"Evangeline did not come for breakfast?" In a day, the man was looking aged with his deep solemn eyes and tired face that even maids felt bad for him.
They did not justify his act, but they knew their master was not like other nobles. He was a kind man and the girl should forgive him.
They exchanged glances when they heard the question but no one replied. All of them just bowed their heads and turned silent when the duke sighed.
"She is going to have breakfast with her adopted father in the garden!" Everyone was stunned more at his nonchalance than the news.
The way he took the bite of his sandwich after saying so and enjoyed his food earned the gazes of everyone around him.
"Leo! You put the man in the worst cabin last night with the one who cleaned the waste of horses in the stable!
Evan is sensitive over every matter right now. Would it not be a bad idea if they have their meal alone.
Why not invite them here so that we could keep an eye on that bastard!" Both Eli and Eve nodded without even minding that his father had cussed the old man.
He deserved that! But they both were worried when they noticed that Leo was not concerned at all.
Evan had already said that she would not marry him anymore. Could this be the reason that he had turned so cold hearted?
"Leo, I know that Evangeline reacted too rudely, but think about her too. She must be hurt after knowing the truth and blaming you for taking her place.
You should give her some time and do not be disheartened about it!
If you will be cold too, then the relationship would suffer.
New lovers are bound by thin threads, you should hold it tightly instead of letting it go!`` Although embarrassed, Eli wanted to tell her brother to not lose hope as she looked at him with worry but his eyes only turned colder.
"Eli, you do not need to worry. In fact, no one of you should! I have already said that I will handle the matter. So, leave it on me!
And for now, let her be. Do not pressurize her much. Because, for that.. I am already there!" a cold chuckle escaped his lips that was devoid of every emotion.
But just as the words left his mouth, the sound of falling cutlery filled the room.
Everyone turned to stare at the duke whose face had turned red! His cold eyes were staring at Leo while his chest was heaving.
"What do you mean by that! I gave you the title of duke last night because of the agreement between us. But if you push it too hard I may change my decision, since formalities are still left!" everyone flinched when his hands clenched into a fist and he punched the table.
All the cutleries trembled when the table shook and Eve stood up immediately and stood up behind his father while patting his shoulders.
"Father your health…" William turned to stare at her with rage,
"Do you think I am that weak? You are taking my authority too lightly!
I must have been so kind these days that you have forgotten I am still the head of the house!" Eve bit her lips when she felt the aura of his father only getting stronger.
He was raging mad and it would be better if he was not provoked further. She bowed her head as she listened silently.
It would be better to listen to him rather than arguing with him or he would be further angry that might affect his health.
"If that is the case, then why not go and disturb them?
In the end, she would only blame you for everything and leave from there!" William turned to stare at the boy who used to be a docile son.
If he had said that it was night, Leo would have always nodded even if it had been morning. He continued to stare at him intently with his penetrating gaze.
If it had been anyone else, he would have trembled and fell on his knees but Leo continued to sit there calmly.
His cold and aloof face did not show any hint of apprehension. In fact, he even smiled as if he was handling a toddler.
"The only way to calm her down was to give her space.
Let her feel that she was incharge and do whatever she wants.
Or else she would run away further. As I said, you have to trust me on this. I will handle it.
If not, then you can take action. I am already getting tired of this anyway." saying his piece, he picked up the napkin and elegantly wiped his mouth with his long fingers.
Pushing the plate away an inch, he stood up and bowed to his father who was still staring at him with stunned expressions on his face and left the room under the shocked gaze of everyone.
On the other side,
"What do you mean that I have to take a bath here?" Edward held the clothes tightly in his hands and gnashed his teeth into pieces.
"Did you forget that I am the father of the duchess of the house! She had called me to have breakfast with her.
If she knew that you had treated me badly, then she would throw all of you out of the palace!" he threatened!
When they agreed to let him bathe, he was relieved that they had finally understood his importance but now they have brought him here.
The bath was not in the personal room as nobles take it!
He was taken to a dark area where there was a small pool that had cold water.
It did not even seem fresh and he could see many men going in and out. There was no privacy at all.
Upon looking closely he noticed they all are the servants. They looked dirty and he felt nauseous just by looking at them.
There was no way that he was going to bathe in the same water where they had wet their bodies.
Who knew how many germs it had and how many infectious diseases he would get from them.
Just the thought of it was enough to burn him! From the moment he had come here, he was being treated as a lowly servant instead of an esteemed guest!
He was not going to bear it anymore.
"Did you not hear me! I want my personal bathtub with warm water and scent. I am not going to take a bath here!" As the words left his mouth the knights who had a cold face all this time started to laugh out loud as if they had heard a great joke and could not control their laughter.
As if they were looking at a fool, their eyes filled with amusement and disdain.
"Ha! You seem to have a lot of delusions!
If you want to take a bath then hurry up or we will tell the lady that you are still sleeping and do not want to meet her for now!"
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