Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 376: A Quiet Victory

Elowen leaned back comfortably in the chair, cradling the warm hand heater while enjoying the sunlight.

By the time the last servant finished registering their information, the warmth had soaked through her skirts and spread across her legs.

The gentle heat made her slightly drowsy.

She drew her feet back and said with a bright smile, "Since everyone has finished registering, you may take a rest for now. Once I've decided your assignments, I will inform you."

With that, she rose to her feet.

She was starving. Time to find Cassian and have lunch together.

And while she was at it, she could report her little victory and see how he would praise her.

Meanwhile, in the study.

When Elowen returned, Martha had already delivered two steaming bowls of noodle soup.

Elowen had told her earlier that she preferred not to eat in the dining hall today. Noodles were simple enough to enjoy in the study.

Martha's cooking was excellent.

The noodles were perfectly even in thickness, floating in a clear, fragrant broth. Bright green vegetables rested on top alongside several thin slices of braised meat.

Because the soup was still too hot, Elowen did not start eating immediately.

Instead she happily explained everything to Cassian.

She described how she had used Beatrice as an example to establish authority, and how she cleverly created the wage registration so the palace servants would reveal their backgrounds.

A hint of pride colored her voice.

Mira and Cora stood nearby, both struggling to hide their smiles. Mira had followed Elowen since childhood and had witnessed the many changes in her life.

Watching her now brought back memories of the past.

Whenever Elowen accomplished something as a girl, she would run to tell her parents, bursting with excitement and waving her arms as she spoke.

They would praise her warmly. And Elowen would remain happy for the entire day.

Now the same scene seemed to repeat itself.

Her parents was gone. But there was now a duke in their place.

Thinking of this, Mira suddenly felt her eyes sting with emotion.

Cassian listened patiently, the amusement in his eyes growing deeper with every sentence.

When Elowen explained how she had used the wage records to uncover everyone's background, he nodded with clear approval.

After finishing, Elowen looked at him expectantly, her eyes bright.

Cassian smiled. "Ella, that was clever. You didn't raise your voice, you didn't punish anyone, and somehow the entire courtyard ended up exactly where you wanted it."

Elowen's smile turned sweet.

She was just about to ask what reward she might receive.

Cassian spoke first.

"You handled the matter beautifully. Such success deserves a proper reward." His voice softened. "Tell me, Ella. What would you like?"

Elowen froze for a moment.

Her heart suddenly softened like melting snow.

Sometimes she felt childish, always wanting recognition whenever she accomplished something.

Yet she could never help herself.

Cassian, however, never found it annoying. He always played along.

He understood her.

Being cherished this way, feeling someone truly understood her heart, made happiness tremble all the way to her fingertips.

"You may ask for anything," Cassian murmured gently. "I would give you whatever you wish."

Instead of answering, Elowen suddenly opened her arms and leaned forward, wrapping them around him and burying her face in the curve of his shoulder.

Cassian lowered his gaze.

"What is it?"

Elowen's voice was soft. "A hug. That's the reward I want."

Cassian chuckled quietly and rested his hand against her back.

After holding her for a while, Elowen lifted her head.

"But I still haven't assigned duties to the palace servants. I don't really have experience with that."

Cassian answered gently, "That is not difficult. Since we do not yet know them well, and since you are carrying a child, they should not be placed in sensitive positions. Continue letting Mira, Cora, Gerda, and Edith attend to you personally."

He continued calmly.

"As for those sent from the palace, assign them roles that appear important but hold little authority and rarely require direct contact with you. Positions such as household supervisors, etiquette instructors, or attendants for the study and reception hall would work. The male servants can oversee the carriage stables or inventory of artworks and antiques."

Elowen's eyes lit up in realization.

She wriggled out of his arms and sat upright, even trying to stand.

Cassian caught her arm gently. "Where are you going?"

Elowen answered seriously, "I'm afraid I'll forget. I need to write this down."

Cassian laughed.

"There's no hurry. Eat lunch first. Afterward you can take a nap. You can deal with it later."

Elowen considered this.

"You're right!"

She touched the bowl and found the temperature perfect. Without hesitation she picked up her fork and began eating.

Meanwhile, back in the courtyard.

After Elowen left, the servants gradually dispersed.

"Seren! Seren!"

Seren had just started walking away when someone called her name. She stopped as someone gently slipped an arm around hers.

"I've heard people say before that Seren is the most beautiful maid in the palace. Now that I've seen you myself, I can tell it's true. When everyone was standing together earlier, Her Grace noticed only you and even asked your name."

The speaker was Alyssa, a maid who had served in Isla's palace residence.

Everyone in the palace knew that Isla and Elira had been locked in a quiet rivalry for years.

During her time serving Elira, Seren had often heard people criticize Isla's household behind closed doors.

Because of that, she instinctively felt some distance toward Alyssa.

She gently pulled her arm free.

"What exactly are you trying to say?" Seren asked.

Alyssa's smile remained bright as she continued walking beside her.

"I'm simply saying you are truly lovely. Those wide eyes, that fair complexion. Anyone who didn't know better would think you were a noble young lady from a wealthy family rather than a palace attendant."