Duty-Bound: Chapter 23
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The introduction ceremony would be held the next day. Everyone would recognise her as the heiress of the western lands by then. Inwardly, she let out a long sigh. How she got herself into this mess, she truly didn't know. Not once had succeeding her Lady Mother ever been part of her future plans. Even though she was bound to this land, she still wished she could somehow change the rule and free herself from this wretched, duty-bound fate. She knew that it was a selfish wish, but she couldn't help herself. Ten years of living outside of this land by herself had turned her into a free spirit severed from her home country. Closing her eyes, she recalled what Aida had told her in the dream.
"I hope you're with me at the moment, Sister," Aida said while expressing a cheerful, radiant smile.
While staring up at the clear blue sky, she commented, "Is there anything that you would like to share with me?"
"Today, I met a very good noble man. He has eyes that always remind me of the sea."
She turned to Aida quickly as she was eager to know the rest. "Is he the one?"
Aida's face mirrored the happiness in her eyes. "I think so…"
"Tell me more about him. Who knows if I might be able to meet him someday?" Both of them knew she was lying as she wished never to return to that land again, but Aida still continued telling her about the man she had fallen in love with.
"Princess, your lesson for the ceremony tomorrow will be starting in a moment," said Rin, successfully bringing her back to reality.
An inaudible sigh escaped her lips. After a moment, she turned to Rin with a small smile. "Thank you, Rin."