After two weeks in the mansion, Ariadne felt everything was falling into place; everyone knew who she was and what she wanted for the duchy, and the villages welcomed her with open arms, significantly after she cut taxes and fixed them twenty-five percent after Edmund said the amount was ?insane. It was no wonder they were so poor. The demonstration he promised was pushed back because of the small pieces; it was too much for the artisan to do in so little time.

  Ariadne saw Edmund running with the guards every morning; the captain had asked her to use the back of the mansion as training grounds. Since she did not attend social aristocratic parties and didn’t want or need expensive dresses, all her money was pushed into developing the duchy.

  ‘Call for the peasant; I need to speak with him.’ The duchess spoke to Eliza.

  She observed Eliza calling for him and the two approaching the mansion from the window. Though she had hoped he wouldn’t come into her office smelling like sweat, as soon as he entered, the smell emanating from him made her frown.

  ‘Take a shower, peasant. Eliza, how did you let this thing into my office smelling like this?’ Ariadne claimed as she covered her nose.

  ‘See, Edmund, I told you this would happen.’ Eliza murmured.

  ‘I didn’t think it was this bad.’ Edmund answered in a trembling voice.

  As they left the office, Eliza punched him on the back of the head, which caused Ariadne to chuckle a little. She appreciates her new life and the sensation that her heart is filling as more people see her as a ruler.

  ‘Your grace, I am back. I didn’t know you had a sensitive nose.’ He smiled as he opened the doors.

  ‘Peasant, what do you think of this town? How can my plans be sped up?’ She looked at him with hopeful eyes.

  ‘I’m not sure; I didn’t leave the mansion's grounds because I wasn't allowed to.‘ The young man shrugged his shoulders.

  ‘You are dumb for someone smart, huh?’ Ariadne raised her head and took a deep breath.

  ‘I’m a slave; how could I have known? Even you didn’t do that.’ He retorted?.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  ‘We could do that now, but watch your tone when speaking to me. You sometimes forget what your position is, peasant.’ She punched her desk, making it tremble.

  ‘I’m sorry, this is a habit; don’t use the slave seal's power on me again; I will learn.’ Edmund rose ?and bowed to her.

  ‘Don’t worry; again, I'm not a tyrant. Come; let us walk.’ She got up and made her way to the door.

  Eliza, who was waiting outside, pursued Ariadne as she left. Edmund followed ?behind her. The town and the mansion were not too far apart, so it didn’t take them long to travel there in her carriage. Everyone in the city immediately turned to face them when they stopped and got off in the street. Her customary red dress made her white fur and hair stand out even more.

  ‘Your Highness, let’s look at the artisan over there.’ Edmund gestured to the side.

  The town was small but well organized, with all the businesses and residences radiating out from the center, surrounded on one side of the main street by nothing but artisans of every kind. They didn’t import many things because they were expensive, so most of the work was repaired. A small Chatzi child who pulled her dress startled Ariadne. She turned around to face the child.

  ‘Are you the duchess? You are beautiful.’ The youngster smiled.

  ‘Yes, I’m the duchess; you are handsome too.’ Ariadne placed her hand on the boy's head.

  A young Chatzi lady approached quickly and drew the boy close to her, which surprised Ariadne.

  ‘I’m sorry; he doesn’t know.’ The young lady explained.

  ‘There is no need for that. Remember, I’m here to protect you and improve your life.’ She smiled at the girl.

  People were chatting about what was happening, and the area was beginning to become crowded. Edmund approached the young girl.

  ‘Why did you speak that way?’ Curious, Edmund questioned

  ‘How can’t I think the duchess would be harsh to my brother? People say she even has a slave.’ The young lady stuttered.

  Ariadne was taken aback; she had no idea this would become such a big deal. She began to consider how people might perceive her.

  ‘People said she would choke her slave; I was just afraid. I’m sorry.’ She hugged the small boy.

  ‘Well, if I said I deserved it, would it be better?’ Edmund scratched the back of his head and looked at Ariadne.

  ‘I’m not perfect, but the only thing I can say is that what I want is for everyone to be happy. I'm sorry that I scared you.’ Ariadne looked at the young girl.

  A noble apology for something was unusual, and it took people aback. After a brief silence, the young boy left his sister's arms and hugged the duchess.

  ‘I forgive you; everything is fine.’ He spoke while his head was buried in Ariadne's garment.

  Around them, everyone began to laugh and clap as they all stared around at the people observing the situation.

  ‘She even lowered the taxes; the duchess is not bad.’ In the crowd, someone said.

  ‘Yeah!’ Some responded.

  The girl took the boy by the hand and led him into the crowd while smiling at the duchess. Ariadne looked at the people, their smiling faces or idle expressions, and bowed to them. Everyone gasped at her action, which prompted Alon, the captain of the guard, who was watching from the crowd, to enter and assist Ariadne in straightening herself up.

  ‘Duchess, there is no need for this.’ Alon helped with her dress.

  Eliza was startled by what had happened, so she didn’t move. She was just there, watching everything happen, like seeing through a window.

  ‘There is nothing else to see here, folks. Move along.’ Alon looked at the crowd.