Chapter 179: For my marital duties
When school let out that afternoon, Damian and Eilika were there waiting to collect Roman, just as they had decided. Even though Eilika had urged Damian to focus on his pressing work, he had adamantly refused to let her and Roman make the journey home alone.
Throughout the ride, Roman was brimming with excitement, his voice never faltering as he recounted every detail of the friends he had made.
"Mama, they were all so happy to see me! Some of the other children didn’t even know I would be attending the school too," Roman said, tilting his head with a wide grin. "Because it was the very first day, all we did was play games."
"That sounds wonderful, darling. What kind of games did you play?" Eilika asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.
"We were sliding down the big slide, and we got to fix all the letters and different figures into a wooden puzzle set," Roman began, his hands moving animatedly as he tried to explain the activities.
Damian watched them in silence, his gaze lingering on Eilika’s face. She looked every bit as animated and excited as Roman, her eyes sparkling as if she were the one who had just spent the day playing. It was a glimpse of her true nature, that warmth and playfulness which drew children to her so effortlessly.
The car pulled to a smooth stop as they arrived at the estate. The moment the door opened, Roman scrambled out and bolted toward the house, his voice ringing out as he called for his grandmother.
"Don’t run, Roman!" Eilika shouted, her brow furrowing with concern, but he had already vanished around the corner and out of her sight.
Damian let out a soft, amused chuckle, reaching out to steady her. "Let him be. Children at his age simply love to run."
Damian glanced at Maurice, gesturing for him to take the files to his study before stepping into the house with Eilika.
Inside, Roman was already mid-sentence, breathlessly recounting the same afternoon events to his grandmother. Georgia looked up, her expression softening as she saw her son and daughter-in-law enter. A small smile touched her lips when she noticed Damian holding Eilika’s hand, a gesture of affection he had never shown before.
The couple greeted Georgia warmly. Sensing the boy’s lingering energy, Eilika knelt slightly and told Roman, "Roman, let’s get you changed into more comfortable clothes. You can sit with your grandmother afterward."
Roman hopped down from the sofa and scampered over to Eilika, clutching her hand for a brief moment before turning to race toward the stairs and head up to his room.
A servant arrived, presenting a tray to the Duke, who reached out to take the glass of water. After a respectful bow, the servant retreated and disappeared from the room.
"It seems you and Eilika have grown quite close," Georgia remarked. As she spoke, the image of the tiny glass bottle Lady Charlotte had given her earlier flashed through her mind.
"Yes, I have decided to move on. Eilika has played a significant role in changing things for me," Damian replied steadily.
"You love her, don’t you?" Georgia’s eyes sparkled with genuine curiosity.
"Hmm." Damian set the glass down on the table, offering no further explanation.
"Then it is time for you to consummate your marriage. It has been more than two months. You have not even touched her," Georgia stated, her tone firming.
"Mother, let me proceed at my own pace," Damian urged.
"Do you want the entirety of Varos to continue gossiping about your marriage indefinitely?" Georgia questioned.
"I am going to my room. Please, have your lunch," Damian said, abruptly rising to his feet.
"Duke! Why do you recoil every time I speak of your marriage?" Georgia pressed, her gaze hopeful. "Now that things have finally improved between the two of you, it is the time to think about the future as well."
"And what future does Mother want me to think about?" Damian questioned, his tone laced with weariness.
"Having children," Georgia replied firmly.
Damian let out a laugh at his mother’s words, shaking his head. "Mother, what did those ladies feed your mind with today? You, of all people, should know my and Eilika’s situation better than anyone else. I am trying to become a better person for her first. As for my marital duties, I will see to it in time. Please, do not remind me of that again," he urged. With a stiff bow, he turned and walked hastily toward the staircase, ascending quickly to his quarters.
Georgia’s face contorted with frustration as she watched him disappear.
"The Duke always makes such excuses," her attendant whispered, stepping closer. "Your Grace truly ought to do something."
"You are right," Georgia muttered, her gaze hardening as she looked toward the door. "At this rate, Damian will simply wait until he is old and grey."
She was now determined to use the aphrodisiac in tonight’s drink for Damian. ’I just hope Eilika doesn’t back off. They both are equally adamant whenever it comes to physical intimacy. But I suppose she won’t do this time.’
~~~
Damian folded his sleeves up and settled into his chair, a look of profound bafflement etched across his face. Of all people, it was always his mother who found the most effective ways to spoil his mood.
"I have placed the files in your study, Your Grace," Maurice informed him.
"You may leave. And thank you for your hard work," Damian stated, rubbing his temples. "By the way, how is the deconstruction work progressing? Have they begun to demolish my private residence?"
"Yes, they have finished half of it. The debris is being carried away as we speak. It will likely take another month to complete the work," Maurice replied.
"Do you wish to build something else there?" Maurice asked, watching the Duke closely.
"Yes," Damian replied, his voice softening slightly as he looked out the window. "A new residence. For me and Eilika."
Maurice allowed a genuine smile to break across his face and gave a respectful nod of agreement before turning to leave.
"Don’t tell her. I want to give her a surprise," Damian answered.
"I won’t, Your Grace." Maurice bowed and walked away while Damian again contemplated on his mother’s words.
