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Chapter 101.1

The Duke’s mansion was a flurry of activity as the servants busied themselves with adorning the once-empty rooms of the estate. Anticipation hung in the air, for it was an open secret that Canilia, soon to be the Duchess, would be joining the household as the Duke’s betrothed. Despite the lack of official announcement, preparations were underway to ensure that everything was in perfect order for their union.

On this particular day, Edith and Owen embarked on their twelfth visit to select the sunniest room for Canilia. They were well aware of her preferences and hobbies, and turned the largest room into a studio, anticipating her creative pursuits. As they explored the various rooms, their eyes fell upon a cozy chamber that was neither too spacious nor too cramped, bathed in sunlight from the south-facing windows. A contented smile graced their faces as they deemed it perfect for Canillia.

“This place would be perfect,” Edith exclaimed with a bright smile, to which Owen nodded in agreement.

The room they chose would eventually serve as the nursery for the future child of the Duke and Duchess. It was customary for nobles to have separate chambers after the honeymoon phase of their marriage, with the distance between their rooms often increasing with their rank. However, Edith and Owen were unsure of the Duke’s preferences.

“But… won’t the rooms be too far apart?” Owen pondered, echoing Edith’s thoughts. “Considering how well the Duke and Duchess-to-be get along.”

Edith nodded in agreement. “I was thinking the same. Perhaps we could create a shared bedroom, but with a view of the forest instead of the garden?”

“That sounds lovely,” Owen replied, impressed by Edith’s insight. “The Duke and Duchess are certainly unique among nobles, Miss Edith.”

With renewed purpose, they clutched their keys and moved on to inspect the remaining rooms. Edith hurried her pace, mindful of the increased workload. Her promised meeting with Canilia, the most eager and dedicated student she had ever had, was also fast approaching.

“Let’s consider these three rooms as candidates for now. We can look at the rest tomorrow. Does that sound agreeable, Owen?”

“Time has flown by. Agreed. I also need to see Lord Carso,” Owen replied.

Without a care for who would go first, they locked the doors and went their separate ways. Deciding on the room that would one day be occupied by the future heir of the estate was enough to complete their tasks for the day. And so, another ordinary day commenced in the bustling household of the Duke, brimming with anticipation and excitement for the impending union of the Duke and his beloved Canilia.

***

“Miss, your steps are still too fast. Let’s try again,” Edith said with a critical eye, pointing out Lia’s mistakes. Lia swallowed nervously, her right foot gliding across the polished floor of the spacious hall, practicing the waltz.

Her skirt swayed gracefully with her movements, and despite her recent injury, Lia quickly adapted to the rhythm with Canilia’s guidance. Edith, a strict but skilled instructor, corrected her posture and nodded in time with the beat.

“Straighten your back, lift your head, and keep your toes tense. Stretch your arms more,” Edith instructed, her keen eyes catching every detail.

Canilia sought out Edith’s help as soon as Claude informed her about the royal ball. Despite being a maid of Lady Ihar, Edith was also a nobleman’s daughter and had been trained in various social skills, including dancing.

“My first dance will be with the Duke, right?” Canilia asked, to which Edith nodded.

“But be cautious of His Majesty the Prince. He can be quite mischievous and might try to steal the first dance from you,” Edith warned. Canilia’s worry was evident on her flushed cheeks as she turned to Edith. Edith took Canilia’s hand and became her dance partner, guiding her through the steps.

“You must dance with the Duke for the first dance, no matter what. Otherwise, he will bother you forever,” Edith advised firmly.

“I think so too. But can I refuse the Prince’s dance proposal?” Canilia asked hesitantly.

“Of course. In a ball, a lady’s decision comes first. Come on, arch your back more,” Edith encouraged, clapping her hands in approval as Canilia’s dancing skills improved with each practice session.

“Should we take a break?” Edith suggested. Canilia wiped her sweaty forehead, sinking tiredly into a chair as the piano accompaniment came to an end.

She looked utterly exhausted, her eyes fluttering closed before she forced them open again. These days, she was busier than ever, serving Lady Ihar, going to the village, making books, studying for exams, and taking dancing lessons with Edith for two hours a day. It was taking a toll on her, and she often found herself dozing off at the slightest chance.

“Didn’t you get enough sleep yesterday as well?” Edith asked, concerned as she noticed Canilia’s fatigue.

Canilia pushed her hair back and splashed her neck with cold water to regain her composure. “I have exams right after the ball.”

“Maybe you should take your time with the book-making. You seem too tired, Lady Canillia,” Edith suggested.

“I’ll manage. If I delay the book, my schedule will become too tight. I’ve always had good stamina,” Canilia replied with a determined tone.

“His Grace has been busy too. I worry that both of you might compromise your health,” Edith said, voicing her concerns.

Canillia nodded, absently massaging her sore leg as she looked at the edge of the carpet. Claude had indeed been swamped with work lately, dealing with the financial matters left behind by the Del Casa estate and the issues with the diamond mines in the Valencia Plains. The Duke’s residence was constantly bustling with nobles and gentry coming and going, assisting with various matters.

Recently, Carso, who had been helping with official duties in Del Casa, had expressed his ambition to stay and assist Claude as the steward of the Duke’s estate. Canilia remembered the moment Carso had made the proposal at the dining table, and how Claude had locked eyes with her as he sipped his wine. Lia couldn’t hide the blush creeping into her cheeks as distant memories resurfaced.