After two weeks in the mansion, Ariadne felt that everything was starting to fall into place; everyone knew who she was and what she wanted for the duchy, and the villages welcomed her with open arms, especially after she cut taxes and fixed them twenty-five percent after Edmund said the amount was completely insane, and it was no wonder they were so poor. The demonstration he promised was pushed back because of the small pieces; it was just too much for the craftsman to do in so little time.

Ariadne saw Edmund running with the guards every morning; the captain had asked her to use the back of the mansion as training grounds. Since she did not attend social aristocratic parties and didn’t want or need expensive dresses, all the money she had was pushed into the development of the duchy.

‘Call for the peasant; I need to speak with him.’ The duchess spoke to Eliza

From the window, she observed Eliza calling for him and the two of them approaching the mansion. Though she had hoped he wouldn’t come into her office smelling like sweat, as soon as he entered, the smell emanating from him made her frown.

‘Go take a shower, peasant. Eliza, how did you let this thing into my office smelling like this?’ Ariadne claimed as she covered her nose.

‘See, Edmund, I told you this was going to happen.’ Eliza murmured.

‘I didn’t think was this bad.’ Edmund answered in a trembling voice

As they left the office, Eliza gave him a punch to the back of the head, which caused Ariadne to chuckle a little. She has come to appreciate her new life and the sensation that her heart is filling as more people see her as a ruler.

‘Your grace, I am back. I didn’t know you had a sensitive nose.’ He smiled as he opened the doors.

‘Peasant, what do you think of this town? How can my plans be accelerated?’ She looked at him with hopeful eyes.

‘I’m not sure; I didn’t leave the mansion's grounds because I wasn't allowed to.‘ The young man shrugged his shoulders.

‘You are really dumb for someone who is smart, huh?’ Ariadne raised her head and took a deep breath.

‘I’m literally a slave; how could I have known? Even you didn’t do that.’ He retorted furiously.

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‘We could do that now, but watch your tone when speaking to me. You sometimes forget what your position is, peasant.’ She punched her desk, making it tremble.

‘I’m sorry, this is a habit; don’t use the slave seal's power on me again; I will learn.’ Edmund rose quickly and bowed.

‘Don’t worry; again, I'm not a tyrant. Come; let us walk.’ She got up and made her way to the door.

Eliza, who was waiting outside, quickly followed Ariadne as she left. Edmund followed closely behind her. The town and the mansion were not too far apart, so it didn’t take them long to travel there in her carriage. Everyone in the town immediately turned to face them when they stopped and got off in the middle of the street. She was wearing her customary red dress, which made her white fur and hair stand out even more.

‘Your highness, let’s look at the craftsman over there.’ Edmund gestured to the side.

The town was small but well organized, with all the businesses and residences radiating out from the center, which was surrounded on one side of the main street by nothing but craftsmen of every kind. They didn’t import a lot of things because they were expensive, so the majority of the work was repair. Ariadne was startled by a small Chatzi child that pulled her dress. She turned around to face the child.

‘Are you the duchess? You are very pretty.’ The youngster smiled.

‘Yes, i’m the duchess; you are handsome too.’ Ariadne placed her hand on the boy's head.

A young Chatzi lady approached quickly and drew the boy close to her, which surprised Ariadne.

‘I’m sorry; he doesn’t know.’ The young lady explained.

‘There is no need for that. Remember this: I’m here to protect you and make your life better.’ She smiled at the girl.

People were chatting about what was happening, and the area was beginning to become crowded. Edmund approached the young girl.

‘Why did you speak that way?’ Curious, Edmund questioned

‘How can’t I think that the duchess would be harsh to my brother? People say she even has a slave.’ The young lady stuttered.

Ariadne was taken aback; she had no idea this would become such a big deal. She began to consider how people might perceive her.

‘People said she would choke her slave; I was just afraid. I’m sorry.’ She hugged the small boy.

‘Well, if i said that i deserved, would it be better?’ Edmund scratched the back of his head and looked at Ariadne.

‘I’m not perfect, but the only thing i can say is that what i want is that everyone to be happy, i'm sorry that i scared you.’ Ariadne looked at the young girl.

A noble apology for something was unusual; it took people aback. The young boy left his sister's arms and hugged the duchess after a brief period of silence.

‘I forgive you; everything is fine.’ He spoke while his head was buried in Ariadne's garment.

Around them, everyone began to laugh and clap as they all stared around at the people observing the situation.

‘She even lowered the taxes; the duchess is not bad.’ In the crowed, someone said.

‘Yeah!’ some responded.

The girl took the boy by the hand and led him into the crowd while smiling at the duchess. Ariadne looked at the people. Their smiling faces or just idle expressions, and bowed to them. Everyone gasped at her action, which prompted Alon, the captain of the guard, who was watching from the crowd, to enter and assist Ariadne in straightening herself up.

‘Duchess, there is no need for this.’ Alon helped with her dress.

Eliza was just startled by what had happened, so she didn’t even move. She was just there, watching everything happen, like she was seeing through a window.

‘There is nothing else to see here, folks. Move along.’ Alon looked at the crowed.