—— Chapter 3 ——

  The scent of hardwood and withering petals

  < Of course, I will get ready straight away and meet him in his study afterwards. >

  ?That should be a good answer right?“

  < I'll help my Lady get ready then. >

  Before I could even say anything to her, she was already pulling on my robe and helped me get ready for my first meeting with the Duke of Virelle.

  ———

  The corridors of the manor were wide and decorated in an old fashioned way. It didn't take me long to recognize the various symbols that were prominently displayed around the building. The vast majority of them looked like shells and coastal flowers while there were butterflies and birds in between them. It was a gorgeous place.

  Luckily, after I had gotten dressed, Leah joined me on my way to the duke's office. After all, I probably wouldn't have been able to find it on my own anyway. Because even though I have read about it, to me this whole place still felt like a huge labyrinth.

  The dress I was wearing now was made of the finest silk and complemented by the intricate hairstyle that she had chosen for me. The whole look was rounded off by a delicate white bow in my hair. I think I had never been dressed up this much in my life before, but I liked it. It wasn't something that I would have been able to wear back home anyways - in this life on the other hand, it seemed most natural.

  But there was no time to dwell on that for now, I had to stay focused on what lay ahead of me.

  ?I just hope I can pull this off smoothly. Shouldn’t he realize that I’m not really her? If anyone would notice, it would be him, right?“

  I twisted a curl of my hair with my fingers as I tensed up a bit about this encounter. In my head I was recalling all the information I had from the novel.

  ?In the beginning they send Marilys to the capital - so since I‘m still in Virelle that instruction should be voiced today, right? - I practically can‘t screw this up if I just say as few words as I can.“

  ?How bad could it really be?“

  Before I knew it, we had already reached his office. Leah raised her hand and knocked lightly at the door before she would speak up.

  < My Lord, I have brought Lady Marilys with me, just liked you asked. >

  Her voice seemed to be a lot colder and reserved than when she had talked to me earlier. Considering he was the high-ranking noble she was serving for, I felt quite a bit of empathy for her. Everyone would probably be on the edge when facing someone like him.

  < Come in. >

  Before I opened the doors in front of me, Leah quickly signaled to me that she would wait right in front of the door.

  ?At least someone Marilys can count on.“ I felt reassured.

  Once I had opened the door, I entered a luxurious room. There were many bookshelves with what looked like thousands of books on them. In the middle of it stood a large wooden table that looked like it was an ancient heirloom. Right behind it sat a man, looking directly at me. This must be the Duke of Virelle.

  Leah had meanwhile closed the heavy doors behind me and the whole world seemed to go silent.

  The Duke looked closely to how he had been described as in the book - a middle aged man that holds a high position. His dark hair had started going gray in some places and his face showed wrinkles, which made him look quite stern. He looked like he had seen a lot already.

  ?Marilys really doesn’t resemble him much - I wonder if she inherited her looks from the late duchess.“ It was as clear as day that they didn’t look much alike.

  I had to focus now.

  ?Okay - focus, I‘m Marilys now, or at least I have to be. I have to play the role of his perfect daughter.“

  I put on an earnest smile and spoke to him in a warm tone.

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  < I heard you had called for me father, it’s a pleasure to see you. >

  He looked pleased by my words.

  < Right, it’s good to see you have recovered from your sudden illness at last. You wouldn’t want to worry your father, right? >

  I halted for a second to pick my words carefully.

  ?Does he mean the fever I woke up with? I assume Marilys has fallen ill prior to my arrival so that would add up -?

  My confusion aside I replied just as courteous as he did just now.

  < Of course, I would never want to worry father. I also am as good as new, thanks to everyone in the palace who took excellent care of me. I got better in practically no time. >

  I really did my best to sound as charming and lively as I could. Even if my Impression of her was still a bit wonky at times - I gave it my everything.

  ?Does this Marilys please you, Duke of Virelle?“

  He put down the pen he had been holding and got up from his chair. He seemed to be even more intimidating now that I could see his height. Compared to me he was at least half a head taller. He slowly strode towards me.

  As the distance between us decreased I could smell the scent of hardwood coming from him. At this moment, I was so distracted that I totally missed how tense my body had gotten by itself. My hands were slightly shaking.

  ?I guess his status as the Duke isn’t just all air, he really lives up to it.“

  He stopped right in front of me and caressed my cheek slightly. A cold shower crawled up my back.

  < Oh dear you can be such a nuisance at times. How carelessly you got sick after I instructed you to make your appearance in the capital. I‘m sure you can understand your dear father was worried, right? >

  I stared at the hand he had extended towards me while trying to make sense of his words.

  ?After he instructed me - so we’re past this point? Wait - he already sent me there? Then the story has changed in this short time? That would mean I don’t know what happens next…is that why he is talking to me like this?“

  Something definitely felt very off and I could sense that clearly, even though I only got here minutes ago. My smile stiffened as the unease caught up to me.

  ?Well done story, you already threw me over after 5 minutes with him…“ I could not believe how naive I was to assume everything would just go smoothly.

  < I‘m deeply sorry father, I will be more careful from now on. Don’t worry, I‘m already overjoyed to see the capital with my own eyes. >

  His hand drifted down until it fell on my shoulder. As he looked into my eyes, his first ever so gentle grip grew tighter and tighter.

  < Of course you are. How could you not after I personally ordered you to? You understand your worth in this family, right? After all I was carefully raising you to know your place. >

  He leaned in even further as he tightened his grasp until it hurt. There was no way I could fight it. Eventually his mouth was right beside my ear as he whispered in a cool voice.

  < Don’t you act up now dear. We both know you don’t have the strength to do so. I would advise you to behave from now on, I don’t want you to get hurt from trying to disobey me. >

  It sent a chill down my spine. Why does he behave like this? Why couldn’t I do anything? I held my breath, my eyes dropping to the floor. I wasn’t able to resist him - not just out of fear but because every muscle in my body felt like it was going weak.

  ?What's going on here? This should be the story of a heroine and her perfect little life.“

  My shoulder throbbed from the pressure he applied, and a ringing noise filled my ears. My fingers had clung to the tulle of my dress, as everything else around me went blurry.

  ?Are those my feelings or the ones Marilys left behind?“

  A faint smile was engraved in his expression as he stood up straight again. His hand was still digging into my shoulder.

  < Now now Marilys, what is that look on your face, smile for your father! I’m just doing my best at raising you to be the next duchess. >

  Without me noticing, my smile had slipped away. There was nothing for me to smile about anymore at this point. I wanted - no, I needed to get out of here as fast as I could.

  I raised my head again and looked into his hazel eyes, a big smile on my face.

  ?He can’t notice which of us is standing here.“

  < Of course father, I appreciate it. I’m sure under your guidance I can become an honorable heir to our dukedom. >

  His words felt sharp like a blade that was being held by my throat. The room was filled in an icey silence for a moment.

  < I really don’t feel like educating you further, I have a hard time too, you know? How could I enjoy raising my voice - or something harsher, when you keep refusing to learn from your mistakes? >

  His words made me sick to the stomach.

  ?Just a second - just a second longer.“

  < You’re right father, I should be more mindful towards you. I wouldn’t want to disappoint you. >

  A pleased smile appeared on his lips. He let go of my shoulder and rubbed his hand on his coat for a second before turning back to sit down in his chair.

  My body felt like it weighed a ton, and I could barely breathe. He picked up his pen again and started writing on his papers.

  ?This can‘t be it. This is not supposed to be my story from now on, right?“

  < While we're at it, I also found you a fitting knight that will look after you once you are there. He will assure your safety and tend to your needs. Make good use of him. >

  < Thank you father, I definitely will. I appreciate your effort. >

  He looked up one last time and mustered me for a second before he leaned back in his chair.

  < You may be dismissed now. Your departure will be in three days - you should better be ready this time. I won’t tolerate any kind of nonsense from you anymore. >

  I still smiled warmly.

  < I‘ll make sure to be prepared, father. Thank you for your concern. >

  I bowed a low courtesy and hushed out of his office as swiftly as I could without making a ruckus. My hand reached for the massive doors and I pushed them open in a heartbeat. The fresh, salty air rushed into my lungs, like I was finally able to breathe again after being submerged in the deep sea for too long.

  My limbs still shaky, I took a few steps forward as I felt the pressure on myself relieving . I did well.

  The doors shut behind me, and I took a moment to steady myself. My shoulder still aching from his grip and fingers trembling, I tried sorting my thoughts.

  ?Was this really part of her life? Does that really mean the perfect life I got sent into - isnt perfect after all? - They never mentioned anything remotely close to this.“

  I gripped my dress lightly in an attempt to calm my nerves. I felt sick to my stomach.

  ?It‘s okay. I’ve got this. I was Marilys , no, I am her now. He didn’t notice anything that’s what matters - I did good.“

  Leah gently brushed over my shoulder as she looked at me with a concerned expression. I had to get it together for her now.

  As I looked at her I smiled. The same empty smile that I had perfected in my old life already. One that didn‘t reflect any true emotions but looked like there was nothing bothering me.

  < My father informed me that I may leave Virelle in three days so we should prepare everything for my departure. I wouldn‘t want anything to get in the way this time. >

  ?Maybe if I just play my role perfectly from now on - I might stay on track for my easy heroine life.“