The Duke's Flower is Precarious (Completed Main Story) - Side Story 1

The drowsy spring sunlight warmed the room.

A single soft ray of sunshine slipped through the window and settled gently upon an intricately decorated baby’s cradle—a cradle that had long been prepared in the Grand Duke’s nursery.

The nursery, adorned with the Elyos crest on the cradle and arranged together by Marline and the maids, had been moved intact into the imperial palace.

“How incredibly gentle this child is.”

Unlike other infants, the little one in the cradle rarely cried or fussed. Marline gazed fondly at the baby’s sleeping face and smiled contentedly.

“Head Maid, it’s time.”

“Right. Let’s go to the reception room.”

Time always slipped away unnoticed when she watched the baby. At the maid’s reminder, Marline finally pulled herself away and headed toward the reception room.

As she approached, she caught the voices of waiting guests from inside the room.

“Don’t you have more duties than the Chancellor himself? Your responsibilities are confined to the imperial palace, whereas mine span the entire Jupiter Empire! And with the Imperial Assembly being established, I haven’t had a moment to breathe!”

“Do you think palace affairs are trivial? The matters within the palace are incredibly complex and varied! Haven’t you realized how busy I’ve been lately preparing for the christening and banquets?”

“It’s your duty as Head Steward—why boast about it? Gregory, you’ve grown even more dramatic lately. Isn’t that right, Count Delpe?”

“Heh heh. Both of you are just as lively as ever. Your friendship remains as strong as always.”

“Friendship? How dare you suggest that I, Sir Shade—no, the great Duke Hilburn and His Excellency the Chancellor—could possibly share an equal bond of friendship with you? Preposterous.”

“Are you mocking me now? First melodrama, now sarcasm… The longer you stay in the palace, the more you truly embody the role of Head Steward.”

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