Duke and Duchess Reunion - Chapter 75

Chapter 75

As the atmosphere between the newly divorced Carlos and Aneta changed, the nobility quickly noticed and began to gossip. Everyone knew that the changes signified progress in their relationship, as Aneta’s attitude toward Carlos had noticeably softened.

Those who had been repeatedly rejected by Aneta and now saw her accepting Carlos were filled with regret and frustration, lamenting their missed chances. They thought that if they had persisted like Carlos, they might have been the ones by her side now.

Since delusions and imaginations are free, even the most absurd thoughts could have been kept to themselves, and they would have been better off. Yet they voiced those hopeless thoughts aloud.

Tereza, who happened to overhear them, scoffed. Having experienced similar situations to Aneta’s multiple times before her marriage, she delivered a sharp retort.

“There’s no tree that won’t fall after being struck ten times? It depends on what kind of axe you use. You guys wouldn’t even qualify as wooden axes, let alone iron ones.”

Tereza had been through similar situations before her marriage and knew that some people simply wouldn’t succeed in relationships. She believed that even if they tried a hundred times, it would be quicker for them to break a bone than to win over someone like Aneta—especially with Carlos in the picture.

They should be thankful that they weren’t dealing with Carlos, she thought, shaking her head at their foolishness.

***

Aneta and Carlos were well aware of the rumors spreading about them.

Carlos worried that Aneta might distance herself due to the attention, but his concern was unfounded. Aneta was more composed about the situation than he had anticipated.

“Are you okay? ”

Carlos knew his question was redundant, given how often such situations had occurred. However, he asked because he understood that familiarity didn’t prevent someone from being hurt.

“I’m fine. I’m not going to let it bother me anymore.”

Aneta truly was unbothered. She had lived her whole life amidst such gossip and had learned to ignore it, realizing that people would talk no matter what she did.

“Speaking of progress… It’s a term that doesn’t quite fit our situation.”

Even though it was a contractual marriage, there had been a time when they were a couple, and they had shared a bed to have an heir. The term “progress” seemed misplaced.

“If you think about it, our relationship timeline is a mess. We started with marriage, then sleeping together, then divorce, and now dating. It’s the perfect reverse order if you exclude the divorce.”

“Then let’s follow the correct order this time. Except for the divorce, of course.”

“You’re not planning to hint at the next step being the bedroom, are you?”

“Why not? ”

Carlos smiled slyly. It was a look that had once seemed unimaginable to Aneta but now felt entirely familiar.

Who would think this man was the same Carlos Baltimor from before? Aneta shook her head.

“Sorry, but I think we need to place the bedroom at the end of the order this time.”

“Why? Is it because I haven’t satisfied you up until now? ”

That couldn’t be true. Carlos whispered in her ear, his voice low and intimate, despite there being no one else around. His secretive demeanor made Aneta chuckle.

“You’re quite confident.”

“With good reason.”

“A well-earned confidence, I see.”

Aneta couldn’t deny his bold statement.

“But what a shame. It’s that very confidence that’s the problem. I don’t want to stay up all night.”

“I promise, I won’t do that. Trust me, Aneta.”

“I don’t trust you. I can’t trust you.”

When Aneta expressed her distrust twice in a row, Carlos’s eyes softened in a rare show of vulnerability. Despite his naturally sharp gaze, at Aneta, he looked somewhat pitiful, though that was all.

“You’ve already lost credibility in that regard. You never kept that promise, not even once.”

“That’s because you’re just too beautiful.”

“Don’t blame me for that.”

Despite the mutual declarations of love, Aneta remained firm.

Carlos silently decided to wait for another opportunity. Meanwhile, Aneta glanced at the clock on the wall.

“It’s about time to see His Majesty.”

Noting that it was time for Aneta to have an audience with Russell, Carlos stood up immediately. Without hesitation, he extended his hand to her.

“Let’s go.”

The confidence that he would no longer be rejected filled Carlos’s heart with excitement. Knowing this, Aneta willingly placed her hand on top of his. His calloused and sturdy hand provided her with a sense of security.

Despite being pushed away repeatedly, the warmth felt from his outstretched hand heated her heart deeply.

‘How wonderful it would have been if I had held this hand sooner.’

That thought, which had crossed her mind many times, suddenly resurfaced, but Aneta quickly changed her mindset. She felt incredibly fortunate to be holding his hand now, even if it was late.

Hand in hand, Aneta and Carlos walked out of Lennox together. Many witnessed the sight and couldn’t take their eyes off them, but Aneta paid no mind to the attention, focusing instead on the warmth from his hand.

Walking together made the distance to the Imperial Palace seem shorter than usual. Surely, this sentiment was shared by both.

Upon arriving at the Imperial Palace, they had to let go of each other’s hands. Though they hadn’t held hands for long, the sudden absence of warmth left Aneta feeling a bit wistful. She couldn’t help but clench and unclench her hand as she followed the chamberlain’s guidance.

Even Aneta found herself surprised by this change.

She wasn’t the only one taken aback. Although Russell already knew the truth behind the rumors, seeing the evidence firsthand brought a peculiar expression to his face.

Aneta noticed his reaction but pretended not to as she finished her greeting.

As usual, the two sat in different seats, with Russell seated at the head. Though they faced each other, their gazes remained fixed on Russell.

“I called you to check on your condition, and it seems you’re well, Marquis Adenauer.”

“Thanks to Your Majesty’s concern.”

Aneta knew from the physician that the medicines she had been taking were made from ingredients provided by Russell. Thus, she expressed her gratitude once more, following her letter of thanks.

Russell acknowledged her with a nod, then brought up the circulating rumors.

“I’ve heard that you two have been getting along well lately.”

“It’s true.”

Carlos responded without hesitation as if he had anticipated the comment. Though his tone seemed dry, both Aneta and Russell, who knew him well, could sense the happiness in his voice.

“Carlos.”

Aneta tried to dissuade Carlos with a bewildered look, but Russell’s words were faster.

“Enough, let it be. More importantly, you’ve turned that cold guy into this, so I hope you take responsibility this time.”

Russell wasn’t stopping Carlos, but rather Aneta. Without waiting for a response, he turned his attention to Carlos and asked,

“Is she that good?”

Carlos’s answer was predictable.

“Yes. She is.”

Once again, he affirmed Russell’s question without hesitation.

“If you’re happy, then that’s all that matters. I was getting frustrated with both of you acting so stiffly about your relationship. It’s a relief to see things change.”

Russell’s bluntness was striking, and Aneta and Carlos couldn’t find the words to respond.

“If you couldn’t get anything done, I could at least kick you out.”

“…”

“…”

Watching the two fall silent and avert their eyes like clams, Russell clicked his tongue. Realizing it was time to deal with some paperwork, he put down his cup.

Unlike the now-unoccupied couple before him, Russell’s desk was still piled high with documents that needed his approval.

“It seems I must attend to my paperwork now.”

Being a perfectionist, Russell never handed off documents requiring his signature to others. Instead, he assigned a different task to the couple.

“You two… instead of dawdling in enclosed spaces, if you have nothing else to do, go on an inspection like last time.”

With that, Russell practically shooed Aneta and Carlos out. The so-called inspection was essentially an excuse for Carlos to take Aneta on a date.

Russell felt he could afford this small reward after all their hard work. It gave him the satisfaction that he wasn’t merely a demanding ruler.

At first, he might have believed someone was delusional from fatigue if they had told him what he was hearing. But seeing it firsthand made it all the more real.

Recalling the brightest smile he had ever seen on his brother’s face, Russell felt reassured.

He sincerely wished for his only blood relative to remain happy forever.

***

“Aneta, about tomorrow. How about we take the inspection His Majesty suggested?”

Determined not to miss the opportunity Russell had given, Carlos gently suggested as they left the Imperial Palace.

“Sure. We don’t have anything else to do anyway.”

Without hesitation, Aneta agreed, causing Carlos’s face to light up with joy.

“Are you that happy even though we’re going to work?”

Of course, Aneta had sensed Russell’s true intention behind the suggestion. However, she pretended otherwise out of playful mischief.

‘Will he be disappointed?’

She observed Carlos’s expression. Contrary to her expectations, Carlos responded differently.

“As long as I’m with you, it doesn’t matter what we do or where we go. That’s how much I love you.”

Carlos’s unexpected confession struck a chord with Aneta. Mesmerized, she nodded in agreement with his request to focus entirely on him from lunch onward, even if they had to work initially.

Just then, while walking towards Lennox with Carlos, Aneta stopped abruptly upon spotting a face that shouldn’t be in the capital.

“What’s wrong, Aneta?”

Noticing Aneta wasn’t following, Carlos turned to look where her gaze was fixed. There, he saw a middle-aged woman pacing.

“Do you know her?”

“Yes. She’s the one I sent as the director of the Spend Orphanage.”

“Why is she here?”

“I’m not sure. I just hope she hasn’t come to resign.”

Aneta replied while watching Deborah, who had spotted her and was now quickly approaching.