The hall is almost silent beside few nobles whispering here and there. I can feel their sceptical yet pitiful gaze towards me . I mean it's normal in a situation like this.
I, Ladana Von Korvaldt, now the grand Duchess of Korvaldt. At the age of 16. I get why they are sceptical. How can a teenagers lead an grand duchy? That's what they are probably thinking. I'm thinking that too..... I might be an 29 year old soul...But I'm Still 16 in this life..this makes no sense. Like after death you'll think it's time to go to hell or heaven, right? At least that's what i thought.. But i didn't think I'll get to live once again. Just when i thought it was all over. I died then open my eyes again as a child and i still remember everything from ur previous life, imagine my surprise when it happened to me. I was soo happy that finally this living thing ends, but NO... God had other plans for me... I hate my fate... why u gotta be soo cruel and mean, bro? let the girl die in peace!
That's how i got here now Standing here in my black dress as a widow right before the Casket of my Late husband, grand Duke Alistair Von Korvaldt.. master.....Yes, that's what i call him "master" as in teacher...i know right now it doesn't make much sense... but it will soon enough i guess... when i deal with all the other noble household.
As the funeral continue i could see his children sobbing from the corner of my eyes ...poor thing...But his Eldest son didn't Seed a tear..Well I'm not crying either tho. I should be crying the most as his wife... but i couldn't bring myself to cry. I promise, didn't i? I promise to be strong and make u proud, didn't i master? too protect those who are precious to you...
Well.. I just wanna disappear right now...I mean.. I thought reincarnation happens like u die then wake up farther in the future not centres back in the past! But look at me now a person from the 2025..in somewhere in 12th hundreds according to this places time.
I have heard from my colleagues in my previous life those who loved to read. Her name was Lily. Like her name she was a very cheeky person too. One of the day she told me about some story she read and how the fl gets reincarnated into a book she read.
But that isn't the case here... i have no idea if this is another universe or whatever... because i never read those kind... the only book i have read is academically and law related books as I was a very successful lawyer in my past life.
As the Funeral came to an end many nobles approached me saying things like "I'm sorry for ur loss , Lady Korvaldt" or "Please tell us if you need help, My lady."But i wonder how many of them actually are genuine. I'm pretty sure most of this people are trying to suck up to me.. Because Korvaldt Duchy is the most powerful after the imperial family of Velanith Empire now thanks to master. With one of the most powerful knight order And the a business that always thrives. To say the least Korvaldt Duchy is stable in financial and in power dynamics. But being the most powerful duchy comes with a lot of work.. financial, political and managing the Duchy itself. I'm already soo tired from the Funeral but i still have stuff to do.... And there is a meeting with all master's relatives. This is going to be annoying.They will probably try to put me down and tell me to hand over my position as the family head to them. They even tried to Convince Master to Not let me step up as the Grand Duchess before his death. But master's will didn't change even in his death bed he trusted me to take care of it all..
I might be not interested to be the family head and hold all this power... but one thing i can say is, if i hand my position over... Korvaldt Duchy it will go down the hill. Because those idiots wants the power that comes with the position without being aware how hard the responsibility is. And also the children... I'm pretty sure those people will treat the children like shit once I'm out of the picture .
I can't let that happen...not on my watch. And the only person I'm handing this position on to is the Eldest son who is 15 years old now. Only a year younger than me. He is the original and rightful heir to the dukedom But he still isn't in the state to step up. He still has a lot to learn before that. As his stepmother I'll make sure that what is his stays his. He might hate me just like his other siblings... But i take my responsibility quite seriously And i promised master. And i don't intend to break the promise. I'm grateful to him after all he done for me. I know he had his reason to save me. And those might not be the best reason to take in an abandoned slave child. But I'm still owe him and the late Grand Duchess a lot.
They took the Casket away and buried him next to his first wife the late Grand Duchess in the garden. It's a beautiful place surrounded by white flower. This part of the garden is separated from the actual garden.. this one is sort of a family graveyard but more fancy decorated with beautiful grave stone that are carved in his name and his birthday to the day he died in cursive writing.
This.. makes me wonder what happened to my body in previous life? Did the hospital throw it away or actually buried it somewhere decent? Well, i guess i will never know.
After completing all the main traditions there is one last thing left that makes no sense to me. And the last tradition is the after the husband die, the wife shell cut her hair short. I don't Fucking want that! I love my long black hair! Damn it... As i reluctantly sit down the maid start to cut my hair. I did my best to keep stoic face and not cry as i watched my hair fall to the group. my precious hair.....Fuck this.
In the end my hair was cut off to shoulder length. It is supposed to be down to my hip... not shoulder. After i cried in my mind and changed my dress to a off white dress and got ready for the meeting. All i wanna do is cry for my hair or just sleep because i feel soo tired. But i have no choice but to see those irritating people.
The knight in front of the meeting room bowed then open the doors.
The room fell silent as i enter and settled down on the chair of family head. I could see there hateful, jealousy filled gaze and some pitifully looksas i said "Shell we begin? " my voice is calm and even and an unreadable expression on my face as i looked at all 6 people in front of me. Count Evander Rhiemont, Viscountess Sylvianne Delcour This two are The most against me Leading the Dukedom. Baroness Thalora Vexmere, Marchioness Virelda Ashwynd, Baron Ronan Thornecroft, Marquess Lucien Drayvale, This people are Trying to be supporting but still not sure if I'm fit for this position.
Count Rhiemont spoke up his voice dripped with superiority " I apologise for your lose, my lady." he continues "But I'd like to state my concerns about the position, the lady is in. In my opinion, My lady is far too young for such a position. And on top u are just a young girl" he said trying to Intimidate me, He looks proud to be looking down on me and few of the others nodded in agreement with him and the other few were hesitant to do anything it seems. I looked him right in the eyes as he flinched from the intensity of my gaze and say "Are you questioning my abilities, Count?" He was taken a back as if didn't expect me to directly ask him but he continues " It's not that,my lady, I'm simply concern about the future of Korvaldt duchy" He said trying to sound genuine and concerned . I hate it when people pretend to have good intentions when they have the bad ones. And i can clearly tell that he doesn't have 'concerns about the Duchy' i sigh softly before speaking "May i ask what are u hinting at? That u should take over the family heads position? And I'm not capable enough to handle the Duchy as I'm just a young girl?" i asked my voice as calm and collected as ever. This time. Viscountess Delcour spoke. "Indeed, Lady Ladana" her face had a smug smile on it that I'd like to remove, she continues "I agree that, u are still far to young to have such a position, and i suggest that you hand over the position to one of us, as u might not be able to control the weight of the position, and The children needs an adult to take of them too. you yourself is a teenager" She said her voice dripping with arrogance. I tried my best not roll my eyes as i spoke up "Lady Delcour.. . i think you are forgetting that I'm the one who has the highest positive here, For u to speak in such a manner makes me question If you remember your Status...."she glare at me as i called her out on her behaviour.
I don't get it, I might be a teenager but this is still soo rude. It's as if this people expect me to accept there bullshit quality like a timid little girl. But guess what, i don't give a damn. If you are going to be a ass then I'll give you what you are asking for. I continued this time my tone colder " Thank you for your concerns , But the late Grand duke Alistair Von Korvaldt has in trusted me to care for his children and the Dukedom until Alaric is capable of taking over . And i Hope you will respect his will and try not to question the late glGrand Duke's authority and will." Everyone was silent for few minutes after i said that. They glanced at each other. Those who were hesitating at first spoke up This time Marchioness Virelda Ashwynd spook up her voice gentle and soft ."The grand duke made the right decision as always. I don't know about everyone here.. but i will fully support the grand duchess Ladana" I think i have made it clear that I'm not someone u can mess with easily. A small smile crossed my face. "I hope we all get along, And no need to be concerned for the future of the grand duchy with all your support, i hope to led it well" I said making it clear that I'm not someone who will stand by as they tried to look down upon me. "If there are more things you will like to state.. do write to me" i sigh and continue "I'm feeling quite tired from today's eventually. So the meeting is over for today " I announced leavening no room for argument as i stood up and left. I slowly walked to my room..
The events weighting heavy on my shoulders as i enter my room and saw my personal maid Lilith cleaning my room and getting my night gown ready. She saw me and bowed then said "Good evening, Your grace" I smiled and walked over to the bed and set down "How are the children doing?" I asked her softly. She paused for a moment then answered. "The 4 lords and Lady were crying a lot but i believe that the nanny's fed them and helped them relax into sleep" she said politely. I hummed in acknowledgement then asked "How about the oldest one?" she looks down for a bit before answering "I believe that Lord Alaric is on the roof top again, but i made sure a knight is watching over him from a far" i hummed in acknowledgement again. "I see" i mumbled to myself as Lilith helped me in my night gown and left when i told her. I layed down on the bed looking up at the ceiling seeing the art painted on there as i fell asleep. I have a lot of things to take care of. But i need to rest first.