Goddess's Yuri harem: Chosing the Empress is hard
Chapter 33: The Duchess’s Invitation - Part 1

Chapter 33: 33: The Duchess’s Invitation - Part 1

Auriel sealed the letter with her mark, the golden wax glimmering in the candlelight.

Her words were formal but firm, making it clear that her decision to visit Duchess Amara’s lands was a duty as the goddess’s representative.

It wasn’t personal—at least, that’s what Auriel told herself.

By morning, the response had reached Duchess Amara. Upon reading it, the Duchess smiled, her lips curling into a sly but triumphant expression.

"She’s coming. We’ve just received a confirmation that the Goddess will be attending our territory as a guest."

She murmured, almost to herself. Her servants, who had been standing silently, perked up at the news.

"We must prepare a reception fit for the goddess. Everything must be flawless. She is the only one for me, after all."

Amara declared, her voice commanding.

The servants exchanged knowing glances but quickly nodded, bowing low as they hurried to carry out her orders. The Duchess’s reputation for extravagance was well-known, and none dared to falter in meeting her high standards.

______

The next morning, Auriel, accompanied by Carol and Priestess Lilith, set out to meet Duchess Amara.

The journey was uneventful, though Auriel felt an odd sense of anticipation. She couldn’t quite place it, but something about Amara always left her unsettled.

When they arrived at the grand gates of the Duchess’s estate, a group of attendants was already waiting, dressed in elegant uniforms.

The gates swung open, revealing a sprawling mansion surrounded by lush gardens in full bloom. The Duchess herself stood at the entrance, her smile wide and welcoming.

"Goddess Auriel, it is an honor to have you here. My heart could burst with happiness."

Amara said, her voice dripping with delight as she descended the marble steps to greet them.

Auriel offered a polite smile, nodding in acknowledgment. Before she could respond, Amara’s gaze shifted to Priestess Lilith, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"And Priestess Lilith, it’s so kind of you to escort our dear goddess. Though I must say, perhaps the goddess will come to prefer my humble domain over the temple. I would certainly do everything in my power to make her feel more... at home"

Amara added, her tone turning teasing.

Carol stiffened immediately, her hand twitching toward her sword, her voice low and warning.

"Mind your words, Duchess. You’re speaking to the High Priestess of the goddess’s temple."

Lilith, however, remained composed, her expression calm and impassive.

"It’s fine, Carol. The Duchess is free to have her delusions as she wants. Whether or not the goddess prefers the temple or elsewhere is ultimately her decision, not ours."

She said, her voice steady.

Amara’s smirk widened, clearly enjoying Carol’s reaction, but before the tension could escalate, Auriel stepped forward, her hands raised slightly.

"That’s enough! Duchess Amara, I appreciate your warm welcome, but we should focus on why I’m here. Shall we move to where the stone tablet is"

she said, her tone firm but not unkind.

Amara blinked, clearly surprised by Auriel’s quick intervention. For a moment, her playful demeanor faltered, but she recovered swiftly, offering a graceful nod.

"Of course, Goddess. Right this way."

Auriel glanced back at Carol and Lilith, silently urging them to let the matter rest. The duo followed Amara into her grand estate, the tension lingering in the air but momentarily subdued.

Priestess Lilith had to stay behind and look after the temple, leaving the other two all alone with the half crazy lady.

Auriel resolved to keep the visit brief and to the point. Whatever lay ahead, she was determined not to let Amara’s games distract her from her purpose.

______

"Welcome to the Grand Duchy of Valmont. I, Duchess Amara Valmont, would like to officially welcome you to my region. I hope you have a pleasant time here."

The brown-haired female welcomed the group into her territory.

Auriel immediately noticed the richness of the place along with the way it was decorated. Everything exuded wealth and sophistication.

Even the servants reflected this prosperity in their well-kept appearances.

Coming to the Grand Duchy felt like stepping into one of the highly-revered goddess’s palaces. It was immaculately decorated and radiated pride.

However, while stepping into a goddess’s palace often made Auriel feel sick, the Grand Duchy felt welcoming and non-judgmental. It was easier for her to breathe here.

’Is it because this place is owned by a human? Is that why I don’t feel the crippling urge to run out of here the first chance I get? I feel like I should try to understand my feelings better.’

Auriel bit her lip discreetly as she walked after the Duchess. The hallways felt endless, and when they did come to an end, they led to an ornately decorated door that gave Auriel mixed feelings.

"I apologize for not being able to prepare your room better, Goddess Auriel. Had we known we would be hosting you so soon, I would have commissioned a new wing for you in my mansion. Please, don’t feel offended. I will commission a new wing for you soon. In the meantime, I would be honored if you use this room for now."

The Duchess opened the door to reveal a highly decorative room with delicate and intricate work on the walls and ceiling.

More than a place to live in, it looked like a place meant to be exhibited.

It was so extravagant that Auriel didn’t even want to touch anything for fear of breaking it. Yet she had a feeling that even if she did, it would be considered a blessing by these people.

"Sheesh, what is this place? Some kind of exhibition? This room doesn’t look comfortable at all," Carol complained.

Auriel had a feeling that Carol hadn’t meant for her words to be overheard, but she couldn’t help but understand the sentiment. It mirrored what Auriel herself felt at the moment.

Duchess Amara gestured toward the room with an elegant wave of her hand, her expression soft and accommodating.

"Please, Goddess Auriel, consider everything here yours to command. My staff, my resources—whatever you desire or require, they are at your disposal. You need only ask."

Her voice was warm, almost too warm, as if she were trying to envelop Auriel in a cocoon of obligation.

Auriel offered a polite smile, though inwardly, she felt the weight of the Duchess’s words settle heavily on her shoulders.

Such unrestrained hospitality wasn’t new to her, but the way it was delivered—like a subtle trap cloaked in velvet—made her feel uneasy.

"Thank you, Duchess Amara. I will be sure to make full use of your hospitality during my stay,"

Auriel replied with practiced grace. Her voice was even, betraying none of the burden she felt.

The Duchess’s lips curled into a satisfied smile.

"I’m glad to hear that, Goddess. Should you need anything, do not hesitate to summon me personally."

With that, she gave a slight bow before turning to leave the room, her steps graceful and deliberate as the door shut softly behind her.

The moment the Duchess was gone, Auriel allowed herself to exhale. The room, despite its grandeur, felt suffocating. Every detail screamed of wealth and status, but it lacked the warmth of a genuine welcome.

Carol’s voice broke through her thoughts.

"I don’t trust this place."

Auriel turned to see her companion frowning, her arms crossed defensively. Carol’s sharp gaze darted around the room, as though expecting hidden eyes to appear at any moment.

"This whole setup feels wrong. That Duchess acts way too nice, like she’s hiding something. And all this. it’s like a trap meant to distract us."

Carol muttered, and she suddenly looked embarrassed when she spoke. The Goddess was not someone she should be speaking to like this.

Auriel sighed softly.

"Carol, we’re here for a reason. The Duchess’s hospitality is part of that. Let’s not start doubting everything without evidence."

Carol, however, was not convinced.

"You are too soft-hearted and trusting, Goddess Auriel. Evidence or not, I’m not sitting around and waiting for something to happen. I’m going to take a look around and make sure nothing’s out of place."

"Wait, Carol-"

Auriel began, her voice laced with concern. But before she could finish, Carol was already heading for the door.

"Don’t worry, I won’t cause trouble. I’ll be back before you know it"

Carol said over her shoulder"

Auriel opened her mouth to protest, but the door clicked shut before she could stop her. She was left standing alone in the room, the silence feeling heavier than before.

Why does she always have to be so reckless?

Auriel thought with a mix of frustration and worry.

Despite her reservations, she trusted Carol’s instincts. If something was amiss in the Grand Duchy, Carol would uncover it. Still, Auriel couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that was slowly settling in her chest.

She walked to the window and pushed aside the luxurious drapes, gazing out at the sprawling estate below. The gardens were perfectly manicured, with blooming flowers arranged in intricate patterns that seemed almost too deliberate.

The estate radiated beauty and perfection, but Auriel couldn’t ignore the sense of something deeper lurking beneath the surface.

Stay safe, Carol.

Auriel thought as she turned away from the window, her fingers brushing against the cold, gilded frame.

For now, all she could do was wait. But the waiting, she realized, might be the most dangerous part of all.