Chapter 92
It was truly an immense mansion.
Even before stepping inside, Mrs. Baron could not close her mouth in astonishment. Especially when she faced the massive iron gates at the entrance, the overwhelming pressure made it difficult for her to even take a step forward.
The mansion had high ceilings and large windows, and even the chandeliers exuded nobility. The well-maintained beige bricks shimmered faintly under the sunlight.
“This way, please.”
Following the guidance of Emma, she hurried her steps so as not to fall behind. Along the way, she saw neatly dressed servants at every turn. Even to a visiting guest like her, they showed the utmost courtesy. Mrs. Baron accepted their greetings with a feigned composure, trying not to appear intimidated.
She had never expected to come to a place like this. In her memory, that girl had been cold and indifferent. But now, she had become a Duchess. A mere commoner like her had been granted a meeting with the Duchess—something she could never have imagined.
At first, she had planned to persuade her son to leave with her. However, having come all the way to the capital, she found it too disappointing to leave just like that. The very thought of it filled her with resentment and frustration. So, in a bold move, she requested a meeting with the Duchess. She never thought her request would actually be granted.
To think that girl lived in a place like this. With every step she took, her legs trembled. This was the mansion of the most powerful family in the Empire. How had she ever thought that her son could associate with someone living in such a place?
Just then, Emma’s pace slowed, and she offered a polite greeting to someone. Mrs. Baron, instinctively about to lower her head as well, let out a gasp when she saw the man standing before her.
“I greet His Grace, the Duke.”
The Duke? This man was the Duke?
Caligo Frantor.
The great hero was an imposing figure—tall, solid, and powerfully built. Yet, he was not only dignified but also strikingly beautiful. His hair was a deep black, and his sharp eyes were as profound as they were piercing. His gaze was like a bottomless well—staring into it made her feel breathless and overwhelmed.
Even in relatively simple attire, the Duke still exuded nobility, his formidable physique evident. Facing the great hero was an experience so suffocating that Mrs. Baron felt as if she could barely breathe.
Though he was only a little older than her son, standing before him made it impossible to perceive him as young. She could not discern his age, nor could she read the emotions and thoughts he kept hidden.
Even Mrs. Baron, who had momentarily set aside thoughts of romance and fairy tales, found herself caught in a fleeting illusion, as if she were dreaming.
“Y-Your Grace… I greet Your Grace.”
A moment ago, she had walked through the mansion’s corridors with her pride intact, but now, even she could not help but stammer.
“Who is that behind you?”
The Duke’s low voice resonated. Though his tone was even, to her, it felt as loud and powerful as thunder. Unconsciously, she trembled, hesitating to answer.
“She is Mrs. Gertrude Baron.”
“Ah, the one you mentioned before…”
Before Mrs. Baron could part her lips, Emma answered politely.
It seemed the young Duke was curious, for he stepped closer. The nearer he came, the more she trembled. It felt as though she were standing naked before a dragon.
What would the Duke think of her? He was a hero who had saved the Empire numerous times, but at the same time, he was a noble and a warrior. Mrs. Baron knew well the ferocity and ruthlessness of men who had devoted their lives to the battlefield. She feared that his brutality might extend to her and her son.
“Welcome, Mrs. Baron.”
Contrary to her fears, the Duke greeted her first. His manner was polite, yet he did not lower himself.
Even in his voice alone, the young hero carried an unmistakable strength.
Swallowing nervously, she avoided his gaze and lowered her head further.
“Y-Yes, thank you, Your Grace…”
“I hope you find your time here meaningful.”
“Thank you.”
“I am the one who invited you here, after all.”
“…Pardon?”
At first, she thought his words were merely a formality. But upon reflection, the meaning behind them felt far too significant.
She lifted her head slightly, eyes widening, only to find the Duke still standing there with an unreadable expression.
After observing her briefly, he turned and disappeared without another word.
‘A meaningful time?’
Though it was a formal greeting, wasn’t it more common to say ‘a pleasant time’ instead? Who was that ‘meaningful time’ supposed to be valuable for?
Of course, the Duke must have heard the rumors. He must have known about the relationship between her son and Eskel’s daughter.
And yet, he still allowed her into this mansion. That could only mean he had a reason for doing so.
She had to get Aiden and leave this place immediately.
Mrs. Baron bit her lip, recalling the Duke’s sharp, piercing gaze.
The fact that her son was still alive despite the scandal spreading was nothing short of a miracle.
To her, entering this mansion was the last chance to save him.
She remembered the days when she had to swallow her pride and beg for food in the village to feed her children. Having lived on scraps and endured the pitying gazes of others, she knew all too well— ‘the Duke could take her son’s life at any moment.’
He was a dangerous man.
She had to get Aiden out of the capital before the Duke made his move.
If Aiden—her precious son—were to be killed by the Duke…
“No, that can’t happen… It mustn’t…”
If she lost him, her family would be finished.
They would never be able to escape rock bottom.
Even now, despite Aiden becoming a doctor, they were buried in debt. In such a situation, attracting the hatred of the nobility and becoming the subject of rumors was a dangerous game. If things went badly, Aiden might not even be able to continue working as a doctor.
“No. That must not happen.”
She had to protect Aiden.
For Eris.
For the last promise she had made to her late husband—to protect their family with dignity.
She had to stop this. It was already too dangerous. The scandal had spread across the entire empire. Was it too late? Maybe not. She had to take her son and flee.
First, she had to get out of the empire.
Stay away until the rumors died down.
Or perhaps… leave the empire forever.
Either way, there was no other option but to run.
“Can I meet with the Duchess right now?”
Emma, who had been watching her mumbling to herself with a wary expression, stiffened at the sudden question.
“Yes, she is currently inside the mansion.”
“Then take me to her immediately!”
Emma frowned slightly, perhaps finding her bold demand unpleasant, but she nodded nonetheless.
As she followed Emma through the Frantor mansion, Mrs. Baron took in every detail of its interior. Everything was opulent and extravagant. There wasn’t a single thing that didn’t look expensive. She thought that even selling just one of the paintings on the wall could feed her for a lifetime.
‘How could that girl, living in such a place, even think of seducing my son?!’
She would never understand these nobles.
They lived with the privilege of never having to worry about their next meal, yet they shamelessly committed such disgraceful acts.
Her anger soon turned toward Helena.
Even more than during their academy days.
Back then, she could dismiss it as childish infatuation. First love, youthful excitement—those emotions were understandable.
‘But Helena had made a promise to me.’
She had promised to stay away from her son.
So why had she approached him again? Why had she lured in her naive boy once more?
‘She had everything.’
A grand mansion, a life of luxury, a powerful family, and even a noble husband.
To her, it may have been a mere game, a passing amusement.
But for the Baron family, it was a matter of life and death.
As they arrived at Helena’s chambers, Mrs. Baron’s eyes sharpened further.
But something felt… strange.
The hallway outside the room was eerily silent.
“…?”
And that wasn’t the only odd thing.
‘There was a lock on the door.’
Emma, her face somber, reached into her pocket and pulled out a key.
‘Why was the Duchess’s bedroom locked?’
“…What are you doing?”
“I’m warning you in advance.”
Emma, her concern evident, sighed as she unfastened the lock.
“Mind your manners when speaking to the lady of the house.”
With that quiet warning, Emma finally removed the lock and opened the door.
Inside, sitting quietly, was Helena.
It had been a long time since they last met, and the sight of her was shocking.
She looked fragile.
Far too thin.
For a moment, even she was at a loss for words, simply staring at her.
“…Mrs. Baron?”
Judging by Helena’s surprised expression, she had not been informed of this visit.
‘Is she sick?’
‘Why does she look so gaunt?’
The only thought that crossed her mind as she took in Helena’s frail form was confusion.
But soon, her eyes turned sharp again.
She forced herself to offer a stiff, mocking bow.
“It’s been a long time, Duchess.”
She could feel Emma glaring at her from behind, but she didn’t care.
‘Whether Helena was locked up or not is none of my concern.’
If she was confined, it was surely her own fault.
“…It’s good to see you.”
Facing Mrs. Baron’s hostile gaze, Helena simply offered a faint, melancholic smile.
Hey Guys you can read advanced chapters on Patreon
If you liked my work and want to support me then you can visit my page for tips. As I can’t create Kofi because of the unavailability of Paypal in my country, I’ve made this tier which is being updated every week so that you won’t be charged again till you want to donate again by yourself or you can exit the tier after donating 🙂.
Happy Reading 🩷
