The continent was divided into several kingdoms, each striving to expand its territory, making war commonplace at that time. Many families lost their loved ones in the conflict, yet the King's greed seemed insatiable. Everyone awaited someone to put an end to the war. One day, a person emerged who began capturing the kingdoms with his strength and intelligence, all without shedding innocent blood. After battling for ten years, he finally brought the war to a close. Following the conflict, he merged the now-empty kingdoms, whose kings had perished, into an empire, which became known as the "Carsen Empire." Many supported him during the battle, and he ascended as the Emperor of the Carsen Empire, known as Delecto K. Carsen. Those who aided him received land and power to govern. Thus arose the Royal family of Carsen, along with three ducal families: Windsor from the South, Luxembourg from the North, and Mountbatten from the East.
Years passed, and the Empire flourished; everything seemed perfect, and the citizens were content. But, as someone once said, "Always be prepared for challenging times, even when everything exceeds your expectations." Many years went by, with various kings sitting on the Emperor's chair and ruling the Empire. Then, after 700 years, something unexpected occurred. One day, while the Northern Duke and his wife were inspecting their territory, their carriage slipped, causing them to fall from the mountain and perish, leaving behind their children, Alex Luxembourg (17) and Elisha Luxembourg (12). Due to the sudden deaths of the Duke and Duchess, their eldest child, Alex, became the Duke without any prior knowledge of governance. Many were there to support him, while others sought to deceive him. Lacking experience in managing the territory, the Luxembourg Duchy began to decline. This downturn was ignited by some central nobles who first offered help but later betrayed him. The Duchy's economy faltered, and the once-happy citizens now faced hunger, as they lacked sufficient food and their agricultural lands had been seized; the crops cultivated on their land were taken by the feudal lords from the Central Plain.
The King was deeply troubled, but recognized that the kingdom had changed from its former state—greed now clouded the minds of the people. Three years passed, and Alex turned twenty. The King summoned Alex to the capital. Filled with hope that he could resolve the issues, Alex began packing. After four days of travel, he reached the capital. Upon visiting his family's residence, Alex found it unchanged from when he had last seen it. A royal messenger came to deliver a letter from the King, inviting Alex to a royal banquet to be held in two days. Alex agreed to attend. At the royal banquet, many central nobles and other dignitaries from various regions gathered, including members of the two other ducal families. However, everyone awaited the arrival of the Northern ducal family. After some time, the gatekeeper announced, "The Emperor Alecto De Carsen, the Empress Olivia Carsen, and the Northern Duke Alex Luxembourg are entering."
Everyone looked at him; they were the same individuals who had once shown him respect, and now they regarded him eye to eye. The banquet started, but at first, they ignored him. Alex stood in the corner, treated as if he were nobody. The Emperor noticed this and grew angry, but the Empress intervened, stating it was not the right time to lose his temper. As the Emperor observed, some noble families approached Alex. After a while, he noted that everyone was present and made an announcement.
The announcement was, "As everyone knows, we have lost someone important to us. He supported us during our crisis without hesitation, whether he knew you or not; he was always there for everyone. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we lost him, and his territory began to decline. Now it is our time to support his family during this difficult period."
Everyone listened and began to support everything the Emperor said. The Emperor acknowledged this and said, "After careful consideration and discussions with others, I've decided that the Royal Family will support the Northern Ducal family by any means necessary. In one week, we will send 25 carriages of grain and 50,000 gold coins, continuing for five years, with supplies delivered every six months. I urge others to extend their support as well."
Upon hearing the Emperor, noble families began discussing it among themselves; some were against it, while others were unsure. In the commotion, the Windsor Ducal House from the South stepped forward and declared, "I, Carlo Windsor, head of the Windsor Ducal House, will provide 15 carriages of grain, medicine, and other essential supplies." Many other houses also stepped forward to offer their assistance.
After one week, Alex obtained the Emperor's permission and departed for the Northern Duchy. He arrived with numerous carriages and announced the events in the capital, and everyone was pleased. Consequently, the situation in the Duchy began to improve. A year passed, and everything was going smoothly until one day, when news arrived that the carriages had been attacked; bandits stole most of the grain and set the rest ablaze.
Upon hearing this, Alex rushed to the attack site and found half-burnt carriages and injured soldiers. He asked his secretary, "How much grain is left?" His secretary replied, "Your grace, if we combine all the grain we have in the territory and the palace, it will last for about five to six months." Alex responded, "That means we will have grain until the next carriage." His secretary agreed, "Yes, your grace." He summoned the knight commander and instructed, "Begin searching the area and find out who did this." The commander responded, "Yes, your grace." They returned to the palace.
However, the bandit problem did not cease but rather increased day by day, leading people to question the Duchy's security. When the time for the next carriage arrived, the knights were ready for anything, but they did not anticipate the sheer number of bandits. The bandits attacked with coordination, clearly aware of the knights' strategies. This time, the knights clashed with the bandits; despite the latter's numbers giving them an advantage, the knights managed to secure half of the supplies. Unsure of what to do, Alex learned that the Emperor had been informed of the bandit attacks on the carriages. The Emperor summoned Alex to the capital.
Upon arrival, Alex explained everything to the Emperor. The Emperor listened and remarked, "The main issue is their location, which remains undiscovered. I suspect someone is leaking information." Alex heard this but didn't know how to proceed, so he requested the Emperor's assistance. After much contemplation, the Emperor called for an urgent meeting. The following day, every family head attended the meeting, and the Emperor invited Alex to explain the situation. Alex detailed the bandit issue and requested their help to stop the attacks.
Many family heads laughed at Alex, mocking him.
"It's a minor problem, yet you have failed to resolve it," they sneered.
Frustrated, Alex remained silent. He knew the time wasn't right to retaliate—one mistake could bring dire consequences for his people. Even young nobles joined in the mockery.
The Emperor observed but chose not to intervene, his priority being the resolution of the bandit problem. When he finally spoke, his tone was firm.
"I'm giving you all one day to devise a proper plan to address this matter," he declared before leaving, taking Alex with him.
Several nobles exchanged glances, displeased with the Emperor's support for Alex.
The following day, the meeting reconvened. Silence loomed over the chamber. The Emperor, growing impatient, asked, "What plans have you made?"
None answered.
His glare swept across the room, but still, the nobles remained mute. Finally, a man stood—Marquis Morgan.
"Your Majesty, as you know, we are all occupied managing our lands. However, after careful thought, I have a proposal," Morgan said.
The Emperor narrowed his eyes. "Speak."
"If the Duke of the North marries my eldest daughter, I and the central nobles will offer our full support in resolving his troubles."
The Emperor turned to Alex. His silence was heavy. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded. "So be it. The marriage shall proceed at once."
Alex was shocked but not surprised. Such political arrangements were common among noble families. Within three days, the union between Alex Luxembourg and Maria Morgan was finalized. The citizens rejoiced, believing the marriage signified stability and strength between two powerful houses.
On the day of the ceremony, they exchanged rings and vows. Maria, graceful in her wedding gown, carried herself with the poise of a true Duchess.
Two days later, Alex prepared to return to the Northern Duchy. He sought the Emperor's permission, which was granted. That evening, he went to his wife's chambers.
Knocking lightly, he called, "Madam, may I enter?"
"Yes, please," came the soft reply.
Stepping inside, Alex saw Maria sitting by the window, draped in a flowing white dress. For the first time, he realized how breathtakingly beautiful she was.
Maria noticed his lingering gaze. "You're Grace? You're Grace?"
Alex blinked, regaining his composure. "Madam, I must return to the North. The situation is unstable. You may remain here if you wish. Once things improve, I will send for you."
Maria looked at him, unwavering. "Your Grace, I am no longer simply Maria Morgan. I am the Duchess of the North. I must stand beside you and care for our people."
Alex studied her for a moment before nodding, a small, unspoken satisfaction in his eyes. "Very well. I will arrange the carriage."
As he left, Maria felt her cheeks grow warm. His gaze had lingered longer than necessary.
They departed at dawn. At the capital gates, Marquis Morgan awaited them. Maria exchanged quiet words with her father, but Alex did not ask what was said.
The journey took five days. As they passed through villages, people lined the roads, showering them with blessings. When they arrived at the grand palace of the North, Maria was awestruck.
From that day forward, they worked tirelessly to rebuild their lands. True to his word, the Marquis ensured the bandit problem was eradicated. The duchy prospered.
For three years, all seemed well.
Until the Empire was shaken by a shocking announcement—
The Duke and Duchess of the North were getting divorced.