Isadora's Plan
Originally, there are four Dukes that support the kingdom of Arcadia: the current Grand Duke, Ravus Xerxes, followed by Duke David Xerxes. After those two are the late Duke Arian and Duchess Matthias. These dukes are listed according to their hierarchy in noble society.
The current Grand Duke is a mere ten-year-old child, being the only direct child of his late parents. Late Duke Arian was a very humble man, but he and his family died in a landslide. Being the first generation to rule his dukedom, there were no relatives to take on his duty. Though other nobles strive to rule the Dukedom, none have caught His Majesty's eye to bestow such a title. Then the recent incident caused the banishment of Duke Matthias and a history of the first woman to rule, Duchess Matthias.
"And today I am off to Duke Xerxes' Duchy to have a conversation with his daughter. If I remember correctly, when Amelia started dating the crown prince in the novel, Octavia mentioned something about her father dying when she was young because of war. If I use this information correctly, I'll be able to draft a foolproof plan," she thought to herself. "Prepare a carriage and send someone ahead of us to inform Duke Xerxes that we will be visiting his duchy soon," she instructed a maid. "Octavia Xerxes... Hmmm..."
******
The moment Isadora arrived at the Duchy, Duchess Lillian and Octavia were out to greet her.
"Welcome, Lady Isadora. To what do we owe this impromptu visit?" Lillian asked.
"I heard that Lady Octavia took a little leave from the academy, and I needed to ask a few questions since I'll be attending that academy soon," Isadora replied.
Lillian led them to the guest sitting room, and the intense conversation began.
"I would like to request that you convince your father that no matter what kind of war we have, he cannot participate. Even if it means we break his legs to keep him in the duchy," Isadora advised.
Octavia, hearing such a request, was quite shocked. Only she and Arabella knew her given mission was to stop her father from going to war, but a complete outsider, and a child at that, seemed so informed.
"Who told you that?" Octavia asked, looking stern and serious. Her suspicions didn't die down when Isadora decided to keep silent.
"I'm saying it for your own good," Isadora added. To avoid unnecessary conflict, Isadora was prepared to take her leave.
"You are from Korea, aren't you?" Octavia asked, speaking in Korean.
The door handle Isadora had grabbed, she left it immediately. Turning around, Isadora's face became white.
"I knew it. Because no ordinary person knows that there will be war soon," Octavia added, still in Korean. "It's that damned angel, isn't it?"
The more Octavia spoke, the more Isadora's mind was filled with doubt beyond measure.
"So tell me, what do you need me to do?" Isadora asked.
"From this sentence till the end of our conversation, we should both speak in Korean. Then, as for the second task, I would like to hear of your past life. From the way you speak, I can tell you are older than me."
With this, the intense conversation started.
"My name is Park Hye-jin, I was 28 years old when I died. I was a strategist for the Kim Industries."
"Wow, the famous Kim Industries."
"Jaehyun and Eunji dated each other when I was stuck in the hospital and battling my cancer. Jaehyun was my ex-husband, and Eunji was my sister. To think I devoted my life to such betrayers," Isadora frowned as she began to remember those times.
"Wow, you sound sarcastic and all, but when someone rethinks the story, they will find it sad," Octavia commented, showing deep concern, but it looked like the owner of the life had moved on from it.
"Well, I didn't come here to give a brief tour of my past life. I came to inform you about your father. Thank you for making time to listen to me. Have a nice day," Isadora finally left.
******
On getting home, Isadora had two letters waiting for her. Her usually not-minding-his-business father was already with them, and he was in his study.
"Father, good evening. I heard you called," Isadora curtsied as she greeted him.
"When did you get close to Princess Matilda?" he asked, shoving the opened letter in her face.
... Dearest Isadora,
I hope this letter finds you well. I'm writing to let you know that I'm inviting you for tea so we can play together. Have a nice day...
"Father, I believe opening a royal letter is not your job since you are not the person it's to be given to. And yes, I am close with Her Highness."
"Since when?"
"She came to Kias once, and we met at the ball when she drank wine instead of juice." Seventy percent of the whole statement was a lie, but she needed to shake him up a bit so that he could give her space.
"And the letter to that couture?" Count Ashford scolded.
"I need a dress to meet Her Highness, or do you want everyone to know that my dearest father kidnapped his daughter from her happy home in Kias and can't even do well to provide for her? I wonder if you will be banished as well?"
Isadora finally told him off, and for once he seemed to be off her back. By the time Isadora got to her room, she began to celebrate the fact that her plan seemed to be going well and her father was finally away from her business.
Still basking in the minor victory over her father, Isadora turned her attention to the two letters that awaited her. The first letter was from Princess Matilda, and the second one was from Harley's couture. She decided to open the letter first, eager to see what news it contained.
... Dearest Lady Isadora,
I am pleased to inform you that I would be free anytime this week I will send another message to tell you when exactly I'm coming. Have a blessed day...
The plan has been set in motion...