~Chapter 119~
Richard thought to himself that once he found Ancia, he would never question her about anything. Because of that, he didn’t ask about anything he had heard — instead, he simply looked after her.
“Thank you for being safe.”
“Thank you for coming to get me.”
“Ugh, sniff… sob…”
Bianca burst into tears as she watched the two of them together. Until now, Ancia had only ever smiled cheerfully in front of Bianca and Nathan. But the way she clung to Richard, pouting and complaining, showed how much she had been holding herself back all this time.
For a long while, the two spoke quietly, gazing only at each other. It was only when Arthur appeared that they finally moved.
“Your Grace, the road should open within a few hours.”
“Sir Arthur, it’s been a while.”
When Ancia lowered her head politely toward Arthur, his face twisted.
He, too, had worried during all the months she was missing, while staying by Richard’s side. Now, seeing the lady of the house safe — even in a worn dress — his emotions nearly spilled over.
“Yes, it’s truly a relief that you are safe.”
Arthur bowed, then raised his head again, only to see Richard gently cup Ancia’s cheek with his fingertips and pull her face close to his. Arthur coughed awkwardly.
Richard had missed his wife so deeply that it had been frightening to watch. His obsession had grown so intense that he could not even allow her gaze to rest on Arthur for a moment.
Arthur quickly led Bianca outside — Bianca, who was still crying heavily yet unable to take her eyes off the couple. It was best to leave them alone.
Even when only the two remained, Richard did not let Ancia go. Normally she would have asked him to put her down, but this time Ancia clung to him as well, her hands endlessly stroking his face and hair.
Seeing her show such affection, Richard forgot every suspicion and worry he had carried.
The only thing he felt now was love and gratitude for the wife before his eyes.
“Thank goodness you’re safe.”
“Duke, really, how many times have you said that already?”
“As many times as it takes. Because hearing your answer makes me happy.”
“You’ve become such a baby.”
“I missed you.”
“Me too.”
“I feared I might never see you again…
More than when facing any deadly monster.”
“You worry too much. I sent you a letter saying I reached the village safely and even found a house.”
Richard never received the letter. Still, he embraced Ancia tightly, saying he had simply wanted to see her.
From beginning to end, Richard had trusted Ancia — her love, her gentleness, all of it. But he did not trust the people around her. Not Bianca, who had just been weeping with joy, nor Nathan, who had welcomed him earlier. Richard still considered the possibility that they had deceived her.
“Ancia.”
“Please stop calling my name. It makes me shy.”
He usually only called her name in bed, so hearing it now in broad daylight made her blush bright red. Richard smiled at her flustered ears turning pink.
“It’s frustrating that I’m not good with words.”
“What is it you want to say?”
“I love you, Ancia.”
It was a plain confession, without formality, yet it carried more weight than anything.
Ancia smiled and leaned forward, pressing her lips softly to his rough ones.
“That’s more than enough, even if you’re not good with words, Duke.”
“Say my name. I’ve longed to hear it from you.”
“I love you too, Richard.”
Ancia’s bright smile as she spoke his name was like sunshine pouring down.
Just that one radiant laugh of hers seemed to wash away all his suffering.
Even if the day came when he could no longer trust her, Richard was certain he could never let go of her hand.
The carriage they had prepared in a hurry was much less comfortable than the Duke’s.
The road, too, was terrible — only wide enough for the carriage to pass, carved through piled-up snow and ice.
Inside, Ancia grew carsick almost immediately. Richard, who refused to leave her side, stepped outside only when she began to cry, begging him not to see her in such a state.
Even following behind on horseback, Richard could see the carriage shake violently. Still, he could only think of getting Ancia back to the Duke’s estate as quickly as possible.
Yet the moment he let her go from his arms, ominous feelings crept in. The fact that Bianca was in the carriage with her, taking care of her, also bothered him. He didn’t like Bianca staying at Ancia’s side again.
“Your Grace. A report.”
Arthur immediately gave his findings when Richard stepped out.
Known as Bianca’s sister, married to Nathan.
Residing in the village for two or three months.
Owned many heating stones, sold and bartered them.
Sent at least two letters and four carrier pigeons.
Rented a house for winter due to isolation.
Appeared to live as a very loving couple.
“And…”
Arthur hesitated. Richard’s brow furrowed even deeper at the mention of her being known as Nathan’s wife. And yet, whenever he glanced at the carriage, his killing aura dimmed slightly.
Finally, Arthur forced himself to say it.
“My lady… is rumored to be pregnant.”
Even if it was only gossip, the news was shocking. Everyone in the Duke’s household knew Ancia’s weak condition. Even Arthur knew she could hardly conceive.
Richard said nothing for a long time.
When he finally spoke, his voice was colder than ever.
“If I erased this village, to prevent any rumor that might stain the Duchess’s honor… would you be angry?”
Arthur knew it was not really a question, but a weighing of judgment before decision. Desperate to soften his resolve, Arthur added more of what he had learned.
“According to my investigation, the lady was very close with the villagers, especially the women and children. Because of her frailty, they often looked after her.”
“But even so, they fed her some strange black soup of unknown origin. How is that taking care of her?”
Arthur swallowed dryly, terrified of what order might come next.
“It was a long, cold winter. Perhaps setting fire would not be a bad punishment.”
“Your Grace, we haven’t secured testimony yet. If this was truly abduction and someone else’s scheme, we mustn’t overlook even the smallest evidence. The most important thing is that we have already recovered the Duchess. Now is the time for caution, not rash judgment.”
Arthur’s earnest plea softened Richard’s icy eyes ever so slightly. Remembering that he had regained Ancia gave him restraint.
“Can I leave it to you?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Watching the carriage move down the icy road, Richard urged his horse closer. Arthur, still guarding the rear, let out a breath of relief.
The news had reached the estate earlier, so all the servants had stopped their work and waited.
When the Duke’s flag appeared from afar and the carriage rolled into view, soft gasps escaped the servants — who usually greeted in silence.
Most had been losing hope as time passed, so Ancia’s return felt like a miracle.
Behind the carriage followed Richard on his black warhorse, raising everyone’s expectations.
When the carriage stopped, the head butler opened the door with trembling hands. Richard dismounted and stepped close.
“Ah…”
“Ohh…”
Even the glimpse of her foot stepping down made the servants unable to hold back their cries.
Richard held out his hand. Ancia, taking it, stepped lightly down from the carriage. Even in her shabby dress, her face shone brightly.
Servants who normally lowered their heads could not stop themselves from looking straight at her. Their eyes brimmed with longing, relief, and countless emotions.
Among them, Ancia spotted Ellie and Julie — Ellie was nearly sobbing out loud. So Ancia greeted them all as normally as she could.
“Has everyone been well?”
“Milady…”
“My lady…”
At the return of the still-beautiful Duchess, some of the servants even broke into tears.
Before Ancia could take a single step toward them, Richard lifted her into his arms.
“All schedules will be announced later. For now, carry on as usual.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Even as they answered with tears, the servants could not hide their excitement after seeing Richard carry Ancia away.
In the ducal bedroom, Richard dismissed the maids himself and carried Ancia straight into the bath chamber.
Seeing the large bathtub again after so long, Ancia’s face brightened.
“Wow, I can finally soak properly again.”
Dipping her hands into the warm water, she turned back to Richard with excitement.
“Duke, could you call the maids?”
“I will help you.”
“No, I meant I’m going to wash…”
“That’s what I’ll help with.”
“What?”
Showing her body to her husband was one thing, but being bathed was another. Besides, there was something she hadn’t yet told him because of the carriage ride.
Before she could say anything, Richard’s hand touched her worn dress.
“W-wait—”
Before she could stop him, the buttons came undone. Piece by piece, her dress and undergarments dropped to the floor. His movements were quick and precise, almost like magic.
Even knowing this, it was still too much. Ancia hurriedly grabbed a towel to cover herself, but his hand slipped under it.
Though she was happy to see him again, this wasn’t like him — touching her so roughly. Her eyes wavered in shock.
“Duke?”
“Your belly… it’s swollen.”
As his hand rubbed her abdomen, Ancia’s face turned crimson. She had meant to tell him herself, but before she could, his chilling voice fell.
“How long were you planning to hide this from me?”
