The Grand Duke’s Little Lady

There was a proverb that said, If you look at a maid wrongly, you wont even get any soup. A head maid of a high status family would receive good treatment. From what Ariel saw, all the maidservants were afraid of a Head Maids words.

Ah, h.e.l.lo Madam Susan.

If Ariel was a normal daughter of the Marquis, right away she wouldve informally given orders to the Head Maid in a comfortable manner.

However, at home Ariel was treated even lesser than a maid. To her, the Head Maid was to be regarded with absolute respect.

Sensing the little girl in front of her was being respectful, Susan was a little impressed by her.

For Susan, who had no idea about Ariels background, thought that this young lady from a prestigious household was very humble.

Laughing gently, Susan spoke.

Miss is allowed to treat me comfortably.

No. I still have many things I dont know. Later, Ill be learning from Madam Susan I cant treat your comfortably.

There was some truth to Ariels words. It was clear that Ariel would have a lot to learn when she got married in the near future. Ariels answer gave Susans heart a warm feeling. The little girl who spoke in childlike voice about wanting to learn was praiseworthy and adorable.

Alright then, Miss. But excluding me, you have to speak informally to the other maids. Understand?

Yes, I will do that.

And dont call me Madam Susan, just call me Susan.

Ariel looked at her with wide eyes.

Can I really?

I dont see why not. Its because I want Miss to be friendly with me thats why Im requesting.

At her kind words, Ariels cheeks flushed.

ThenIll call you Susan.

Susan smiled and offered breakfast to Ariel.

If you dont mind, itll be good to have a full meal. Today will be a long day for Miss.

Ariel nodded her head and was rewarded. A bed table was set up so she could eat while sitting up, and Susan placed her food on top of it. With one bite, Ariel was surprised by the mild, milk-fragrant pea soup.

Its delicious!

At Ariels childlike reaction, Susan gave a pleased laugh.

The Grand Dukes Chef is an excellent cook. Even so, Im glad it suits your taste.

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Ariel had never had anything like this before. In particular, she only thought that soup was supposed to be watery and had poor ingredients. But this pea soup was thick, and the chef generously added the cream which made it sweet.

Her cheeks glowed with delight. Savory half-boiled eggs partnered with white wheat bread which were baked until they were golden brown. It seemed like it was just a simple dish that required no skill, but for this taste, the effort was two or three times of such a simple dish.

At the end of Ariels meal, Susan began to speak softly.

In a little bit, you will be going to your parents with the Grand Dukes son to ask your fathers permission for marriage.

Ariel nodded her head. For Marriage regarding n.o.ble children under the age of 18, parental consent was the primary obstacle.

The Grand Dukes son and Ariel had already promised to marry each other, but if the Grand Duke or the Marquis would forbid the marriage, it cannot happen.

It was only natural to get permission from both parents before discussing the contract marriage with the Grand Dukes son.

Will the Grand Duke really allow his only son to marry?

At Ariels worried expression, Susan smiled.

Dont worry. The Grand Duke has already agreed to your marriage with Sir Lucian. Now its time for the Grand Duke to have a hard time taking away anothers precious daughter.

Precious daughter

Ariel hid her troubled look on her face.

Susan treats me like a young princess who grew up to be treated dearly by her father. In reality, its not true at all

Susan, who cleared the bowl away neatly, clapped energetically.

If youve eaten your fill, why dont we get started already?

Susan brought Ariel to the bathroom, informing her she was the only one who would be helping her get ready.

Young maidens who havent been married yet should not let other servants simply touch them.

As she said so, she poured the steaming bath water in the stone bathtub where Ariel would be placed, and scented foam rose from the water.

Now, into the bath you go, Miss.

Ariel faltered and clenched her clothes.

Could I wash alone?

Taking it that the little girl was shy, Susan smiled playfully.

Grown up girls shouldnt be shy about taking baths. Youll need to get used to this.

But

Quickly! Now, hooray!

In a whirl her clothes were lifted over her head. Susan lifted Ariel up and plopped her into the bath.

There you go, soak your body in the warm water

Ariel tried to cover her naked body with her small hands and arms, but it was not enough.

Not knowing what to do, she turned her back to Sujan.

How are you this thin

Looking at Ariels small, skinny frame, Susans muttering died down. The little girl, who looked like she was only seven, was covered with scars all over her body from being beaten.

Miss, what is this

Ariel shut her eyes, as if hoping the time would disappear.

Susan was very angry that someone would even have the audacity to beat such a beautiful young girl. Where do they think theyre hitting! Her eyes glared at the scars, thoroughly examining them. There was only one who could habitually a.s.sault such a young aristocratic daughter.

The father.

Susan realized Ariel did not live a favourable life in a normal respectable family. Her eyes softened and she turned Ariel around with a gentle hand.

Ariel lowered her head. She was afraid that Susan would hear how it happened. The marquis and everyone always explained to her that she was being hit because she was in the wrong.

Because you did wrong, you need to be hit.

You deserve to be hit.

Ariel was afraid Susan, who she met for the first time, would see her that way, and would ask in detail about the Marquis. Then she heard Susan speak in a friendly voice

Miss, are your wounds still painful?

Ariel shook her head and gestured at her arm which was relatively fresh from being hit.

Besides here it doesnt hurt anywhere anymore.

Susan looked at Ariel with pitiful eyes and kindly wrapped her in a hug.

Okay, Ill wash the foam off. If it hurts, tell me.

The bath was gentle as it can be. Susan didnt hurt her at all, and skillfully cleaned Ariel with speed.

Ariel, who had been cowering because of the possibility that she was going to be asked about the cause of her wounds would arise, gradually had her worries fade away as Susan didnt say anything and gently washed her.

After finishing, Susan dried Ariel with a large towel. Ariel was so small she was enveloped in the towel. Susan, who finished wiping her body, started drying her red hair.

When you get married, Ill have to trim your long hair. For now, youre still another households daughter. Sujan said ruefully.

Susan braided her striking scarlet red, which came down until Ariels behind, and arranged it into a childs bonnet, leaving a curly charming crown on top. Then she brought out a pretty dress that was fitted to Ariels body.

The light beige baby-doll dress was a set with the bonnet. The interior of the bonnet was layered with white lace and on the side was an ivory ribbon. Her dress was also made of white lace overlaying thick, light beige cloth, giving a dainty and elegant feel. At the center of the dresss chest was a cream colored ribbon made of silk broadcloth. The center of the ribbon was decorated with a cameo brooch. The dress had a soft lining so it was snug.

It was completely different from Ariels baggy, tattered clothes. To be wearing a dress and a bonnet, even a pair of non-heeled boots made of soft leather,

Wow, I look like a lady.

Looking at herself, Ariel really looked like she transformed into a n.o.bles daughter.

Though youre young, I was about to put a red color on your lips, but I see you dont need it! The color of your lips is very beautiful.

Susan, who spoke brightly, praised Ariel for being blessed with pink lips.

Like a lady, youll enter with such a beautiful ambiance. Everyone will definitely fall in love with you.

At those words, Ariel was doubtful. Beautiful? That was impossible.

Ive obviously become more neat, but

Ariel, who believed she looked ugly, did not really think she was pretty, although Susans compliment only strengthened her impression that Susan was a good person.

If we dont hurry up, well be late. Now, shall we go?

Susan led Ariel out by the shoulders and as they exited the mansion, dazzling sunlight poured from the skies. Beyond the sunlight was a handsome tall boy.

The Grand Dukes son is already here.

The boy was slim, tall, and beautiful. Those that didnt know could see the black suit he wore was extremely costly. Only his necktie was noticeably loose and he looked slightly defiant.

Youre here.

Yesuwahh?!

He abruptly s.n.a.t.c.hed her from Susan, catching her by her side like a toy.

Its not a good hobby to keep me waiting.

Ariel had knit her eyebrows in the glare of the sun, but now she gazed upon him.

The Grand dukes sons face who she didnt see yesterday was full of delight under the sunlight.

But..

Ah?

Ariel stiffened at the sight of the Grand Dukes son Lucian.

This person is.?

It was a face she knew. Short jet black hair and dark blue eyes.

Killing all of La Cartes knights. What are you?

Ill help you so grab my hand.

A daunting and beautiful young man she met on the streets of La Carte in the past.

The Grand Dukes successor, Lucian Desmond La Carte, had that guys face.

END OF CHAPTER 8.