TEWRIT 84

Chapter 84 

Flint gently lifted Eliano into his arms and whispered,
“It seems our schedule was too rushed after all.”

Because the Emperor activated the magic gate earlier than expected, they had no choice but to leave in a hurry. Flint had wanted to take breaks along the way, but once a gate was active, there was no turning back.

“Your Grace, please put me down. The staff is—”

“We can deal with the staff later.”

Eliano had meant that the staff was watching, and she felt embarrassed. She lowered her head quickly.

Still holding her close, Flint strode confidently into the manor.

The servants, lined up to greet their returning master and new duchess, blinked in shock. Even the retainers, who had come despite being told not to greet them formally, looked stunned. Someone even rubbed their eyes to check if they were seeing things.

Rumors had spread far and wide—some said Duke Flint was madly in love with Lady Rosana and had kidnapped her out of obsession. But Flint’s reputation was one of cold steel. Most people doubted it.

But now… seeing him like this…
Maybe it really was a passionate love.

Though from the outside, the sight of the huge duke carrying the delicate lady… honestly looked more like a kidnapping.

Meanwhile, the deputy butler, who had been managing the estate in Gilbert’s absence, bowed formally to the couple. But before he could speak, Flint cut in first.

“We’re going to the bedchamber.”

Flint left everything else to Gilbert and walked straight across the central hall with Eliano still in his arms. Jane followed closely behind. The head maid and assistant maid, who had come to greet them, looked uncertainly at Gilbert.

“Bring the physician to the chambers, and assign only a few maids for now.”

“Understood. But Sir Morgan is currently away.”

“Then send Hans instead.”

“Yes, Master Gilbert.”

Gilbert quickly started giving out detailed instructions. The other retainers, who had wanted to pay their respects, had no choice but to stay in the sitting room and wait.

Since there were no other blood relatives in the Howard family, and no duchess for a long time, there were only two physicians: one primary doctor and one assistant. And since Flint was a man, both doctors were also male.

Flint suddenly regretted not hiring a female doctor earlier. What if Eliano felt uncomfortable?

But Eliano didn’t seem to mind at all and calmly received the examination.

The physician looked unsure, then asked Flint,

“Your Grace… may I ask… how long has it been since you and Her Grace shared a… relationship?”

“W-Why are you asking that?!”

Flint shouted in surprise, causing the doctor to flinch.

Understanding the reason for the question, Eliano answered coolly,
“There’s no chance I’m pregnant.”

“S-Still, I must ask for certain…”

The doctor didn’t know how to politely explain that even with prevention, there could still be a risk.

He hesitated—ladies from the capital were said to be cold and easily offended if one misspoke. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable.

Of course, Eliano couldn’t say outright that she and Flint had never even shared a bed. So she extended her wrist and said,

“Just take my pulse again.”

“W-Well, the pulse is a bit faint… My apologies!”

He fumbled again. Eliano frowned. This man had clearly been spoiled, working in a house where the duke was so healthy that he never got sick.

She spoke sharply,

“I won’t hold you accountable, so assess me assuming there’s no pregnancy.”

The doctor glanced nervously at Flint. Even if Her Grace said it was fine, if he gave the wrong treatment and there was a pregnancy, Flint wouldn’t forgive him. This wasn’t just about the duchess—it was about an heir!

“Hans, why are you just standing there?” Flint urged.

Finally, Hans gave his diagnosis.

“Her Grace has severe travel fatigue and is very weakened. She needs full rest and peace of mind.”

That was a polite way of saying she was under a lot of stress. Eliano had heard that phrase many times before, but Flint’s expression darkened. He couldn’t help but recall the times she had been kidnapped, nearly killed.

“I’ll have the kitchens prepare meals suited to her condition starting tomorrow,” the doctor added.

Flint gave a firm order.
“No, start today. Have the chef adjust tonight’s meal.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Hans then re-bandaged her shoulder and promised to bring herbal medicine. Though he couldn’t take a pulse well, he was skilled at applying treatments.

Once he left, Eliano asked,

“How long has that doctor worked here?”

“About two years. He’s actually an assistant. The main doctor is Morgan, but he’s away right now.”

So that was Morgan’s student… but it still seemed strange that the head doctor would be gone. Flint explained,

“When I leave the North, I usually allow Morgan to take time off too. He travels a lot, and Hans covers things while we’re gone. Since we returned earlier than planned, he didn’t make it back yet.”

Eliano nodded, understanding.

“I’ll hire a female doctor soon. I should’ve done it earlier. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. It’s just the two of us here, so there’s no need for too many staff.”

“No, Morgan said he’s been overwhelmed. This is a good chance to add a female doctor.”

“…Why is he overwhelmed?” Eliano asked, puzzled.

Flint blinked, not following her.

“Only you and the estate managers get treated, right? How is that a lot of work?”

Flint chuckled and explained,

“Morgan and Hans don’t just treat me—they take care of all the staff. Sometimes they visit the families of our servants too. If people in the territory need medical help, they also travel to them.”

Eliano’s eyes widened. That kind of support amazed her. Not even the Rosana household had doctors available for the lower staff—only high-ranking managers.

“Is that normal in the North?” she asked.

Flint hesitated. His father had done it that way, so he had continued the practice.

“I’m not sure about other families. I’ll find out if you’d like—”

“No, that’s not necessary…”

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

“It’s Gilbert,” came the voice outside. Flint gave permission, and Gilbert entered with several staff.

Eliano felt tired already. Maybe the warmth of the room made her body relax too quickly—her eyelids were heavy.

She saw that Gilbert had brought the full group of house managers.

Ugh… I wish we could do this later. I just want to lie down.

Flint, noticing Eliano’s discomfort, spoke firmly:

“My wife needs rest. Postpone all formal greetings.”

“Yes, Your Grace. We’ll only leave the maids selected to assist Her Grace.”

Eliano added,

“Have those maids report to Jane. Only three, please.”

“Yes, understood.”

“Jane, help me change,” Eliano said softly.

When other maids stepped forward, Eliano’s tone turned icy.

“I said Jane.”

The air turned cold. Everyone froze.

Jane quickly came forward with a robe she had already prepared. Eliano tried to keep her eyes open and gave more instructions.

“When my luggage arrives, sort it according to Jane’s directions. Prepare the bath when I wake. Jane will explain everything.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

The maids bowed deeply. Jane felt awkward undressing Eliano with others present, but Eliano noticed and sighed.

“I suppose I’ll wait until everyone finishes. Gilbert, is there something else?”

Her voice now had a clear edge.

“No, Your Grace. We’ll leave at once.”

Gilbert quickly left with the staff and maids.

Flint remained calm throughout, then stood to leave.

“I’ll give you some time. If you’re still tired at dinner, I’ll delay the meal.”

“No, please wake me when it’s ready.”

Eliano looked at Jane with sleepy eyes. Jane stepped forward and began loosening her clothes.

As soon as her skin showed, Flint stood up like he’d been burned.

“Rest well.”

He left the room a bit too quickly.

As soon as Eliano changed, she fell fast asleep. Jane had things to ask, but her mistress was already out cold. Gently, she helped Eliano into bed and tucked the blankets around her.

Then Jane noticed the fur cloak she was still holding—the one Adel had wrapped around her as soon as they arrived. She should return it.

Jane quietly left the room.

Outside, some unfamiliar maids were waiting.

“Her Grace is sleeping, so keep your voice down. If she asks for water—”

“Yeah, yeah. When should we get the bath ready?” one maid interrupted, speaking casually.

Jane narrowed her eyes.

“Hey. Didn’t you hear me? When’s the bath?”

These maids had mistaken Jane for a regular servant. At first, her fine cloak had confused them, but now she looked like any other maid. And since Jane didn’t immediately scold their rudeness, they assumed they could speak freely.

Jane looked straight at them and replied, also casually,

“I’ll tell you when. If you draw the bath now, the water will get cold.”

“No one said we were doing it now!” the girl snapped.

Jane hissed,

“Unless you want to be punished, keep it down. My lady is sleeping.”

The maid scowled.

“What, is the soundproofing bad in the capital? This is the North.”

“And stop calling her ‘lady.’ She’s the Grand Duchess. Learn to speak properly.”

Jane ignored the sarcasm and continued,

“Once the luggage arrives, I’ll explain how to sort it. And don’t you dare enter her room without permission. Her Grace is a light sleeper.”

Jane deliberately said “my lady” to emphasize her closeness. She had served at only the finest noble houses. She could see these girls were already trying to push boundaries. But she wasn’t worried—time would sort it out.

“…Where’s the sitting room, anyway?” one maid asked.

“Why? So you can snoop around?” Jane replied.

Then she leaned in toward the one being especially rude.

“You can try this with me, but don’t you dare act like that in front of Her Grace.”

Jane walked past them.

Even if these girls didn’t help her, someone else would. She soon found the sitting room, returned the fur to Adel, and came back.

And then—
“It’s too noisy—I can’t sleep at all!”

Eliano’s frustrated voice echoed down the hall. The troublesome maids were already getting scolded.