*** WARNING: This chapter contains foul language and sexual harassment.
***Alright Now Continuation Of Chapter 11...
-The next morning inside the duke's office-
'Thud'
A pile of chunky books and paperwork was placed on top of the table.
Soo-Ae/Daphne who had dark eye bags and messy bubble gum pink loose hair started at Leonardo across from her who was looking over some documents.
He seemed very concentrated with those silver circular glasses that held a connected silver-thin rhinestone chain.
'He looks pretty with glasses' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
'Turn'
Leonard turned to look at Soo-Ae/Daphne who sat down on the carpet floor with her white tucked ruffled blouse decorated with a dark blue oval jewel that matched her dark blue dress skirt.
"?" (Leonardo)
His eyes turned to look at the chunky books and paperwork that Soo-Ae/Daphne had placed on the table that separated them.
"Daph what is all this?" (Leonardo, asked)
"And what's with those eyes bags? Did you not sleep?" (Leonardo, asked)
He asked both concerned and confused but contrary to his worries Soo-Ae/Daphne only yawned in lack of sleep.
"Yawn" (Soo-Ae/Daphne)
She yawned and then responded to Leonardo.
"It's research" (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
"Research?" (Leonardo, asked)
Leonardo tilted his head and got up from the couch to sit down on the carpet like Soo-Ae/Daphne.
"For what?" (Leonardo, asked)
"For you" (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
She said with a sleepy smile.
"For me?" (Leonardo, asked)
He asked even more confused.
"Yes, I read over ten books that covered the nobility lady registry records." (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
"From then on I searched for single ladies and their personalities, hobbies, etc..." (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
Soo-Ae/Daphne continued to blabber leaving Leonardo dumbfounded by each word she added on.
"Then I narrowed down the candidates and here I have written down all the qualified ladies for you." (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
She pointed to a document as she continued on.
"However, to lessen the options and find you a perfect future bride I made a personalized document stating your likes, dislikes, describing what type of woman you like." (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
She spoke as she raised a document up.
"Then what type do you prefer? Do you like a gentle woman or-" (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
"Pffft" (Duke Adalwen)
Duke Adalwen had spit the tea that he had just drunk as he sat on his desk a couple of feet away from them.
Soo-Ae/Daphne turned to look at the duke along with the flushed-up Leonardo.
"Haha, Daphne don't tell me you're trying to pair your brother up?" (Duke Adalwen, asked)
He laughed with a teasing tone toward Leonardo.
'Flush'
Leonardo's cheeks were truing pinker.
"F-Father!" (Leonardo, yelled)
He yelled flustered and embarrassed at his father's teasing.
"Haha, I never would have imagined to ever witness a scene like this." (Duke Adalwen, said)
He laughed wiping a tear off his face.
'Turn'
Leonardo turned his head in embarrassment and looked at Soo-Ae/Daphne who had seemed to still hold the document questioner in her hands.
"D-Daphne?" (Leonardo, asked)
He revoked in confusion and flustered toward her as to defend himself from the duke's teasing.
"Don't tell me you're actually serious?" (Leonard, asked)
But seeing how her face painted no regret he wined as he asked.
Soo-Ae/Daphne's attention turned away from the duke who had tried to contain his laugh.
'Dam he really is out to embarrass his son on this one huh?' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
A small warm simple formed her lips as her eyes turned to look at the flustered Leonardo.
"Brother you're turning older you need a wife already" (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
'Pow'
She said bluntly while an invisible arrow shot Leonardo.
"Your too shy to talk to women, I don't want you to grow old without a wife" (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
'Pow'
A second invisible arrow had hit Leonardo.
"The only thing your good at conversating with other ladies is about swords, I know because I've seen you do so each time." (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
"I'm not saying it's wrong to talk about that but when that's all you talk about in a conversation no noble lady would enjoy that conversation unless she's so into swordsmanship even so people like that would prefer adding on different subjects to the conversation." (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
'Pow'
A third invisible arrow had hit Leonardo.
'I know because of the novel and due to Daphne's memories' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
'Don't get me started on young Baroness Jule who tried to start a conversation....now that was embarrassing' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
'He definitely needs a lot of help with the ladies' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
It was quite embarrassing just remembering this in general but Soo-Ae/Daphne still loved him and was willing to make him happy.
'Even though not much time has passed I learned to love him like a brother not just as my favorite character...I want him to be happy just like Daphne would have wished.' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
'Ouch' (Duke Adalwen's inner thoughts)
He thought as he looked from the distance at Leonardo.
'My son inherit his handsomeness from me but when it comes to talking to women....' (Duke Adalwen's inner thoughts)
'When he ruins the atmosphere for the ladies Ashier has to step up to change the conversation to keep that harmony.' (Duke Adlwen's inner thoughts)
He frowned with a little embarrassment to admit.
On the other hand, Leonard wined like a sad puppy.
"Daph how could you treat me like this?" (Leonardo, asked)
He pouted like a wronged puppy.
'He really looks like a puppy' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
She continued to add to pacify her sad puppy brother.
"But brother I'm doing this because I want you to be happy." (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
'I would hate to think others could tear him recklessly...just thinking about all the love he gave Isabella pissess me off...and all that for her to throw him away like it was nothing to her.' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
'He lost his sister and his parents I'm surprised he kept living on I was very heartbroken when I lost my parents and my grandma-' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
"Daph? Is something wrong?" (Leonardo, asked)
Leonardo had seemed to notice Soo-Ae/Daphne's heartbroken eyes along with the duke but Leonardo beat him to ask first.
"Ah no I..." (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
Soo-Ae/Daphne was brought back to this moment and said unfocused.
'I really want to prevent this...even if it means lying or acting like a spoiled brat just to protect him, to protect them.' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
'I can be childish too right?' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
Daphne's lips finally parted to speak.
"It's just that I had a bad dream two days ago" (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
"A bad dream?" (Leonardo, asked)
He asked concerned.
"What was this bad dream about?" (Duke Adalwen)
He said in the distance as he observed Soo-Ae/Daphne and Leonard from his seat.
"Yes...I had a dream that brother would end up together with Lady Isabella." (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
"Huh?" (Duke and Leo)
They were both dumbstruck by her answer.
'This men how can they, I'm trying to sound sense and they definitely think I'm joking here...I knew I shouldn't have been childish' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
She added on.
"Please brother, I don't want you to end up with Lady Isabell she's a mean woman." (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
However, she was still going to stick up to the childish act.
Both the brother and the father were simps for Daphne, that was quite clear to her.
She felt bad using such a tactic but oh well to worse measures.
"..." (Leonardo)
Daphne gave Leonardo puppy eyes.
'Criticla hit' (Leonard)
Affection meter to the max had hit only Leonardo who had to see Soo-Ae/Daphne's front face.
"Ha" (Leonardo, sighed)
"Daph, that will never happen" (Leonardo, said)
"I will never get along with people that hurt my little sister." (Leonardo, said)
'Aww that's why your my favorite character' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
She took the opportunity to add on.
"But I still feel a little worried you never know what the future holds." (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
'Because it's written that you'll fall in love with her...' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
'...' (Leonardo)
He stayed silent for a few seconds before adjusting his circle silver glasses.
"Daphne you know I hate to see you worried...so is there something I can do then to reassure you?" (Leonardo, asked)
He asked gently to make Soo-Ae/Daphne feel secure.
'Bingo' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
"Well, as a matter of fact, there is" (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
Her eyes sparkled as she said.
"Oh yeah, go ahead what is it Daph?" (Leonardo, asked)
'Seems there's a way to make her feel secure, there should be no problem. There's nothing I can't -' (Leonardo's inner thoughts)
"Alright then first question do you like short, medium, or tall women?" (Soo-Ae/Daphne, asked)
'Dumbstruck' (Leo and the Duke)
Not only was Leonardo dumbstruck but the duke who was hearing the conversation from the distance.
"Haha" (Duke, laughed)
Of course, the duke couldn't help but laugh at his clueless son.
"Leonardo, answer your sister. I am curious as well." (Duke Adalwen, said)
He teased Leonardo again.
"Dad!" (Leonardo, yelled)
He looked at him as he called him with less formality.
'Turn'
Leonardo turned to look at Soo-Ae/Daphne to avoid seeing the duke's laughing face.
But seeing Soo-Ae/Daphne's sparkling eyes made him shyly answer.
"Ha" (Leonardo)
"W-Well if we're talking about height wise umm...I like a short woman" (Leonardo, said)
"Haha, you get that from me" (Duke Adalwen, said)
The duke's voice was heard back from her seat.
Duchess Lilith was short, very short.
She was about five feet tall compared to the duke who was six feet with four inches.
Leonardo also inherited his father's height being six feet with two while Soo-Ae/Daphne was five feet with three inches.
Soo-Ae/Daphne smiled warmly and began to write Leonardo's answer.
'Scribble, Scribble'
Writing down.
'Halt'
Stop writing.
She proceeded to ask him a second question.
"Second, would you prefer your interest candidate to have short hair, medium length, or long hair" (Soo-Ae/Daphne, asked)
'Mmm...well I don't mind the length but thinking about it short hair is not that bad they might look cute and sometimes ladies with short hair give a bubbly feeling' (Leonardo's inner thoughts)
"Short hair" (Leonardo, said)
'Scribble, Scribble'
Writing down.
Soo-Ae/Daphne wrote down Leonardo's second answer while the duke spoke up.
"Leonardo you like women with short hair?" (Duke Adalwen, asked)
"Gahh what's wrong with that?" (Leonardo, asked)
He turned to look at the duke again flustered.
"Oh nothing you keep describing I'll just focus on my work as I enjoy on hearing your answers for concentration." (Duke Adalwen, said )
He teased Leonardo one more time before getting back to his work.
'They tend to tease each other like little kids at times' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
A small chuckle left her lips grabbing Leonardo's attention again.
"Then ~~~~~ ~~~" (Soo-Ae/Daphne, asked)
Soo-Ae/Daphne continued to ask Leonardo a few more questions.
"~~~~ ~~~~" (Soo-Ae/Daphne)
"~~~ ~~~" (Soo-Ae/Daphne)
Soo-Ae/Daphne asked and wrote down Leonardo's answers till they finished and Soo-Ae/Daphne headed back to her room to recollect the data leaving Leonardo and the duke alone.
"Wow who knew describing a perspective partner takes such work?" (Leonardo, asked)
He said with an exhausted face as if he had trained with a sword all day.
"Right Dad?" (Leonardo, asked)
He turned his fatigued face to look at the duke who still sat down lost in thought.
"Sorry I was lost in thought" (Duke Adalwen, said)
"Dad?" (Leonardo, asked)
He asked concerned.
"My mind was thinking about what Xavier informed me about the garden tea party." (Duke Adalwen, said)
Leonardo frowned at the duke's words.
"Ah you should have just canceled tonight's dinner" (Leonardo, said)
"That was what I was going to do but Daphne didn't want to so I left it but that doesn't mean I'll let things go." (Duke Adalwen, said)
He ruffled his hair as he said frustrated.
"Daphne is so unforgiving sometimes that it worries me. She should have been hard on others." (Duke Adalwen, said)
"I know, she let all those noble ladies off so easily" (Leonardo, said)
He greeted his teeth in anger.
"However, the concerned is much greater when I heard about the statement she declare at the garden tea party." (Duke Adalwen, said)
He added on stressed.
"Ha, I'm sure it already spread everywhere." (Duke Adalwen, said)
"So make sure to watch Daphne at the party" (Duke Adalwen, said)
He stared at Leonardo with a firm expression.
"Yes, Father don't worry I won't let Theon hurt Daphne again" (Leonardo, said)
He knew what his father meant because he had to hear the report of Soo-Ae/Daphne's love declaration.
He couldn't help but bitter smile at how things had turned out to be.
"I'm relieved to hear that then." (Duke Adalwen, said)
He closed his eyes gently as he told Leonardo and opened them again.
"Then let's finish up our work before dinner." (Duke Adalwen, said)
'Nod' (Leonardo)
"Yes, Father" (Leonardo, said)
The duke and Leonardo went back to work.
Soon the time had seemed to pass as it was time for the dinner meeting.
............
-Later that night in the Denzel's family dining room-
Both the Denzel family and the Holan family sat together at one table to dine.
Duke Adalwen sat in the main seat.
On his right was the duchess, followed by Soo-Ae/Daphne, and Leonardo.
On his left side were Baron Omnar, Baroness Leticia, young Baron Ron, and young Baroness Yuna.
"I hope you find today's dinner to your taste." (Duke Adalwen, said)
Duke Adalwen said as he looked at them with a gentle smile but distant eyes.
"Ah it is, please there was no need for such a feast" (Baron Omnar, Said)
Baron Omnar a fourty-three year old man with dark blue hair and dark blue eyes said as he took a quick glance at the feast served and back again to Duke Adalwen.
"After all, you have been very lenient toward us." (Baron Omnar, said)
His dark blue eyes turned to look at Yuna who had flinched and turned back to look at the duke once again.
It was clear what that meant.
"I'm glad we can personally meet however, before that I like to apologize on my daughter's behalf for the disrespect she made Princess Daphne go through." (Baron Omnar, said)
Yuna's cheeks turned a pink color as everyone looked at her.
She turned to face Soo-Ae/Daphne and got up from her seat and stared at Soo-Ae/Daphne's bubble-gum blue eyes.
'I'm truly sorry Princess Daphne.' (Yuna, said)
"My attitude was very disrespectful and improper. This was all due to my careless and immaturity, therefore I offer you an apology once again to you and your family." (Yuna, said)
She bowed as she said.
'Damn, how embarrassing! To think I wanted to make an impression with young Duke Leonardo!' (Yuna's inner thoughts)
She tried hard not to greet her teeth in anger.
'Father was the only one supposed to come but he dragged me along.' (Yuna's inner thoughts)
"Daphne" (Duke Adalwen, said)
The duke's voice was heard from a short distance.
It was a quo for Soo-Ae/Daphne to handle the situation as she pleased.
Finally, Soo-Ae/Daphne's lips parted.
"Lady Yuna please raise your head, I have already forgiven you so please sit down and enjoy the meal we have prepared for you." (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
Soo-Ae/Daphne said gently country to her real thought.
'Hurry sit down I'm starving!' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
Yuna raised her head to look at Soo-Ae/Daphne.
"Thank you for your forgiveness Princess Daphne." (Yuna, said)
She slowly sat down.
"Honestly I can be pretty petty but all I want to do right now is eat' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
'I'm so hungry I spent all night gathering data, all day I added more, and tomorrow I have to attend the party' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
'I need something to fill my stomach' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
Luckily the dinner went well until Soo-Ae/Daphne had found out about the young Baron Ron's actions.
........
-Inside Soo-Ae/Daphne's room-
She stood in front of her bed and crossed her arms to look at Phoine and three other maids beside her.
"I want honesty" (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
"Tell me what happened" (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
Soo-Ae/Daphne said calmly but her eyes had seemed a little worried as she said.
However, the maids did not respond.
"I'm not going to get you in trouble, I just want you to be honest with me. You are my people and I will protect you so please speak" (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
"L-Lady Daphne" (Cala, said)
A brave maid with blonde hair and light brown eyes spoke up timidly.
"Yes?" (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
'Guilp' (Cala)
'If I'm honest...Lady Daphne would be on our side right?' (Cala's inner thoughts)
Every commoner knew that no matter if their master was a noble, if another noble offended them it would be unpredictable if their master would stand up for them.
"During the dinner visit young Baron Ron excused himself to the washroom and he went out to harras us maids, especially to Phoine." (Cala, said)
"He groped her bottoms" (Cala, said)
She said as she closed her eyes timidly.
"!" (Soo-Ae/Daphne)
Soo-Ae/Daphne's eyes widen in surprise and turned to look at Phoine that looked down at the floor.
'What the hell?! That perverted bastard!' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
'No wonder I felt the tense atmosphere among the maids' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
'I knew there was some creepy thing about him when he stared at me with lustful eyes...' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)
'He really doesn't know who he just messed with' (Soo-Ae/Daohne's inner thoughts)
Soo-Ae/Daphne's face had seemed to show anger making the maids misunderstand the situation.
"My lady we apolo-" (Cala, said)
But Soo-Ae/Daphne interrupted looking at the stressed-out Cala.
"Thank you for being honest with me" (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
'Nod' (Cala)
Soo-Ae/Daphne looked at the other maids and then at Phoine.
"I want you to know if incidents like this were to happen you have the right to slap them or press charges." (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
"You did not join the Denzel family for nothing. We all respect you and your hard work towards this family." (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
She turned to look at her maids who had tears in their eyes.
"So don't be afraid to because we are here to protect you." (SooA-Ae/Daphne, said)
Soo-Ae/Daphne said before turning her head slowly to look at Phoine who had raised her head in tears.
"If you would have told me before he left I would have had the opportunity to beat the carp out of him today but since he already left I will have to wait until tomorrow." (Soo-Ae/Daphne, said)
She said as if imagining him in front of her.
'Tomorrow I will surely crush him where it hurts' (Soo-Ae/Daphne's inner thoughts)