Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 682

Chapter 682 The Missing Official

Outside the manor gates, the carriage had already been prepared.

The coachman stood respectfully beside it and bowed the moment Elowen approached.

Just as she was about to step inside, though, something suddenly felt off.

She glanced instinctively toward the side of the carriage.

Finished

Normally, Leander would already be there waiting with account ledgers or workshop sketches tucked beneath one arm.

Today, however, his familiar figure was nowhere to be seen.

In his place stood an unfamiliar middle-aged official wearing the formal robes of the Ministry of the King’s Works. The man looked to be in his forties, with a clean-shaven face and slightly heavy build

He bowed respectfully.

“I am Everard, Deputy of the King’s Works. My greetings, Your Grace.”

Elowen kept her expression calm.

“Everard? Then where is Leander? Is he unwell?”

Everard straightened and answered with carefully measured politeness.

“Leander has officially resumed his duties within the Ministry of Rites under His Majesty’s direct orders. Since Silverloom Exchange technically falls under the Ministry of the King’s Works, Leander felt handling both responsibilities at once would become too difficult. He worried it might delay Your Grace’s affairs as well, so he respectfully requested to step away from this matter. His Majesty understood and assigned the remaining work to me instead.”

Elowen listened quietly, though inwardly she understood everything immediately.

(

Leander was not overwhelmed with work.

After accidentally learning about Scarlet’s past, he had simply felt awkward and quietly chosen to distance himself without making matters uncomfortable for anyone.

At least he had handled it gracefully.

Elowen simply nodded.

“Then I’ll leave things in Everard’s hands from now on.”

Everard immediately responded that he hardly deserved such trust before stepping forward to hold open the carriage door for her personally.

Elowen climbed inside, and Scarlet followed after her.

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Chapter 682 The Missing Official

Once the carriage door shut and the horses began moving through the streets, silence settled between thenr for a brief moment.

Elowen turned toward Scarlet.

Scarlet sat quietly with lowered eyes and a perfectly calm expression.

“Scarlet,” Elowen said gently.

Scarlet looked up immediately.

“Yes, Your Grace?”

Elowen hesitated briefly before speaking plainly.

“You don’t need to take Leander’s reaction to heart.”

Scarlet thought quietly for a moment before answering seriously.

“If everyone could be as kindhearted and forgiving as Your Grace, that would naturally be wonderful. I’ve only been able to live peacefully these past years because Your Grace never judged me for my past.”

Then she smiled faintly.

“But I can’t expect everyone else to feel the same way. Back then, when those men humiliated me publicly, Leander still stood up for me. I’ve always been grateful for that. Even if he’s uncomfortable with my past now, he never said anything cruel to my face. Instead, he chose to step away quietly and respectfully. Honestly, I think that was already more grace than most people would offer.”

Elowen listened and felt unexpectedly emotional.

Scarlet truly had changed.

Once upon a time, she would panic whenever Draven came near her and quietly bury herself in shame. over her past.

” Now she no longer looked like that frightened girl hiding inside herself, terrified someone sight see the scars she carried.

She had work she cared about, a future she wanted, and dreams she was willing to chase openly.

Most importantly, she had finally accepted herself completely.

Whether Leander stayed or left no longer had the power to wound her.

Elowen suddenly smiled teasingly.

“Still, maybe it’s better this way. Otherwise Commander Hall would probably keep sulking every tune he saw Leander near you.”

Scarlet’s entire face flushed bright red instantly.

For several long seconds, she could not get a single word out

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Chapter 692 The Missing Official

Half a month later, Elowen returned from Silverloom Exchange and had barely stepped into the courtyard of Duskmoor Manor before the rich aroma of roasted lab and fresh herbs drifted through the evening air.

Cassian emerged from the dining room carrying the last bowl of lamb stew, a kitchen apron still tied around his waist.

“We wrapped up the final point in the peace negotiations today,” he said easily. “The treaty just needs to be signed tomorrow. I got back early and figured you were probably missing my cooking by now,

Elowen nodded immediately

“I absolutely was.”

As she spoke, she stepped closer and began untying the apron strings at his waist herself.

“Honestly, the negotiations went even smoother than I expected. I guess there’s a reason everyone keeps talking about the Duke of Duskmoor like he’s some legendary diplomat.”

Cassian laughed softly.

“Nordia’s being generous because of you.”

Elowen looked up at him with a smug little smile.

“Well, that still means Your Grace made a very smart decision marrying me.”

Cassian lightly squeezed her fingers.

“Go wash up first. Dinner’s ready.”

As they walked together toward the washstand near the hearth, Elowen suddenly asked. “Where are Aunt Elspeth and Nina?”

“They went out again,” Cassian replied. “Yesterday they were trying taverns in the eastern quartes. and today they’re exploring the western district instead. The two of them are enjoying life quite inoroughly.

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