Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 363: Night

"She asked me about it again," Martha said. "I wasn't sure what Your Grace intended, so I didn't turn her down right away. I told her I spend most of my time stuck in the small kitchen and don't really know what's going on with Your Grace's household, so I couldn't promise anything. I said I needed to come back and ask first."

She paused, then added, "She was quite generous though. She gave me one dollar up front. Said if I handled things well, she'd give me the remaining four."

As she spoke, Martha pulled a dollar from her pocket and held it out with both hands, offering it to Elowen.

Elowen smiled.

"Keep it," she said lightly. "A dollars isn't nothing. No reason to turn down money that's already in your hands."

Martha looked a little embarrassed, but she tucked the money back into her pocket anyway.

"Then... if she asks again," she said cautiously, "what should I tell her?"

Elowen replied calmly, "Just tell her this. His Grace values heirs greatly and hopes for a child soon. That's why he invited Doctor Dray to stay at the manor for a while. But despite all that, there's been no news from me. His Grace has been... rather displeased about it."

Martha nodded and repeated the explanation exactly as instructed.

The story eventually reached the Garrett family, and Daphne believed every word.

Together with the quiet cooperation from Zachary and Flowira, Daphne was slowly guided step by step into the trap.

And tonight, in front of Theodric, the royal family, and the gathered nobles, she had finally made her move against Elowen.

Everything had unfolded exactly as planned.

Now Elowen looked at Martha with a gentle smile.

"Everything went smoothly tonight. That's thanks to you handling things so carefully."

Only then did Martha finally breathe out in relief.

Elowen added, "Go see Mira later and collect ten dollars."

Martha froze.

She immediately began waving her hands in alarm. "No, no, that won't do! Your Grace already gave us money and food for the gifts. I'm more than satisfied! How could I possibly accept another ten dollars? That's far too much!"

Elowen laughed softly.

"If it weren't for you, tonight's plan wouldn't have gone nearly as smoothly. You did well. This is your reward."

She paused, the smile in her eyes turning even warmer.

"Besides, I heard your son is preparing for the royal examinations next spring. That must place quite a burden on the household. When he earns a position one day, remind him to serve with honesty and keep the people in his heart."

Martha's cheeks flushed.

Her eyes suddenly stung with heat. She had never imagined in her life that she would serve someone so gentle and kind.

With a mistress like this, doing her work carefully was only natural. Even if it meant giving her life, she would do it willingly.

Martha wiped her eyes.

"I'll listen to Your Grace in everything! Whatever you say, I'll do it! From now on, if Your Grace wants anything to eat, just tell me!"

Elowen chuckled.

"All right. Go home and celebrate. Your family must be waiting for you. I wish you all a happy holiday and good fortune."

Martha answered with an eager "Yes!" and thanked her again and again before leaving happily.

Watching her go, Elowen felt her mood brighten as well. When she turned around, she saw Cassian standing quietly in the doorway.

At the sight of him, her heart softened instantly.

"Your Grace," she asked gently, "what brings you here?"

Cassian stepped inside. "To take my wife to bed."

With his long stride, he crossed the room in only a few steps and stopped in front of her. His voice was warm and low.

"Finished with everything?"

Elowen nodded obediently. Cassian extended his hand, and she naturally placed hers in his.

Hand in hand, they walked back toward their chambers.

Lanterns hung beneath the corridor eaves, their warm glow stretching along the walkway, filling the manor with quiet festivity.

Elowen spoke casually as they walked.

"There was something that surprised me a little tonight."

Cassian glanced at her. "Because His Majesty stripped Daphne of the Crown Princess title on the spot?"

Elowen nodded.

Cassian smiled faintly.

"It's not really that surprising. Tonight wasn't just the royal family and court officials present. The Nordian envoys were there as well. If Daphne had only targeted you, she might have received nothing more than a reprimand. But she dragged the Nordian Fifth Princess into it."

He paused.

"That made the matter far more serious. Theodric dislikes war and has been trying to establish peaceful ties with Nordia. Daphne stirred up trouble in front of their envoys. It's only natural that he lost his temper and punished her harshly."

Understanding dawned on Elowen's face.

"So that's why."

"And the matter isn't over yet," Cassian continued.

"Daphne has been stripped of her title and confined to the Secluded Wing. The Garrett family won't escape the consequences either."

Elowen tilted her head.

"Will Galen lose his position?"

"Not for now," Cassian said. "The court needs officials at the moment. Galen may be mediocre, but he handles routine affairs steadily enough. There isn't an immediate replacement for him. Theodric will likely just issue a warning."

"Oh."

Disappointment flickered across Elowen's face.

"However," Cassian said, giving her fingers a light squeeze, "the royal examinations will be held next spring. When that time comes, new men will enter the court, and Galen's position will become far less secure."

He paused slightly before continuing.

"Besides, even if Galen can't be dismissed right away, his son Cedric is a fool by nature, and a lecher to boot. Now that Daphne is no longer the Crown Princess, his prospects are finished. His life is as good as ruined."

He smiled faintly.

"Besides, Galen might keep his post for now, but his son Cedric Garrett is a fool. A lecher too. Now that Daphne is no longer Crown Princess, his prospects are finished."

At the Garrett residence, Galen, Seline, and Cedric were spending Christmas Eve together.

Cedric kept thinking about the soft, delicate concubines waiting in his own courtyard. He could barely sit still.

"We've already finished the dinner," he said impatiently. "I should head back now."

Seline shot him a glare.

"Sit down."

Galen spoke sternly, "Your sister said there would be good news tonight and told us to wait. You're her older brother. Where do you think you're going?"