Flower of Steel

Now I realize why they’ve called me here. Compliment? A reward? Those were all excuses. They wanted to insult me so that I could show my emotions. It was when I just glared at them without any response that the Duke grinned, “Come closer. I have something to give you.”

I walked slowly up to him, and he handed me a diamond necklace. Does he want me to take a look at it? What’s the meaning of this? It was when I was in the midst of such a thought that he laughed and spoke.

“You can have it.”

“Pardon, sir?” What is going on? Did he call me to insult me and give me a necklace? I looked at it with a confused look, and the Duke spoke once more.

“You can have it. I heard your family had become rich from finding a gold mine, but I’m sure you never had a chance to have such a lavish thing yet. I feel sad to see someone like yourself trying so hard to climb the ladder that you’ll never succeed, which compelled me to donate. Yes, like your father, Count Harrant!”

I had to suppress my urge to throw the necklace on the ground because of the insult that I couldn’t bear any more. But I had to endure it. This man had the power to wipe me and my entire family out even if he needed to fabricate a reason.

“I will return this to you, as I don’t deserve a gift like this.”

My voice was calm, but my hand shivered. No, my entire body was trembling. I wanted to get rid of this man who insulted my family and me. But I held myself tightly to smile and made a sarcastic response to his arrogance.

“If you are so willing to donate, I would be grateful if you donate to starving commoners in the slums.”

Duke Harsen began to laugh again at my answer. Then a vicious look overwhelmed me. “You’re so bold, refusing my hospitality.”

“I am so honored that you value my unconfident attitude, sir.”

That man, after all, was my enemy. At such a thought, I decided to take a stand without stepping back any longer. Soon, a vicious aura died down, and Duke Harsen was looking at me curiously.

“Not bad. Unique.” I stayed silent, and the Duke laughed again as he continued, “But you must know how to bend if you want to survive. A strong tree will crush under a powerful storm.”

Duke Harsen. I have no idea why he approached me in this way. But what I know is that he hates me very much, and he’s an a*sh*le who’s prejudiced in his own superiority.

“Thank you for being concerned about my survival. But I believe a strong tree will survive a powerful storm if its roots are firm.”

The Duke laughed so hard at my response, although I was unsure if it was because he found me funny or naïve. After that, he spoke to me in a low voice, “You can go now. I think I will see you again soon. When that time comes, you will have to relearn how to speak politely.”

“I look forward to it.”

I felt good about not holding my back anymore. Then the Duke spoke to my back smugly, “She’s just like her father.”

I am not sure why they called me to insult me, but it was apparent that they had no good feelings toward my father. Marquis Schuteiner was my enemy already, but Duke Harsen wasn’t any better, if not more. That chilling aggression and unreasonable hostility towards me proved such. I should be wary.