Chapter I
"Listen here, Phen. Men are simple creatures. If we like something, we like it. If we don't like something, we don't. The trick here is finding out whether or not we like something. If you keep that in mind then you'll be able to find a good, decent lad one day. If he ever does something stupid then leave it to me to rough him up and teach him a lesson. I was an adventurer during my younger days after all and I'm sure your mother and father will roll in their graves if I don't manage to protect my one and only niece"
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"S'not my fault they're all a bunch of fucking pansies! Just imagine, you're enjoying a drink at the tavern talkin' about this and that with the boys and then some little shite walks in acting like he owns the place. I could've just ignored it, but then he has the gall to say that he's bedded every noble young maiden from here to the next kingdom over so of course I had to rip his balls off— Ow, ow, ouch! Easy on the potion, Phen! You know your poor uncle's no spring chicken anymore!"
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"If any man ever tries to touch you inappropriately or do something that you don't like then just give them a good, hard kick in the ballsack, ya hear? Just take a deep breath and then exhale as soon as you let your foot fly. Just one good kick is more than enough to take down any man, especially grabby bastards"
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"You know, before I retired I had a little apprentice of sorts. The wee lad was still wet behind the ears when I first met him. Almost got himself killed if it weren't for my amazing sword skills, if I do say so myself. He was a pompous 'lil fucker at first, but he gradually loosened up enough for me to teach him enough so he wouldn't get killed so easily. I do sometimes wonder how he's doing. Hopefully he's managed to outgrow the stick up his ass by now"
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"Phen? Come closer, sweetling. Let uncle take a good look at you. No tears now, dear girl. Just smile for me. You can do that, right? One big, beautiful smile for the road."
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"That's my girl"
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Stephanie Ines Lindell.
The last remaining descendant of their baronial house, was getting married.
Such an event was expected of every maiden whether of noble or humble birth for it was something that came only once in every respectable woman's life. Much fanfare and merrymaking was the norm, the more the better even and the event only became grander depending on the status of the couple. For nobility, they pride themselves in putting on grand displays of their wealth and prestige, one-upping the other so as to parade their superiority over the ton.
Even peasants from those backwater villages residing in the countryside would put forth some sort of celebration, even if it was merely parading around their tiny village on an oxen cart decorated with local wildflowers. It didn't matter how big a celebration was, what mattered was the intent and in this case, it was a testament to a couple's sincere feelings to one another. That as husband and wife, they will face the world together until the day they are laid to their eternal rest.
Some, beyond the grave even. (One must never underestimate the loyalty of a necromancer or even those willing to employ the services of one).
Bottom line is, weddings are to be celebrated regardless of one's station in life.
Yet our darling heroine has found herself being accompanied by her only maid into the kingdom's Civil Affairs Bureau rather than the church.
Officials ran around the office building, completing this task and that, almost completely unaware of the unassuming girl that maneuvered through the halls with ease.
Stephanie was by no means unpleasant to look at, what with her round face that seemed as soft and smooth as a freshly steamed meat bun, almond-shaped chocolate brown eyes, and the lush inky tresses that cradled her face and ran down the expanse of her back.
And yet, despite looking like a porcelain doll she was still able to weave through the throng of people that went about their business. There was a certain swiftness in her light-footed steps, something that her struggling maid didn't seem to possess as she squeezed through the busy employees and other regular citizens alike.
"Milady, w-wait for me!" She wheezed, narrowly missing being bowled over by a rather heavy-set man who valiantly ran after a fuming woman with all his might.
"Hurry up, Maddie. We must be able to sign those papers promptly lest we make the duke wait any longer than necessary. We owe him that courtesy at the very least." A miniscule smile wound its way to her lips as she thought about a man she'd never even met in person yet.
Then again, not everyone has the honor to meet the country's esteemed prime minister and only grand duke.
Lucius Moretto Elldrich Oswynn.
A man both revered and feared within the kingdom and outside of it.
The Duchy of Oswynn had served as ministers to the king since their nation's birth. Of course, such an illustrious name carried with it great honor, but also an even heavier burden upon one's shoulders.
Each successive duke trying their best to become known in an effort not to bring shame to their family. For what face could they ever show their ancestors once they travel into the world beyond if they were anything but exemplary?
From political machinations to even military strategy, the Grand Duke of Oswynn was a man whose control over the kingdom was deeply rooted. So much so that if he wished it, he could lead a coup d'etat and the people's hearts would be with him.
Though the king was the face of the nation, the Grand Duke is the true pillar of this nation.
And he was to be Stephanie's husband.