The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

”Prince August believes he is the only one who has suffered injustice. But the truth is, others have too. You imagined the Duke led a joyous life, didn’t you? The scars of loss run deep for anyone. If you cannot show empathy or respect for the dead, at the very least, keep your mouth shut.”

Eilika did not hesitate to confront him. She felt it was necessary to ensure he would never dare to bring up Liliana’s name again.

”And do not expect an apology for the slap. It was the only way to silence you.”

August let out a chuckle. ”Your husband started this. Why don’t you try silencing him the next time? He is the one convinced I am here to harm him. You are both the selfish ones here. Eilika, were you even remotely grateful to me when I saved your husband’s life?”

He turned on his heels and stalked out of the room, his frustration radiating off him with every stride.

”You certainly have a way of surprising me, don’t you?” Damian turned his full attention to Eilika, his brow furrowed with lingering concern. ”You should not have slapped him. Now, he is going to—”

”Hurt me? No,” Eilika interrupted, shaking her head firmly. ”That will not happen, because Prince August does possess a conscience, buried as it may be. And as for you, you should show your gratitude for his past actions. Invite him to dinner to properly acknowledge it.”

She turned on her heel, prepared to leave.

”Where are you going?” he called out, his voice echoing in the quiet office.

”To the estate,” she answered, glancing back over her shoulder. ”You will be the one to bring Roman home today.”

With a steady gaze, she walked out. Maurice offered a respectful bow to the Duke before hurrying out to follow the Duchess.

~~~~

Eilika lowered herself onto the edge of the bed, kicking off her heels with a weary sigh the moment she entered her chamber. Joanna immediately stepped forward, offering a cool glass of water, for which the Duchess offered a soft, appreciative nod.

As Eilika drank, Joanna gently fanned her, providing a small relief from the oppressive heat outside.

”Your Grace,” Joanna began, her voice low and composed, ”a couple was here earlier today. They requested an audience with you.”

Eilika paused, her brow furrowing in genuine confusion. ”Who?”

”I do not know, Your Grace. They did not appear to be from a well-off family, but they insisted on meeting you, claiming you were the only one who could help them,” Joanna replied.

”Where are they?” Eilika asked promptly. ”If they are still here, bring them to the living room.”

”They have been waiting in the outer courtyard. I will inform the guards and bring them in immediately,” Joanna stated. She set the fan down on a nearby table before hurrying out of the chamber.

Eilika stood up and slipped her heels back on, then made her way toward the living room with graceful steps.

As she entered, she found the elderly couple walking in, offering grateful smiles to Joanna. Upon spotting Eilika, they both bowed their heads in respectful greeting.

”Please, have a seat,” Eilika said with a warm smile. She signaled for the servants to bring water and refreshments. When she noticed them remaining hesitant and upright, she gestured toward the wide sofa. ”Sir, Madam, you must sit. Please, make yourselves comfortable.”

The couple eased themselves onto the plush cushions, clearly unaccustomed to such luxury. ”Thank you,” they murmured.

”It must have been tiring for you to wait for me for so long,” Eilika said gently. The servants returned promptly, placing glasses of cool water before them.

The elderly woman took the glass first, murmuring thanks to the maids, and took a slow, deliberate sip before passing it to her husband, who drank after a moment.

”How long have you been waiting for me?” Eilika asked, her tone gentle.

”For three hours, Your Grace,” the elderly man replied, setting the glass down. ”But we are glad that we could finally meet you. We are from a small village in Varos, near its western border called Aethelgard. Last year, our son borrowed money from Landlord Anthony, but he could not pay it off because the interest kept compounding. We have a relative in Netham who told us about you and the Duke, and that you are the only ones who can solve our problem. So, we traveled here to meet you.”

”And may I know where your son is now?” Eilika asked, her concern deepening.

”Your Grace,” the man said, his voice trembling, ”he was beaten last week by some of Landlord Anthony’s minions. Our son has lost his leg.”

His wife let out a sob, quickly scrubbing the tears from her eyes as she tried to compose herself.

”That’s terrible,” Eilika said. ”What about the local authority? The village magistrate and the others? Did they not take any action on it?”

”Your Grace, they refused to listen to our plea, claiming it was entirely our fault for failing to pay the debts on time,” the old woman stated, her hands trembling as she wiped away fresh tears.

”I will ask the Duke to look into this matter immediately,” Eilika declared, her resolve hardening. ”Justice will be served for both of you. The landlord will be held accountable for imposing such exorbitant and unlawful interest rates on your son’s debts. I assure you, a detailed investigation will be conducted.” Her heart ached for this elderly couple, forced to undertake such a grueling journey simply because they had been denied basic justice.

”We are forever grateful to you, Your Grace,” the couple said in unison, their voices thick with emotion.

”Please, have some refreshments,” Eilika said, offering a compassionate smile before instructing the house butler to prepare a comfortable guest room for their stay.

The butler bowed and walked away to make the arrangements.

~~~~

Thank you everyone for so many Golden tickets and power stones. It truly means a lot.