Duty-Bound: Chapter 61
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Two days had passed by since Aniki left the palace. She was glad that her aniki wasn't involved in Lady Yuki's scheme from the beginning. At the very least, she knew he didn't betray her trust completely. Despite what Elder Kajiura had done to her, his loyalty to the West was appreciated. As for Elder Kimura, her Lady Mother had let her decide what to do about him. Elder Kimura was made into a scapegoat, so he was freed from any form of punishment.
Koizumi Family would be a good example for other noble families to keep the peace within the land. They would not be a part of the Western Nobles for their crime. Instead of eliminating the entire family, her Lady Mother had exiled the family from the West under her request. Taking someone's life was not her way to deal with problems as revenge would be inevitable in the future. And she wished to prevent that possibility.
"Princess," called Rin behind the door.
"Thank you, Rin," she replied before putting her brush back. Her work would have to wait until she saw Lady Yuki off.
As she came near the gate of the palace, she exchanged nods with the silver-haired lady in greeting. She knew the lady would want to say something to her, but she didn't expect her to touch her cheek.
"Don't let the past blind your eyes, my dear." Her voice was above a whisper.
Rather than answering her question, she looked into her pure white eyes, albeit warily.
After a moment of silence, Yuki closed her eyes and smiled. "I wish you the best, Princess Mikan."
"Thank you, Lady Yuki," she said with a small bow.
With that said, Lady Yuki walked away and in a blink of the eye, she was gone.