C3 Duke White

Felixander White Sr., the current head in the White Dukedom. He is the biological father of Elizabeth White.

'I love my daughter dearly, it is just not noticeable. She speculates I neglected her, but she doesn't know I am always updated on her whereabouts. Even though I can't show her my affection as a father, I will give her everything to make her happy.'

His daughter, Elizabeth, resembles his wife who died because of childbirth. At first, it was hard for him to look at her. He recalls the pain of losing the woman he loved. But when he found Elizabeth lifeless in her room, that's when the man finally woke up to his senses.

'I was so grateful when she awoke from the deathbed. I feel like God has allowed me to correct all my shortcomings.'

"I am here to give my report," she said. Melrose stood straight in front of him.

"How is she?" he asked her.

"Without a doubt, she is pleased to have your permission for annulling her engagement," she said.

The man's cheeks burning red because of satisfaction.

"She is now different than her usual self," she continued with uneasiness.

Duke White felt the sudden ache in his heart. These past years, he has been busy with work and at the same time, looking over at Elizabeth's mess.

'My lovely and kind daughter changed because of unrequited love. She became a monster herself. I want to kill the bastard who's hurting her feelings, but I can't. I do not want her to detest me by killing her lover.'

Duke White was ready to give up the palace and his noble position, just for his children if necessary.

On the day Elizabeth committed suicide, the man was in another country and fighting in the war. He knows nothing about the suffering she went through. When the Duke returns to the mansion, he notices the servants being anxious about something. They couldn’t tell the situation for fear of how the man would react.

Duke White learned from the head butler that Elizabeth had been deceased for already two weeks. They did not send a letter to let him know the circumstances—they were worried that the man might not be able to think properly in the middle of the war.

The man remained silent and dumbfounded. His brain went blank, he didn’t know what to react. Melrose explained to him the possibility of why his daughter had committed suicide. She said it may be related to the dating rumor between Lawrence and Beatrice Philip. After learning that, Duke White's lost the will to remain his loyalty to the Emperor. He almost declared war on them. Thankfully, the vassals' didn't let him go and also gave him some advice to clear his mind.

To control his anger, the man locked himself in Elizabeth's room. Without a doubt, she's dead but he keeps refusing to accept it.

A month had passed, everyone was preparing to send his daughter to rest, but Melrose came looking for the Duke, crying the good news of Elizabeth's sign of awakening. He was really happy, though he can't still express his emotions.

Since then, Melrose kept him informed of what Elizabeth does day-to-day. He learned the sudden changes in his daughter's individuality. It was like she suddenly lost all of her love for her fiancé—Lawrence William.

Duke White decided to process the annulment of her engagement without asking her consent. He visited the Emperor to ask for his permission, he granted the man's request with the condition—Elizabeth must talk to the Crown Prince personally for its cooperation.

'Recently when she came, I had a chance to observe her changes. She can now look straight to my eyes, without fear. Elizabeth can able to tell what was running through her mind. The only thing that saddened me, she addressed me as milord instead of calling me father.'

"Her changes, what are your thoughts about it?" the man asked for Melrose's opinion.

She smiled at him before saying, "Lady Elizabeth changed for the better. She has learned to love and value herself."

"Right?" he responded gladly.

"If the young masters learn this, they might return here to the mansion sooner than expected."

The man heavily sighed. "I hope too."

Duke White has two sons. They are studying abroad to learn advanced knowledge of financial and political management. They are also focusing their swordsmanship there.

Felixander Jr. and Francisco left the house ever since their younger sister changed into worst. They were ashamed and cannot handle the sight of Elizabeth becoming head over heels to the Crown Prince.

"Milady wishes to send a request to the Crown Prince. I have her letter here with me. Would you like to look into it first?" She pulled out the letter hidden in her shoulder bag.

"There's no need, I trust her decision. You may deliver her letter to Imperial Palace," he said.

Melrose bowed her head before leaving the room.

"Now, what should I do with this?" The man stares at the information he collected. It is about Beatrice, a commoner who was adopted by Marquess Philip.

“I don’t think she needs it anymore,” he continued.

The man picked up the bell on top of the table. He rang it to let in the person standing outside. The head butler entered, then carefully closed the door.

"What can I do for you, milord?" the old man asked him while facing down the floor.

"Burn this in the fireplace. Bring me some hot coffee afterward." He showed him the brown envelope.

"I will follow your order, milord," he replied in obedience to his command.

The old man carefully took the envelope from him. Duke White watched him head in the direction of the fireplace located inside the office. When he was sure that it had completely turned to ashes, he then went back to his work.

"I will take my leave to prepare your coffee," the old man said.

"You may go," he replied without looking at him.

The man heard the sound of the closed door, a sign that the butler was finally out of the office.

"Kris."

Kris is the leader of Duke White's secret knights. They work discreetly in the eyes of the nobility.

"Yes, master?" He came out from his hiding place.

"I want you to deliver these letters to Felix and Franco. Tell them to return here as soon as possible." The man handed him the letters he prepared yesterday.

"While you're at it, go to the magic tower as well. Just give this to them, no need to utter anything," he continued.

He gave him an envelope containing important evidence, which could support the mages' investigation.

"Copy," Kris said before taking his leave.