Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 422: Not a Great Name

"I knew it," another voice chimed in. "I just got Ode to Springlight a few days ago and stayed up all night reading it. The writing, the structure, the detail, it all feels exactly like Tales of Luminara. There's no way anyone else could've written it. It has to be her."

"I still can't believe the Duchess is that talented."

"Then why stop using the name Azure? This new name of hers is... I don't know."

"Yeah, what is it again? It doesn't exactly stick with you."

"Honestly, it's kind of forgettable. It doesn't match the level of her work at all."

"Keep your voice down. Do you have any idea who you're talking about?"

"Oh come on, it's a packed street. No one's paying attention. And I'm just being honest. That new name really isn't great."

Elowen's face flushed instantly.

This is exactly why I didn't want anyone to know.

People really had no filter at all.

At this point, she almost would've preferred being recognized directly.

"Did that bother you?"

Cassian's voice came from above her, the hint of a smile obvious.

She looked up at him, lips pressed together in a small, aggrieved pout.

He met her gaze, eyes warm. "They don't have much taste. There's nothing wrong with it."

She gave him a look, clearly unconvinced.

"You're not going to argue with them over something like this," he added lightly.

Elowen lifted her chin. "Fine. Then we're going to Stargazer Pavilion, and I'm ordering everything."

"Of course."

"And drinks too. The expensive kind."

"Whatever you want."

That finally pulled a smile out of her.

Before long, they reached the busiest stretch of Cloudmere Lane.

Stargazer Pavilion rose at the corner, grand and impossible to miss. Tall arched windows lined the front, glowing with warm light. Inside, silhouettes moved against the glow, hinting at the lively scene within.

Iron and glass lanterns hung along the exterior, their warm light catching on the gilded sign above the entrance.

Carriages lined the street, and well-dressed guests came and went without pause.

As Elowen and Cassian approached the entrance, a neatly dressed attendant stepped forward with practiced ease.

His smile was polite, but his eyes were sharp as they took in every detail of their appearance.

Fine fabric, well tailored, but not overly showy.

He had seen true extravagance before. Compared to that, they looked understated.

Still, the woman was striking, and the man carried himself with quiet authority.

Not ordinary.

He made his judgment quickly.

"Welcome to Stargazer Pavilion," he said, voice smooth and professional as he stepped slightly into their path. "Before I seat you, may I have your names or a calling card? That will help me arrange a suitable private room."

Elowen blinked. "You need a name just to walk in?"

The attendant straightened slightly, a hint of pride slipping into his tone. "I'm afraid so. Even our simplest dish comes at a price most households wouldn't spend in a year. Our guests value privacy and refinement. If we allowed just anyone inside, it would disrupt the experience."

He gave a small, knowing smile. "And occasionally, someone comes in who cannot actually afford it. They linger, order nothing, or worse, expect to pay later. That sort of thing is... inconvenient."

Elowen tilted her head slightly.

That sounds a little snobbish.

The attendant noticed her expression and misread it immediately.

Well dressed, but unfamiliar with the rules. Probably curious, not truly prepared.

His smile cooled just a fraction. "If tonight isn't convenient, you're always welcome to return another time."

He lowered his voice, adding a note of warning. "Stargazer Pavilion has powerful backing. Just last month, a drunk troublemaker tried to skip out on his bill and caused a scene. He didn't leave in good shape, and he didn't last long after that either."

He gestured casually, as if it were nothing more than a story.

Elowen stiffened, startled, and instinctively glanced at Cassian.

Cassian met her gaze briefly, then looked back at the attendant, his expression calm but cold.

"That wouldn't happen," he said.

The attendant frowned slightly, ready to argue.

But the words never came out.

Something in Cassian's presence made his chest tighten, the confidence draining out of him before he could even respond.

Cassian reached into his coat, took out the money, and flicked it toward him.

"I answer to the Duke of Duskmoor."