CHAPTER ONE: THE FALL OF THE LUMINE DUCHY

In the Lilac kingdom, not too long ago, the Lumine Duchy was the most powerful, second only to the imperial rulers. The Duchy had played a vital role in the kingdom's foundation, tracing back to their first ancestor, Cedric Lumine. Cedric was an extraordinary sword master, a talent born only once in ten thousand years. He had the unique ability to cut through space using aura, a skill he created and mastered, earning him the nickname "Cedric the Light Sword". However, such talent did not reappear after his death, and none of his descendants could follow in his footsteps.

Cedric, alongside the brilliant Yerins Golden, who was known to be a strategist, successfully defended their small nation and won a 3-year war known as the Revolutionary War against the powerful neighboring Kingdom of Yushria. After winning the war, the two joined hands and transformed their small nation into a powerful Kingdom. They became the founders of the Kingdom of Lilac. Yerins Golden became King Yerins Golden Lilac I of the Kingdom of Lilac and Cedric Lumine, though immensely respected, chose not to become a king but was granted one-tenth of the kingdom's land, forming the Duchy of Lumine.

The Duchy thrived, contributing significantly to the kingdom's prosperity by excelling in weapon crafting and artistry. For the past 600 years, Lilac Kingdom was in trade agreements with neighboring states and kingdoms, gaining recognition for its finest weapons and artistry. However, the glory and achievements of the Duchy began to crumble due to mismanagement, internal conflicts, and famine, all of which were blamed on the current Duke. The native people of the Duchy shared a common sentiment: If that commoner never became the Grand Duke of the Duchy, things wouldn't have gone wrong. A commoner should have never held that title.

***

In a secluded corner of the somber Duchy, where darkness seemed to reign, a sense of despair and neglect hung heavy in the air. Here, amidst this gloomy atmosphere, stood the Duchy estate, a solemn reminder of better days long past. Within its walls resided a weary, ailing duchess, her health frail and her spirits dimmed by the weight of her burden.

"My Lady, I think you should find a different doctor. The medicine doesn't seem to be helping, and it's making you feel worse," pleaded Leila, the loyal middle-aged maid, to Duchess Emerald. Leila sat next to the unwell Duchess, whose health was getting worse.

"Don't worry, Leila. I guess there's not much that can be done. My time in this world is running out," said Duchess Emerald, as she and Leila gently lifted her frail body from the bed. The bedroom was dark, with only the moonlight providing a dim glow to the antique surroundings.

"You really should lie down, my Lady. The doctor said you need plenty of rest," urged Leila, wanting to convince the stubborn Duchess to stay in bed. But the Duchess was determined to ignore the advice.

"Leila," the Duchess spoke softly, "I'm sorry for troubling you. You should go to bed and leave my side."

"But..." Leila hesitated, wanting to stay with the Duchess.

"My Lady, his Grace has arrived," announced a maid from behind the door.

"All right," said the Duchess, attempting to get out of bed but stopped by Leila.

"My Lady, you're not supposed to get out of bed," insisted Leila, not willing to let the Duchess leave. The Duchess smiled and looked at her, "Can you help me get dressed?" she asked, faintly smiling. Leila, almost in tears, wiped her eyes and helped the Duchess change into a nightgown.

Leila then guided the Duchess out of her bedroom, making their way to the Duke's office. Even though the Duchess was the lady of Lumine Duchy, there were no guards or maids around to assist her as she left her room. It was clear that the Duchess was not treated well, and it saddened Leila to see her lady mistreated.

***

Unlike the Duchess's dimly lit room, the hallway was well-lit with bright lamps on the walls. This made it easier for Leila and the Duchess to navigate through the previously dark surroundings.

The Duchess walked determinedly toward the Grand Duke's office in the Lumine main building, known as the "abode." The building was enormous, with lots of rooms, two grand floors, and even an underground basement. The Duchess's bedroom was on the second floor, while the Duke's office was on the first floor.

Navigating through the second-floor hallway and descending the stairs to the first floor proved challenging for the weak Duchess. With every step, she felt the strain on her entire body. However, with the assistance of her maid, Liela, she managed to reach the Duke's office.

Leila couldn't help but feel sorry for the Duchess. Though they hadn't known each other for a long time, the moments spent together had revealed the Duchess's kindness, thoughtfulness, intelligence, and consideration. As they approached the Duke's office, Leila pondered, "If only my lady hadn't fallen so deeply in love with the Grand Duke."

Knock... knock. The Duchess stood outside the Duke's office, gently tapping on the door.

A deep, manly voice responded, "Come in."

***

The Grand Duke's office was a big room with decorations that showed off how rich and important the ruling noble was. The walls had cool tapestries with pictures of brave battles, symbols, and historical victories that told the story of Lumine Duchy's long and powerful history. In the middle of the room, there was a huge desk made of carved oak. It was covered in papers, quills, and fancy wax seals. Behind the desk, a chair that's like the Grand Duke's throne was covered in nice velvet fabrics. The chair was where the Grand Duke would sit to lead meetings and meet with important people. Next to the chair, there are tall bookshelves filled with books and scrolls about laws, history, and records of the Duchy. The other side of the room had big, arched windows that let in natural light and the heavy curtains in royal colors could be pulled to block out the sun. The office also had a fireplace with a cozy fire for warmth and a great atmosphere during colder times. Above the fireplace, was the emblem "the starlight" that represents the ruling family's history and heritage.

The Duchess stepped into the office, where a tall and imposing figure of a man stood with his back to her, his hands crossed behind him. "I heard you gave away half of the Duchy's money to the people," the Duke questioned, his voice stern. "How could you do this without my consent?" he coldly exclaimed. The Duchess bit her lower lip and clenched her fist.

"Our people are suffering. There's a famine, and an epidemic has taken half the population. The once thriving Duchy has turned into a desolate land. People from outside say we're cursed. The least I can do for my neglected people is give them money to help through these tough times," the Duchess explained, her voice filled with guilt and sadness.

The Duke turned to face her, saying, "Emerald..." as he scanned her frail and sickly body a few feet away. "... you look pathetic." He spoke in a cold, emotionless manner. The Duchess gazed at the Duke's face. His heart-shaped face was framed by long, wavy golden-blonde hair, obscuring his once handsome and muscular features. His piercing blue eyes made others uncomfortable, but Duchess Emerald found them pretty. He stood tall at 6.1 feet, and through the royal uniform, his muscular body was apparent.

The Duchess stood still, tears in her eyes. "I regret marrying you! No, I regret choosing you! You've brought nothing but disaster to me, the Duchy, and the people I love. Cough! Cough! Cough!" She yelled and coughed up blood into her right hand after pouring out her feelings with all her might.

Hearing the commotion from her place behind the door, Leila rushed inside to assist the Duchess. "My lady, are you okay?" Leila grabbed the Duchess, who was on the verge of collapsing to her knees. Leila noticed the blood on the Duchess's right hand, and fear seized her.

"Haha... yes... I regret everything," the Duchess confessed. "I regret asking you to marry me and letting you take control over the Duchy. You've destroyed everything my father and forefathers built. You monster! Cough... cough," the Duchess's energy waned after speaking.

"My Lady! Please, your Grace, the Duchess's condition is worsening," Leila anxiously pleaded. "You may leave," the Duke replied, turning away toward the windows. The moonlight illuminated the room, evident in the moths dancing around the window.

"Yes, my lord," Leila bowed and left with the Duchess.

The Duchess, with the help of her maid Leila, returned to her bedroom. As she paused in front of the dressing mirror, she observed her changed appearance – once considered one of the most beautiful in the kingdom, her beauty only rivaling the princess of the kingdom. Her terminal disease had taken a toll on her, making her appear with sunken eyes, chapped lips, and a face so thinned that her bones were visible.

Leila assisted the Duchess in lying down on her bed, carefully tucking her in. "It's late; you should get some rest," the Duchess advised Leila.

"All right then, I'll be heading off, Duchess," Leila announced her departure, and the Duchess gave a slight nod in response. As Leila left the room, silence enveloped the Duchess's chamber.

The Duchess, lying on her regal bed, turned to gaze out the window at the moonlight. It was a beautiful night, and the moon stirred memories of her childhood. Lost in thought, the Duchess began to reminisce.