The Heir Of The Grand Duke (Official)

Episode 33 - Impending Crisis

The Emperor waited silently in his office as the Grand Duke and Duchess entered with a crash.

“Jacob!” The Grand Duke stomped, paying no head to pleasantries. “What do you mean ‘it’ was stolen!?”

“Exactly as I informed you.” The Emperor started wistfully out his window. “I noticed them going that direction and after that ambush I could only hope we had protected it.”

“There were experienced Royal Guards around that relic!” Joseph, The Grand Duke, yelled angrily. “How could they have possibly stolen it?”

“My dear Grand Duke, what remains of the guards were simply…abhorrent.” The Emperor's eyes were serious. “While everyone was busy dealing with the soldiers from the Kingdom, a certain someone made his sneaky way into the vault and stole it from under our noses.”

“What do you mean?” Joseph took a step back and Roselia grabbed his hands as it began to shake.

“The Captain of the Ambush was not the main figure of this attack. It was none other than White Legion General Freya.” The Emperor's eyes were enraged but his demeanor was calm. “I’m sure you're reminded of her from your chance meeting at Fort Beaurley.”

Joseph’s face whitened with fear. The woman in white. Whose face was more beautiful than anything he’s ever seen, a fact which he would never admit to his wife.

He was entranced by her, like he was staring down a goddess in the flesh. He clenched his fists. He panicked.

It wasn't because he held any romantic or lustful desires over her. In fact, it was the opposite. When he thought of her as a goddess, it would’ve been a perfect way to describe her.

General Freya was a goddess of death.

Her Adjudicator ability after all… was given the name containing only three letters.

Rot.

Joseph stumbled down. He couldn't get up as Roselia tried desperately to hold him up. The Grand Duke was white as a sheet.

“Your Majesty! Please tell me about this encounter. I have not yet heard of this.” She grimaced as she saw the horrible face her husband was wearing.

Jacob sighed and walked out of his seat to lock the door. He then leaned on the door as he began to tell her the story.

It was when Jacob and Joseph were still young. Jacob was simply just the Crown Prince and Joseph was his playmate and best friend.

They were on a carriage ride to the west to conduct meetings with some nobles and the newly appointed Duke, Howard Bay.

“You're Highness, we're almost to the Western Duchy.” A young Joseph smiled. “We should take a break at Fort Beaurley.”

“Agreed.” Jacob, The Crown Prince at the time, smiled. “I heard they have fresh fruits and amazing desserts at the Fort, something you're quite infatuated with.”

Joseph crossed his arms and turned his face away. “I’m not that much of a sweet tooth, Your Highness.”

Jacob leaned forward and squinted his eyes at the Heir of Ramirez. “Liar.”

Joseph leaned back on his chair and raised his foot to push away the Crown Prince’s head. “Shut up.”

“Pushing your foot into my face is treason, you know?” Jacob complained with a mouthful of shoe.

“Go ahead then, prosecute me.” Joseph smirked.

“Oh you b–”

“Young Masters! We’ve arrived at Fort Beaurley.” The coachman called, and the two young noblemen immediately fixed themselves in proper positions and postures.