The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

The next day, after they relocated to the main estate, Damian personally convened with the four head guards who were appointed to oversee the safety protocols across the four wings.

”What about the servants?” Damian questioned, his eyes sharp as he scanned the guards. ”I want every servant who previously worked for Liliana to be reassigned to outdoor garden duties rather than the inner chambers of the mansion. Furthermore, none of them are to be permitted inside the residence without thorough checks. This rule must be strictly applied to all other staff members within the estate. I will tolerate no compromises on safety this time.”

The four wing guards nodded in unison. ”Your Grace, every single day, every servant’s activities will be thoroughly monitored and documented. If anything suspicious is detected, it will be reported to you immediately,” one of them stated firmly.

”You are all dismissed. You have done an excellent job over the past few days. Everyone who worked on the renovation will be rewarded handsomely,” Damian pronounced, a subtle smile finally touching his lips.

The faces of the guards lit up at the news. They thanked the Duke with deep, humble bows and took their leave.

”Maurice, you should take some rest as well,” Damian said, turning to his personal bodyguard. ”I will not be heading to the administration center today, so you do not need to worry about my security.”

”Understood, Your Grace,” Maurice replied, bowing respectfully before turning to walk away.

Damian then headed toward his study to resume his duties, where Louis was already waiting for him. Upon entering the room, he found Louis meticulously flipping through the pages of the ledger that required immediate attention.

”What are you cross-checking?” Damian asked, lowering himself into his leather chair.

Louis offered a brief bow. ”The entries, Your Grace. We cannot afford any mistakes this time. Furthermore, since the Count’s position is currently vacant, you will need to put forward a name soon so it can be sent for the King’s official approval.” He then placed the heavy file securely onto the desk.

”I intend to keep the position vacant for the time being,” Damian answered, leaning back. ”I have already forwarded a comprehensive report to the Crown Prince regarding the matter, so he will likely look into it directly.”

”Understood, Your Grace,” Louis replied, accepting the decision without further question.

”I am still reviewing the proposal you submitted, so it may take me a bit more time to finalize,” Damian informed him.

”Take all the time you require, Your Grace. Your judgment in these matters is far superior to mine,” Louis stated respectfully.

”Thank you for your understanding,” Damian replied, picking up the ledger Louis had been checking earlier.

Taking that as his cue, Louis bowed and took his leave, shutting the heavy study doors quietly behind him.

~~~~~

”Damian’s father’s death anniversary is approaching. Eilika, it will be your first time attending. Usually, it is a quiet affair, but since you entered this household this year, I want to handle things a bit differently. I wish to make some donations in the name of my late husband as I always do, but I would like you to choose the place and the items,” Georgia explained, a gloomy expression shadowing her face.

”I will certainly look into it and let you know, Mother,” Eilika advised gently. ”But since security is our utmost priority right now, I suggest we host the donation from the estate grounds. I doubt the Duke would agree to anyone traveling outside the estate walls at this time.”

”Hmm. That is also true. But I trust no such terrible things are going to happen anymore,” Georgia answered with a weary sigh.

”Alright, Mother. I will have a proposal ready for you by this evening,” Eilika replied.

”So many years have passed without him. Damian is the very reflection of his father, though he became so quiet after losing him. A mountain of responsibilities fell upon his small shoulders after his father passed away.” Georgia’s eyes grew damp with memories, but she quickly wiped them away with her handkerchief.

Eilika moved over to the couch where her mother-in-law was seated and wrapped her arms around her, holding her close. ”You have been incredibly strong too, Mother. Damian refused to fall because he wanted to protect you and prove himself. You have been a wonderful mother to him.”

Georgia smiled softly through her grief. ”I like to think I did my best. But there are certain instances where you feel you simply have not done enough,” Georgia added quietly.

”I do not think so, Mother. Your own grief was a thousand times heavier than anyone else’s, yet you kept this household secure. Damian drew his strength from you. You did wonderfully as a mother, and I am certain that wherever Father is, he is immensely proud of you,” Eilika said, offering a reassuring smile as she slowly pulled away.

~~~~~

”Did your mother get well, Julian?” Roman asked his friend as they played together on the academy grounds.

”No. Last night she refused to eat,” Julian replied, looking down. ”She said she couldn’t taste the food at all. I think something is truly wrong with her. I tried asking Father, but he told me I shouldn’t bother myself with it.”

Roman furrowed his tiny brows. ”Shall I talk to my mama about your mother? Should we bring the royal physician to your house?” he suggested.

”Can you really do that, Roman?” Julian asked, his eyes lighting up with a glimmer of hope.

”Yes. My mama will definitely agree,” Roman said with a confident smile. ”Oh, but I don’t know where your house is. How am I supposed to guide us there?”

”Will your mother come to pick you up today?” Julian asked.

”Yes, she said she would come today,” Roman replied.

”Then we can ask her to come to my home with us,” Julian suggested, a bright smile breaking across his face.

”Yes! How did I not think of that? I will also get to tour your house,” Roman stated excitedly.

”My house isn’t as big as yours, though,” Julian murmured, looking a bit shy.

”That’s alright. All I want is a friend I can play with every day,” Roman answered reassuringly. ”You can come to the estate anytime you want, too. My mother is lovely; she will give you delicious refreshments, and we can even do our homework together,” he asserted, his smile widening.

”That sounds like fun!” Julian cheered, suddenly sprinting across the grass. ”Let’s play with the ball, Roman!” he shouted over his shoulder. Roman grinned and rushed to join the group of boys, eager to take his turn in the game.

In the afternoon, when the final bell rang to conclude the last class, Roman and Julian walked out of the academy gates together. Just as he had expected, his mother was already waiting for him, flanked by a secure perimeter of guards.

”Let’s go!” Roman told Julian, and the two boys dashed toward Eilika.

She immediately knelt down to pull Roman into a warm embrace. Looking up, her gaze fell upon Julian.

Without hesitation, she opened her arms to invite him in as well, hugging Julian close and gently smoothing his hair before placing a tender kiss on his forehead, just as she had done for Roman.

”Mama, this is my friend Julian,” Roman introduced him proudly. ”Can we go to his house? His mother is sick, and I promised him that we would go with him.”

Eilika was stunned by the sudden request, then turned a gentle gaze toward Julian. ”Did you ask your parents, sweetie? What if your mother is resting and our unexpected presence disturbs her?” she inquired softly.

”I don’t think my mother will mind it at all. Besides, you’re the Duchess,” Julian replied innocently.

”Young Master Julian, I have been looking everywhere for you. I—” A breathless maid cut herself short as she approached, freezing the moment she noticed him standing with Eilika. She quickly recovered and offered a deep, polite bow.

”May we accompany you to their home? Julian and Roman seem to have formed quite a close friendship already,” Eilika stated with a warm, reassuring smile.

”Your Grace, you are always welcome,” the maid replied immediately, terrified of causing offense by refusing. ”But my mistress is sick and bedridden. She might not be in any condition to receive a guest of your stature.”

”I understand completely. I am simply visiting as a concerned mother, not as a guest expecting entertainment,” Eilika said, glancing down at Julian, whose small face was clouded with worry.

The maid could no longer find a reason to refuse. ”Of course, Your Grace. Please, follow me.”

The moment she agreed, both Roman and Julian let out a joyous shout, jumping up and down as if they had just won a grand tournament.

Eilika smiled at their excitement and told them to enter the carriage. Standing up, she looked at the maid, ”I will be with the kids in the back carriage. You can instruct the chauffeur regarding slow drive as we will be following you.”