Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 503: Pride and Lines

It took Elowen time to understand something subtle but unavoidable.

When a person stands in a certain place long enough, even the way they smile begins to settle into habit. What starts as intention eventually becomes instinct.

She had become that way too.

With that thought lingering, she came to a stop in front of Edmund.

She placed a hand lightly at her waist and inclined her head in a refined court greeting. "Mr. Myers, your visit brings great honor to Hale Manor."

Edmund was still holding onto his irritation. He drew in a breath, steadying himself before rising to his feet. "You are too gracious, Your Grace. Being invited here is already an honor for me."

Elowen's gaze drifted to Wendy, and she gave a soft sigh. "Wendy's face looks quite badly hurt. It would be best to have it treated right away. If it leaves a mark, that would be unfortunate. As it happens, Doctor Dray is here today. I'll have him come over."

She gave a slight glance to Cora, who immediately understood and left to carry out the task.

Edmund's tone eased a little. "That's hardly something I should trouble Your Grace with."

Elowen replied gently, "It's no trouble at all. If anything, I bear some responsibility for what happened."

Edmund frowned, confusion clear on his face. "Your responsibility? I'm not sure I follow."

Elowen's voice remained calm and measured. "Some time ago, I wrote a couple of storybooks in my spare time. They were never meant to be anything serious, just something to pass the hours. Somehow, those books caught Maerwyn's attention."

She continued, her tone unhurried. "Today, both Wendy and Maerwyn came to Hale Manor as guests for my birthday. While they were in the garden, they spoke about me, and naturally those books came up as well. To be fair, Wendy wasn't entirely wrong. Stories like those are often seen as light entertainment. Someone well-educated, with a strong literary background, might not think much of them."

She paused slightly before finishing, "But Maerwyn has always been indulged since childhood. Hearing that, she was bound to take offense. That's what led to the servants stepping in."

Edmund understood immediately, and his expression grew more severe.

After a brief pause, he turned to Wendy. "Did you truly say that those books are nothing but low entertainment?"

Wendy felt a flicker of unease, though she couldn't quite place why. Still, she answered honestly. "I did..."

Edmund's face darkened at once.

Wendy noticed his displeasure but misunderstood the reason. She hurried to explain, "Those stories are all about romance. There's nothing meaningful in them, it's all rather shallow..."

She didn't get to finish.

Edmund's voice cut in sharply. "Is this what I taught you, to become arrogant?"

Wendy froze.

She had never expected him to speak to her like that.

The tears clinging to her lashes hadn't even fallen yet when the sting hit her all at once, her eyes filling instantly.

Edmund did not soften. His voice remained firm. "Whether it's history, philosophy, or storytelling, none of it stands above the rest by nature. If learning a few books makes you think you're above others, then everything you've learned has been wasted."

He continued, his tone steady but stern. "As for the books written by Her Grace, I've read them myself. Yes, they involve matters of the heart, but they go far beyond that. Ode to Springlight speaks of a woman's independence, her resilience, her strength. It is not some crude or vulgar tale."

His gaze sharpened. "You came here as a guest, to attend someone's birthday, and yet you chose to speak poorly of your host behind her back. Explain that to me."

Wendy stood there, stunned, tears sliding down her cheeks in silence.

"Come here," Edmund said firmly. "Apologize to Her Grace."

Wendy lifted her head, her vision blurred.

I didn't do anything wrong. I'm the one who was humiliated. Why should I apologize? He's taking her side.

She wiped her tears hard, then suddenly turned and pushed through the watching crowd, running off without looking back.

Edmund remained where he was, watching her disappear. His aged face flushed slightly, his beard trembling faintly. "She grows more unreasonable with every passing year."

Elowen spoke at just the right moment. "Please don't be upset, Mr. Myers. She's still young. Having her own opinions and a bit of temper isn't a bad thing. If young people become too polished too early, they lose their spirit."

She turned slightly. "You two, follow Wendy. Make sure she stays safe."

The two attendants responded at once and hurried off.

Edmund bowed deeply to Elowen. "I have failed in guiding her properly. I hope Your Highness will not take her careless words to heart."

Elowen shook her head. "You're being too serious. It truly isn't anything worth worrying about. She's your only granddaughter, of course you treasure her dearly. And truthfully, this situation began because of me. It wouldn't be right for something so trivial to come between you."

Her tone was sincere and composed, leaving no room for discomfort.

Edmund's expression softened noticeably.

The earlier commotion had already drawn the attention of nearby guests. Though no one approached, curious glances continued to drift their way.