Chapter 03: Luziana's First Request

LUZIANA'S POV

When Luziana died in the game, Ivory knew the truth. She revealed all the hardships Luziana experienced and she made a significant contribution to bringing Luziana's justice. People referred to her as  the Saint who helped her not blood- related sister meet the peace and freedom she longed for. 

If she didn't die, would Ivory still be considered as the Saint of this empire? But, who would want to die twice? 

'Can't the characters have their happy endings without me even dying?' 

*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*

A deep voice announced “Greetings, My Lady. The Duke requested an audience with you right now.” The butler stated, bowing his head to me. 

He was the only person who didn't mistreat Luziana. Luziana caught him defending her when several maids badmouthed her, he even tried to free her from the dungeon after being framed by her Step- siblings.

“I'll be there shortly.”

 I answered politely, my face remained neutral as we walked towards the Duke's office. The sound of the heels I'm wearing clacked every single step. The sound of my heartbeat echoed in this quiet hallway. 

'I expected that this would happen, so it will be okay'

"We're here, My Lady." The butler said. "I shall announce your arrival." He then opened the door for me. 

I went inside and saw the silhouette of a dominant man. The office  is dim but not that dark. He's sitting on his enormous work table with a look that can freeze you in your place. The place is spacious, full of books and papers scattered on his desk. 

"Greetings the Grand Duke of Ambrose." I greeted politely , showing a tone of respect. 

‘I've played this part before, after what happened with the maid. I'll never die, depending on the route I'll choose.’

"I heard what happened this morning." The Duke hollered and narrowed his eyes. "Now what did you do, Luziana?" He added, waiting for my perfect response. His hand was ticking on his table.

“I did nothing wrong. I was just disciplining my maid for her blunders.” he pressed his tongue to his teeth before answering, “Is that so?” his voice sounds like cutting, brittle. A hint to continue.

“Do you remember the maid you appointed for me? She tried to serve me water and food, but it was rather inedible.” I replied, matching the cold tone of his voice, but my voice sounds a little brittle since I cried earlier. 

His eyes widened, but he quickly narrowed it. "So, the maid continuously did this to you for several days, yet why are you telling me about this just now?" He seriously asked, waiting for the right answer that would come out of my mouth.

 'If you hadn't put me on probation, this wouldn't happen.'

"I was sure how you all would react, seeing me with hideous skin miserably asking for help…”  I rebuked “I would say, it's not my thing.” I  added.

"I might as well discipline her myself rather than wait for someone to do it for me." I  continued and his eyes widened as he squeezed his eyes shut.

" You're telling me, I'm incompetent to do such a thing?" 

“No, I just stopped expecting help and will be a burden to all of you." I calmly replied, “After all, I'm already a burden.” I slightly smiled, guilt-tripping. 

 That statement caused him to furrow his eyebrows and his anger seeped through his mouth “Luziana!” his loud scream echoed the room. " How could you say that?!” His eyes flickered with mundane sadness. 

“You're contradicting me, My Lord. You asked for my opinion and when I did, you invalidated how I felt.” I saw his eyes widened in shock, he was taken aback by my words. His eyes fixed on something far and he quickly massaged his forehead out of controlled anger.  

"Let’s say that the maid put the water on you last night, so how are you just fine right now...in one night by yourself?" He suspiciously asked, finding a gap in my answers, terror overtook his face. “Then are you expecting I'd get infected as you'd hope, My Lord?" I sarcastically asked. I smiled at him and I saw his rage bottled up on his face. 

“No, that's not what I meant. I'm just concerned if you're feeling fine now." He stated and calmness took over him.

 He suddenly changed the topic and cleared his throat. “I'll appoint a new maid for you. So don't worry about that maid, because I'll take care of her for you." 

“No, I'll take care of her. I want something else.” I calmly demanded, he froze and smiled afterwards.

" Name it.”

“I want to change my room for the second room in the west wing." 

“B-but…that's beside Ivory's room. I won't allow it!" 

" Then, you can disown me.” a single phrase that stroked silence in his office room. 

DUKE’S POV

The request struck me like a physical blow. Disowned? It was preposterous. She wasn't asking for freedom; she was publicly rejecting it. She was trying to become a martyr of my indifference. That I would not allow.

I stared at her. I took a slow breath. I had to be smart now, not just angry. She asked to be free. Fine. I will make her freedom my weapon.

"You think you can just leave the House of Ambrose?" I asked her. My voice was very low and dangerous. 

My eyes were hard and cold. "I will not grant your wish to be disowned." That is foolish. A Grand Duke does not throw away his own blood. It shows weakness. 

She is not the meek fool I punished. She is a chess piece that has suddenly learned to move on its own. She is no longer underestimating my abilities; she is showing me hers.

"Fine. I'll send maids to help you.” 

She smiled, but I couldn't see happiness in her eyes. She gently bowed like the lady we all want her to be. As she left the room, I was left with curiosity about her sudden braveness. 

‘She was no longer the weak Luziana I know and it was the first time she asked for something- and it's a difficult one.'

…

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