Chapter 8

The Princess felt relieve when she finally got in her room. It is not as big and lavish as her room in Musou Castle. However, this room makes her felt more freedom than in Musou. No one will be stalking on her day to day. She felt at ease.

She decided to unpack her carrier. One of her instant regret was why she did not prepare a thicker clothing. Later she should buy a cape and a thicker dress for sure. Though his uncle and aunt treated her like enemy, they still gave her enough money, jewelleries, and food. They thought it will be the last time this princess around them. The money even enough to buy a small land and house Iris thought.

She really thinks to reside somewhere in Lleuelyn Empire. She was unwanted in the Musou Castle and in the duke estate. She planned to break the engagement since the Duke wanted it. No big deal for her. She will ask a permission to reside somewhere in the empire area. She knew from the very first step the Duke take in the hall, she was unwanted.

She opened the carrier, took out her belongings, not much though. She prepared a dress for the lunch and another one for the formal dinner. Her dress was not many by default. She was the abandoned princess after all. She took out the jewelleries and the food they prepared from Vanra. Some herbs also.

She sighed, now she already felt cold. Wishing she could double the dress she wore.

A knock on the door woke her from the daydream.

"Princess, it's time to look around the estate."

"Sure." She opened it, smiled, and walked beside Lady Leia. Lady Leia was quiet. As the experience from the previous courtship phase her Duke has done, it is better to keep silent unless it's time for explaining.

"This is the study. You already know it. Duke is here, in his room, or in the training ground most of the time."

"Ah, I see. I should have kept the voice down in my room, so I won't bother him."

After so many steps and doors, Lady Leia said, "Now, this is the Duke's chamber. Duke prohibit anyone to enter unless he permits it."

"Sure. Only me sleepwalking or drunk will take me here. Hihi." Her chuckled light up the atmosphere.

Lady Leia smiled instinctively, "Let's go down, Your Highness."

"What are the other room?"

"Aa… aah… It is occupied." Lady Leia tried to be composed. It is the empty better rooms that actually available option for the Princess to stay. "Marquis Judah room and Doctor June visit room is also one among the door, Princess."

"Oh okay. I see that the Duke has many important acquittances, ya?"

"True. Now, shall we head to kitchen, dining room, and the banquet, Princess?" Lady Leia felt so lucky that the Princess is not as demanding as Lady von Millie or Lady D'Or. They created quite the drama finding that there are other better room in the Manor. They only last 2-3 days in the courtship phase.

"Now this is the kitchen. Oh, the cook is out. But this is his helpers."

"Greeting to the Princess."

"Greetings to you as well." She then looked at an around 10 years old boy and girl cutting carrots and peeling potato, and asked, "The Duke make the children work?" Her face shown much concern.

"Pardon me, Your Highness. They are the children from the orphanage. They learn in weekdays, but this is weekends and they wanted to help in kitchen for extra money."

"Oh, Hi, I am Iris." She walked towards the boy and the girl, "Greeting to you. May I know your name?"

"Greeting to you Princess. My name is Cattleya." She curtsied to the Princess. It seemed everyone in the Duchy Estate has known her presence.

"What a pretty name! Just like the flower, your smile is pretty too."

"Greeting to you, Princess. My name is Elijah." He bowed but turned his face right away, as if there's something wrong.

"Oh, can I call you Eli?"

"Sure, Princess." Iris smiled.

"Here I have candies, for both of you." Eli and Cattleya's eyes lit up. Everyone in the kitchen amaze. Such a humble person. Eli then stared at Princess' eyes.

"You won't make the orphanage into your boutique, right?"

She laughed heartily. "Why should I? I promise Eli, I won't. However, can you invite me to the orphanage some time?" Iris offered him a pinkie.

"Sure, Princess. Anytime you want." Eli blushed.

"Now, Eli and Cattleya, please pinkie me."

"What is pinkie, Princess?" Cattleya asked.

"Here. It is a promise that you should never broke or you will lose a pinkie bitten by a wolf."

"Mmm, okay." They were frightened a bit.

She chuckled, "I am just kidding. It is just that so you remember that every time you see your pinkie you will remember the promise. I will not turn the orphanage into other things and both of you promise to let me go to the orphanage any time."

The three of them and the rest of the kitchen helper smiled.

Such a beautiful sight. It was like a visit from an angel.