Chapter 1: Introduction
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the kingdom of Farsulan. In the heart of this realm. nestled under the watchful eye of the Moon Goddess, lays the kingdom's Duchy. Here, within the grandeur of the city, stood the majestic mansion of the Eugene Anirudh.
1)
In the fading light of the day, two soldiers, clad in the regal armor of the moon kingdom, stood guard at the gates of the mansion. Their voices carried softly on the evening breeze as they conversed.
"Who is he?" the first soldier asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
The second soldier chuckled, shaking his head "Are you a newbie? You don't even know the duke you are serving?"
Scratching the back of his head, the first soldier replied sheepishly, "I was recently appointed, and I am from the northern side of the kingdom."
The second soldier nodded in understanding. "Ah, no wonder you don't know who the duke is. He is Eugene Anirudh, the Duke of the Duchy and a powerful noble in the Moon Kingdom."
Intrigued, the first soldier inquired further, "what kind of duke is he? In my hometown, Duke Garrison is known for his pursuit of profits, albeit a greedy noble."
The second soldier's eyes gleamed with admiration as he spoke, "Our Duke Eugene is different. He owns major firms in the kingdom and returns a significant portion of his income to the people and provides job opportunities for his people and imposes reasonable tax for people in his Duchy. He is kind hearted and has even saved his people from the tyranny of the Moon Goddess by shouldering unreasonable taxes."
Impressed, the first soldier remarked, "He seems like a exceptional character."
As they conversed, the Duke's chariot approached, accompanied by a retinue of soldiers. Both soldiers stood at attention, their hands on their chests, and bowed respectfully as Duke Eugene passed.
After the Duke entered the mansion, the first soldier turned to the second and asked, "What's your name? Since we are stationed as guards together, we should know each other well."
"I am Yeseen Kento, same post as you." Came a reply after a while "Isn't it common courtesy to tell your name after u asked for someone's name?" Yeseen asked in sarcasm.
Second soldier sighs and replies "Hello there Yeseen I am Symeon Greene"
They both chuckled.
2)
Meanwhile, Inside the mansion, Duke Eugene's steps echoed through the seemingly long but empty corridors as he made his way to his wife's chambers. However, his path was intercepted by a servant bearing the news.
"Lady Kaira has requested not to be disturbed. She is currently resting in her chambers," he informed Duke.
Disappointed but understanding, the Duke replied, "I see. Please inform me when she wakes up and is ready to converse."
With a bow, the servant departed.
3)
The Duke trying to navigate his thoughts in the quiet of the hallway, decided to check on the soldier's training. Duke Eugene redirected his steps towards the training grounds adjacent to his mansion. As he approached, the sight of the barracks brought a sense of pride to his heart.
Here, the future guardians of the realm were honed and trained under his watchful gaze. Though known for his kindness, Duke Eugene pondered his priorities as he strolled back from his wife's chambers. His thoughts drifted to his family, his beloved wife in particular, as he made a spontaneous decision to veer towards the Soldier's training grounds. Adjacent to his own mansion stood the sprawling barracks where soldiers honed their skills before being deployed across the realm. It was a strategic move on the Duke's part to ensure swift access to his troops in the times of crisis, safeguarding both his family and his duchy. Despite his reputation for kindness, Eugene harbored a private guilt, wrestling with the weight of prioritizing his kin over his subjects.
Upon reaching the training grounds, Duke Eugene was greeted with reverence by the soldiers and trainers alike. He observed their drills from a distance, a sense of satisfaction washing over him as he witnessed their dedication.
Approached by a trainer, the Duke exchange pleasantries and inquired about the recruits and asked him to gather them on the grounds. Upon receiving the news of the Duke's orders the recruits gathered in a circle, the anticipation thick in the air.
With sword in hand, Duke Eugene addressed the recruits, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and dedication and offered to duel with the top recruits to boast the morals of the soldiers. The sparring sessions commenced, each recruit facing the Duke with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the Duke's attention remained focused on the training grounds. Yet, a part of his wife and their unborn child, awaiting him within the mansion walls.
With each clash of swords, Duke Eugene imparted wisdom and encouragement to the recruits, instilling in them a sense of the duty and honor. As the sessions concluded, he dismissed the soldiers with words of praise and a reminder to rest.
The same servant from before approached the Duke, bowing slightly before speaking.
"My lord, the Duchess has woken from her slumber and was wondering what it was that you wished to discuss with her."
As the servant relayed this message, the Duke found himself torn. Should he go to her room and speak with her, or continue his training session with the soldiers? After a moment of contemplation, he made his decision.
"Alright, I understand. I will go and talk to her. You may resume your duties."
The servant nodded in agreement and departed. The Duke finished his speech and the training session with his soldiers before heading towards the Duchess's chambers.
As he walked, his mind was awash with conflicting thoughts. His wife was five months pregnant, and while she seemed to be doing well, her health was precarious. He had consulted every doctor within his duchy, but all of them had warned that her condition was fraught with danger, and anything could happen during childbirth. Desperate for a solution, he had even sought the advice of a renowned doctor outside his lands, only to receive the same grim prognosis. He returned home empty-handed and disheartened.
Lost in his thoughts, the Duke found himself standing in front of his wife's room. He grasped the handle, dreading the task of delivering yet another piece of bad news—that he had not found a solution to their problem.
With a heavy heart, the Duke opened the door.
4)
The Duke entered his wife's chamber and was immediately greeted by the maids attending to the Duchess. Some were combing her ladyship's hair, while others busied themselves with tidying the room. The Duchess sat on her bed, her frail condition making it difficult for her to rise.
"Leave us," the Duke commanded softly, and the maids, with respectful nods and slight bows, quietly left the room, closing the door behind them.
"Good evening, my love," the Duchess said with a curious smile. "What brings you here to my room?"
The Duke, lost in his own thoughts about how weak his beloved had become and the best way to deliver his news, replied hastily, "Evening, my love. How is your health? Did you sleep well? You seemed to have dozed off for a while."
The Duchess smirked, her eyes twinkling despite her illness. "Did I seem like a sloth to you, sleeping so deeply? I slept well, though it was lonely without you."
"I missed you too," the Duke admitted, trying to keep his voice light. "I had to go to another town for work."
The Duchess understood that his journey was in search of a cure for her. She patted the bed beside her, signaling for him to come closer. The Duke obeyed, sitting beside her with his head down, unsure how to face her.
She gently lifted his chin, looking into his eyes. "What's wrong, my dear? Did something bad happen?"
The Duke swallowed hard. "I went to the other town to find a remedy for you. Seeing you like this breaks my heart. I don't know what to do."
"I see," she said softly, trying to comfort him. "I may be bedridden, but look at me. I still have the same face and smile that you fell in love with."
She reached out and hugged him with all the strength she could muster, and he held her back gently, careful not to hurt her.
"Forgive me, dear," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I've failed to bring you a cure again. I don't know what to do. I've tried everything, but no remedy seems to work. I'm lost."
The Duchess held him tighter, her voice soothing as she said, "We will get through this together. I have faith in you, and that's all I need."
The Duke closed his eyes, finding solace in her words, even as he silently vowed to keep searching for a way to heal her.
The Duke, hugging his wife carefully but tightly, found solace in her embrace. The Duchess understood his unspoken fears and did not let go of him. She began to gently pat his head, trying to calm him down. The Duke, feeling comforted by her touch, felt his worries dissipate in the warmth of her embrace.
"I love you, dear," he murmured softly, his voice filled with emotion.
The Duchess said nothing, but continued to pat his head and hold him close. Slowly, the Duke's exhaustion from the long journey and the emotional toll of his fruitless search for a cure began to take over. He felt his eyelids grow heavy, and, comforted by his wife's presence, he drifted into a peaceful sleep.
The Duchess, with tender care, placed his head gently on her lap. She continued to stroke his hair, watching over him as he rested. Despite her own frailty, she found strength in this quiet moment, offering him the comfort and love he so desperately needed.
In the stillness of the room, the two of them shared a silent understanding, finding solace in each other's presence. The Duchess vowed silently to stay strong for both of them, knowing that their love would be the anchor that held them together through the trials ahead. The Duke came back in morning spent all his afternoon teaching his new recruit of soldiers and came to rest with his wife all evening now it was late evening and the Duke pondered that the day itself wasn't bad if it ended with a moment of him and his wife spending there sweet time together.
5)
As the sun sank below the horizon, the Duke quietly left the Duchess's room, giving his ailing wife the rest she needed. Without lingering, he made his way to the gym, his steps firm and purposeful. Training every night had become his ritual, a way to stay in shape and prepared for any fight that might come.
Despite the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, he never missed a session. In the quiet of the gym, his body moved with practiced precision, each movement a reminder of the discipline that had shaped him into the man he was—a man who could not afford to be unprepared.
As the Duke made his way toward his room, he was interrupted by a maid who appeared from around the corner. "My lord, dinner will be served soon. Please join us in the dining hall," the maid said, bowing deeply before continuing toward the Duchess's room to gently wake her.
The Duke stood still for a moment, watching the servant fade from view, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. His thoughts were consumed by a single, desperate resolve—he would find a cure for his wife, no matter the cost. The idea of losing her was unbearable, yet her health continued to decline. He could not let her go, not yet.
For a moment, he considered heading to the dining hall alone, as he usually would. But this time was different. He needed to spend every precious second with her, knowing their time together was slipping through his fingers like sand. His hands tightened into fists at the thought, frustration gnawing at him.
After what felt like an eternity, the servant returned, carefully supporting the frail Duchess. Her pale face managed a soft smile, though it pained him to see how much weaker she had become. The Duke rushed to her side, gently taking her hand. "Go, call the others," he instructed the servant, who bowed and left swiftly.
Taking a deep breath, he looked at his wife with a tenderness that betrayed the anguish he felt inside. He held her hand firmly, walking slowly with her toward the dining hall, cherishing the fragile moments they still had.
CHAPTER-1 [END]