Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 375: Establishing Authority

Beatrice stood there speechless, her face shifting between pale and flushed.

The moment Elowen finished speaking, Beatrice's composure finally collapsed. Her legs gave out beneath her, and she dropped heavily to the ground.

"I would never dare. I truly would never dare," she stammered, her voice shaking.

Elowen let out a soft, cold laugh and said nothing more.

Gerda quietly carried a chair out beneath the corridor and set it down. A thick cushion had been placed on the seat.

Elowen settled into it with composed ease.

Gerda handed her an enameled hand warmer.

Elowen held it in both hands, sitting there with an expression so calm it seemed almost indifferent.

To Beatrice, however, that calm felt like a blade suspended above her head.

Her heart pounded in panic.

Before coming to Duskmoor Manor, Isla had told her that as someone who had served long within the palace, she could carry herself with authority. The duchess was inexperienced, the queen had said, and there would be many matters she did not yet understand. Beatrice should guide her when necessary.

But Beatrice had never imagined that this seemingly gentle and timid young duchess would possess such a sharp mind.

In only a few sentences, Elowen had twisted the situation until Beatrice herself sounded like a rebellious servant who dared challenge her mistress.

Now Beatrice could not tell what Elowen intended. Is she going to punish me harshly?

Cold sweat gradually soaked through her clothes.

Just as despair began creeping in, Elowen finally spoke again.

"It appears the title still belongs to the Duke of Duskmoor," she said calmly. "And this household is still under my authority."

Beatrice did not dare utter a word of protest.

"Yes, Your Grace. You are absolutely right," she said hurriedly, her voice trembling.

Seated comfortably, Elowen looked down at her.

Seeing that Beatrice had finally corrected her attitude, Elowen's tone softened slightly.

"I know you served Her Majesty for many years, and you were once the wet nurse to His Highness. Someone with your experience must be capable and reliable. Having lived in the palace for so long, you surely understand better than anyone the importance of rank and order. What may be said and what must never be said. What duties belong to you and what do not. These things should already be very clear to you."

Her gaze remained steady.

"Since today is your first day here, I can understand that concern may have made you overstep. I will not pursue the matter any further. But from this day forward, you must remember the rules more carefully. Otherwise, if trouble arises, would that not reflect poorly on Her Majesty as well?"

Beatrice had survived more than a decade navigating palace politics.

She immediately understood the meaning behind those words.

The young duchess had struck with both firmness and mercy. She had reprimanded her, yet also offered a way to retreat with dignity.

Though resentment lingered in her heart, Beatrice could not help admiring the young woman's control.

"All right," Elowen said at last, withdrawing her gaze.

"Martha, prepare a bowl of noodles for me. As for the others who arrived from the palace today, have them come here. I would like to see everyone."

Not long afterward, the courtyard filled with people.

Stewards, servants, attendants, and maids stood neatly arranged. Gerda brought over a register and handed it to Elowen.

Elowen opened it and scanned the contents. Only their names had been recorded.

There was no mention of where they had previously served.

Without that information, it would be impossible to know whose influence they truly belonged to.

That made Elowen uneasy.

She closed the book slowly and spoke with calm composure.

"Beatrice reminded me earlier that she once served Her Majesty. Among the rest of you, some previously attended Lady Elira, while others even served His Majesty directly. Compared to the palace, life at Duskmoor Manor must feel rather modest. I'm sure this change is not easy for you."

The group quickly responded.

"Your Grace is too kind."

"There is no hardship at all."

"To serve Your Grace is our honor."

Elowen smiled gently.

"Since you serve me sincerely, I would not treat you unfairly. Life at the manor differs from palace service in many ways, especially when it comes to wages. According to the rules, your stipends will still be issued by the palace. However, collecting them will now require a few additional steps."

She lifted the register slightly.

"I must first report the number of staff to the palace. Once the funds are released, they will be distributed through my office. I have also heard that each palace residence offers different stipends depending on the duties assigned. So today, each of you must state clearly where you previously served, which noble household you attended, what your responsibilities were, and how much you were paid."

The servants exchanged uneasy glances.

A young maid standing near the front suddenly raised her head and offered Elowen a flattering smile.

"Your Grace, wouldn't it make more sense to assign duties first?"

Elowen's smile remained faint as she looked at her. Something in that quiet gaze made the girl's heart tighten.

Elowen spoke gently, "What is your name?"

The maid lowered her eyes slightly. "My name is Seren."

Elowen nodded. "Very well. Since you spoke first, you may lead the others. Go to Cora and Anson and report your information for registration."

Only a few calm sentences, yet they carried both grace and authority. In truth, she displayed more command than some nobles within the palace.

Seren dared not argue further and obediently stepped forward.

Cora and Anson had already prepared a table with ink and paper. Edith stood nearby watching the proceedings.

Having once served Selene and later followed Cassian for many years, she immediately understood Elowen's intention.

Her face turned stern.

"Each of you will report truthfully," she said coldly. "If anyone lies, conceals information, or falsifies their record, and it is discovered later by His Grace or Her Grace, the matter will be reported directly to His Majesty. At that point, the punishment will not be light."

Her words carried unmistakable weight.

The warning worked immediately.

Elowen gave Edith an approving glance. This quiet steward rarely spoke or showed emotion.

Yet when the moment demanded it, she proved extraordinarily useful.