Iridescent 1314

Chapter 9

Then, Lady Leia and the Princess walked outside. They already visited the dining room for the lunch event and the banquet hall for the evening event. First, they visit the stable. They met the twin of the orphanage, Iaros and Kairos. They love horses so much. They are younger than Elijah and Cattleya. However, they were working hard as well.

Lady Leia explained that the Duke actually want to teach them to work hard to get reward. He doesn't want to spoil them, but doesn't want to make advantages of them either. Therefore, he strictly limits their working hours. Only 2 hours for children with 6-10 years old, 4 hours for 11-18 years old and it is only on the sixth and the seventh day of the week. From the first to the fifth day they have to learn under the teacher provide by the Duchy. All was managed by Dellabella, the orphanage manager.

They walked past the farms. They produced vegetables and fruit for estate and Callavan in general. Many Callavan citizen work there. Some of the orphans was working too. Then they walked and past some sort of an abandoned greenhouse. Many of the plant and flower there grew unattended. Iris was curious, but Lady Leia, didn't explain either. Iris hesitated to ask. So, they continue to walk to the orphanage.

When they arrived, Dellabella, the manager greeted her, "Greeting to you, Princess."

"Greeting to you, Miss Dellabella. I heard you are the manager of the orphanage."

"Yes, Your Highness. I have managed them diligently, but they are very naughty."

"Ah, I think naughty is not the right word. I believe that they just act as they are."

"Haha, I believe a young lady like you were never have to raise a child. Disciplining them from time to time is the best way to make them grow into a better adult."

"Better adult?"

"Yes, Your Highness. They were children of slaves, pirates, war prisoners, thief, and so on, you name it. The Duke are too kind to raise them."

Iris furrowed her brows. Lady Leia seemed to read the atmosphere, "Princess, it is time for you to prepare for the lunch."

"Ah, sure. Excuse me, Miss Dellabella."

Dellabella bowed and smirking. She thought this Princess wouldn't stand a chance in this Duchy.

As they walked by the study, the door opened.

"What will you do, Lady Leia?"

"I will help the Princess to prepare for the lunch, Your Highness."

"Aren't you supposed to prepare the dining room?"

"Pardon me, Your Highness?" Lady Leia looked confused.

"I... I mean please ensure that Grizsha has prepare the meal as I ordered for the Princess. Let him serve the Lady directly."

"Sure, after I help the Princess."

"I think it is better now, the meal is very special. You should go to the kitchen now; ensure he will prepare it on time."

"But..."

"Don't mind me, Lady Leia. I can prepare myself."

"Sure, Your Highness. Excuse me."

"Excuse me, Duke."

He turned to the study room and closed the door, without even heard the Princess speaking.

Iris took a deep breath. "Only 13 days, Iris. Stay strong."

She walked to her room and sat down to rest her feet.

"Haaa... Okay." She mumbled to herself.

She washed her face. She changed into a navy-blue coloured dress and a pair of satin shoes. The dress was simple but has elegant feel to it. A paired ribbon tightly tied to her hair securely. She wore the blue tanzanite earring and necklace. She powdered her face and swatched the cheek with a sheer coral blush. It was a trend in Vanra. A very subtle reddish pink lip stain was the last to complete the look.

"At least, I have to look that I tried in front of the Marquis and the Duke."

She got out from the room and walked toward the dining room. When she got into the stairs, the people below were gazing. Marquis Judah Kvasir, Butler Thomas Schubert, and Nicholos Schubert the Knight were in awe.

"May I escort you, Princess?" Marquis took the initiative.

"With pleasure."

They walk and accompanied by the Butler and the Knight. When they entered the dining room all the servants, maid, and even Grizsha bowed. Grizsha seemed puzzled. He tried to stay composed.

As she sat down, the Duke commented, "Why are you taking so long? All the dress won't change any of your first impression for me."

"Pardon me..."

Judah then took out his pen and his notes.

"Ah never mind, I am hungry." The Duke cut it quickly.

"Allow me to serve you, Princess. I am Grizsha La Mer. The cook for the estate."

"May peace be upon you." She smiled.

"Mmm, so, this one is the carrot soup. It is from our farm, Your Highness."

"Ah, Thank you. Is it the one that Eli and Cattleya peel?"

"Ah, you know them. Yes, yes. I have been informed to match the taste to suit you. Please enjoy."

She ate everything cleanly. Grizsha, The Duke, and all in the room was amazed. She ate like everything was delicious.

"It really delicious, Chef." Grizha smiled doubtfully.

"So, this is the first battle, huh?! What a petty Duke. Made everything in plain taste and small portion. Okay, I won't accept defeat. I will not let myself suffer because of food." Iris lost in her thought.

"Haaa... Let's see Princess, how long will you stand a plain food."