Chapter 32: Bonds of Blood and Growing Respect
The ducal mansion was unusually quiet that morning. Tiara sat in her father's study, a warm mug of tea in her hands. Across from her, Duke Everhart leaned back in his chair, his sharp features softened by the flickering light of the hearth.
"Father, you've been staring at me for five minutes," Tiara said, raising an eyebrow.
The Duke chuckled, a rare sound that made Tiara smile. "I was just thinking how much you've grown, Tiara. It feels like only yesterday you were a little girl who couldn't sit still during lessons."
"I still don't sit still during lessons," Tiara quipped, earning a hearty laugh from her father.
"Well, at least now you're clever enough to get away with it."
Tiara sipped her tea, enjoying the warmth of the moment. She'd been working hard to mend the strained relationships from her previous life, and her bond with her father was stronger than ever.
Later That Day
Cedric returned from a patrol on the ducal estate, his uniform slightly dusty but his mood as sharp as ever. Tiara met him in the foyer, hands on her hips.
"You look like you've been wrestling boars," she teased.
"Not boars, just incompetent knights who think they can skip training," Cedric replied, ruffling her hair as he passed.
"Hey!" Tiara swatted his hand away, pouting. "I just fixed my hair!"
Cedric smirked. "Don't worry, you still look like the perfect little ducal lady."
Tiara narrowed her eyes. "Are you mocking me?"
"Always."
The siblings walked together to the dining hall, where the Duke was waiting. As they sat down, the warm atmosphere filled the room. It wasn't often they had meals together, given Cedric's duties and the Duke's work.
"Father," Cedric began, glancing at Tiara, "have you noticed how popular Tiara has become lately?"
The Duke raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Popular in what sense?"
"Among the commoners," Cedric said, smirking. "Everywhere I go, I hear people singing praises about the 'gracious and kind Lady Tiara.'"
Tiara blushed. "That's just because I helped organize the Harvest Festival."
"Don't downplay your efforts, Tiara," the Duke said with pride in his voice. "I've received letters from merchants and farmers thanking you for your generosity."
Tiara felt a swell of warmth in her chest. This was a far cry from her previous life, where she'd been feared and loathed.
"Well, someone had to make sure the festival wasn't just about nobles flaunting their wealth," she said with a small smile.
"Careful, Tiara," Cedric teased. "If you keep this up, you'll have a fan club following you wherever you go."
Tiara rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile.
At a Noble Tea Party
The Duchess of Marvelle had hosted a tea party, inviting several prominent noble families. Tiara attended reluctantly, but she was grateful to see Mia among the guests.
"Tiara!" Mia called out, waving enthusiastically. Her silver hair glistened in the sunlight, and her red eyes sparkled with joy.
"Mia, thank goodness you're here," Tiara said, hugging her. "I was afraid I'd be stuck talking about the latest lace trends all afternoon."
Mia giggled. "Well, you're in luck. I overheard Lady Belfort talking about her disastrous attempt at ballroom dancing. It's hilarious."
The two friends laughed, attracting the attention of the other guests. Tiara's charm and wit quickly became the highlight of the gathering.
Lilith, sitting nearby with her ever-present sweet smile, watched Tiara with a hint of irritation. Her plan to shine at the tea party was overshadowed by Tiara's natural charisma.
"Lady Tiara," Lilith said, approaching her. "It's so wonderful to see you here. I was just telling the others about my latest embroidery project. Perhaps you'd like to join us?"
Tiara smiled politely. "Embroidery sounds delightful, but I'm afraid I'd embarrass myself. My stitches tend to resemble a map of the empire."
The other ladies laughed, leaving Lilith slightly flustered.
Meanwhile, in the Imperial Palace
Chris was buried under stacks of documents in his study. As the crown prince, his responsibilities were endless. He sighed, leaning back in his chair.
"Your Highness," his aide said, entering the room. "A letter from Lady Tiara has arrived."
Chris's expression softened as he took the letter. It was short, filled with lighthearted banter and updates about her latest escapades. He found himself smiling despite the mountain of work.
"She's certainly got a way with words," he muttered, tucking the letter into his drawer.