The Duchesses

Chapter 48 : Chaos

The carriage brings Count Harren, including Judas has arrived. Alec, Archilles, Theodore and Thea wait for him as usual. Then, without wasting time, they walk to the same place, as Harren triumphant as ever. It is the day he will give his assets, including the profits, to the headquarters. If he calculated it right, he would get triple income on the essential supplies and fewer taxes to pay to the Imperial Palace.

The sky looks bluer, and a gentle breeze in that place. The sun shines its light brightly. Luck must be in his residence today, Harren thought in happiness. Now, they are sitting inside; his eyes fill with money when he sees the headquarters ' paper at the border of both Empires. Archilles gazes at the greedy behaviour, slightly disgusted by how humans can be so cheap.

How would one waver in front of amounts of money and jewellery?

"You aren't lying when it is less than a week to complete the documents," Harren laughs at this, feeling excited about the day.

Alec joins his laugh along with Judas. The other three remain silent about that.

"So, when do I have to transfer the profits?" Harren asks Alec impatiently since the taxes will impose next week, and the nobles are required to bring it to the Imperial Palace.

"You can transfer it today because all workers are ready at the border, my Lord," Alec smiles.

Harren snaps his finger and waves his hands to signal Judas to bring in the documents. He also prepares beforehand about it and the amount of the sudden increase in prices for his business. He and Alec agreed that Harren would transfer the profits every two weeks so that people wouldn't notice it much. They signed the contract with each other, shaking their hands for the first transfer.

Alec and Harren wear the biggest smile on their face. But, little did someone know that their smile has a different meaning and purpose.

Today is the day Duchess Smith would visit the Imperial Palace. When the blonde woman thinks about it, it's been a long time since Natalie doesn't see Ares. The last time is when she met him before meeting Princess Isis. No wonder she feels peace for a while. The parasite isn't there. The Duchess wears a suit today, not feeling like she wants to wear a dress, especially to meet Ares.

Moreover, she also knows that there was a scene in the novel where he liked Medea wearing a dress before they were engaged. To think about it makes her blood boils. It annoyed her for some unknown reasons. However, since Natalie always visits the Imperial Palace without Ares' invitation, it is not out of place anymore if she comes here again. Except, she loathes it a lot.

It feels like some insects are crawling on her body, trying to make territorial areas on it. Without her realising it, she already gets inside Prince's office and greetings to him. The blonde could only stand as a courtesy because Ares never mentions anything yet.

"Duchess Natalie, it's been a while since I haven't seen you," he said excitedly.

The Duchess of Light could only let out a small smile, forcing the corner of her mouth to move upward as she said, "Yes, it is, Your Highness."

The Crown Prince stands up, fixing his clothes while his sapphires gaze on the ruby eyes, who are calmly staring back. Then, he walks over to the blonde woman, but what he does next throw the Duchess off. He grabs the woman's hand, pulling her closer and wrapping his arms around her. The ruby eyes widen in surprise, disgusted by his body against hers.

"He doesn't even ask for consent because he used to be at the top as the Crown Prince. It disgusts me to the core,"

That reminds Natalie of a scene where he suddenly kissed Medea a few months ago. The Duchess doesn't have time to think, feeling numb from the sudden closeness.