~Chapter 124~
“Me! I can prove it!”
Even in the heavy silence, Bianca raised her hand and stepped forward boldly.
“As the Duke knows, that house was tiny, only two rooms. Of course, I was always with my lady. During the day, Sir Nathan was busy working with me.”
“Can you swear you never left my wife’s side?”
“I went to the toilet, yes… but if Sir Nathan had dared lay a hand on my lady, pale and sweating from fever, I would never have let it pass.”
Bianca pressed close behind Ancia, glaring at Richard with fierce eyes.
“And a Duke who asks such shameless questions of my lady? To me, that makes you the number one threat.”
Even in such tense moments, Bianca spoke without hesitation. Her blind loyalty only deepened Richard’s unease.
He had brought Bianca here to ease Ancia’s mind — but part of him wanted to throw her out that instant.
Seeing his mood darken, Ancia stepped forward calmly.
“Duke, I understand your fears.”
There was no need to argue further. They could call more doctors. They could show him the notes she had written, almost like a diary, proving her feelings for him. In the end, when she gave birth in spring, all doubts would vanish.
She pushed aside her hurt and spoke gently.
“But before causing all this trouble, you could have spoken with me. If you really do doubt me…”
“I don’t doubt you.”
Despite his face full of worry, Richard gave her a faint smile and drew her into his arms.
“I only cannot forgive myself — for failing to protect you.”
“What? No, Duke. No one could have guessed I would be kidnapped like that.”
“It happened in my land. That makes it my responsibility.”
As he continued to blame himself, Ancia tried to comfort him. She lifted his face and whispered tenderly.
“It was my fault. I was the one who got into that carriage from outside.”
Her gentle words loosened his guard. With a sigh, Richard confessed.
“A letter from the young Count was found only days ago — after he had already told us your location. It might be coincidence, or it might be a scheme. Now that you are back, I will investigate fully.”
Yes — there was a spy in the Duke’s household. He had long suspected it, but now he was sure.
“Until then, I need you to stay in a place where you can be completely safe.”
“The estate is safe already. Why go this far?”
“The estate is not safe.”
“But there are so many knights. How can it not be safe?”
“Because Rosa was killed inside the mansion.”
Ancia froze.
Killed? She thought Rosa had gone missing.
While she struggled to understand, Richard turned to leave. When Ancia tried to follow, he raised a hand to stop her.
As the door closed between them, he gave his final command.
“You must not take even one step outside this place. I will not allow it.”
“Duke!”
“For three months, I didn’t even know if you were alive. Do you know what that did to me?”
“…That…”
Ancia had wept and longed for him, but she never feared for his life. Richard, however, had been forced to imagine losing her forever.
For over three months, he had no word of her. Only the thought that Nathan might have her — and that she might still be safe — had kept him from madness.
Even now, though she stood before him, he couldn’t stop fearing she might be lost again.
“Hate me if you must. But I will never give this up. I will not lose you again.”
The door shut firmly, and Ancia was left staring at his resolute face until it disappeared.
Silence filled the room.
Rosa hadn’t just disappeared — she had been murdered. That shocking truth forced Ancia to see her situation more clearly.
She had longed only to return to the estate, but Richard had lived in torment, fearing she was gone forever. He had built this tower not overnight, but with the plan to confine her here for her safety from the start.
Her letters and carrier pigeons had never reached him. Nathan’s household hadn’t come to rescue her either. And now, the doctors had declared her pregnancy three months, stirring Richard’s suspicion even more.
‘Think of it the other way around. If Richard had vanished for three months and returned with a woman, pregnant, saying it had been five months but looking only three… what would I think?’
She ground her teeth in sudden frustration, angry at even the thought.
No wonder Richard imagined every possibility. Still — to lock her away like this?
“My lady, please calm yourself,” Ellie said softly, guiding her to sit. Bianca stayed close, ready to support her.
They eased her onto a soft sofa. Only then did Ancia look around: Ellie and Bianca with worried faces, guards by the door and window, and Anna Rop standing quietly by the wall.
Why had Richard brought in someone new if he claimed only the trustworthy could stay?
Noticing her gaze, Anna bowed.
“I have given birth to three children myself, Duchess. I know well about pregnancy and care.”
Ancia blinked. Anna’s small frame suddenly stood out.
“I can care for you closely, and later, when you choose a wet nurse, I can help. That is why the Duke called me.”
“Ah… so it’s for the baby. Richard doesn’t doubt the child, at least.” Relief warmed her.
“Wait. Three children? Anna, aren’t you about my age?”
Anna lowered her head. “I am older than the Duchess. But regardless, I will serve you fully.”
Her calm manner helped steady Ancia’s shaken heart.
“…It seems I’ll be trapped in this tower for a while. Don’t work too hard, Anna.”
“Precisely why we must work harder, my lady. To keep you cheerful — and to prepare for the heir’s education.”
Ancia sighed at Anna’s fervor. Still, since Richard had brought her for the child’s sake, she accepted the help.
“Then let’s at least look around this tower. I need to know what kind of place I’ll be living in.”
