Izek Fitzgerald (25 y.o.) 10th of February

I am duke Izek Fitzgerald. Despite my young age, I was able to succeed this title. From my childhood my father was preparing me for this position. He made me read all the books in the library and listen my review of each. I had the best tutors in the Empire whether it's literature, history, politics or swordsmanship. And now I came to realize for what he was preparing me.

Nowadays, there's a political war between two parties: those who support the first Crown Prince and those who support the second one. There are already a lot of things I should take care of. However, the butler is keeping mumbling under my ear! About what? Marriage. Is it the right thing to be worried now? I'm the young duke, I'm only 25...In addition to it, I already have someone, that I'd like to find. This is not the right time for us discuss it, especially when there're already bunch of people who are ready and waiting for the right moment to attack. I can't lower my guard...

*Knock-Knock*

- Crown Prince is asking for...

- No need for these courtesies, Igor. - a young, handsome man entered the room. His armor was shining, reflecting the sunlight, - I came here to deliver you an important message.

- To what do I owe the pleasure, Your Highness?

- You know that marquis Hamilton fell ill couple of months ago. Physicians are saying that he will not recover.

- I am aware of that. We haven't found the person who's behind this. And we have to gather evidence against the mastermind - Carlos...

- Look, we can't let him die yet. He held a huge influence in our party. We can lose this war without him. And...

- And? Do you have a solution?

- Yes. Marry his daughter. If you and the marquis will be relatives, his death won't cause dramatic consequences.

- I should think it over...

- I know. But we should lose no time! Or...do you have someone in mind? - he smiles, but soon after, this smile fade away and the handsome face became serious once again, - Don't tell me...

- Yes...I want to find her.

- Izek! We don't. even. know if she's alive or not! It's been 2 years...Maybe she left the country...

2 years ago, I visited marquis Hamilton. But due to accident, on my way to the Hamilton's residence, my carriage was attacked. Maybe it wouldn't happen if I was ready as a duke, as I am now. Anyway, so called 'bandits' stopped the carriage and killed the horseman. They wanted to take me as a captive. But fortunately, a young girl was haunting nearby. I don't remember her face, because she was wearing a cape... She should be about 20 years old now. She shoot them with her crossbow. This gave me a chance to attack. After that I just took the horse and went back to the capital...I still regret, why didn't I went after her and at least said 'thank you'? If I'd ever come to meet her, I'd like to ask her name first...She saved my life after all.

- Izek, get away with these fantasies. You are a duke! This is war, not a romance novel...

- Argh, okay.

- Really? I knew I could rely on you. I'll send the letter on your behalf. By the way her name is Camellia, 19 years old.

*Sigh* I guess he's right. This is war.

I left my room wandering in my own world. My soul was sinking in my own deep thoughts. Marquis Hamilton's wife was my mother's friend. In addition, me and the marquis were allies in this battle. So, this marriage was for the best for both sides. I have so many things to take care of, and now I also should prepare the wedding. What a headache. On my way back to the hall I met with the butler - a man in his middle ages, who has been working in this mansion for over 8years.

- Igor. I have an important task for you.

- Yes. What it is, your grace?

- I'm getting married. Can you make preparations for the wedding?

- Yes, of co... what? A wedding, sir? You are joking, aren't you?

- Not at all. I'll be getting married in 2-3weeks. I need you to prepare it in the garden. Don't invite many people. I want to have a small wedding. I'm relying on you, Igor.

- I won't disappoint you, sir, - said the butler and left the hall with a bright, big smile on his way, which seemed irritating to me.

When my father died, I became the new duke, and my mother left me with another man. Since then, I'm alone in this huge mansion. Yes, there're some my subordinates that are with me, like the butler, Benjamin, the head maid. At some times, even the Crown Prince is of help. Maybe this marriage has at least one aspect. Who knows, maybe she'll be a good companion in my lonely life. But I really hope that one day I'll find that girl and ask her name. I wonder, what is she doing right now? Is she alright? Is she still haunting? Is she even alive? Someday I'll find answers for all of my questions.

> 19th of February

Today I didn't sleep well, as always. I'm always in deep thought since that marriage was brought up. I learned about her a little. She seems to be a well-educated young lady. She is good at painting and using a bow too. Anyway, I didn't find her interesting. I don't know why, but I was expecting more from her. Is it because she is Hamilton?

*Knock-knock-knock*

- Your Grace, you have an important letter from House Hamilton.

A letter arrived later than I was expecting. She took time deciding. HUH?

> " Dear Duke Fitzgerald, I'm writing this letter to inform you that your fiancée Camellia left home without notice last night. We are assuming that she is in capital. Will you please help us to find her and return home safely? We would be really grateful.

>

> Marquess Katarina Hamilton, 19th of February"

Hmm... so she ran away, huh? And they want me to find her? Finding a girl based on the fact that she's 19... It won't be easy. So, she is not as ordinary as I thought she would be. It's better to assign this job to Benjamin.

*ring-ring*

- Did you call me, your grace? - Igor entered the room.

- Yes. Tell Benjamin to visit me now. He left the room and couple of minutes later the door was opened and a young ginger fellow came in. He was a little short and was wearing a cap. He looked tired, but his eyes were as bright as usual.

This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

- Your Grace. Did you call for me?

- Yes, Ben. I have an important task for you, - his eyes started glowing out of curiosity.

- I am ready to perform any task, sir!

- Good. This might be hard. Because you'll need to find a person, but the information we have is really limited. You should find a young lady.

- Wow! The information is ...really limited.

- Yeah...And she is 19.

- Noted...But...there are bunch of girls who are 19...

- And...well...She is young...Aha! She arrived to the capital just today.

- Oh, and she is probably not aware of the trends in the capital.

- Hmm...you are quick-witted. She might have some money with her. But that's only for now. So, later try to look for girls who are applying for jobs. Got it?

- Yes! That's it. This is the only information I've got, sorry. But you SHOULD find her!

- Am I allowed to ask a bit inappropriate question, your grace?

- Uh...O-kay

- Why are you looking for her? Did she commit some sort of a crime, sir?

- Uh...yes. Kind of...

- Understood. I'll get going now, if you'll excuse me...

- You're excused.

> 2 weeks later. 1st of March

This whole 2 weeks went without any accidents. Some nobles joined our side, some joined the other. The second party didn't do anything suspicious... yet. Me and the Crown Prince think that they're scheming a plan against us. Well... we also have secret weapon for them. Currently both of the princes are doing charities, speaking at the grand events and supporting the church to gain as much public support as possible. And that's all news about the politics. There is also news in my personal life. Ben was seeking for my fiancee for 2 weeks now. And he's been stalking a girl who is most likely her. He will bring her today. Finally, I'll get to see her. She's been a headache for a lot now. I should definitely teach her a lesson...

I looked at the window. The weather was the best for a stroll. Spring has finally come. I wonder, when the flowers in the garden will bloom? Last year they were so breathtaking. But two figures walking through the garden caught his attention. The first one was familiar. It was Ben. The second figure was a young lady, my fiancee to be exact. Unfortunately, I won't be able to greet her as her fiancé...

. . . . . *Knock-knock*

- Benjamin is requesting your... - said a man with a tired voice.

- Let him in Igor! - he did it much faster than I was expecting. A young guy entered the room. The lady you were looking for has finally come, your grace.

- Good. Where is she? Lead me, Ben.

As we were entering the kitchen, I noticed how amusingly she was looking at the ornaments and the other cutlery in the kitchen. She is the daughter of the marquis. Probably she is in the kitchen for the first time. I can surely believe that.

- So... you are the one, who was brought by Ben? - I asked her, glaring. Soon enough she'll regret that she rejected the duke Fitzgerald.

- Um...yes. I am Amelia, Amelia Eckhardt, - wait whaat? Amelia? Is he lying looking straight to my face? Does she EVEN KNOW ME? Was she not interested AT ALL? Oh my god. This will be much harder than I was expecting...

- Good. You're hired. You can start working starting tomorrow morning, - what a luck of mine. Gaah. I left the kitchen, with a lot seeking the answer for the question "what should I do next?".

I'll teach her a lesson. She is going to be the next duchess. Running away from home is not appropriate. She won't stay here for long. I'm sure of it.

*The next day*

- Your Grace, are you sure of what are you doing? - said Igor. He was worrying about her. But lying straight to my face was very rude of her.

- Yes. I'll make her leave in a month - a smirk appeared on my face as I thought of it.

- Month?? But sir, don't overdo it. She is going to be your wife anyway. What if she'll cancel the engagement after learning about the truth?

- Yeah, that's the issue. I will have to find a new fiancee...

- Do what you please, but please remember she is a young lady. And she hasn't accepted your proposal yet. So she's factually innocent.

- *sigh* Okay-okay, you may leave...

After that I sat and though of the way how to do it, so she'll definitely reject my proposal and leave within a month. I planned a lot of scenarios in my head and kept in mind Igor's advice. But he's defending her too much. She won't be my life-partner anyway. First of all, she always should be within my sight.

I rang the bell and our head maid Lucy came in:

- Did you call me, your grace? - she was calm and hard-working woman who was hired 5years ago. The mansion is always all-clean thanks to her.

- Yes, Lucy. Can you tell the new maid to come here?

- Yes, sir - and she left wondering what might happen next.

After a few minutes, my fiancee or my ex-fiancee to be, has come.

- Did you call me, your grace? - her maid's outfit suited her well. Her dark brown hair braids were a little messy, like the ones of a little girl. Her dark eyes looked straight to mine. Usually maids should look at the floor. But I won't mind it, FOR NOW.

- Yes...uh...from now on you're my personal assistant. Understood?

- Yes, sir - hmmm, she looks very calm. Is this the same girl who ran away from home?

- Brew me tea and add 2 teaspoons of sugar, - let's test her skills...

- Yes sir, - and she left. I wonder will she make it herself or get help? I don't think that she even knows how to boil water. For a moment I looked at the window. The view was gloomy. The sun already went behind the clouds. A weak wind is playing with roses in the garden. Petals are all over the place. Garden was a mess for the first time in a while. It all started from her arrival...

*Crash-scatter*

What was that? I rushed outside and saw her behind the door, sitting next to the shattered pieces of broken tea and a tea-stain on the carpet. She was doing nothing, but her hands for trembling... Is she hurt? No there isn't any blood.

- What happened?

- I... apologize. I'll...

- I'm asking what happened? Are you hurt?

- I'm sorry...? No.

- *sigh* Okay. Call another maid and tell her to clean up this mess, - marquis will be humiliated if I'll let his daughter get injured.

- I'll clean it right away - she started cleaning up.

- Wait, - I leaned down and gathered all the pieces of the broken cup on the plate. - here take it to the kitchen and be carefull this time. I've a task for you, so don't forget to come back.

- Thank you, sir.

Haaah, what should I order her to do? I looked at the window and saw Lucy, collecting the petals on the ground. I guess that's gonna do. She dares to reject me, tell lies and thinks I'll let it slide. I'll show her how wrong she is.

*Knock-knock*

To be continued. . .