6 Stranger Friend's Death (3)

[13 February 774/Present Day]

'Azrael de Revanche'

I've spent a day inside the basement researching about the household's background, history, and possibly any other household that holds strong ties with them.

But, I couldn't find anything.

'. . . It could be useful later on. Maybe I could have the advantage of reaching an agreement.'

After gathering a lot of information from many books inside the basement about the dukedom that is currently ranked second to the royal family, I could only find one member.

The Archduke himself, Azrael de Revanche.

I sighed after reading another book about him.

'. . . I don't understand.'

No matter how much I think about it, I couldn't understand why the household was considered a high rank by its peers.

I read many books and he didn't have any great achievement nor did he help commoners in need.

'. . . Why is his family the second to the Royal Family? I have read the history books many times in the basement but I still find it unreasonable.'

I sighed before deciding to end my investigation since reading the books again is no use for finding information about their rank.

Nonetheless, I have already sent a letter to Revanche Dukedom saying that I will greet his household as the heir to the throne.

The greetings are just an excuse, so the Directive Knights would not be suspicious.

After all, they will always be there to check every written letter.

'. . . It's a good thing the Archduke agreed. Otherwise, I have to come up with another way to meet him and that will be troublesome thanks to the Directive Knights.'

I curved a smile before deciding on getting ready myself for the visit.

From him, I wanted to know if he knew Chester Silas and ask about this Kingdom. About its system and history.

If I could have an answer from him, I could know the truth behind this kingdom.

-

[14 February 774]

As time passed, I am now riding the very same carriage when I went to the public execution two days ago.

As I expected, the knights had checked all my belongings before departing to his household.

I laid back into my seat as I held my breath before releasing it in relief.

I didn't bring anything that could make my life in danger. In addition to this, I could use my memories and mouth as my weapon.

-

"Your Highness, we have arrived."

The coachman announced as I snapped out from my thoughts when I noticed the carriage slowly came to a stop.

I turned my head towards the window.

My eyes widened when I was greeted by a large bright luxurious building in front of me.

'. . . He's really rich. . . Well, I mean, I do have a castle- but still.'

When the carriage stopped completely, footstep was heard as the door opened to reveal the coachman.

He extended his hand to help me exit the carriage as I took his hand before carefully coming out from the small space.

". . . Archduke Revanche. . ."

I mumbled the family name of the Archduke quietly under my breath as my palms started to sweat without any reason.

An old man that looked like he was in his early sixties, exits the estate while looking at me with a warm smile plastered on his face.

'Judging from his uniform, he must be a butler.'

Even though he's an Archduke, I didn't see a single maid anywhere.

Usually, if royalty is about to visit someone's estate, at least a few maids or butlers will line up in front of the estate.

I sighed deeply.

'Since when I started to think that I'm a real royalty? It's embarrassing.'

I looked at the butler in front of me.

He was still wearing a welcoming expression towards me.

"Greetings, Your Highness Dorothy Lucretia O'bell. I thank you for coming to my Master's small estate. How was Your Highness's day?"

While keeping a friendly smile, my eyebrow twitches at the mention of the 'small estate'.

". . Greetings to you too. My name is Dorothy Lucretia O'bell. I also thank you for having me here and also apologize for the sudden intrusion to visit. I have a great day because I'm visiting this manor."

I cross my legs and ankles while standing, then bend my knees slightly. Lift the fabric of my dress out to my sides politely.

The butler chuckled as he put his left hand behind his back and bent his arm at the elbow, and rested his hand then pressed his left hand across his abdomen.

"I am certainly glad to hear that. My name is Gray Oswald. I am the head butler of the Revanche Dukedom and will guide Your Highness until the end of the visit."

"Thank you very much, Sir Oswald."

The butler nods his head.

"It was my pleasure. Now, this way, Your Highness. Please follow me."

He gestures his hand to the main door to enter the estate and starts to walk.

Because of that, I slowly followed him from behind while focusing my sight on observing the estate.

'. . . How empty but simple.'

There isn't a single picture and most of the white walls are empty without any decorations.

Even though the estate was different than how I imagined it to be, it still gives off its own charm and the personality of the master of the house.

'It really is interesting.'

Before coming here, I heard that the Archduke rarely attend social gatherings.

I was surprised since I don't know anything about him.

What really makes me interested in the Archduke was that the trait is quite similar to the original Dorothy because he's also a shut-in person.

My eyes wandered at the scenery before it was interrupted by my sudden realization that the butler has stopped his track.

He turned before gesturing his hand to a room.

"This is the waiting room. Please make yourself comfortable before the master arrived."

He informed me as he slightly bowed.

I let out a smile as I show him my gratitude.

After the butler leads me to the room, he politely asked me to sit and wait for the Archduke to come.

'. . . I wonder what kind of person is the Archduke. Well, we're going to meet either.'

Unexpectedly, a knock was heard before revealing a maid with a tray of tea and snack.

She slightly bowed before entering the room.

"These are tea and snacks for Your Highness's visit."

She lightly smiled before serving them.

I thanked her for her attendance as she bows politely at me before exiting the room.

'. . . I only saw a few maids and butlers. Maybe he doesn't like crowds that much.'

I thought to myself before sighing.

I can say that I'm quite grateful since he accepted my request to visit his household.

And not to mention that everyone in this household treats me as a simple person without exaggerating anything.

'. . . I wondered when he will be here.'

After waiting for about 15 minutes, the door suddenly opened making me slightly flinch because of the sound.

I immediately turned my head towards the door as eyes widen when I was greeted by a pair of black eyes that has a dark circle under his eyes.

'. . . He looks. . . different I guess?'

I thought once again before observing his appearance.

He wears a black jacket with large gold buttons, a popped collar white shirt, and a string necktie held together along with a black cape hangs down from the back of his shoulders to his ankle. 

Just like his black eyes, he also has jet black hair.

'. . . Is he actually the Archduke? He's more handsome than I thought he would be.'

His lips curved into a smile.

"I am Azrael de Revanche, Archduke of the Revanche Dukedom. Welcome to my household."

He introduced himself briefly before walking towards my way and took a seat in front of me.

Now that I think about it, both of us are wearing dark colors as well.

Perhaps it's just his style to wear those.

"Your Grace, I apologize for the disturbance but I actually came here to discuss something important."

He shrugged.

"I think I got that part. Then, what is it that you want to discuss?"

He asked with a playful smile that makes me taken aback.

He comfortably pours the tea inside the teacup on the table that the maid previously served and drinks it to his heart's content.

'. . . His personality is also different from what I imagined.'

I sighed deeply and want to start the conversation right from the start.

"Do you know Chester Silas?"

I asked, straightly to the point.

"Oh, I heard of him. He is the heir of the Silas Countdom, right? The one that was sentenced to be executed death by burning, two days ago?"

I nodded at his statement.

"I don't know him that much. I just knew the fact that he's a noble."

He explained briefly while putting back the cup on the table.

"Chester Silas sent me a bunch of letters that are full of secret codes that I managed to solve. He mentioned something about finding someone from 'household that stands the second to the royal family' and your household comes to mind. The point is, I want to know about the Directive Order or Directive Knight. The truth."

I explained thoroughly with a serious expression.

"You know something, right, Your Grace?"

"I do know."

My eyes went wide by how easily he admitted it and doesn't even ask for further details.

"But, not the whole truth."

.

.

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