The Grand Duke’s Little Lady

My son often visits this room because I buy Ariel such nice things. Jerome, go back to your room.

This is my!

Jerome left the room with a frustrated look after his mouth was once again covered while he spoke.

Lucian leisurely looked over the room.

The color of the room is quite dark for a ladys room.

Haha, its because Ariel doesnt like pink colors or lace.

It must have been because he had already seen Ariel gasp in amazement at the soft pink slippers.

Lucian scoffed.

That doesnt seem true.

After saying this, he looked around and pointed at a few objects in the room.

Is that a statue you gifted to the lady?

What? Ah, yes. I gifted it to my daughter after a trip.

It was actually an expensive gift he gave to his son Jerome.

Lucian spoke gladly.

Then Ill be taking it since it belongs to her.

The Marquis was at a loss for words.

What about the painting on the wall? That belongs to the lady as well?

Yes.

It was actually a precious painting that was there as an inheritance and as an investment piece for his son.

But since he had said the room was Ariels, there was no choice but to give it up.

After taking all the expensive things in Jeromes room, Lucian looked out the window.

Whose toy carriage is that outside? It cant possibly belong to your son since hes all grown up, right?

The Marquis clenched his teeth and barely replied.

O-of course it belongs to my daughter.

Soon, all the things that Jerome treasured and bragged about belonged to Ariel.

Lastly, Lucian turned back to the Marquis after he ordered Dalton to take everything out.

His expression was even more evil and playful than before.

Right, shouldnt you give Ariel a gift to remember her family?

He looked over the Marquis from head to toe.

His eyes showed that he thought he was looking at someone lower than him.

The necklace you have on would do the job.

The Marquis clenched the expensive necklace that had a bronze-colored jewel.

The necklace was one of their family heirlooms.

T-this.

Lucian spoke as if he were threatening the Marquis.

Youre not planning to not even gift a family heirloom to your only precious daughter whos getting married, are you?

The Marquis shut his eyes.

He repeated the words sapphire mine over and over in his head.

Ultimately, after thinking of the immense profit the sapphire mine would bring, he handed the heirloom necklace to Lucian.

With that, Lucian left the Marquis house.

Dalton rode on the carriage behind them transporting all of Jeromes possessions that now belonged to Ariel.

When he saw them, the Marquis pressed his lips together to control his anger.

When are you planning on holding the wedding?

Today.

What?!

As if the Marquis shock didnt even matter, Lucian grabbed Ariels waist and climbed into the carriage.

Kya.

Lucian spoke after practically kidnapping Ariel into the carriage.

After today shell be Ariella La Carte, not Ariella Lucilleon.

He declared like a devil after smiling like a fallen angel.

The next time we meet, I hope youll address my wife as the Lady of the Grand Dukes house, Marquis. If you dont, Ill take it that you are looking down on the La Carte family.

And Lucian added refreshingly.

Right, you cant attend the wedding. I wont allow it.

His eyes and tone while saying this was so fearsome that the Marquis could not even nod his head.

Lucians eyes looked over the servants that had come out to greet them.

And when he did, all of them turned pale and lowered their gaze.

The people of the Marquis house could not do anything but stare until the carriage that held Lucian and Ariel completely disappeared from their sight.

* * *

Is that really alright?

Ariel asked carefully in the carriage.

Lucian raised his eyes after loosening his tie completely.

What?

Not allowing my father to come to the wedding.

He replied shortly.

Yup.

Uh So can you explain why its okay? Dont just say what you want.

Ariel stared up at him with round eyes.

Lucian glanced at her and let out a laugh.

You couldnt even look at me earlier.

I-Im going to become your real wife now so.

Lucian tossed a file onto her knees as she let out an unreasonable excuse.

Read it.

Ariel widened her eyes and lowered her gaze towards the papers.

It was one of the two contracts the Marquis had signed earlier.

On the contract was information about the sapphire mine Lucian was providing as a marriage gift.

Her jaw dropped at the mines income.

This was something really valuable!

And there were two lines written at the bottom.

[After signing, Ariel La Carte becomes an individual completely unrelated to the Lucilleon family.

The Lucilleon family cannot demand anything regarding their daughter from this point on.]

This is.

Ariel looked at Lucian in surprise.

He smiled as he messed up his own hair.

Why, you dont like it?

She blurted out immediately.

No. Im happy.

Thats good. Since youre a part of the La Carte family from now on.

Ariel was truly grateful for the condition Lucian put in the contract.

Even if it was for his family, not Ariel.

Thank you.

He simply nodded without replying.

With his hair and tie messed up, he really looked like a rebellious child.

Kind of like an angel rebelling against G.o.d.

Now Ariels thoughts were on the huge carriage of goods behind the carriage they were in.

This was also one of Lucians works.

Lucian had said that he would take all of the things she normally used to help her adjust to the Grand Dukes mansion.

Although, there isnt a single thing thats mine.

Ariel put her hand over her heart, which was thumping a bit.

I feel like he may care about me a little bit.

As soon as she completed her thoughts, she heard Lucian ordering Dalton.

Dalton. Those things, throw them all away.

?

Lucian frowned as if he was annoyed when Ariels eyes widened.

He growled and spoke in a low voice.

You didnt think I would bring all that garbage into my mansion, did you?

As I thought, I shouldnt expect any care from him.

* * *

When they returned to the mansion, Susan greeted Ariel warmly.

Miss, did you have a nice outing?

Yes.

Ariel replied shyly.

She felt like she was always a child in front of Susan.

Lucian disappeared into the mansion after handing Ariel over to Susan.

Feed her well.

A short and arrogant command.

Susan wrapped her arms around Ariels shoulders and led her into the drawing room.

You cant go into your room right now because its still being prepared. Are you hungry?

It was past lunchtime by the time they had returned from the Marquis house.

All of the hunger that she couldnt feel before because she was nervous came pouring in.

A little.

Ill help you get changed first. Outdoor clothing is a little uncomfortable to eat in.

Susan sat Ariel down in the playing area and brought her indoor clothing.

The dress was white with three pink vertical stripes going down it. There were cream-colored rectangles covering the shoulder area and a pink satin ribbon at the waist.

Susan undid Ariels hair, brushed it, and put on a hairband that was the same color as the dress.

Gosh, you look just like a doll.

The dress is pretty.

Ariel touched the light indoor dress that fit her perfectly several times without anyone knowing.

The light beige colored lace dress she wore when going out looked too expensive to even touch, but this pink dress was pretty and comfortable.

She wouldnt get sick of it even if she stared at it for a long time.

Ariel had been abused at home and was later dragged around by him, so this was the first time she saw such pretty things.

Ariel moved carefully so that the pretty dress wouldnt get wrinkled.

Pink suits you well because your skin is so fair. I really am good at picking out clothes for girls.

After speaking, Susan got up.

Ill prepare something delicious right away. You need to eat a lot. Your body is the size of a seven-year-old.

Susan soon returned with a tray of steaming, warm food.

Ariel struggled to crawl up the high table chair.

Then Susan placed a white cloth napkin on her lap.

Woah.

Ariels eyes widened at the sight of food.

There was a healthy bread that had nuts and dried fruits in it and marmalade jam that had a strong orange scent.

And the food that caught her eye the most was the huge chicken dish that had been prepared to be soft.

When she was at the Marquis house, she could barely eat meat. Every year, when there was a huge party for Jeromes birthday, there was a huge amount of food left. That was the only time she could have any.

Susan spoke in a singing voice as she handed Ariel the utensils.

Once you finish this, Ill give you a huge mug of hot chocolate in the afternoon.

Hot chocolate? Whats that?

Ariel blushed at her unfamiliar desire to eat because her body had previously been too messed up to feel hunger.

Susan smiled in pleasure as Ariel began stuffing her cheeks with food.

Theres a lot of food, so please let me know if you want more.

Ariel ate the bread, jam, and chicken until she was full.

She felt like she could eat ten plates of this delicious food.

But unfortunately, her small stomach filled up rather quickly.

If youre done, please rest for a moment.

Susan handed Ariel a soft fur cushion before cleaning the table.

Because of her full stomach, Ariel began dozing off with her head against the cushion.

How long has it been?

Um, Miss?

A mans respectful voice woke Ariel up.

When she rubbed her tired eyes and looked, Dalton was standing in front of her.

Ummm, h.e.l.lo.

I know its time for your nap, but you have one more thing on your schedule today.

What thing?

She didnt know.

Dalton made a hesitant expression.

The thing is the wedding ceremony for you and the Grand Dukes son thats the event.

Ariel blinked her eyes twice.

Wedding?

END OF CHAPTER 11.