– Chapter 32 –

“Duke, the Madam needs rest to stabilize. Otherwise……”

The more the doctor mumbled and trailed off, the more Logan felt his heart suffocating

The words he was holding back were making him both curious and frightened. He was afraid that if he spoke, the worst things he could think of would come out.

“That way she can live longer.”

The doctor emphasized it several times.

The doctor had tried his best to beat around the bush, but he understood his actions.

Her weakened body had been caused by fatigue and stress that had accumulated over a long period of time.

Her responsibilities were like calluses and had become part of her daily life.

Because she’d aimed to rest later, she hadn’t taken a break and spent the entire day working intensely.

Logan felt pathetic and blamed himself.

All this time, he hadn’t even know how hard it had been for her.

In the end, it was all his fault that she’d collapsed.

Now that he had properly confessed his feelings… He hoped it wasn’t too late.

While Isabella was asleep, Logan stayed by her side all night long.

She slept without any disturbances.

It wasn’t until dawn that Isabella woke up.

It was only after he saw her eyes turn to him that Logan felt relief.

He eagerly grabbed Isabella’s hand and opened his mouth.

“I don’t want you to have a hard time anymore.”

“I wish you could shake off this dreadful sense of duty and just live. Now that we’ve finally come to know our feelings, it’s okay to live happily.”

He looked at her tenderly and continued.

These were the things he had been thinking about all night while watching her sleep.

“There is a butler in the estate who has looked after me since I was young.”

“As someone who has managed the estate for a long time, neither you nor I have anything to worry about.”

Isabella listened to Logan words silently.

Actually, it was more correct to say that she ‘saw his face’ than listened to what he had to say

Her eyes kept moving. His face seemed unfamiliar to her, yet she missed him.

As he was trying to say something, Isabella remembered the conversation they had last night.

A smile crept onto her face.

She still couldn’t believe their feelings were mutual.

Isabella’s hand reached out on its own. Touched his cheek.

Logan’s face, trembling and nervous as she touched him, looked exhausted from the all-nighter, and somehow grim.

He looked into her eyes and carefully opened his mouth.

“I think we should go there.”

No matter how hard they had tried to stay quiet in the capital, the interests surrounding the Leinster family prevented them from doing so.

In the end, Isabella had to deal with the nobles of other families, as well as the members of the Imperial family, as before.

Her mind and body would not be able to withstand it.

Logan was frightened.

He was frightened that she would collapse again, like this time.

Then, in the midst of her fatigue, he feared they would misunderstand each other again and a deep crevasse would form, causing them to distance themselves.

He had only just finally confessed his feelings to her, and their sincerities had finally reached each other. He couldn’t repeat the same mistake again.

So Logan pondered all night.

The only way to free her from the pressure and give her freedom was to get her out of the Capital.

“Let’s live there.”

Logan’s tone grew stronger.

“Let’s live in the estate.”

He was saying the same thing several times in slightly different ways.

He was afraid she might refuse.

His face was expressionless, but his voice was sad.

“I want you to live in a place where you can feel comfortable.”

He wore the face of a man who had already made up his mind.

A place where she could live a healthy life without sickness. The estate was a place that could grant her that.

There were many of the Duke’s people there.

He had a butler and a nanny who truly cared for him, and their children were in charge of managing the entire castle.

There was no one there to force social standards on them and give them a hard time.

His hand, holding hers, tightened.

Isabella, who had been ill in the meantime, attended breakfast after a few days.

“Mother, are you feeling well?”

“I’m fine now. I shouldn’t have made you worry for nothing.”

He smiled, to give Isabella relief.

Her complexion was a little dark, but fortunately, her expression was bright.

Aiden, who had been watching the scene, quietly opened his mouth to speak to her.

“Mother, take a walk with me during the day. It’s good to take frequent walks…… they said.”

Aiden was a bit awkward but worried about her in his own way.

“Really? I’d love to.”

The Duchess smiled brightly at Aiden’s suggestion.

After that, a few more words were exchanged between them, followed by dinner.

Erin slowly looked at the Duchess and Aiden.

The atmosphere has definitely changed.

It was a huge change compared to the first time the four of them had eaten breakfast together, she thought.

Back then, there had been no conversation, and it was just bleak, but now they exchanged morning greetings and talked lightly about their daily lives.

There was a friendly atmosphere, though conversations were scarce.

Most importantly, Aiden’s face seemed to have brightened, so Erin was most happy about it.

The corners of Erin’s lips rose by themselves.

“I have something to say to you two.”

But then, the Duchess spoke to Erin and Aiden.

“I’m going to leave for the estate again.”

She paused for a moment, then continued.

“It won’t be a short visit, but a long one. I’m planning to stay there from now on.”

Erin’s eyes widened slightly, then returned.

It was not hard to comprehend what the Duchess meant.

It wasn’t what she’d expected, but it didn’t seem like a bad idea.

“Aiden. Erin. I’m sorry.”

The Duchess’ voice became quieter.

She’d made up her mind to go to the estate, but her heart was heavy because the two of them were caught in her eyes.

Slowly, she continued to speak.

“I’m going to leave like this again.”

Erin glanced at Aiden.

He just listened intently to the Duchess.

“I asked her to leave.”

The Duke said as if protecting his wife.

Truthfully, he had intended to say all this, but since the Duchess had said she would speak herself, he waited and stood by her side.

“My wife cannot fully rest in the capital, so this was the only choice.”

Erin nodded her head.

She, too, had already heard of the Duchess’s condition yesterday.

She had to rest now.

Since her fatigue and stress from the past 20 years had accumulated, it was important for her to spend her time comfortably.

“What do you think about going together?” The Duke suggested.

“I think it would be fine to leave the employees and custodians here, and we can come when there is work.”

“Aiden. Erin. What do you two think? Please speak freely.”

Her eyes were hoping for the two of them to go with her together.

Erin and Aiden looked at each other.

The two were thinking the same thing.

They nodded slightly, then turned to the Duke.

“No. We’ll stay here.”

“We’ll stay here.”

They gave the same answer.

The two had no intention of leaving for the estate.

“We must keep the seat in the Capital. Don’t you know better than anyone what happens if it’s left vacant for too long?”

“It doesn’t matter. The most important is where we want to live.”

The Duke said firmly.

He didn’t want to hesitate any longer, worrying about this or that or anything else.

However, Erin and Aiden didn’t change their minds either.

“I think so, too!”

Erin said vigorously and continued.

“But we really want to stay here.”

Erin looked directly into the Duchess’ eyes and expressed her real intentions.

“I still want to learn, and there are things I want to do here. Also……”

“Aiden and I won’t overdo it. Please don’t worry too much.”

Erin followed Aiden’s words and agreed. Their thoughts were similar.

“Alright. Then let’s do that.”

The Duchess’ face brightened at the unwavering response of the two.

Isabella and Aiden were taking a walk together, then sat down at the pavilion and drank tea.

Now, the two were close enough that it wasn’t awkward, even if they were alone.

I want to get closer, even if only a little……

It was very saddening for her to part like this.

Besides, when she was about to leave for the estate, she felt sorry for Aiden.

She hadn’t been able to properly play the role of a parent thus far, but leaving the two young ones alone felt like neglecting them again.

That’s how her feelings were shaken.

“Mother.”

Aiden was looking at her.

“Don’t worry about me.”

“This is a place you can visit as much as you want, right?”

Aiden gave her a comfortable smile for the first time.

A genuine smile, shown only to the people close to you, different from the kind you force yourself to show out of courtesy.

She was instantly moved by the sight.

And soon, Aiden’s continued speaking.

“I can’t help it even if Mother were to be upset, but I prefer Erin to be by my side.”

Truthfully, it was an unexpected response.

For both Erin and Aiden, the other’s existence already meant the most.

Therefore, she was relieved.

Isabella stared at Aiden and opened her mouth.

“Aiden. I’m glad to see that you seem to be