After my conversation with Countess Verde, I returned to my chamber, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. The weight of my responsibilities as the Duchess of Cubresia seemed to lift off my shoulders, and for a moment, I allowed myself to forget about the troubles that had been plaguing me. Edyth was waiting for me, gently brushing my hair as we chatted.

"Edyth, how's Permio doing? I hope he's not overexerting his self," I asked, trying to sound casual despite the concern that had been gnawing at me.

"Thankfully, Permio is doing great, my lady," Edyth replied with a warm smile. "He's quite sociable with the Cubresia Knights, and even the captain praises him for his friendly manner." Her words brought a smile to my face, and for a moment, I forgot about the gloom that had been settling over me.

Edyth's expression turned curious as she asked, "My lady, are you going to attend the banquet with His Grace? Or will you be going alone?" Her question brought me back to reality, and I felt a pang of uncertainty.

"I'm not sure, Edyth," I replied, sighing. "I haven't told Duke Claude yet, and to be honest, I don't think he'll want to attend with me. He's still upset with me." Edyth's expression turned sympathetic, and she reached out to pat my hand.

"That's not true, my lady," she said softly. "I believe His Grace will come around once he sees how much you care for him. You just need to keep hoping." Her words brought a lump to my throat, and I felt a surge of gratitude towards her.

As Edyth continued to brush my hair, she said, "You should think of yourself for once, my lady. Think about how to win Duke Claude's heart instead of putting up walls between the two of you." Her words struck a chord within me, and I felt a pang of longing.

"If only it were that simple, Edyth," I replied, smiling wistfully. "But I fear it's not that easy." Edyth's expression turned thoughtful, and she nodded.

After my bath, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling as the moonlight cast a silver glow over my chamber. My thoughts drifted to Duke Claude and our complicated relationship. I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for us, and whether we would ever be able to find happiness together.

The next morning, I woke up to Edyth opening the curtains. She seemed to be in a good mood, humming to herself as she went about her chores. The sunlight streaming through the window was a welcome change from the gloom that had been settling over me, and I felt a sense of hope rising within me.

"Edyth, you're here early," I said, stretching. "Is everything okay? You seem happy today." Edyth turned to me with a warm smile.

"My lady, Duke Claude arrived back from the royal palace," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I think it would be lovely if you greeted him. I'm sure he'd appreciate it."

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. But Edyth's words struck a chord within me, and I nodded. "You're right, Edyth. I'll go greet him."

Edyth helped me into a simple yet elegant yellow dress, and we headed out to find Duke Claude. We spotted him standing in the front yard, his red eyes gleaming in the morning light. His expression was distant, and I could sense the tension in his shoulders.

Without thinking, I ran towards him and threw my arms around him, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Duke Claude!" I exclaimed, holding him tightly.

Duke Claude's body stiffened in surprise, and he looked at me with a mix of confusion and annoyance. "Lady Celeste, what are you doing? Let go of me," he said, his voice firm but controlled.

I felt a pang of embarrassment as I realized my mistake. I quickly released him, trying to compose myself. "I'm sorry, Duke Claude," I said, feeling a sense of shame wash over me. "I just... I was worried about you."

Duke Claude's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained cold. "We're not in a relationship where we can hug each other, Lady Celeste," he said, his words cutting deep. "Don't forget that."

I felt a sting from his words, but I tried to smile. "I'm just glad you're back safely, Duke Claude," I said, trying to sound casual despite the emotions swirling within me.

He nodded curtly before turning to go inside the Duchy. "I'll be busy, Lady Celeste," he said, his voice dismissive. "Enjoy your day."

As I watched him leave, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I wasn't sure what had just happened, but I knew I had to be more careful in the future.