“Is that idiot finally gone?” Duke O’Brian asked as he left the barracks. 

“Yes, Sir.”

“Then we should get started too. I assume everything is ready?”

“Of course, Sir. Oh! But before that, may I meet with Miss Claudia?”

“Claudia? Why?”

“Yes, Sir. It’s nothing important, but My Lord asked me to deliver a gift to her.”

“She’s inside the barracks. Make sure to notify her before entering.”

“Of course, Sir.”

David entered the barracks while smiling. 

“It’s been a while, Chief of Staff David. What brings you here?”

“Hahaha… it’s nothing important, Miss Claudia. I just came because My Lord asked me to deliver something to you.”

David took out a small box from his breast pocket and gave it to her.

“This is a gift from My Lord. I’m certainly envious of the relationship you have with your brother, Miss Claudia.”

“Thank you.”

David had presented to her a small jewelry box. When she opened it, there was a small ruby necklace inside. Claudia carefully took it out of the box with trembling hands; it was as if she had received something very precious to her. Once David had given her the box, he grasped her hand. He glanced around before using his fingers to...