Duke and Duchess Reunion - Chapter 89

Chapter 89

The unexpected news wasn’t just the summoning order. Linden, who had been sent by Russell to check on Carlos’s safety, surprised everyone present when he arrived at the estate.

“This estate disappeared from the moment His Grace left until this morning. His Majesty’s summons is surely related to that incident.”

Aneta and Carlos exchanged looks at the mention of the estate having vanished. It was now clear why no one had come to find them—because they couldn’t.

The servants had awoken at almost the same time the estate reappeared. It seemed that the miracles’s power had lingered until then.

Aneta and Carlos quickly prepared to leave the Marquis’ estate to respond to Russell’s summons.

Linden seemed eager to ask about the full story upon seeing Carlos’ gaunt appearance but now wasn’t the time. He had to be content with confirming that his master was safe.

“My Lady, I entrust His Grace to you.”

“I understand.”

Aneta nodded at Linden’s heartfelt plea before getting into the carriage. She understood his feelings well.

During the carriage ride, Aneta kept a close eye on Carlos’ condition. Though he had only woken in the late afternoon, one night of sleep wasn’t enough to erase three sleepless days and nights.

His weakened body had yet to recover. His pale complexion bore testament to that.

‘Well, considering he survived on just that…’

After subtly inquiring with the kitchen staff, Aneta learned that the only missing ingredients had been a small amount of water and a single apple.

The head chef, known for being meticulous about ingredient management, had made sure to record every last detail.

‘I should have made sure he ate all the soup…’

Worried, Aneta gazed intently at him. Carlos, who had been keeping his eyes closed at her suggestion, turned his head to meet her gaze.

“Why are you looking at me like that, Aneta?”

“I’m just wondering if you’re alright.”

Even if he said he wasn’t okay, there was no way to stop the carriage heading to the palace, but Aneta couldn’t help but ask.

“How do I look?”

His response was another question.

“How do you think you look? You look like I want to take you straight to bed and lay you down.”

“That was the second most romantic thing you’ve ever said to me.”

Aneta, who had expressed her concern without thinking, felt a pang of regret as she saw Carlos’ playful smile and twinkling eyes. But it was too late.

“To be honest, even though it’s embarrassing to say, I’m ready to give myself to you anytime.”

Though she said it was embarrassing, her tone was sincere.

Carlos pretended to look shy, lowering his eyes, but there was nothing innocent about him. With his distinct aura and the lingering fatigue on his face, he somehow appeared even more sensual.

“You know that’s not what I meant.”

He always found a way to catch her off guard if she let her guard down even for a second. She thought to herself that it was a skill in its own way and corrected her earlier statement.

“Carlos, are you listening?”

“No. I’m feeling a bit dizzy, so I think I can’t hear you well. I’ll just lie here for a bit.”

Carlos, feigning innocence, slowly rested his head on her lap. Aneta now realized why he had insisted on sitting next to her instead of taking the wide space across from them—this was his plan all along.

In the end, it was Aneta who surrendered first. She couldn’t push away someone who wasn’t feeling well, so she resigned herself and said,

“You’re so sneaky, you know that?”

“I know. But love me anyway. You’re the only one I have any intentions toward.”

“Don’t worry. Who else would I love besides you?” Aneta answered without hesitation, looking him over.

The inside of the carriage was spacious, a clear display of the Adenauer Marquisate’s wealth, but even that had its limits. Carlos had to awkwardly fold his long legs toward the door to fit comfortably.

Though it looked uncomfortable, this was how he wanted to be, so Aneta said nothing and gently stroked his hair.

“Get some sleep until we arrive, Carlos.”

“I’d rather kiss you than sleep…”

“If you keep talking like that, I’ll make you sit across from me,” she threatened.

“I’ll behave,” Carlos responded, closing his eyes as if he’d never said a word of mischief.

Once his eyes were closed, the soothing sensation of her hand stroking his hair lulled him into sleep.

Aneta gazed at his face, now calm in slumber, before turning her attention outside. The world to which they had returned was just as it had been. Familiar scenery, familiar air, and familiar sensations surrounded her.

Perhaps the world would have continued the same way even if she hadn’t returned. It likely would have. The world always went on just fine without one person.

‘But this man wouldn’t have,’ Aneta thought.

To shield him from the light streaming in, Aneta carefully placed her hand over his eyes, hoping to give him a little more comfort as he slept.

Thanks to her loving gesture, Carlos managed to rest, if only for a short while, until they reached the palace.

When the coachman informed them of their arrival, Aneta placed a gentle hand on Carlos’ cheek.

“Carlos, we’ve arrived at the palace. You need to wake up now.”

She lightly tapped his cheek, and though he briefly opened his eyes, he quickly closed them again, snuggling deeper into her embrace like a child. Just as she was about to try waking him again, the carriage door swung open.

“What’s taking so long in there?”

The unexpected intruder was none other than Vernon.

At the sound of the door bursting open and the unwelcome voice, Carlos sat up, his face scrunching in irritation.

The drowsy, peaceful expression he had just worn was gone.

“Who said you could barge in here?” Carlos muttered, his voice icy.

Though Carlos’ words were few, Vernon immediately felt the intensity of his glare. Yet, feeling no guilt whatsoever, Vernon shamelessly changed the subject.

“Carlos, I hate to interrupt your first-ever romance, but now isn’t the time for that.”

Vernon’s expression turned serious as he shifted his gaze to Aneta.

“Aneta, is it true that the glory of miracle has vanished?”

“How do you know that? Only the servants at the estate were supposed to know,” she asked, surprised.

“I thought it was just a rumor, but it turns out to be true. Both of you, get out of the carriage. His Majesty is waiting for you. I’ll explain more on the way,” Vernon instructed.

Aneta and Carlos quickly exited the carriage as Vernon directed. They hurried past the front gates and into the palace.

“So, what exactly happened?” Aneta was the first to demand an explanation from Vernon, who walked ahead of them.

“Today, the Glory of Observation awoke and recorded that the Glory of Miracle has been extinguished. I was there when the report was made to His Majesty.”

“Wait a minute. You’re saying His Majesty learned about the extinction of the miracle through a report?” Carlos furrowed his brow in confusion. Aneta’s reaction was no different.

The Glory of Observation could only be activated with a keyword, and the owner of that keyword must recite it in front of the emperor, the current holder of Mercy. For Russell to learn of it through a report rather than directly from the records themselves seemed completely out of order.

“Yeah. According to Duke Clorin’s testimony, the Glory of Observation woke up without any prior signs and recorded the event without the keyword. That’s why His Majesty hasn’t immediately confirmed the extinction of the miracle. It’s not just the breaking of the three-year cycle; it’s an unprecedented situation, so he wants to verify it personally with the owner of Miracle.”

As soon as Vernon finished speaking, they arrived at the council chamber. Vernon took a step back and gestured toward the entrance with a nod.

“Go ahead and enter.”

“What about you?” Carlos asked.

“I’m done here. My part ends now.”

Those without the right to stand among the owners of the glories were not permitted to participate. The abduction incident had been an exception, but the line was always clear. As Carlos knocked and opened the door, Aneta saw a glimpse of her future in Vernon’s retreating figure.

This moment would likely be her last as one of the owners of the Glories.

Aneta tore her gaze away from Vernon just as Carlos took a step inside. She followed closely behind him and was immediately met with the stares of those waiting.

After offering her greetings, Aneta quickly scanned the room. Everyone who held the title of a glory owner, except for the deceased Erez, was present.

These were individuals seasoned in politics, so none outwardly showed their emotions, but given the gravity of the situation, the atmosphere was undeniably tense.

“Marchioness Adenauer,” a voice broke the silence. It was Russell, the emperor. Aneta raised her head and met his gaze as he sat on the low dais.

“You’re aware of what the Glory of Observation recorded today, correct?”

“Yes, I’ve heard from Viscount Kainer.”

“Is it true that the miracle is extinguished?”

Russell cut straight to the point, bypassing any pleasantries. There was only one answer Aneta could give.

Though Carlos sent her a worried look, Aneta responded calmly,

“It’s true. I destroyed it with my own hands.”

Her shocking confession caused Duke Clorin, who took great pride in the Glories, to gasp audibly.

He wasn’t the only one surprised. Duke Hetchen and Viscount Serce were equally unable to hide their shock. It was the reaction Aneta had expected.

“If Aneta destroyed it herself, then there must have been a good reason for it,” said Lady Tereza, breaking the silence.

Her steady gaze had been fixed on Aneta from the start.

Known for her clear judgment in such moments, Tereza expressed her unwavering trust in Aneta without hesitation.

“I agree with the Marchioness of Lopelac. I don’t believe you would have done something like this without cause. Can you explain why you destroyed the miracle?”

Russell added, now joining Tereza’s sentiment. His face, previously unreadable, showed keen interest.

Since there was no reason not to explain, Aneta recounted everything that had happened, beginning with her encounter with the painter “Ellen,” whose work had concealed the miracle’s influence.

From the moment she first found his painting in the gallery at Lefevra to her eventual return to this world, Aneta laid out the entire story. When she finished, Russell’s expression turned complicated as he looked down at her.

“So the mansion suddenly disappearing was also because of the miracle. You managed to return despite those conditions.”

“Well, I have my desires now,” Aneta replied.

Russell didn’t need to ask who those desires were for. Seeing the way Aneta gazed lovingly at Carlos, utterly smitten, he couldn’t suppress a faint, amused smile.

It truly was a remarkable transformation.