ɴɪɴᴛʜ.

It didn't take long to bring the letter that the Duchess of the Cheikh family prepared for her rumored lover. The steward informed her that the Grand Duke of the Kawamura family had arrived. She is expecting him today because he will be her companion for the one-week trip to another country. Apparently, the Grand Duke has been studying Literature since then and when he heard that the Duchess will travel, he asked permission if he can be her companion. The Duchess didn't have any second thoughts and accepted his permission. 

"It is a pleasant day to meet you, Lady Lauren." The Grand Duke smiled at her and kissed the back of her hand. 

"I would like to invite you to my study room, Milord. I remember having a few literature books from Dublin. I found it fascinating because not only their native languages that I've learned but also a part of their traditions." She said while they were walking in the hallways. 

"Then, can you lend me the books? I also have language books and I'm sure you will like it. It's from my father. Unfortunately, I didn't bring it today." She opened the door and smiled at him before nodding. 

"It's fine, Milord. I can read it next time. Welcome to my study room. I'm keeping all my books and materials here. It's almost a library." She opened the windows. 

She practically chose that room to turn it into a study room because it gives her inspiration. She can clearly see the fields of various flowers that the Kawamura household owns. That's why she gladly accepted the Grand Duke's permission. It is to thank him for the view that she always sees during the three seasons. The winter season greatly affects the economy of the country since they can only produce selected raw materials, especially food. 

"I didn't know that our fields of tulips look so great from here, Milady." He stood close to her and when she faced him, she almost bumped into him. 

"Yes, Milord. I really love all kinds of flowers, so I turned this into a study room." She whispered while looking away with a flustered face. 

A lot of events are happening in every country and these are leading them to Renaissance. Few styles have been introduced. So is their fashion sense. Drastic changes can't be applied yet as the Church has been abiding strict laws since then. Polygamous and same gender relationships are even prohibited and those who are afraid of the punishments that they will receive once they come out. 

"Milord, I will get the books now." She continued, taking a step backward to keep a distance from him but he took a step forward and she felt the window pane touching her lower back. 

She gripped on his trousers tightly when they started kissing. She felt his arms around her waist and he pressed their bodies together. She remembered what her cousin, Riku, said. What if Kazuki suddenly died of chivalry? Even though she loves him, it doesn't really secure her future. She may have wanted the Grand Duke but she also wants to fall in love with him naturally. 

They just broke the kiss when they heard a knock from outside. She immediately released herself from his hug and walked towards the door to open it. Her eyes widened but she forced a smile when she saw the steward with the Knight of the Hayashi family. She is almost caught. Why is she even feeling nervous? Is it because the Grand Duke is also there? 

"I received your letter and since you'll not be around for a week, I decided to pay you a visit. I apologize for going here without any notice." Kazuki said and she just smiled and shook her head. 

"It's fine. The Grand Duke is here. He will be my companion for my trip. We will visit various places around the other country for our studies." She let Kazuki in her study room and Kazuma smiled at him before bowing his head. 

Kazuki did the same and since she can feel a little tension between the two men, she got the literature books she mentioned earlier to Kazuma and gave it to him. She needed a larger space to breathe properly, so she brought the two men to the garden to have tea. She doesn't know how she will be able to entertain the two men but she mentally thanked her friends for arriving. 

The mass ended a few hours ago, so everyone is back to their daily routines. The two women were excited to tell something but when they saw the two men with Lauren, what they were about to witness was much more interesting. Neither of the men wanted to leave because they wanted to spend time alone with the Duchess but since her friends are around, they decided to leave to give them time alone. 

"Thank you for saving me. I really don't know what to do with those men. I didn't expect this." Lauren said in a low voice before taking a sip from her teacup. 

"I didn't expect that the Grand Duke would be here. Why did he visit you?" Fuyu asked while holding onto her gown sleeve. 

"He will be my companion for the trip." Lauren answered but the two other women just smiled, knowing that there will be more things to happen between them.