CHAPTER SIX: THE CRUEL FATE

At the Duchy estate, preparations for the celebration were well underway after a day of hard work. As night descended, the hall decorations were postponed until the following day, but invitations had already been dispatched. Carriages unloaded wines and provisions in the backyard, where the butler and head chef supervised the process.

Emerald and her maid, Lilith, disembarked from a carriage that had just arrived at the estate. "My lady, where have you been? The Duchess has been anxiously searching for you," Butler Werneck inquired with concern. "Um... where is Mother?" Emerald asked nervously. "She's alone in the dining hall," Werneck replied. "Oh no, I thought I'd be back before dinner. I'm in trouble," Emerald realized, anticipating a scolding from her mother. "Lilith, could you take the box to my room?" she requested.

"Yes, my lady," Lilith replied, heading upstairs with the box as Emerald made her way to the dining hall.

"Hi... Mother," Emerald greeted as she entered. Duchess Kristen sat at the end of the dining table, wearing a frown. "Where did you disappear to this time?" she asked sternly. Emerald pulled up a chair next to her mother and sat down. "I went to the town square to find a gift for Chris. I'm sorry I didn't inform you before leaving, but you seemed busy with preparations," Emerald explained cautiously, eyeing the tempting dishes on the table to distract from her tardiness.

"Ha," the Duchess sighed in disappointment. "Your father and Chris promised to return before dinner. It's already dark now; it's not safe to travel at this hour". "I'm sure the ceremony ran longer than expected. They probably stopped at an inn and will come home tomorrow," Emerald reassured her mother, offering a logical explanation.

The two dined and proceeded to discuss the preparations for the celebration party the next day, enjoying some mother-daughter bonding moments. As the night grew late, it was time for bed. Emerald hurried to take a bath and then settled onto her comfortable bed, quickly drifting off to sleep.

***

"My lady... my lady," Lilith called out to Emerald in a shaky voice. Emerald, still half-asleep, opened her eyes and yawned. "Yes, Lilith," she replied groggily. "My lady...hic! hic!" Lilith burst into tears, her voice trembling. The sound of crying jolted Emerald awake. "Is it morning already? What's wrong, Lilith? Why are you crying?" Emerald asked, suddenly alert despite the darkness of the early dawn.

Emerald could hear a commotion in the hallway as she rushed to Lilith's side. "Young Master and his Grace...hic! hic!" Lilith struggled to speak through her tears. Concerned, Emerald hurried out of the bedroom and followed Lilith into the hallway, where she found maids and knights with sorrowful expressions.

"What happened?" Emerald's voice quivered with fear as she addressed the servants. They chorused in unison and bowed respectfully. Sir Ronald approached Emerald with a heavy heart, his expression grave. "My lady, a terrible accident occurred while his Grace and young master Chris were on their way to the Duchy, but..." Sir Ronald trailed off, unable to continue.

Emerald's heart raced with dread as she dashed through the hallway to find out more. "They're probably just injured. They'll recover soon, and we'll still have the celebration," Emerald tried to reassure herself.

Reaching the first floor, Emerald saw her mother kneeling beside two covered bodies, weeping inconsolably. Butler Werneck stood nearby, his face a mask of disbelief, while the head maid, Sarah, knelt beside them, also in tears. "No, it can't be! This can't be true," Emerald thought, her body trembling with shock.

Descending the stairs, Emerald approached her mother, desperate for answers. "Mom, what's happening here?" she asked, her voice trembling. The Duchess turned to her daughter, but no words came out. With a sinking feeling in her heart, Emerald removed the cloth covering the bodies, revealing the lifeless faces of the Grand Duke and Chris.

The sight overwhelmed Emerald, and she collapsed, unconscious, at the Duchess's feet. "Emerald!" her mother cried out in anguish, her voice filled with grief.

YEAR XX82

Two years had slipped by since the tragic deaths of Grand Duke Walter and Chris. A year after their passing, Duchess Kristen's life was also claimed, a cruel sight as she ended it by hanging herself from a tree. Mentally unable to cope with the loss of her husband and son, she left behind a note for Emerald, apologizing for leaving her alone in this world.

The Duchy now faced the need for a new Grand Duke to carry on its legacy. "Poor Lady Emerald, the lone survivor of the Lumine family tragedy," murmured a group of commoners gathered in the town plaza, engrossed in gossip. "But aren't Marquess William and Count Ronald distant relatives of the Lumine family? Perhaps she could seek their support or even marry one of their sons to secure the Duchy," suggested one voice. "Let's hope the next Grand Duke is as visionary as Grand Duke Walter," added another.

The topic of the next Grand Duke and the potential suitors vying for Lady Emerald's hand dominated conversations and gossip newsletters across the Kingdom. Even in the dorms of the Royal Academy, students were buzzing with curiosity. Despite numerous attempts by noble suitors to court Lady Emerald and secure the Duchy, all had failed. It seemed as though Lady Emerald had erected an impenetrable barrier around her heart.

Rumors swirled about Lady Emerald's affections, with some suggesting she had eyes for Gilbert, the young master of Brooklade Dukedom, son of Duke George. He was the only individual who posed a challenge to other noble suitors aspiring for the position of Grand Duke.

***

On a sunny day, in the Academy, a swordsmanship competition was being held. The school arena buzzed with excitement as students gathered to watch the competition. Whispers and murmurs erupted as Emerald entered the arena. "Is that Lady Emerald?" "What's she doing here?" The attention was immediately drawn to her presence.

Lady Emerald, at 18 was quite a sight to behold, renowned for her stunning beauty and graceful presence. Her long, flowing blonde hair frames her delicate face, and her green eyes shimmer like emeralds, radiating both intelligence and kindness. Her complexion is smooth as porcelain, with a gentle blush that adds to her natural charm and elegance.

"Lady Emerald, you look beautiful as always. I have a good spot for you to sit and enjoy the match," offered Stephen Crooks, Viscount Crook's second son, approaching Emerald with a hopeful smile.

Politely, Emerald declined. "No, thank you," she replied, causing some nearby students to giggle at Stephen's embarrassment as he walked away with a pouty face. Unfazed, Emerald had a purpose for being there.

"Today marks the 26th Royal Academy swordsmanship competition, a fierce competition among top-grade students vying to become sword masters. It's not merely a physical contest, but a test of skill, courage, and determination," the commentator announced, setting the stage for the event. Held just before graduation, this match held great significance.

"And now, I present the top 10 contenders: Seth Gates of the House of Gates, Theodore Lopole of the House of Lopole... and finally, our last contender, Ivan Boulder!" The crowd erupted into cheers, especially for Ivan, whose name rang through the arena. Emerald's heart quickened at the mention of Ivan's name, her gaze fixed on him with anticipation.

The sword fight commenced as the ten combatants were paired off evenly. Tension hung thick in the air, promising a clash of epic proportions. Gripping their swords tightly, the combatants faced each other, the faint glint of steel reflecting in the torchlight. The clash of metal filled the space, a cacophony of blades meeting and grunts of exertion.

Among them, Ivan Boulder stood out. Nicknamed "the sharp blade" for good reason, his movements were swift and precise. His opponent moved with the grace of a dancer, their blades a blur of motion as they countered each other's strikes. But Ivan's attacks were bold and powerful, meeting each blow with unwavering determination. They circled each other, searching for an opening, their movements a testament to years of training and discipline.

Ivan's agility and strength captivated the audience as he delivered a tactical final blow, securing victory in his round. Match after match, he dominated with his heavy blows and lightning-fast reflexes, earning thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd.

"And the winner of today's match is Ivan," declared the presenter, igniting a roar of cheers and applause that echoed throughout the arena. Ivan's popularity soared, and his reputation was already well-established among his peers and fellow students. Tall and confident, he moved with a natural grace that drew the eye. His striking features—a chiseled jawline, sculpted cheekbones, piercing blue eyes, and wavy golden-blonde hair—captivated all who beheld him.

Despite his intelligence, charm, and academic excellence, he was still looked down upon for his commoner background.

***

Knock! Knock!

"I thought I told you I wasn't ready to talk to anyone," Ivan sternly told Cruise, his only friend who was with him in the changing room as Ivan was getting ready.

"Oh my! It seems one of your fans sneaked their way into the training room," Cruise panicked. He opened the door to see who it was and found Emerald standing right at the entrance. Cruise slightly closed the door and turned to Ivan with a suspicious look.

"Who is it?" Ivan questioned.

"May I come in?" Emerald asked, peering inside.

"Oh yes," Cruise replied, flustered to stand next to Emerald. "I guess I will be waiting for you at the dormitory," he told Ivan and turned to bow to Emerald before leaving.

The two were left alone in the room as silence enveloped them. Emerald started fidgeting, revealing her nervousness, while Ivan stared deeply with his piercing eyes.

"How may I help you?" Ivan asked, breaking the silence.

"I am Emerald Lumine from Lumine Duchy," Emerald started by introducing herself.

"I know. You are the famous flower lady from the Duchy," Ivan replied coldly.

Emerald blushed, her heart pounding hard in her chest. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and then blurted out, "Ivan Boulder, will you do me a great favor and marry me?"