The Grand Duchess Escape

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However, the situation unfolding before their eyes was lightyears away from their expectations. Even the weathered eyes of the elderly butler who had dedicated nearly his entire life to the Ducal house trembled slightly.

‘What on earth…?’

They had not expected the master’s gaze not to leave his wife. And what was with his demeanor? he was holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world, cautious so he wouldn’t accidentally wake her.

The Grand Duchess, asleep and unaware of the world, appeared pale but at peace.

“Your Highness, where shall we take you?”

“I will go to my bedchamber.”

Everyone’s mouths fell open. There was not a single action or word from the master that was not utterly shocking. Even Ryzen looked visibly hesitating.

However, he soon regained his composure and replied expertly, “I will have it prepared.”

Calix, who had entered the manor’s front gate, finally disappeared from sight. Only then did the servants and knights standing guard outside let out low sighs.

“I wasn’t seeing things, was I?”

“Did his Excellency really…”

There was a flurry of exchanged glances and nodding heads, as if confirming their thoughts. The butler then spoke up carefully.

“From now on, you all must be extra cautious in your words and actions toward Her Highness. Any mistake or disrespect will not be tolerated.”

“We understand, butler.”

They had seen it with their own eyes and heard it with their own ears. There was no clearer evidence. It was still unclear whether this turn of events was for the better or the worse, but at least one thing was certain:

The key to this change was now firmly in the hands of the new mistress.

  *

Just as Calix entered the bedroom, Asella, who had been sleeping soundly until then, stirred and her eyelids fluttered slightly.

The dense, silver eyelashes on her eyelids moved lazily up and down. Soon, her blue eyes opened wide as she recognized the presence before her.

“Ah!”

The startled Asella took a sharp breath and squirmed.

“I’ll put you down in a moment, so stay still,” Calix said, holding her to keep her from falling.

After Asella’s restless movements calmed down, he walked to the bed and gently placed her down. He then stepped back a few paces and looked down at his wife.

“….”

Aware of Calix’s gaze, Asella’s body stiffened. He noticed her shoulders trembling slightly as she lowered her head, and her hands, clasped together on her thighs quivering faintly.

“Asella.”

Flinching at the sound of his voice calling her name, she shifted her body slightly.

What on earth was making this woman so afraid of him? As if he was going to devour her. Calix let out a low sigh, displeased by her frightened demeanor. Hearing the sigh, Asella flinched again.

He felt uneasy, as if he was weighed down by a heavy stone, he deliberately asked, trying to hide his feelings.

“Why did you run away?”

***
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