Cerulean Waves | Duke Ergi

Chapter 13

Knocking on the hard wooden door, she waited for a response. After a few moments, she heard her father's voice that signalled for her to come inside. Aria closed the door behind her as she took a step inside the spacious office.

"Aria, what brings you here?" Her father asked, sitting on his desk with a pile of paper work neatly stacked in front of him. As usual, he wore his reading glasses that he often used for reading important documents.

She looked at him with a determined gaze while saying. "I would like to request permission to take a trip to the Western Kingdom."

Her statement caught the Duke Valea off guard as he turned to look at his youngest daughter with furrowed eyebrows.

"Why all of the sudden?" He inquired.

"I have a dear close friend living there who is in a critical state. He wishes to see me for at least one more time before his health deteriorates further, it is only appropriate to fulfill his last request." Aria explained with no hesitation. Looking at the young lady who stood up with great confidence, he could tell that she had rehearsed  her lines beforehand.

After a moment of consideration, Duke Arsenio let out a sigh before saying. "I see. The third division of our knights will travel with you to ensure your safety. Please return in good condition."

A small smile appeared on the Lady Valea's face. She was a bit uncertain if he would grant her permission given the fact that she had been away for quite a long time. But with a decent reasoning, he had nothing to say but to let her do as she wishes.

"Don't worry, Father. It would be a quick safe trip." Aria said with a comforting smile to the worried Duke.

The Duke of Valea smiled at his youngest daughter's assurance. "Very well then."

Without any further discussion left to talk about, Aria left the room after bidding her father goodbye. Wearing a victorious smile, she decided to go to her salon and enjoy some refreshments to be served by her trusted ladies-in-waiting.

As she took a bite of her strawberry cheesecake, a familiar brown haired figure came dashing towards her in a swift manner. The corners of her lips slightly lifted at the sight of the energetic lady.

"My Lady! It seems that the Duchess Tuania is going to divorce Duke Tuania!" Ophelia exclaimed the moment she was close enough to the Lady Valea who was peacefully drinking chamomile tea.

Aria simply sipped on her cup as if she was already expecting it to happen. "Really? How so?"

"They couldn't agree on a settlement agreement so they went to court to divide up their assets." The lady-in-waiting informed.

"I see. How about the carriage? Is it good to go?" She queried.

"Yes, My Lady! All of your needed belongings are already packed as well."

Aria nodded at the brown haired girl's response. "Good. I'll leave in a few minutes, inform the coach to prepare for departure."

But just before Aria would stand up to prepare, the lady-in-waiting said.

"Also, Viscount Landre was banished yesterday." Ophelia added.

Aria turned to look at the young woman and said. "Ah, really? That's nice."

She was glad that the Viscount's punishment was decreased into banishment with the help of the Eastern Empress. Seeing as the Duchess of Tuania had decided to agree with the divorce, she concluded that the two lovers will reunite outside the Empire. Perhaps even travel around the world while keeping their identities as a secret. That was the only plausible outcome that she could come up with.