CHAPTER 6 – I want it, I have it (1)

"Uhm…Captain Vector, is it okay if I try that archery bow?" Althea asked.

"Archery? Sure, My Lady. Let me escort you there."

With Captain Vector's escort, Althea approached the archery bows' row. "Please choose which bow you want to use, My Lady." With Captain Vector's guide, Althea started choosing the bow.

"Can I try it now?"

"Yes, My Lady. As you please."

Step by step, Althea recalled her memory of her past life. She joined an archery class to spend her leisure time back then. She clearly remembered that her coach always praised her for her excellent skill in archery. He even asked her if she wanted to join an archery competition, but she was unconfident about that.

She focused her eyes on the target board. She counted one to three inwardly. With a short breath, Althea released her arrow.

JLEB

The arrow is perfectly stuffed in the center of the target board. Althea put a satisfied look on her face. Next to her, there stood Captain Vector whose mouth opened in agape. He truly didn't believe what he saw. He widened his eyes.

"I believe it's a coincidence, Captain Vector." Althea said shyly.

"Pardon me, what coincidence? My Lady, that was too perfect for an amateur! Unbelievable, you are truly talented, My Lady." Captain Vector praised her proudly.

"You flatter me, Captain."

“Unbelievable!”

That was how her tiresome day went. Unfortunately, the duke was too busy today. Since Althea cannot give him some cookies on the same day, she decided to give them to him on the next day.

As usual, Mr. Loin the butler and Zoey came to the duke for the report. It was too late at night when the duke came back to the mansion.

"Your Grace, the Lady truly is an angel!" Mr. Loin exclaimed.

"I see all of you look so happy these days." The duke said lightly.

"The Lady baked some delicious cookies for all of us; the servants and the knights." Mr. Loin said.

"That's true, Your Grace. The Lady beautifully made the cookies with her own hands. She is so skillful in baking." Zoey adds.

"She only baked cookies for the servants and knights?!"The duke put on a displeased look.

"T...The Lady also baked some cookies for His Grace too. She had waited for you until dinner time but Your Grace isn't at home yet. The Lady looked so sad back then." Zoey said in a sad tone.

"I believe the Lady will give the cookies to you tomorrow, Your Grace." Mr. Loin adds.

"Alright, you may go."

"Ah…Your Grace. I've got a report from Captain Vector as well. He said our Lady is excellent at archery. We all know that Captain Vector rarely praised anybody, but he praised the Lady today!" Mr. Loin exclaimed.

"My daughter never went to the kitchen nor learned archery before. How come she could be that good?" The duke titled his head.

"Your Grace, it is because the Lady is the descendant of the Harrigan family who was born with talent and intelligence!" Mr. Loin answered confidently.

"Ah…you're right. She is my daughter and indeed my blood." The duke said proudly. "If it is no more, you may leave." He adds.

Again, the duke fell into deep thought. He realized that Althea has truly changed. She was so stubborn and cold-hearted to everyone before. But now, she is so kind-hearted and thoughtful.

'Hah…should I buy her some gifts? It's been a while since she asked me for the gifts.' He thought.

"Kyn." The duke called. Not long after, a handsome man appeared next to him.

"I am, General."

Kyn Ziach, was the duke's loyal shadow guard. He was just ten years old when the duke brought him to the mansion. The duke found him in the deserted land, the land of the exiled people.

The duke noticed Kyn's potential and decided to train him. Since that day, Kyn has vowed his loyalty toward the duke. And now, he was a twenty-one-year-old handsome man. He often went to war along with the duke. That was why his skill in fighting above Imperial's knights.

"I'll assign you to be my daughter's personal knight from now on. You must ensure her safety. Don't hesitate to kill anybody who tried to harm her whatever the circumstances." The duke commanded.

"I heed your command, General." Kyn bowed.

"You will be officially introduced tomorrow."

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In the Emperor's study room, he wrote a private letter with an Imperial pattern sealed on it. He gave the letter to his exclusive aide, Franklin.

"Franklin."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Deliver this letter as soon as possible. It's time to save the Imperial throne from that fool bastard. My second son is much worthy of the throne." The emperor said as he handed the letter to Franklin.

"As your command, Your Majesty," Franklin replied respectfully.

The Second Prince was the son of the Queen. He was sent to the North to study right after the Queen passed away. In fact, the Queen's death was something planned by the Empress and her supporters. The emperor, who loved the Queen, decided to save her son from the Empress.

He was sent to the north when he was seven. It has been fifteen years. Now was time for him to go back home and show his worth for the throne to compete with the Crown Prince.

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On the next day, the duke and Althea have tea time together. She could give the cookies she baked to her father at last. The duke praised her skill in baking and archery as what the butler had reported.

"Athe, do you want some jewels or new dresses? This father will give you everything you want." The duke offered.

"Uhm…thank you, father. But I don't really need those. I've been so grateful that you assigned very capable teachers to teach me everything about becoming the successor." Althea beamed.

"And all of them praised how genius you are." The duke said proudly.

"I'll always work hard, father. I won't let you down.” Althea said. And there was a long silence, “…well, I really want to learn swordsmanship, father." Althea said.

"Swordsmanship?" The duke narrowed his forehead.

"Yes, father. I think it would be safer if I could wield a sword myself for self-defense." Althea explained.

"I am about to introduce you to your personal escort. Thus, he will ensure your safety. I think it’s enough for you to master archery. This father won’t let you have a fight head to head using a sword.” The duke said firmly.

“But...I thought I heard father say he would give me anything I wanted.” Althea put a puppy look on her face.