Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 538: Not Just Kindness

Just wait. I'll settle this.

At Hale Manor, in the main dining hall, Elowen and Cassian were seated together for supper.

Mira stood nearby, smiling. "Your Grace, you should've seen Nikki this afternoon. She was in such a good mood the whole time. Probably finally got some frustration out. She even ate an extra half serving tonight."

Elowen's eyes softened slightly as she lifted her spoon, taking a sip of the rich, slow-cooked stew.

Mira continued, "Josh borrowed a book from your study earlier. He returned it just now, not a single page out of place, and he even cleaned up the entire room before leaving."

Elowen gave a small nod.

Those two really were good kids.

Footsteps sounded outside.

Elowen looked up just as Josh stepped in, Nikki following behind him.

Josh came forward and bowed deeply. "Your Grace."

Cassian did not look up, only gave a quiet acknowledgment before placing a portion of vegetables onto Elowen's plate.

Elowen set down her utensils and looked at them with a gentle expression.

Her gaze moved from Josh to Nikki.

The girl stood behind him, head lowered, her foot lightly brushing the polished stone floor, her whole posture slumped with quiet frustration.

Elowen asked softly, "What's going on?"

Josh bowed again, his tone steady. "When I was preparing for the court qualification trials, our situation at home was difficult. Your Grace showed kindness, allowed Nikki to work here, and gave us support. I will never forget that."

He continued, calm but firm.

"Now that the exams are over, regardless of the outcome, I shouldn't continue to rely on your generosity. I plan to take Nikki home tonight so we won't trouble you further."

Elowen's gaze shifted to Nikki.

The girl's head dropped even lower, her shoulders sagging.

Elowen understood immediately. "What about you? Do you want to go back?"

Nikki looked up suddenly, the words slipping out before she could stop herself. "I don't want to..."

Her voice was small, thick with emotion.

Josh turned his head sharply.

Nikki froze, her voice cutting off as she quickly lowered her head again.

Josh faced forward once more, his tone growing more earnest. "She's still young. There are many things she doesn't understand. Keeping her here may only cause trouble."

He paused, then continued, "You've been generous. I know you would allow her to stay. But someone else's kindness is not something I should depend on without restraint. What you've given is a gift. If we accept it without limits and grow used to it, then we become the kind of people who only take and never repay."

His voice steadied.

"I may be poor, but I won't lose my sense of self."

Elowen watched him quietly.

Josh went on, "And to be honest, it isn't right for her to stay. I come from nothing. The other candidates look down on me and speak harshly, but I can endure it. Time will settle those accounts when I've earned my place."

He paused, then added, a trace of gratitude in his eyes, "But Nikki couldn't stand seeing that. So she told you."

He lowered his gaze slightly.

"I understand what happened today. You were standing up for us. From my perspective, it felt... satisfying."

He took a breath.

"But I also know it puts you at risk. It could offend powerful families with deep influence. Once might be manageable, but if it continues, it could become a burden for you."

His tone grew more serious.

"I don't want my personal grievances to put you in a difficult position."

He stepped back and bowed deeply once more.

"I will remember your kindness for the rest of my life. With your help, we can manage for now. If I'm fortunate enough to succeed and enter service, I will repay what I owe."

The hall fell quiet.

Only the faint crackle of the braziers could be heard.

Elowen sat still, the softness in her expression fading into something more thoughtful.

She looked at the young man before her, slight in frame, but standing straight, and something stirred quietly in her chest.

Even Cassian glanced at him, giving him a second look.

After a moment, Elowen spoke, "I understand what you're trying to say. The fact that you've thought this through speaks well of you. You haven't failed your father, or Edmund's guidance."

Her tone shifted slightly.

"But I still want Nikki to stay at Hale Manor."

She held his gaze steadily.

"This isn't out of pity. Nikki is capable, attentive, and takes her work seriously. The study is always in perfect order because of her. I'm very satisfied."

She continued calmly, "The household stipend here is higher than elsewhere. Nikki earns what she's given. It isn't charity. And besides, I have other plans that require her to remain here. The timing just isn't right yet."