Voices echoed sharply from outside the mansion gates, loud enough to cut through the quiet night.
By the time Olivia stepped out from the inner hallway, several guards were already standing tense near the entrance, hands resting near their swords as nobles argued impatiently beyond the gates.
And near them—
Max and Mike stood together beneath the lantern light, both clearly brought outside in the middle of the disturbance.
Olivia’s expression changed instantly.
“Max.”
The children turned immediately at the sound of her voice.
Relief crossed both their faces so quickly it made something cold settle inside Olivia’s chest.
She walked toward them without hesitation, her pace fast enough that the servants behind her struggled to follow.
“What is happening here?”
Her voice dropped low.
Cold.
Sharp enough that the arguing stopped immediately.
Max reached her first, grabbing lightly onto her sleeve while Mike moved closer beside him without speaking.
Olivia crouched slightly at once, checking both of them carefully despite the calm expression on her face.
Neither child was injured.
But Max looked tense.
Mike’s hands were cold.
That alone was enough.
Behind her, Nura stepped forward quickly.
“Some nobles insisted on entering despite the late hour,” she explained carefully.
“The commotion woke the children.
Sir Kal ordered everyone outside while the guards handled the situation.”
Olivia closed her eyes briefly.
Then slowly exhaled after confirming both boys were safe.
Her hands softened immediately as she touched their hair gently.
“It’s alright now,” she said quietly.
The coldness disappeared from her voice completely when speaking to them.
“You should both go back inside.”
The children hesitated.
Especially Mike.
Olivia noticed immediately.
So she leaned slightly closer and spoke softer this time.
“I’ll handle it.”
Simple words.
But enough.
The boys nodded slowly.
Before they left, Olivia pressed a small kiss against each of their foreheads, making Max visibly relax while Mike stared at her for a second in quiet surprise before lowering his gaze again.
“Nura,” Olivia said calmly, rising back to her feet, “take them inside.”
“Yes, Grand Duchess.”
The moment the children disappeared into the mansion, the warmth left Olivia’s expression entirely.
Only then did she finally turn toward the gates.
A carriage stood there beneath the dim lights.
Black.
Familiar.
Olivia already knew.
Before the announcement could even be made, the carriage door opened.
Lucas stepped out.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
Every knight straightened at once.
“WELCOME HOME, YOUR EXCELLENCE.”
Even Olivia bowed properly.
“I greet the Duke.”
Her tone was controlled.
Polite.
Distant enough that Lucas noticed immediately.
His gaze lingered on her longer than expected.
This wasn’t the Olivia he remembered.
No nervousness.
No visible emotion.
No eager attention fixed entirely on him.
Only composure.
Cold and perfectly measured.
Even Sir Kal and Nel looked subtly unsettled by the difference.
Olivia lifted her gaze directly toward Sir Kal.
“What,” she asked evenly, “is the meaning of this?”
Kal visibly stiffened.
“Grand Duchess, we only intended—”
“If you have something to say,” Lucas interrupted smoothly as he stepped forward, “you should address me instead.”
Olivia’s eyes moved toward him without hesitation.
“Very well.”
Her voice remained calm.
“What is the meaning of your people disturbing my mansion at night?”
For a brief moment, silence settled over the entrance.
Lucas’s faint smirk thinned slightly.
“This is my estate,” he replied evenly.
“I can return whenever I wish.”
Olivia smiled then.
Small.
Controlled.
Sharp enough that it held no warmth at all.
“And I,” she answered smoothly, “have the right to question whatever enters my home without proper conduct.”
Then her gaze shifted briefly back toward Kal.
“Especially when it disturbs my children.”
That word changed the atmosphere again.
My children.
Lucas noticed it immediately.
The certainty in her voice.
The possessiveness.
Not emotional.
Not desperate.
Protective.
And strangely enough— real.
Sir Kal immediately lowered himself to one knee.
His earlier confidence disappeared entirely beneath Olivia’s steady gaze.
“Grand Duchess,” he said quickly, “I apologize.
I will personally ensure the children receive a proper apology.”
Olivia looked at him without anger.
Without softness either.
Only control.
“Good,” she replied simply.
“And make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
The finality in her voice left no room for argument.
Then she turned away as if the matter no longer interested her.
“Once again,” she said calmly, “greet the Duke properly.”
Without waiting for a response, Olivia began walking back toward the mansion.
“I’m going to rest now.”
Flat.
Distant.
She never looked back once.
Lucas watched her leave in silence.
Something about it unsettled him more than it should have.
Behind him, Peter leaned casually against the carriage with a faint smirk.
“That was entertaining,” he said lightly.
Lucas frowned slightly.
“How long are you planning to stay here?”
Peter tilted his head lazily.
“I’m under your care for now, brother.”
Then, without waiting for permission, he followed Olivia inside.
Lucas remained standing near the entrance a moment longer, staring toward the closed doors.
Something felt wrong.
Off balance.
But eventually he dismissed it.
She’ll come tomorrow anyway.
She always does.
But she didn’t.
Not the next morning.
Or the day after that.
Two full days passed without Olivia seeking him out even once.
At first Lucas ignored it.
Then it became irritating.
Then unfamiliar.
He sat inside his office with unfinished documents spread across the desk, yet his thoughts kept drifting elsewhere.
What is she doing?
The mansion had become strangely quiet around him.
When they crossed paths, Olivia only greeted him politely before continuing on her way.
No lingering.
No attempts at conversation.
Nothing.
And somehow, instead of relief— he noticed the absence.
One afternoon, voices drifted faintly through the open window.
Laughter.
Lucas glanced up before he could stop himself.
Outside in the garden sat Olivia, Max, Mike…
and Peter.
The children looked comfortable around her in a way Lucas didn’t remember seeing before.
Max sat close enough that his shoulder occasionally brushed hers while speaking quietly.
Mike stayed near her side, silent most of the time, but visibly relaxed simply sitting there beside her.
And Olivia—
Olivia looked natural.
At peace.
Peter sat slightly too close, watching her more often than the conversation itself.
Lucas’s expression tightened faintly.
This again.
She’s only acting differently.
But even while dismissing it internally, his eyes stayed on the scene longer than necessary.
And it kept happening.
Breakfast.
Lunch.
Evenings in the garden.
Always together.
Always filled with that strange warmth Lucas couldn’t understand.
And somehow— he kept looking anyway.
The next morning, the dining room felt unusually tense.
Max and Mike were already seated together when Olivia entered, having come down later than usual after speaking with Nura upstairs.
The moment she appeared, both boys visibly relaxed slightly.
Lucas noticed that immediately.
Peter did too.
Olivia sat between the children naturally, greeting them softly before glancing around the table.
Then she noticed it.
The stiffness.
Especially from Mike.
Even Max looked quieter than normal.
Her gaze softened slightly.
After a moment, she spoke casually while pouring tea.
“Oh, I almost forgot.”
The children looked toward her immediately.
“The tea gathering is tomorrow,” she said gently.
“Several noble families will be attending.”
The reaction was instant.
Small.
Subtle.
But there.
Max’s fingers tightened slightly around his spoon.
Mike lowered his eyes toward the table.
The atmosphere changed almost imperceptibly.
Olivia noticed immediately.
Of course she did.
She stayed silent for a second before adding calmly—
“You don’t need to stay the entire time.”
Both boys looked up slightly.
“It’ll probably be boring anyway,” she continued dryly.
“Most noble gatherings are.”
A faint smile almost appeared on Max’s face.
Almost.
“And if anyone makes you uncomfortable,” Olivia added quietly, “you leave immediately and come find me.
Understood?”
The tension eased slightly after that.
Mike nodded first.
Then Max.
Only then did Olivia continue drinking her tea calmly.
Lucas watched the exchange silently.
Again— she noticed everything without needing to be told.
Before he could speak, Peter suddenly leaned back lazily in his chair.
“Then I’ll accompany you tomorrow.”
The table went quiet.
Lucas looked at him sharply.
What?
Mike glanced toward Peter briefly before speaking carefully.
“It’s okay if mister comes,” he said softly.
“He’s strong.”
Something about that bothered Lucas instantly.
Strong?
Before he could react, Olivia finally spoke.
“I can protect myself.”
Everyone looked toward her.
Her posture remained perfectly calm.
Unshaken.
“I don’t need someone beside me for protection,” she said evenly.
Then after a brief pause, she added while lightly fixing Max’s sleeve,
The dining room turned silent after Olivia’s calm words.
“I am strong enough to protect my people myself,” Olivia said while cutting her steak elegantly.
The fork in Peter’s hand stopped.
“Really?” Peter asked with a teasing smile, leaning back in his chair.
“You?”
Olivia slowly raised her eyes toward him, clearly offended.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
Peter chuckled.
“Grand Duchess, strength is not just talking confidently.
A battlefield is different from sitting on a golden chair.”
Lucas, sitting beside Olivia, immediately frowned.
He already disliked how naturally Peter was speaking with her.
The atmosphere between them irritated him more than he wanted to admit.
Olivia crossed her arms.
“You think I cannot fight?”
Peter smirked.
“I think you would not even last five minutes against me.”
The air became tense.
Mike’s eyes instantly sparkled.
“A fight?!”
Even Max looked excited, almost bouncing in his seat.
Lucas put his glass down harder than necessary.
“This is ridiculous,” he coldly said.
“Why are you provoking her?”
Peter looked toward Lucas lazily.
“I am only speaking facts.”
Olivia narrowed her eyes on Peter.
“Then prove it.”
Peter blinked once.
Olivia stood up from her seat gracefully.
“A swordsmanship match,” she declared.
“You against me.”
The entire room froze.
Lucas’ expression darkened immediately.
Peter looked genuinely shocked this time.
“You are serious?”
Olivia gave him a sharp smile.
“Very.”
Peter laughed in disbelief.
“Grand Duchess, you will not be able to handle me.”
Olivia stepped closer without backing down even a little.
“I am far more than you think.”
For a moment, even the servants stopped moving.
Max looked between them with shining eyes full of excitement.
“She looks cool…”
Mike nodded rapidly.
” Accept it!”
Lucas’ jaw tightened.
For some reason, watching Olivia challenge another man so confidently made something uncomfortable twist inside his chest.
And he hated it.
Peter stared at Olivia for a long moment before slowly grinning.
“…Fine.”
The excitement in the room instantly exploded.
Max almost stood on his chair.
“A real sword fight?!” This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
Mike looked equally thrilled.
Lucas, however, only stared at Olivia silently.
Because for the first time…
She truly looked untouchable.The training ground was unusually crowded that afternoon.
The knights who were supposed to be training had completely stopped what they were doing.
Everyone was staring at the center arena.
Olivia stood there wearing black training clothes instead of her usual luxurious dresses.
Her long hair was tied high, exposing her sharp eyes clearly.
A wooden sword rested casually in her hand as if it belonged there naturally.
The captains of the knights looked completely stunned.
“Is that really the Grand Duchess…?”
“She is holding the sword correctly…”
“No… her stance…”
Even they could tell immediately.
Olivia was not bluffing.
Mike and Max sat excitedly near the front while swinging their legs.
“She looks so cool,” Mike whispered.
Max nodded seriously without taking his eyes off her.
Lucas stood farther away with crossed arms.
He told himself he only came because he did not want chaos inside the estate.
But the moment Olivia stepped onto the field…
his eyes never left her again.
Peter sighed while rolling his shoulders.
“You can still back down.”
Olivia spun the wooden sword once smoothly.
“Just fight.”
Peter narrowed his eyes
The confidence in her voice was dangerous.
The captain raised his hand.
“Begin!”
The moment the signal dropped—
CLANG!
The sound of wood striking wood echoed across the field.
Several knights widened their eyes instantly.
Fast.
Too fast.
Olivia stepped sideways gracefully and blocked Peter’s strike perfectly before aiming toward his shoulder immediately.
Peter barely dodged in time.
His playful expression disappeared.
Another strike came.
Then another.
Olivia moved elegantly but aggressively, her sword flowing sharply like water while her footwork remained light and precise.
Even Lucas looked genuinely shocked now.
She was beautiful while fighting.
No hesitation.
No fear.
Only focus.
Peter grinned suddenly.
Now he was enjoying it.
Their swords clashed repeatedly as both moved across the field intensely.
CLANG!
CLANG!
CLANG!
Dust rose around them.
The knights watching slowly became serious.
“She is reading his movements…”
“No, she is forcing him back…”
“How is that possible?”
Mike and Max looked completely dazzled.
“Mom is winning!”
Lucas unconsciously stepped forward.
Because Peter— was actually struggling.
Peter attacked harder this time, forcing Olivia backward.
Their swords locked.
Both stared directly into each other’s eyes.
“You lied,” Peter muttered quietly.
“You can fight.”
Olivia smirked slightly.
“I never lie.”
She suddenly twisted her body sharply, escaping his pressure before striking directly toward his chest.
Peter blocked at the last second.
The impact made both slide backward.
The tension became suffocating.
Nobody could predict the winner anymore.
Even Lucas realized it.
Olivia could actually win this.
Then—
Olivia suddenly paused for half a second.
Just half.
But Peter noticed.
His eyes widened slightly.
And in the next moment—
BANG!
Her sword flew from her hand and landed across the field.
Silence.
The entire training ground froze before exploding with noise.
“She lost!”
“Sir Peter won!”
Mike and Max looked shocked.
Olivia simply stared at the fallen sword quietly before smiling softly.
Peter’s brows slowly furrowed.
Lucas narrowed his eyes immediately.
They both saw it.
That hesitation was intentional.
She lost on purpose.
Peter looked disturbed by that realization.
Why?
Why would she deliberately throw the match when she could continue?
But Olivia simply bowed politely.
“A good match.”
Peter stared at her silently.
“…Yeah.”
But his voice lacked victory.
Because it did not feel like winning at all.
Later.
Under the large tree near the training field, Olivia sat on the grass while Mike and Max stayed close beside her.
The boys looked upset.
“You almost won…” Mike muttered sadly.
“You lost,” Max added quietly.
Olivia smiled gently before patting both their heads at the same time.
“That is alright.”
The boys looked confused.
Olivia leaned back against the tree calmly.
“Losing does not matter if you enjoyed the fight.”
Mike blinked.
Max looked up at her silently.
Olivia continued softly,
“If your opponent respects you… if they look at you sincerely and acknowledge your strength… then losing is not shameful.”
The wind moved gently around them.
“But,” Olivia added while smiling faintly, “if someone looks down on you even after your effort…”
Her eyes sharpened slightly.
“Then they deserve another fight until you truly win.”
Mike’s eyes sparkled.
Max listened carefully without missing a word.
“And if you lose,” Olivia said while pulling both boys closer gently, “make sure you still enjoyed yourself.
Because fear of losing is what truly makes people win.”
The boys slowly smiled again.
Behind the tree nearby—
Lucas and Peter stood silently hidden from view.
Both had originally come to check on her.
But now neither moved.
Peter stared at Olivia with complicated eyes.
“She lost on purpose…” he muttered quietly.
Lucas remained silent for a long moment while watching Olivia laugh softly with the children.
For the first time in years…
He realized something terrifying.
Olivia was not trying to be admired.
That was exactly why people could not stop looking at her.