13 We cannot clap with only one hand 2 (2/2)
”Well, that's reassuring. Still, I would like to say this. Luke, you are not allowed to betray me. You, Levi, and Lucy. My unquestionable trust will only be given to the three of you. Once you do, I will personally cut you down even if I die in the process.”
Conviction and ruthlessness pervaded Chalice's voice. Her stare further proving her point.
Luke went down on one knee, putting his palm in his heart.
”I swear to Yeshua's name that I will never betrat you, my lady. I swear to you my fealty, my identity, and my entire being. If I break my oath, I shall never enter paradise.”
Chalice nodded.
”Good.”
Outwardly Chalice had kept her composed demeanor. But in reality, her head was spinning as she recounted Luke's oath. It was heart-rending having a devastatingly handsome guy go on one knee, and practically vowed to give his whole being to you, okay? It was already an achievement for her to be able to be this calm.
In order to salvage her poor sanity, Chalice diverted the situation and went down to business.
”Then first of all, Luke please have someone send me the account books. I would like to read the reports on the territory's income and expenditures for the past few years. Shameful as it is, I currently have little knowledge on the present state of the duchy. Nor do I have an inkling as to how it is managed all these years. Therefore, could you please give me maybe a couple of weeks. First of all, to read those reports and possibly to arrange an inspection of the territory.”
”Certainly, my lady. However, if you're going to do an inspection I'm afraid it will take a little over a week to make the necessary preparations.”
”I understand. I won't be taking long in perusing those reports anyway. The couple of weeks I'm asking would be enough time. Besides, I intend to do the inspection incognito. I plan to take only you and Levi with me.”
”My Lady, are you sure that the three of us are enough? Even if it's incognito, going around the entire territory would at most take three months. And that's only visiting the significant cities. I'm afraid given the conditions, having only two of us would compromise your safety- if not your health.”
Chalice smiled at Luke's words. His worry was not unfounded. After all, she is a duke's daughter. A pampered princess. But then, that was the old Chalice. The her now is very confident of her outdoor survival skills. And she was pretty sure, her safety is at the least of concerns. However, it was a given that Luke and Levi were not aware of that.
”Alright, then you can choose two more people to go with us. I trust you'd choose appropriate people.”
”Understood, my lady.
After settling down the preliminaries, Chalice allowed herself to finally take a rest.