Duke and Duchess Reunion - Chapter 77

Chapter 77

The speed of the carriage gradually slowed as it entered the bustling street. Finally, when the wheels came to a complete stop, the window framed the scenery outside like a picture.

The two had arrived at the same place as during their last undercover visit. This time, their purpose for returning to Papil Street was to see the changes that had taken place.

With Carlos’s help, Aneta stepped out of the carriage and looked around.

The first noticeable change was the width of the road dedicated to carriages. The cargo carts were moving more easily along the road. The efforts to widen the narrow road by seeking the cooperation of the merchants had paid off.

“It looks like the construction was done properly.”

Although it must have been quite a challenge for the merchants to manage their supplies with the road blocked, the temporary inconvenience had been worth it. The merchants could now see and feel the satisfactory results.

“You look proud of yourself.”

“Of course.”

Having confirmed the state of the road, Aneta and Carlos slowly walked toward the center of the street.

With the weather growing colder, a new scene that hadn’t been there before came into view. Among them were stalls selling warm milk or alcohol.

Given that it was the season of harvest and abundance, the main attractions were the plentiful foodstuffs. Preserved foods made in preparation for winter were also commonly seen.

Aneta felt the approach of the upcoming season. However, the chilly wind couldn’t cool down the enthusiasm of the busy merchants.

“It feels livelier than the last time we were here.”

“Maybe it’s due to the material abundance.”

“That makes sense.”

Agreeing with Carlos’s observation, Aneta then focused on the prices of the goods. It seemed that Carlos was also paying attention to the same thing, as he asked for her opinion.

“Judging by the price tags, it seems that the price-fixing agreement is being properly followed. What do you think, Aneta?”

“I agree. Most of the shops are maintaining similar price ranges. I haven’t seen anyone using prices to aggressively solicit customers, at least not yet. Whether it’s because they’re not doing it or because we haven’t noticed remains to be seen.”

Aneta continued, hoping it was the former.

“His Majesty offered such generous terms that they had little choice. Merchants are quick to calculate what’s most profitable, and they’ve realized that following the state’s system is more beneficial.”

When Russell passed the price cartel proposal from Chris, the merchants, who had initially raised objections, eventually fell silent.

This was because Russell had announced that he would offer tax cuts to merchants who entered into agreements to stabilize prices.

It was an unprecedented policy, but there was no risk to the national treasury. The empire was a wealthy and powerful nation, and thanks to Russell’s prudent management, the state coffers were overflowing.

“While that budget is manageable, if someone abuses the system even after receiving tax reductions…”

“They’ll have to be made an example of and rendered unable to recover. It’s a warning that anyone who tries anything foolish won’t be spared.”

They were prepared to isolate anyone from the merchant community if necessary. For merchants, connections and the information those connections provided were crucial.

There was no need to create an atmosphere of fear. Business was, after all, about competition. Even though price-fixing had lowered the stakes, the essence of competition hadn’t changed.

If someone tried to manipulate prices, which played a decisive role alongside quality in competition, other merchants would be the first to step in before those supervising the cartel.

In this way, they would all serve as watchdogs for each other.

With the same thoughts in mind, Aneta and Carlos sharpened their resolve.

At that moment, amidst the noise, a particularly urgent voice reached Carlos’s ears. As various sounds blended, the voice rang out again.

“A pickpocket! Someone, please catch that thief!”

The desperate voice now rang unmistakably in Carlos’s ears. At the same time, a pickpocket emerged from the crowd, reaching out to shove Aneta aside.

Aneta, who had been scanning the stalls, noticed a beat too late. However, the pickpocket didn’t even manage to touch a strand of her hair.

“Get out of the w—ugh!”

Carlos, his face scrunched in anger, grabbed the outstretched arm and twisted it behind the thief’s back. With a firm push, he forced the pickpocket to the ground, subduing him with a brutal sound.

The sound of the pickpocket gasping for breath, as if he might pass out at any moment, filled the air, but Carlos didn’t care. He kept the thief pinned to the ground with the strength of his arm and looked up at Aneta.

Judging by his expression alone, Carlos looked more like a criminal. Aneta, who had been momentarily frozen in surprise at what had just happened, spoke in a calm voice.

“Carlos, you look like you’re about to kill someone.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than Carlos relaxed his scowl. Aneta’s gaze soon shifted to the pickpocket pinned beneath him. If Carlos were to go too far, it was clear who would suffer the consequences.

“I didn’t realize I was doing that. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. But I think we should end our undercover mission here. Everyone’s attention is on us now.”

Carlos glanced around. Just as Aneta had said, not only the passing pedestrians but also the merchants were all focused on the three of them.

In the meantime, the victim of the pickpocket came running over, his face brightening with relief.

The victim reached for his money pouch, but the pickpocket gritted his teeth, refusing to let it go.

To help the victim, Carlos tightened his grip on the thief’s wrist with his other hand. Pressing hard on the spot just above the protruding bone, where it was slightly indented, the pickpocket instinctively opened his hand in pain.

Thanks to Carlos’s assistance, the money pouch was safely returned to its owner. After checking that the amount inside matched what he had originally, the victim repeatedly bowed in gratitude.

“Thank you, thank you so much!”

The city guards arrived shortly after the relieved victim left.

They had responded quickly to the report, but upon arrival at the scene, they were stunned. Recognizing Carlos, who had personally subdued the criminal, and Aneta beside him, they were at a loss for words.

‘Don’t salute us; just act like you don’t know us,’

Aneta mouthed at them, anticipating that they might reveal their identities in the middle of the street. The sharp-eyed guards immediately clamped their mouths shut, as if on cue.

The guards were already aware of why Aneta and Carlos were dressed in commoners’ clothing. They had heard stories from colleagues who had encountered the pair a few months earlier.

Faced with the person who had led the massive overhaul of the city guard, they couldn’t hide their nervousness.

“Um, thank you for catching the pickpocket.”

One of the guards, who had first spoken, was so nervous that his voice trembled and he couldn’t finish his sentence. Another guard quickly stepped in to express their gratitude.

Carlos only nodded at their polite bows, saying nothing more.

The guards took the pickpocket into custody and quickly left after Carlos permitted them to go. However, the crowd’s attention remained fixed on the two of them.

Aneta decided it would be best to leave the area.

“We’ve seen everything we needed to, so let’s call it a day and head out.”

“Agreed. Let’s do that.”

With eyes following them wherever they moved, Aneta and Carlos decided to take a less crowded route, heading to the outskirts to leave the area.

The outskirts were much quieter than the bustling market street. As the two walked along the peaceful road, their pace naturally slowed. With no other plans for the day, they strolled, enjoying the calm.

It was then that Carlos, without warning, took Aneta’s hand. Surprised, Aneta looked up at him, only for him to tighten his grip around her hand.

“Don’t tell me to let go. Now it’s time to fulfill some personal desires.”

Carlos claimed that since they had left the market, their work was done. He looked so endearing that Aneta felt she had truly fallen deeply in love.

“Don’t worry, I wasn’t planning on saying that,” she replied.

How long has it been since she last walked hand in hand with someone? Feeling the warmth from his hand, Aneta couldn’t help but smile.

“I never imagined I’d be walking here with you, holding hands like this.”

“Not me. I always expected, waited, and dreamed of a day like this. And I think it was worth it. After all, my wish has come true.”

Carlos gently stroked the back of Aneta’s hand with his fingertips. Feeling the softness of her skin, he realized that this moment wasn’t a figment of his imagination but reality.

“So lately, because of you, I’m happier than words can express. I’m afraid that if this is all just a dream or an illusion, I would continue to live, loving you, wishing for you, and waiting for you.”

His voice, as he spoke, was filled with deep conviction.

“I might despair, but I wouldn’t give up on life. I’d have to stay alive to see you. Hoping and achieving that hope is something only the living can do, so I’d survive tenaciously just to stand by your side.”

Carlos turned his gaze straight ahead to look at Aneta.

“This is my true heart, my deepest feelings. Do you find it too heavy?”

“If I said it wasn’t heavy, I’d be lying.”

Aneta stopped walking as she answered in a serious tone. Seeing this, Carlos also came to a halt, his face showing clear signs of nervousness.

“There’s no way I could take your feelings lightly.”

There was a time when she thought he might just leave one day, especially if Erez showed up, but that was all in the past.

“But that weight doesn’t suffocate me. If anything, it’s become a foundation that supports me, keeping me from falling.”

Aneta gazed straight into Carlos’s eyes, her expression filled with affection.

“So don’t worry. We will continue to walk side by side, holding hands, just like now. I will never let go of this hand or leave you.”

Slowly, just like clothes soaking in a gentle rain, her heart had become filled with the same emotions he held for her.

Even if she were to go back to the beginning, Aneta knew she would ultimately succumb to the love he poured out. No one could resist someone so lovable to the end.

“I can’t even imagine a life without you now.”

Aneta lifted their joined hands and kissed the back of his hand. Seeing the surprised look on his face, she couldn’t help but smile.

Now, it was her turn to return the love she had received from him.