Chapter 65: A Duel of Wills
In the dimly lit room, tension hung heavy in the air as Alex confronted me, his confusion evident in his furrowed brow. He had been thrust into the world of politics and responsibility at a young age, a far cry from the life of a carefree Duke he had envisioned.
"What are you saying, Madam? What do you mean by you will take the responsibility of Ablia?" Alex asked, his voice laden with confusion.
I met his perplexed gaze, my frustration simmering just below the surface. The swords of his loyal subordinates were once again aimed at my neck, a familiar and unsettling sight.
"You can ask your subordinates. I’m merely fulfilling the duties I promised to. I was brought here to fulfill my duties as a Duchess, and I’m doing just that. But I’m not sure if you are the suitable person to be the Duke," I remarked, my words laced with a hint of defiance.
As the tension escalated, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of frustration wash over me. "Ha ha, see! I was missing this only. And now I have once again confirmed my lowly position among these people," I stated, my voice tinged with bitterness.
"I’m not sure if this is why you proposed marrying me to my father, but if you knowingly did so, you’ve made a grave mistake bringing me here. You’re not losing anything, but you’re making me forget my own worth and existence. Remember this," I continued, my anger driving me to approach Alex, despite the sharp blade of a sword piercing my skin and drawing blood.
"Master, don’t go forward; you’ll lose your life!" Erios exclaimed, his concern evident as he tried to pull me back with his little hands.
"Madam!" Alex called out to me but didn’t intervene, making it clear where his loyalties lay.
"Drop the sword!" I commanded in a low tone, frustration seeping into my voice. Still, no one budged.
"I said, drop the swords! The Duchess is giving you orders! Can’t you hear?" I shouted, finally making them take a step backward.