Chapter 22

Iowyrthe slept in the study. He woke up and soon instruct Sir Thomas and Lady Leia to prepare. He visited his chamber. The maids were currently packing Princess Iris's belonging. Not much dresses for the trip to Aurinko. Definitely, not one even proper for the banquet in the maids' eyes. Iris was still in deep slumber.

As he was ensuring all have been managed well, there was a knock on the door. Sir Thomas was asking if the children and Miss Paulette can go in. He opened the door and walked outside.

"What happened?"

"The children wanted to tell you something."

"Ah, sure. Let's go to my study." He was happy that the children finally get in touch with him, "She's still sleeping."

They arrived at the study. The children stand up in order facing his desk. Sir Thomas were standing beside him.

"Then, please."

"Pardon me, Your Highness. Before they talk, I will explain first," Miss Paulette said, "We heard you went to the city to hear the community including children aspiration. The children feel that they want to express their aspiration for you too. I as their teacher and orphanage manager found this initiative is good to develop their communication skill and confidence. I will apologize in advance if you find this rude."

"No, not at all. Please."

"So, they will start now. I hope you can appreciate they courage even if you find it doesn't suit your liking, Your Highness. Please start children."

"Greeting to you, Your Highness. My name is Piertta. I am 9 years old. We want to talk to you about the issue we faced."

"Sure, tell me. I will do my best to fix this, before I go to the capital."

"Hmmm, please pinkie me before we continue. Promise us that you will not be mad." Piertta walked to his desk and offered her pinkie.

"What… How?"

"Like this." Piertta show him how.

"Then for now you cannot be angry for what we said."

"Alright, sure." The Duke seemed puzzled but he let them continued.

"We found that you have to apologized to the Princess. This is the issue we saw in the… the… Uh please, help Miss." Piertta read the paper that the children write.

Miss Paulette whispered her, "Estate."

"Yes, estate. We saw you broke Princess's arm and made her sick. You also have treated her rudely," Piertta stopped when she saw the Duke started to get angry. Iowyrthe tried to stay calm.

"Continue."

The children flinched. Piertta started getting teary. "You can do it Piertta," other kids cheered her.

"We proposed that you have to do this to… re… recon… reconcile with her." Piertta finished her sentenced with so much pride and relieve on her expression.

"What is that you proposed?" Iowyrthe took a deep breath.

"First, you have to apologize for all things that you have done to the Princess." A boy name Helios read the next part of the letter.

"Second, you have to treat her with a lot of nice food every time you go together. We saw in the kitchen that Cook Grizsha made small portion of food for her. But our Princess likes good food. So, you have to give her that." Cattleya finished her turn.

"Third, you have to speak nicely to her. We saw you talk cold and harsh to her and made her sad. We like to see Princess smile." Iola a girl around 7 years old with freckles said.

One by one they read the proposal they made. It was included to buy her many dresses and cape so she won't get cold and sick, take her to the city often, and spend time together with the Princess and the orphanage more often. They suggest a dinner together in the orphanage once a year.

"Last, we want you to reopen the greenhouse for her. She loves flowers so much and we promise we will help taking care the greenhouse along with Princess." Aidan read the last proposal. Sir Thomas and the Duke flinched upon hearing about the greenhouse.

"We really hope for this, Your Highness." A small girl name Marche closed their speech. All the children bowed respectfully to the Duke.

"Alright I will take this into consideration."

Marche, the smallest girl, walked to his desk, "Pinkie?" He didn't refuse.

"What is this pinkie stuff all about?"

"The Princess taught them, Your Highness."

"Yes, if you see your pinkie, you should remember your promises." Then the children gave him the letter.

The children walked back to the orphanage smiling. They feel proud of themselves and they saw that the Duke is not as scary as they thought to be.

"They talked as if she going to be back here."

Sir Thomas hung his head. He knew it is hard to change this stubborn Duke. He raised him practically and knew his trait. He has got his hopes to high. Princess's presence didn't change the Duke that much. However, the mention of the greenhouse was a shock to him. It must be a shock for the Duke too.

Both of them going back to his chamber. They found Iris has woke up and sat down. The maids have packed all and ready.

"Princess I will bring this to Grizsha, he must be happy." Agnes took the herbs that the princess gave her and went to the kitchen. She tried to cover her teary eyes, but Iowyrthe and Sir Thomas notice.

Iowyrthe sat down in the sofa facing her, while Sir Thomas and the maids loaded her belonging to the carriage. Other maids were teary too.

"I need to take you to Aurinko soon to check on your health. I need to make sure that Princess of Musou was in a good condition before anyone thinking that I harm you and it will ruin the good relationship between Lleuelyn Empire and Musou Kingdom."

"I understand." Iris cut him before he continued, "May I please have some times to bid farewell?"

"Sure. We will go after you have your breakfast. Please take your time."

Iowyrthe saw her leave awkwardly. "I should have apologized."

She took her time to bid farewell to all the staff she met and the children. She acted that she is going to go back. But she knew it was her last moment in the estate. So, she hugged them tight.