I Refuse To Be A Character In A Novel - Chapter 36

The king was reading the report brought by his servant when a knock was heard.

With his permission, the guard opened the door and a young woman came in.

“Thank you for granting me an audience, Your Majesty.”

The woman greeted with courtesy, hiding her anxiety.

Despite having served in the palace for over a year, she had very little contact with the king.

As she stood in his presence, Claudia couldn’t help but feel the weight of his title.

Albert Schwerin De Rasmodia.

He was the man with the highest position in the kingdom, and she was a mere servant who dared ask for his precious time.

The reason which brought her to do so was fortunately pleasant news.

Claudia straightened her back when the king permitted it, waving his hand.

While she stood across his desk, Albert continued reading his report, unmindful of her presence.

As silence filled the office, Claudia grew more anxious.

Discreetly, she stole a glance around her.

A red carpet laid regally on the floor, while golden patterns decorated the walls.

Little to the left, two couches were arranged across a round table.

Back to the center, the king worked behind his mahogany desk.

Next to him stood a man.

The man’s blue eyes reflected a calm mind.

His brown hair lit up with a golden shade under the sunlight that poured through the window.

‘He must be the secretary.’

‘It’s quite remarkable that he has such a high position at his young age.’

Startled by the eyes which met hers, Claudia avoided his gaze in embarrassment.

Finally, the king raised his head after stamping the document.

The face that was revealed remained sharp and noble with traces of youth, while the blonde hair that once covered his head had started turning gray.

Somehow, even that faded color seemed to add to his already overwhelming presence.

Claudia gulped as she faced his dry black eyes.

In a haste to leave her position, she called.

“Your majesty.”

“It must be urgent.”

Albert said in an amused tone.

News of the queen were usually delivered by his own secretary, who now was standing by his side seemingly unaware of the matter.

Instead, it was the new head maid of the queen’s palace who asked for an audience.

“Speak.”

“Congratulations, Your Majesty. The queen is with child.”

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An old man in his 60’s walked to the main entrance at her arrival.

“Welcome back, Madam.”

He greeted the hostess of the Argentine dukedom with grace befitting the name he served.

As he followed behind, Sylvester reported about the day’s events.

The gardener’s replacement had arrived earlier that morning.

The young lady attended the tea party in Ludwig county.

She then sent a note through her attendant saying that she would be visiting the Jasmine boutique with the young lady of Kamilton.

Maevia frowned at the last remark.

“Are you saying that there’s no attendant by her side right now?”

Sylvester, the butler, nodded silently.

Maevia breathed heavily as he confirmed.

Not only unbecoming for a noble lady to walk around with no attendant, but it was equally dangerous.

Being the last of her children, Maevia thought that she might have regrettably spoiled her daughter more than intended.

“Send someone to bring her back.”

She ordered firmly.

The butler carried her words immediately though the servant that stood nearby.

Maevia listened to the rest of his report without much attention.

“There’s one more thing.”

Sylvester added as he handed her an envelope.

“A letter from the north arrived this morning.”

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The green eyes looked through the lines with indifference.

It was a plain letter with no more than 3 sentences.

After a short greeting, it was stated that the duke would return later than usual this year.

Maevia furrowed her eyebrows.

Her son was not one to let her know of his schedule… Unless something important would follow.

In the very next sentence, she came to realize the reason behind it.

The duchess and young master of Argentine would be coming along this year.

The green eyes retraced the last sentence with mixed feelings.

She didn’t care much about the new duchess coming over to her rightful place, but a slight curiosity rose towards her grandson.

She heard a few things about him through the nanny she had sent, but Maevia had never seen him since he was a few months old.

Zachary for one wasn’t generous enough to deliver any news about his family, and Maevia never cared to ask.

Maevia folded the letter back in place.

Doing so, she ordered Sylvester who stood by her side to make the proper arrangements.

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Maevia Von Deukh.

The youngest princess of Talia, a small kingdom at the edge of the empire.

At the age of 16, the young princess fell in love.

It was around the time a delegation from Rasmodia came for a visit.

Despite the small chances, the princess earnestly prayed.

As she believed, her prayers were answered.

The very next year, a marriage union was proposed by the king of Rasmodia, and her partner was to be his second son, Edward Schwering De Rasmodia.

Within a few months, a royal wedding was held.

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