Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 399: Changing His Mind

The guard looked visibly startled.

This was the first time he had ever seen Cassian change his decision so quickly.

Bran, who had been standing nearby watching the entire exchange, could not help sighing inwardly once again.

The duchess truly is remarkable.

She must have known from the start that once Cassian learned about this matter, jealousy would strike immediately. That was why she had prepared in advance.

More importantly, she knew exactly how to soothe this famously jealous duke once the storm arrived.

The duchess truly understood how to keep Cassian completely under her control.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city.

Elowen remained at the confectioner's shop for a while longer, chatting with Eudora. The pastries she planned to take home had already been carefully wrapped and packed.

Only then did she rise and bid farewell to both Eudora and Josh.

When she stepped outside the confectioner's shop, her carriage was already waiting at the entrance.

Elowen was about to climb inside when she paused.

After a moment of thought, she turned around and walked toward the newly opened bookshop next door.

Even before reaching the entrance, she could smell the distinctive scent of aged parchment mingled with fresh printing ink.

It was not exactly pleasant, but neither was it unpleasant.

The shop itself was not very large, though it was tidy and tastefully arranged.

Against the far wall stood a towering wooden bookshelf that stretched nearly to the ceiling. The shelves were carefully organized with all kinds of volumes, most of them historical texts, scholarly works, and collections meant for students preparing for the royal examinations.

Near the entrance sat a wide display table covered with popular novels, handwritten copies, and crudely printed pamphlets.

The shop had very few customers, leaving the place rather quiet.

Beside the door, in the sunniest corner of the room, stood a reclining chair.

A young man lay sprawled across it, a book resting open over his face while his chest rose and fell in the slow rhythm of deep sleep.

Elowen assumed he must be the shopkeeper.

She walked closer. Seeing this, Mira stepped forward and called softly, "Hey, wake up."

The man stirred at the sound. Still half asleep, he mumbled something and lifted his head slightly.

The book covering his face slid down and dropped to the floor with a soft thump.

Elowen glanced toward him and was about to speak. Then she saw his face clearly and paused in surprise.

The man rubbed his eyes and looked up. The moment he recognized Elowen, his expression froze as well. His mouth hung open in shock.

They had met before.

This bookshop owner was none other than the quick handed young clerk who had once worked at that jewelry store.

The young man clearly recognized her as well and knew her identity as the Duchess of Duskmoor. After standing frozen for only a moment, he jumped up from the chair in a panic and hurriedly tried to compose himself.

He wanted to show proper respect, yet he had no idea what gesture would be appropriate before a duchess.

In his panic, he simply bent forward in a deep bow.

"Your Grace, the Duchess of Duskmoor has come to my humble shop," he said, his voice trembling slightly from nervousness. "It is truly an honor."

Elowen glanced around the shop and could not help smiling. "There is no need for such formality."

Then she asked gently, "Do you no longer sell jewelry?"

The young man straightened and quickly explained.

"Your Grace, that jewelry shop was never mine to begin with. I was only hired to work there. After our owner offended... someone important, he began living in constant fear. He could barely sleep at night. In the end, he had no choice but to sell the shop quickly at a low price and return to his hometown in the south with his family."

Elowen nodded quietly. She could not help feeling a trace of guilt toward that former owner.

The whole incident had been an unfortunate disaster that had something to do with her.

Though in truth, the main reason had been the narrow mindedness of Isla and Alaric.

The young man continued, "My family originally ran a bookshop generations ago, so in a way I have returned to the old trade. I used my savings from the past few years and borrowed some money from friends to rent this place. I thought that selling books and writing supplies would be a peaceful way to make a living without attracting trouble."

Elowen listened while letting her gaze drift across the colorful novels spread across the table.

Finally her eyes settled on a stack of cheaply printed pamphlets.

She casually picked one up and looked at the young man with a raised brow.

"You sell this," she said, holding the paper lightly between her fingers, "and you still claim you want to avoid trouble?"

These pamphlets were a kind of underground publication.

People privately copied and printed gossip that was never officially confirmed, including rumors about the royal household, pregnancies among palace consorts, which prince currently enjoyed favor, and even political developments like promotions or dismissals among officials.

Though the court had not openly banned such publications, they were certainly not encouraged.

If authorities discovered them, punishment would follow without question.

The young man knew that perfectly well.

His heart began pounding violently. Fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and his legs felt weak.

Still, he did not collapse. Instead he bowed repeatedly in desperation.

"Your Grace, please understand. I truly had no choice. I need to make a living. Selling ordinary books barely brings in customers anymore. These pamphlets attract a few buyers so I can earn enough coins to survive."

He lowered his voice, pleading, "Please show mercy, Your Grace. Let me keep this small livelihood."

Elowen had already begun reading the pamphlet in her hand.

It was very recent.

It described the banquet at the palace, including the fall of Daphne, who had been stripped of her position as Crown Princess, as well as the news of the Duchess of Duskmoor's pregnancy.