Chapter 6: Cage Rusell

"Congratulations on solving the case, your grace. Thanks to you, the illegal trading ring had been uncovered and the town's peace had been restored"

"There is no need for thanks. I was just doing my job. Make sure to handle this well so his grace is not disturbed with such petty matters again"

"Yes, your grace"

Natalia finished the pleasantries and returned to the Duke's mansion. She looked up to the skies and thought even if they were a bit gloomy, it was still a nice day. Why? The Duke's beloved was arriving that day!

"You seem pleased, my lady. I'm sure his grace would reward you for a job well done"

"I don't really need a reward. I'm just relieved that I made the lives of the citizens a little better" she smiled brightly. Wilbur could almost see a halo over her head, inspiring a feeling of guilt and disgust in him.

"I'm sure the citizens are glad that you're the duchess"

"Please, I'm not deserving of the title yet. Until his grace acknowledges me, I won't stop working hard"

Both of them knew it was something that would never happen and thus, the fake pleasant conversation continued until they reached the mansion. Natalia almost flew out of it, running to her room. She shut the door with magic and opened the letter from her brother. She grinned widely knowing he was almost there.

Few minutes went by and Natalia could see the carriage. She flew back down, waiting at the entrance of the mansion where the carriage would stop. The Duke didn't descend despite knowing her brother was coming. She knew it was an effort to spite her but she couldn't care less. Besides, it would be worth it to see the Duke's reaction when his beloved arrived.

The carriage stopped in front of the mansion and a tall dark skinned man came out. He was dressed in one of the most expensive blue tailcoats worn by the men of the capital, wearing gloves and a tall hat. He extended his hand to the person with him inside the carriage and she descended.

She was wearing a purple dress, with her signature red hair tied up in a bun atop her head. She walked gingerly in heels, her golden brown eyes roaming the property in curiosity.

"Bastian!" She flung herself into his arms, squeezing him tight. He squeezed her tightly too, both unwilling to let go.

"I missed you so much!"

"I missed you more, my precious. I'm so glad to see you healthy"

"And I as well"

The two finally let each other and Sebastian Adamantine set his sister on the ground. It was finally then that Natalia greeted the princess with a curtsey and curt smile.

"It's a pleasure to entertain your highness. Welcome to the Duke's mansion"

"T-Thank you, Duchess" she hurriedly curtseyed in return.

"Please come in. I've asked the servants to prepare for your arrival"

Natalia turned to her brother with a bright smile, hooking her arm in his. They walked into the mansion chatting excitedly while the princess trailed behind. Once they were inside, they were greeted by the Grand Butler.

"Welcome to the Duke's mansion, Sir Adamantine. It would be a pleasure to serve you. Unfortunately, the Duke is busy and unable to attend to you right now and……." Corren sighted Alana, his eyes widening in shock.

"Forgive my oversight, your highness. We weren't informed you were coming"

"It's okay. It's nice to see you again, Butler Corren"

"Of course, your highness" he smiled. It was a warm smile that Natalia never got the pleasure of receiving even once in her past life. It wasn't like she cared.

"Please follow me to the drawing room so we can entertain you properly while we prepare a place for you"

"No thanks. I'll be going with my sister. Please take care, your highness"

"Y-you're leaving, Sir Sebastian?"

"Yes, our journey ends here. Well, I wish you happiness, your highness"

The two turned to leave but was called back by Butler Corren.

"My lady, you won't be entertaining her highness?"

"Of course not. She's not my guest after all" she waved her fan and the two left, giggling once the Butler and the princess were out of sight. They could finally talk to each other in peace when they reached her room.

"Wow. You live in this dark and depressing room? Just how heartless is that bastard Kristen?!"

"He barely remembers I exist on a good day but now that the love of his life is here, I'm sure he will completely forget about me. I'm fine with that actually. I can't wait to actually leave here"

"Are you sure you want to go to the Empire? There are talks of an impending war. You might get caught up in it, unprotected by either the Duke or father"

"I'm not planning to stay in the Empire. Let's move together to the world beyond these two nations like we always dreamed about, Bastian. Let's do it now before……."

"You know I can't leave, my precious. That damned crown prince won't let me go. I barely managed to get his eyes off you. Believe it or not, the Duke is better than the crown prince"

Natalia didn't need to be told twice. She believed it whole heartedly.

"How did you even get them to release Alana?" She asked, snapping her fingers. A tray of delicious snacks she had obtained sneakily in the town appeared arrayed in front of him.

"Impressive magic!" He commented, picking up one of the pastries. He picked one and bit into it, moaning in delight. Natalia giggled, picking one up to eat.

"I told the crown prince that the Princess convinced me that she wanted to leave the palace for a bit and explore the kingdom. It was a win for him because they consider her the stain of the palace and they think I want to woo and marry her instead of Princess Francesca"

"Well, did the scarlet haired princess charm you?" She nudged him.

"Ew, no. She is not my type by a long shot. Princess Francesca couldn't even charm me and this ugly duckling dares to try its luck?"

Natalia burst out laughing, rolling on her bed. She was well aware of her brother's high standards. Sebastian was a handsome and highly capable man. He worked in the King's court as a financial advisor and he was a high academic. He attracted all the ladies of the high court of the capital but rejected all of them on the basis of them not being as good as his sister. These ladies included the first princess, Princess Francesca.