Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 27

Hearing the familiar sound of Jero pecking at her window, Mila smiled and quickly went to let him in. She had grown used to this routine, and each letter from ZH brought her a sense of warmth and connection. As she took the note from Jero's leg, she felt a rush of happiness. It had been nearly six years since their friendship began, and though they had never met in person, their bond remained strong. 'If fate allows us to meet, then so be it,' Mila thought, content with the way things were.

Unfolding the letter, she read ZH's words:

"It's been a while. I'm sorry if my letters have barely been coming. I've been busy lately." - ZH

Mila wasn't surprised. She knew ZH had their own life, likely filled with duties and responsibilities, perhaps as part of a knight's family or even belonging to a lower noble house like a viscount or baron. Despite her curiosity, she never pressed for details, not wanting to jeopardize their friendship by prying too deeply.

She took a moment to think before writing her response:

"No worries. You're busy, and I cannot be upset. If there is ever a chance, will we ever meet?" - Mila

As she tied the letter to Jero's leg, a part of her wondered if they were slowly drifting apart. Yet, she couldn't deny that ZH was still one of her closest friends, someone she could confide in even when others were around. That night, as Mila snuggled close to her teddy bear, a sense of comfort washed over her. She fell asleep with the knowledge that, though they had never met, her friendship with ZH was special and enduring, and she hoped it would remain that way, no matter what the future held.
***
"A ball will be held to celebrate the crown prince's return," the emperor announced, addressing the four dukes gathered before him. The room was filled with the kingdom's highest-ranking nobles—Marquesses, Earls, Viscounts, Barons—and other key advisors who had been summoned for this important discussion.

"Your Majesty, we cannot allow an outsider, especially one from our enemy's royal family, to bear a child for this kingdom," one Earl spoke up, his voice laced with concern. His words sparked a murmur of agreement throughout the room.

"I agree. It is unthinkable to accept the princess of Gririth into our kingdom in such a role," another noble added, his tone reflecting the growing unease among those present. The discontent spread quickly as more and more voices joined the chorus, objecting to the idea of the Gririth princess becoming part of Mireraweth's royal lineage.

The emperor listened in silence, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Does anyone else have any objections to this?" he asked, his tone calm but commanding. He looked to the remaining advisors, waiting to see if there were any additional voices of dissent.

After a moment, Duke Reynard stepped forward, his expression composed as he addressed the emperor and the assembled nobles. "Your Majesty, I believe that as long as the crown prince weds a woman from Mireraweth who will become his empress, there is no need for concern. If the future empress bears his first son, it will secure the royal lineage. A child from the princess of Gririth would not pose a threat to our kingdom, especially if she is brought into the royal family after the birth of the crown prince's heir from his empress."

His words brought a thoughtful silence to the room. Duke Reynard's reasoning was sound; it offered a solution that could prevent further conflict while maintaining the stability of the kingdom. The emperor, nodding slightly, seemed to consider this carefully, understanding the delicate balance that needed to be maintained to avoid reigniting tensions with Gririth.

The room fell into a contemplative hush as the nobles weighed Duke Reynard's suggestion, the tension easing slightly as they realized the wisdom in his approach. The emperor remained silent for a few moments longer, his gaze steady as he pondered the implications of the decision before them.