As Iris entered the household, the first face she saw was her mother's. The latter had an anxious look on her face as she rushed to Iris. The worry was clear on the older woman's face, but it soon disappeared when her daughter reassured her with a smile.
The Duchess cast a knowing glance at her lady in waiting behind her daughter before walking away with her daughter. Lady Clarence understood her mistress; she had to tell about everything that had happened in the empress's palace.
But before that, she had to prepare the castle for the upcoming coming-of-age ceremony. Although the main event will take place in the imperial palace, preparing the duchy for the guests' visit was mandatory. Who knows? The young lady might receive courtship once she is out and about in high society. Readying the main and guest hall for those gentlemen was the norm.
