Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 504: Subtle Moves

Out of the corner of her eye, Elowen noticed two familiar figures.

Albert. Liam.

She gave no sign of recognition and turned instead. "Josh, please bring Mr. Myers a cup of hot coffee."

Josh stepped forward at once.

Edmund looked at him. "I noticed you earlier but didn't get the chance to ask, what brings you here?"

Josh poured a cup of warm coffee and handed it over respectfully. "Sir, my sister Nikki said the court qualification trials are coming up, and she wanted to save money for my exam expenses, so she took a position here at Hale Manor. There are many guests today and not enough staff, so I came to help out where I can."

Edmund nodded. "That's commendable."

He took a sip, then added, "Helping is fine, but don't neglect your studies. The trials are just around the corner. With your ability, passing on the first attempt is entirely possible. At a time like this, you must not let up."

Josh nodded earnestly. "I understand. Even while helping out, I still study every morning for a couple of hours and review late into the night. I haven't missed a day."

"That's good." Edmund nodded repeatedly, clearly pleased.

Elowen stood quietly to the side, letting them speak for a while.

When the moment felt right, she said, "I need to head to the garden, so I can't stay long. Josh, keep Mr. Myers company a bit longer."

Josh reminded her, "Your Grace, there's still work unfinished in the study."

Edmund chuckled softly. "No matter. Once he finishes the trials, we'll have plenty of time to talk. Let him go finish his work. It wouldn't be right to take Hale Manor's pay without doing the job."

Josh smiled and nodded.

Elowen agreed. "Very well. Work comes first."

She said her farewells and turned to leave, her steps unhurried.

Just as expected, she soon heard someone behind her ask, "Mr. Myers, is that young man your student? What family does he come from?"

Edmund's voice carried a hint of pride. "His name is Josh. I took him on this year. At my age, I only accept two students. One is Kaelan, the son of Lady Aveline. The other is him."

Another voice asked hesitantly, "But it sounded like he's working here at Hale Manor. That background..."

Edmund replied calmly, "I've always believed learning should be open to all. And his background is not so low. His father once served under General Hale and fell in battle. He is the son of a decorated soldier. The boy is bright. I've hardly needed to teach him much, only guide him from time to time. In my view, his future holds great promise."

Elowen passed by Albert and Liam just then.

She turned slightly toward Josh. "Many sit for the court qualification trials each year, but only a few succeed. I used to wonder whether you would pass, but after hearing Mr. Myers speak so highly of you, I'd say your chances are very strong. Once you finish your work here today, go home and focus on your studies. When you pass, I'll make sure you receive a generous reward."

Josh responded obediently, "Then I won't hold back when the time comes."

As soon as Elowen walked past, Albert drew in a deep breath.

Liam's brows were tightly knit, his expression serious. "That made me nervous. If we don't pass and someone working odd jobs does instead, our grandfather will make us pay for it."

Albert, however, seemed not to hear him at all. His gaze drifted, and he murmured to himself, "That scent..."

A faint, refined fragrance still lingered in the air, something soft and elegant, like fresh blossoms after rain.

Liam frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Albert snapped back, quickly shaking his head. "Nothing. Forget it."

He rubbed his nose. "Didn't we already plan this out? Alaric is overseeing the trials this year. We'll manage somehow."

Liam didn't look reassured. "I heard from my father that he's taking it seriously this time. He wants real results. He might not go easy on us."

Albert smirked, his usual confidence returning. "So what? We just need to talk to him, say the right things. He'll soften eventually. He always has."

Liam thought it over and nodded. "That's true."

He glanced around. "Now that I think about it, they said the princess already arrived. If she's here, Alaric should have come with her. So where is he? Why haven't we seen him?"