Duke, Please Stop Because it Hurts

Feeling the tender touch of Raven’s, Molitia straight away glanced upwards at him.

“As I grew up looking at him for all these while, I might have become quite similar in that aspect, Molitia.”

Actually, Raven could already feel that way as he calmly added. Only later he had learned, when he finally heard a word from Lyndon himself. Terrance had rebuked him for being rude, but it was still true after all.

“If you happen to feel frustrated by my way of communication, don’t just suffer the trouble over yourself and tell me. I will try my best not to conceal them as much as I can.”

Molitia choked on Raven’s thoughtful words. He didn’t even pry anything in regards to her past.

On the contrary, she was actually grateful towards the fact that he was referring to Count Clemence, who wasn’t just unashamed of his own behavior that had the audacity to ask for a favor.

‘He’s a trustworthy person. A person who cares a whole lot for me.’

The feeling of someone supporting her was extremely overwhelming. Molitia of the past wouldn’t have even the slightest idea.

A peculiar sensation was filling up her heart. Regardless of how much she tried to hold back her tears, the corner of her eyes had instantly moistened.

“Raven, you’re doing absolutely fine. It’s even too much for someone like me.”

“It’s an honour that you think of it that way.”

The two then had a lengthy conversation about a medley of things until the sun went completely down. It was the first time since their marriage that they had a genuine tête-à-tête without their bodies overlapping with each other.

“The meal has been prepared.”

Raven barely turned his head at the sound of his butler’s voice.

“Has it been that long already?”

As the butler led them on while opening the door, Raven immediately stood up and reached out towards Molitia.

“Let us go then, my wife.”

“Certainly.”

She gently laid her hand on top of his with a soft smile. Now, she had also obtained a place for her to lean on.

Molitia was determined to stop running away any longer.

————–

“Please take good care of me again from today onwards, Gilbert.”

Molitia took a seat in her study.

During the conversation she had with Raven a few days ago, she made a bet with him. She was permitted to work with assurance, under the condition that she were to have a consistent intake on her medicine and also food. And finally, it was only today Molitia was given the authority to those promises that were made.

The butler drew a discreet smile as she saw her brimming with pride and delight.

“I look forward to your kind cooperation.”

Meanwhile, Molitia did her very best to keep her body fit and healthy with enough intake of rice as well as her medicine. Her sunken cheeks had regained their vigor as it appeared peachy again.

As their Madame had gradually recovered, the Duchy started to naturally rejuvenate as well. Nothing was barely noticeable, yet the relaxed atmosphere had improved the employees’ working aptitude all at once.]

“Oh yes, Gilbert. Would you happen to know the rumors surrounding me, which are circulating within the Empire?”

“That’s…”

Molitia hadn’t forgotten the encounter with her father at all. It was obvious to her that the latest rumors, which revolved around her, were spreading like wildfire.

The butler hesitated for a moment as he heard of Molitia’s words. Nevertheless, he eventually decided to tell her the truth.

“Yes, I do. There are even those that had been recognized by the Duke himself.”

“Of course. Then, do you mind telling me the rumors regarding myself?”

She wasn’t really surprised by the fact that Raven had recognized her at some point.

He was not actually a stranger towards the rumors even if he had tackled the issue with Count Clemence rather quietly. It was just that he didn’t feel any reason to deal with it.

The butler briefly listed the rumors that were lingering in his head. He also recalled some of the rather most provocative ones among the others.

A unforseen rise in status.

A union between two families. Molitia gave a light-hearted grimace at such unpleasant rumors, including the fact that the Count had been causing much inconvenience for the Duke himself.

“I guess I’ve been in bed for far too long.”

Despite having Molitia as his daughter, Count Clemence would have definitely been left alone. But then, the situation was currently different at the present time. He could not be overtly demeaning the Duke’s prestige all by himself. Molitia’s fingertips smoothed over the table as she gave a thought.