lady, my lord?"

"She seems like a little girl, utterly unschooled."

"It appears her parents never concerned themselves with her education, my lord."

Upon hearing this, the duke responded.

"Employ some tutors to teach her how to conduct herself as a lady."

While the duke sipped his tea, Alfred answered.

"Yes, my lord. Will you be sharing your chamber with the lady tonight?"

The duke, agitated, retorted.

"Certainly not, Alfred, you know I married her only at the crown prince's behest."

To the duke's eyes, Olivia was but a child who sparked no interest in him; the duke fancied beautiful, voluptuous women—quite the opposite of Olivia—so he had no intention of touching her.

"Then I shall tell the lady not to await you tonight."

"Do as you please, what is she doing now?"

"After breakfast, she went for a walk in the garden."

"Ensure she causes me no trouble, and all will be well."

"Yes, my lord..."

After the duke finished his tea, Alfred departed, and the duke refocused on his work.

He was occupied all morning and part of the afternoon in his study until a servant of the prince informed him that his presence was required at the palace.

Upon his arrival at the palace and walking through a corridor, he encountered Marquis Morgan, who greeted him.

"Good day, Duke."

"Good day, Marquis."

"I hear you've wed, congratulations."

The duke had attempted to keep his marriage as discreet as possible, but the nobility always had a way of learning everything about the aristocracy; with a look of distaste, the duke replied.

"Thank you, Marquis."

"And when may we meet the new duchess?"

The duke had no plans to present Olivia to society until she learned the essentials of being a lady, so he said.

"She's still far too young, so it will be some time before she makes her debut."

"I hope to meet her soon."

"If you'll excuse me, the prince awaits, and I must depart."

"Of course, I regret the delay, have a good day, Duke."

"Likewise, Marquis."

The duke had not intended to make his marriage public as it was a hassle, and now having seen his wife, even less so.

When the duke entered the prince's office, he was greeted.

"Leonard, you're late, what happened?"

"I encountered Marquis Morgan en route, which delayed me."

"And what did you discuss?"

"He was curious as to when I would formally introduce my wife."

Leonard thought.

Barely a day married and already the whole kingdom knows.

"Everyone's eager to see the wife of the fearsome Duke of Forest, so how was your first married night?"

"Uneventful as always."

"Did you not share a bed with your wife?"

"Of course not! She's but a child."

"Well, she is only sixteen and still young. By the way, I heard you didn't show at your wedding."

"I've been exceedingly busy."

"Poor girl, compelled to marry, and on her wedding day, the groom doesn't even show—she must have been very upset, right?"

"She showed no discontent this morning."

"You know, every woman dreams about her wedding day, and hers was simple and without a groom—she must be angry, perhaps she didn't want to trouble you and that's why she said nothing."

"Don't tell me you summoned me just to hear about my marriage."

"Leonard, you're like a brother to me, and I'm the one who suggested this marriage, so I feel obligated to guide you."

"I'd prefer we not speak of it further; there are far more pressing matters that demand attention."

"You are right. My spies tell me the kingdom of Azur has amassed a large army near the northern border and plans a full-scale assault; you may need to personally attend to this."

"Yes, I'll gather my troops to march to the northern fortress and crush them swiftly."

"That is wise. I also have reports that some nobles have been sheltering enemy spies."

"Fear not, I'll ensure they remember the fate of traitors."

"I'll leave it all in your capable hands."

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