ITVDWBE 123

~Chapter 123~

Instead of answering, Richard tightened his arms around Ancia. His hold was careful enough not to hurt her, yet strong enough that she could not slip away.

“Um, excuse me? Duke?”

Richard stayed silent. Perhaps because he found it too hard to answer.

The annex had once been a place for the former Duchess Margaret to rest comfortably, where only men were forbidden. It used to feel open and free. But now, surrounded by high walls and knights standing everywhere, it looked less like a home and more like a beautiful prison.

Protection… or surveillance.

Ancia guessed the truth, but she didn’t want to darken the mood.

“Richard.”

She tapped his shoulder as he climbed the stairs and whispered softly in his ear.

Though his steps slowed at the sound, Richard still didn’t reply.

“Richard, where are you taking me?”

Her voice rang like a tender call from a bed. Richard faltered for a moment, but he didn’t stop. At last, a late answer came.

“A place where you can live safely.”

“I’m already safe enough.”

“No. I should have prepared this before you returned… but it still isn’t enough.”

His voice was low and heavy, making her uneasy.

‘What in the world happened at the Duke’s estate while I was gone…?’

Unsure how to comfort him, Ancia stayed quiet as they climbed the spiral stairs. Along the way, she saw familiar faces: Chef Harmon cooking on the first floor, maids resting on the second, and another tidying the dressing room on the third. They all greeted her as Richard carried her past.

The staircase felt inefficient but oddly warm, full of life.

On the fourth floor, two guards stood firmly before a thick door. The weight of it was clear when their arm muscles bulged as they pushed it open. Ancia knew she could never open such a door on her own.

Inside, the room was decorated in soft ivory and pink, like a young girl’s playroom. It reminded her of a life-sized dollhouse — so charming that she almost wanted to touch it.

Richard set her down, and just then a small door opened. Bianca rushed out with a damp towel in hand.

“My lady!”

“Bianca?”

Ancia’s face brightened with joy. She reached for her maid, and Bianca quickly dropped the towel, wiped her hands, and clasped Ancia’s tightly.

“My lady, after just one day back, you’re glowing already. The Duke’s food must really be good!”

Ancia laughed. “It’s Ellie’s makeup skills. And a good night’s sleep. But Bianca, I thought you were resting. Did you eat?”

Bianca’s eyes grew misty at her mistress’s concern. “Of course. Fresh salad, thick soup, and a steak so tender it melted in my mouth. Too fine a meal for a maid.”

“Wow, sounds delicious. I’ll eat like that for lunch too.”

“Yes, my lady. You must eat well so the baby can grow strong.”

Richard’s face stiffened at the word “baby.” His heart was tangled with both worry and doubt.

Just then, two women entered — one older, one younger, carrying a medical bag. The scent of herbs filled the air.

They bowed. “We were called to examine the Duchess.”

The physician and a midwife. Richard had summoned them in advance.

The midwife scolded the guards to turn away and tried to shoo Richard out as well, but he stood firm. As Duke and husband, no one could overrule him.

Behind a thin canopy, Ancia lay down for the examination. The physician listened to her belly and checked her tongue, while the midwife took her pulse and gently touched her stomach.

Finally, the physician spoke.

“Congratulations. The baby’s heartbeat is strong and healthy.”

Relieved, Ancia let out a breath.

The midwife nodded. “Judging by the size and lack of movement, I’d say about three months along. The due date will be in the hot summer.”

“What? That can’t be.”

The midwife smiled awkwardly. “Perhaps the Duchess feels it more strongly because of her small frame. But the signs point to three, maybe four months at most.”

“No! Three months ago, a physician already told me I was pregnant — and said the baby would be born in spring, not summer.”

Ancia’s firm denial left the midwife flustered. The physician, however, scoffed.

“If someone gave you such certainty the moment you conceived, I’d like to be their student. Newlyweds would line up outside their door.”

His tone was dismissive, even mocking.

Ancia’s eyes hardened. > “Bring another doctor.”

The physician shook his head. “We were summoned by the Duke and performed our duty. Our work here is done.”

As they prepared to leave, Ancia quickly pushed past the canopy toward Richard.

His cold, unreadable expression terrified her.

“There was nothing between me and my brother.”

“Why bring up the young Count now?”

“Because you’re bound to misunderstand!”

Her raised voice drew stares, and Richard swiftly signaled the physicians to leave. Protesting, they were dragged out roughly.

Ancia spoke desperately. “Three months ago, I was examined by a physician.”

“In a small village without a proper doctor?”

She clenched her fists. “I had a fever after running from the kidnappers. I was unconscious for days. Bianca found a physician passing through the village. He said I was three months pregnant. That’s the truth.”

“Ah. A physician passing by. How fortunate.”

Richard’s calm, almost detached tone made her tremble.

“I know my body isn’t normal. But that’s no reason for you to doubt me.”

“…Ancia. I’ve said it many times. I believe you.”

“Duke.”

“But you were unconscious for days. Can you prove what happened while you slept?”

The question struck like a knife.

How could she possibly prove such a thing? Even if she cried out her innocence, how could Richard truly believe? The physician was long gone — a wandering stranger, never to be found again.