3

CHAPTER 3

The gossip spread quickly at the Archduchy of the Archduke. They're talking about the woman that the Archduke carries in his arms and the bite and kiss marks on his neck.

"As far as I know, that is the fiance of the Crown prince. it hasn't been announced yet but it's out.” said a maid while doing laundry.

"From what I heard, the Crown prince was supposed to invite Miss Lynn to a dance but she went to the Archduke. Do you think they have a relationship?” said the other.

”There are marks on the Archduke's neck that only those in a relationship can make. So I think yes. And she was also the first woman the Archduke brought.” one whispered back.

"For me, both of them are more suitable than the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince is a cheerful person and easily annoyed. If the two of them stay together, there will always be trouble. I like the Archduke and the two of them better because he is calm while Miss has a naughty attitude. Lynn. it's just like in a novel." the young maid excitedly promised.

Another assistant's eyebrows met. "Is it true that Miss has a bad attitude? Lynn?” it's a whispered question.

One immediately shook his head. "My friend who serves them said, no. He said it was just gossip to destroy the young lady's reputation. The only ones he scolds are the helpers who have no respect." here.

"Oi! Oh! Oh! Gossip is right! Work hard!” the butler suddenly reprimanded everyone who stopped talking and immediately continued working.

The butler sighed because of this.

"Hey. These things are already happening." it shook.

there was trouble when the Archduke went home because he was with a woman, and actually the Crown Prince's fiance.

I hope the Archduke has a plan for the mess he's gotten himself into.

GRADUALLY, Querencia opened her eyes and got up. He rubbed them then looked around.

he was relieved to realize that he was not in his room. Where is he and whose room is this?!

“Miss...”

He automatically looked at the source of the voice and Marina was standing there.

"Where are we?" he immediately asked.

Marina approached him. "We are in the Archduchy of the Archduke." this answer stunned him.

"W-what?! T-taika Where is the Archduke?” he asked confused then got off the bed.

He needs to talk to her.

Marina shook her head. "I don't know. but the Archduke says that you eat well before you talk to him this afternoon." here.

He immediately felt in his head. He didn't know what to plan next. they ran away from their house and now that he has gone to grace, his mind is blank.

He sighed and stood up. "I'll take a shower first, Marina." he said then went to the bathroom. It remained behind while carrying clothes.

"Where did you get that?" he later asked, referring to the dress as he helped her take a shower.

Marina looked up at him but also bowed when he shook her hand. "That's from the Archduke. He seems to have noticed that we don't have anything other than money. Because the Astil destroyed the house we stayed in and piled up what we left behind." he said as if something was bothering him. It looks like it has something else to say.

"Is something bothering you, Marina?" he immediately asked which surprised Marina. it didn't seem like he expected anyone to notice him.

He bit his own lip and took a bite. "Ahm... this is about what happened. I-I really didn't know that the astils would be angry when someone took their plant." it sniffed as if crying. His shoulders are also shaking.

he reached his shoulder and then tapped him but suddenly he knelt on the floor and bent down as if he was about to kiss the wet floor.

"Please forgive me, Miss! I took that plant because I know it can easily heal any wound. I also didn't tell you that I would hire you because you might be independent. Sorry!” it explained while bending down on the floor.

He remembered what he had said that he was here because of the lake's appearance, but Marina still had to say what she was going to do. he understands that she just wants to heal and help him but it's still bad for him to act alone.

He sighed. "I understand you, Marina. But you still have to tell me what you will do that has a connection with me. it's hard to be put in that situation again so I don't want it to happen again. Do you understand, Marina?” he glanced at it.

Marina nods as she wipes away her tears. "Yes. I understand." he said still sobbing.

He reached his head and patted it. "I forgive you, so go sit there." he promised calmly and Marina followed immediately.

"Yes, miss." he sat up straight then wiped the remaining wetness on his cheek.

He smiled. "Help me, Marina. I want to look clean when I face the Archduke.”

Marina quickly frowned. "Do you have an eye on the Archduke?" he asked in surprise and he suddenly got choked on his own saliva.

The Archduke is handsome but he wants nothing here!

He let out a deep breath. “I don't know the meaning of the look you are referring to, Marina. But without the Archduke, I will die.” he said meaningfully.

It is true that he will die because this is the only thing that can save him. As far as he remembers, the Crown Prince and the Archduke were fighting each other. the two did not get along since childhood.

He turned to his side when he heard a sigh from Marina.

"M-miss...are you in love?!" he asked in surprise and he was also surprised. "It's fine for you to fall in love with the Archduke, but what about the Crown Prince?" His eyes rolled as he asked.

He winced slightly. "I have nothing to do with that Crown Prince, Marina. The Archduke is what I need.” because this alone has the power to break off the engagement and his death.

“Hehe... Don't worry, Miss. I will do my best to win the Archduke's heart for you.” It shows him a smiling dog that seems to have a good plan. "I won't let you down, Miss."

CHAPTER 3 CONT.

"Your highness, Miss is here. Lynn.” announced the guard standing guard outside the Archduke's dining room. It was already back in the afternoon.

The guard opened the door. "Come in, Miss. Lynn" the guard politely promised.

He entered the dining room and found the Archduke eating.

seriously, he invited her and then didn't even look at her. She is still beautiful. Thank you

He snorted secretly then bowed. "Good morning, my Lord. Thank you for inviting me for lunch.” pretending to greet him respectfully, he sat down on the seat that an assistant had pulled out for him. they filled his plate with food. And of course, his mouth immediately started salivating because there was a steak served on the table. This is one of his favorites.

"You can leave now." said the Archduke suddenly as he turned to her.

His gaze followed the assistants who calmly exited. Then he turned his attention back to the food.

Appetizing!

He had already cut a steak just enough for him to chew properly. He took a bite of it and the delicious taste seemed to explode inside his mouth. it's deliciously cooked. He felt like he had gone to heaven for a while.

While chewing, he suddenly remembered something. He dreamed that he was eating a steak that his teeth could not bite into and that it had no taste when he sucked it.

"Miss. Querencia Loretta Lynn. the only Daughter of Baron Lynn.” the Archduke suddenly said his full name so he looked at her.

He stopped poking at her food then looked up and stared at her intently. The aura it evokes is terrifying. it looks like it's just his face that he's not afraid of.

He stared at her as if his head was about to be pierced. "Tell me, what are you doing in my territory." he said emphatically making him stiffen in his seat.

The atmosphere was heavy. just now he found out that it was his territory where they hid.

He swallowed hard and forced himself to speak. "Uhm... I didn't know that was your territory, My Lord. My assistant and I just got lost because Astil was chasing us." he explained calmly.

it frowned even more. "Lost? How did a lady like you end up in a dense jungle? Be honest with me, Miss. Lynn.”

He bit his lip. He wants to cry because of this scary hour!

He swallowed again and then bent down. he hesitated whether to tell the truth.

"Uhm..." he swallowed again. How can he say this?! "Ah, because...Ahm." he was nervous. How to say that he ran away?

The Archduke suddenly sighed, making him even more nervous.

"Miss. Lynn.” it called him. “I will send a letter to the Baron and say—”

"Please! Don't keep doing that! Yes! I will speak! I ran away because I didn't want to marry that Crown Prince!" he shouted suddenly, interrupting the Archduke's speech.

He was surprised by what he did, and even he was surprised too.

he covered his mouth then secretly scolded himself. Because of his actions, he already knows what will happen to him. He is dead. It's really the fault of his 'very good' father! Because of his decision-making in his life, he shouted and interrupted the Archduke's speech.

the Archduke suddenly stood up then walked and was about to pass him but he stopped him with his arm.

"My Lord! Forgive me-"

Shit! He suddenly lost his balance and knew that he was headed for failure.

“Fuck!”

He looked at the Archduke he had just run into. he was on his knees while she was lying on the floor so he quickly sat up. It's a good thing and this is where he landed so his fall wasn't too painful.

"Get off me." he said in a whisper as if he was heavy.

How light he can be!

"Now. Mrs. Lynn.” he said authoritatively but she didn't listen. It might go away again.

He bravely put his two arms on either side of her. "No! Please listen first, My Lord! Since I got lost, I'm going to take advantage of it! Don't kill me now because you're a child—”

"You're already 25." cutting him off so he covered his mouth with his hand. Why is he interjecting, he hasn't finished his line yet!

He took a deep breath. “I'm still young!” he said blushing. "And!" his brave face suddenly became gentle, as well as his voice. "I need someone powerful to break that unwanted and forceful engagement, My Lord. And it's you. That's why I approached you." she said crying. He doesn't want to die yet. he still wants to enjoy his life.

The Archduke removed his hand from her mouth. "Huh. How bold of you.”

He was surprised when he suddenly grabbed his neck and his world suddenly turned around. He felt the cold floor on his back when he held his hand.

they exchanged the position of Archduke. How?!

It looked at him. "I don't want to interfere with someone's business, Miss. so you should go home.” he promised seriously and was about to walk away but he quickly pulled his collar causing it to break and reveal the marks on the Archduke's neck.

Because of what he saw, he suddenly remembered his dream. ”Steak...” his lips parted as he looked at the Archduke's face as if he was struggling to breathe.

His heart immediately beat fast and strong. "M-my—" he was suddenly cut off when someone suddenly opened the door.

The Archduke looked in that direction at the same time and both their eyes widened.

"Oh my God!"

He immediately blushed. The Mayordoma saw them in that position.