In the Astrid palace's salon, where Anne is waiting for Rachel to arrive, she is enthralled by the paintings that hang on the walls and the exquisitely crafted furniture that was designed by a well-known architect in the empire.

Her best friend will be an important member of this family. A family that has accumulated enormous power and has served as the empire's guardian since the inception of this world.

When she first saw Rachel, she knew that her destiny would be out of ordinary. Not only is she blessed with unparalleled beauty, but her character and intelligence resemble a queen.

'She's supposed to be the crown princess of the south, but the title was taken away from her, but a queen must be a queen, isn't it?'

It seems destiny itself is aligning Rachel to be a member of the royal family no matter where she goes.

Anne's thoughts are conflicted; while she is happy for her best friend, she is also concerned about what the future may hold for her.

The head maid announces Rachel's arrival as the door opens.

"Her majesty, the duchess of Astrid is entering, please pay your respect".

Anne curtsied and bowed down her head.

"I greet her majesty, the duchess of Astrid".

"Be at ease lady Anne. Please forgo the formality when in private".

Rachel smiled cheerfully and asked the maids to leave them.

"Anne! Oh my, I have missed you!"

Rachel hugs Anne solemnly and guides her to sit on the couch. Anne is relieved that her best friend is treating her the same even though she is now the highest lady in the empire.

'She is still the sweet Rachel, her best friend.'

"Duchess, I have missed you too. All of us miss you. The shop is not the same without you."

"I miss going to the shop too. But how is everyone, Bianca and Sam?"

"They keep pestering me to meet with you, but I told them you are busy with your new project".

"Thanks' Anne. I will invite them to visit me here once everything is in order."

Rachel hands over the document to Anne. It's the appointment of the head lady in waiting.

"......."

Anne finds it unbelievable that the duchess of Astrid has chosen her to be the head lady in waiting.

Several of the empire's noble families are vying for this position. Her influence among her peers will increase, and her status will rise.

"Duchess...I am beyond grateful for the opportunity."

Anne is teary eyed not because of the high position that was given to her but the fact that she will be with Rachel to accompany her is enough.

It will be a great honor to serve her.

"Anne, you deserve it. I trust you will help me in this journey."

"I will serve you and give my undying loyalty to her majesty."

Anne bowed down to pledge her loyalty to Rachel, the duchess of Astrid.

"I'm looking forward to working with you but in the meantime can we go to the garden? I'll show you the greenhouse. It's beautiful Anne."

'She still hasn't changed.' Anne smiled and accompanied Rachel outside.

AT the greenhouse, there is a table set up for receiving the guest. The place is surrounded with beautiful plants and flowers.

Inside, there is a cooling effect, a perfect temperature to make your body comfortable. The mana used to preserve the cooling effect is huge and only the dukedom of Astrid can afford such luxury.

"Anne, can I ask you a favor?"

"I will try my best to serve you, Duchess."

"Ahm, whenever we are alone, you may speak informally. Really, I miss the old days."

Anne got up and went to her side to hold her hand.

"Are you alright? Are you happy here?"

Anne is worried that Rachel might feel suffocated in this palace. She is a free-spirited person and being a duchess will prevent her from being herself.

"I'm fine Anne. I just missed the old days where I could freely roam in the center and not be bound by so many rules".

Rachel whispered the last sentence. There was a tiny tear that came out from her eyes, but she suddenly rubbed it so it would not fall from her face.

"If you have a burden, you may tell me. I'm always here for you as your friend and subject."