Fated Hearts: Reborn to be His Duchess

Chapter 79: Chapter 79: A Safe Harbour

Elysia couldn’t tell him that, having lived a previous life, she knew all too well that in this world, a woman’s happiness depended greatly on the man she married and the family she married into.

So instead, she smiled gently and simply said, "Lillian isn’t a bad person. I don’t want her to spend the rest of her life suffering."

Looking at Cassiel, she continued softly, "Uncle Benedict saved your life. If his daughter can live a happy life, it would be the greatest comfort to his spirit..."

"And when word spreads throughout Aveanlor, people will only praise your loyalty and kindness."

Cassiel neither agreed nor disagreed.

Instead, he asked, "Then what kind of man do you think would make a good husband?"

Elysia considered the question carefully before answering.

"Matching social standing is naturally preferable, but character matters far more. A man may come from the noblest family in the kingdom, yet if he’s selfish, arrogant, or cold-hearted, his wife will never know happiness. On the other hand, even if his family is slightly less distinguished, a kind and dependable man who cherishes his wife will give her a far better life."

She smiled softly.

"And most importantly, Lillian herself must be willing to marry him."

Cassiel quietly studied her.

She had only recently come of age and was a newlywed herself. Yet the way she spoke made it seem as though she understood marriage far better than most.

As they continued talking, the carriage gradually approached Oren Lake.

Without warning, it suddenly came to a halt.

Elysia frowned.

"What happened?"

Before the coachman could answer, an unfamiliar voice called from outside.

"Oren Lake has been reserved today by an honored guest. No one else is permitted to enter. You should turn back."

Cassiel rarely traveled by carriage before his injury. As a result, few people recognized the carriage of Draevenor Manor, and the servant outside clearly hadn’t.

Elysia immediately guessed the identity of the so-called honored guest.

Vaelen.

In her previous life, he had never reserved the entire lake for her. Yet today, he had done so for Deborah. It seemed his feelings for her were genuine.

Perhaps they truly were meant for one another.

To be honest, Elysia no longer had any desire to visit Oren Lake—not because she disliked the scenery, but because she had no wish to see them.

Beside her, Cassiel let out a quiet, amused laugh.

"An honored guest? You mean the Crown Prince."

The servant heard his voice but still failed to recognize him. Instead, he became even more arrogant.

"That’s right! His Highness the Crown Prince is entertaining Chancellor Gideon Corvis’ daughter, Lady Deborah. I know you’ve come a long way, but His Highness has reserved the entire lakeside today. You’ll have to come back another time."

Elysia turned to Cassiel.

"The food at the lakeside tavern wasn’t particularly memorable anyway. Since it’s reserved, why don’t we dine somewhere else?"

Unfortunately, the servant overheard her.

He scoffed.

"Sour grapes, is it? What do you mean the food isn’t good? If it weren’t excellent, would His Highness choose this place? If you don’t know what you’re talking about, don’t speak carelessly!"

The warmth disappeared from Cassiel’s eyes.

His voice turned icy.

"Slap him."

"Yes, Your Grace."

Before Elysia could react, one of the guards had already restrained the servant.

Bran stepped forward.

Two sharp slaps echoed across the quiet lakeside.

The servant staggered backward, his face instantly swelling.

Even Elysia froze for a moment.

Cassiel’s expression remained calm, but his words were colder than winter.

"Watch your tongue when speaking to the Duchess of Draevenor."

Only then did Elysia understand.

He hadn’t punished the servant for blocking their way.

He had punished him for disrespecting her.

The servant’s face drained of colour.

The Duchess of Draevenor...

Then the man beside her could only be Duke Cassiel Drakemont.

Everyone knew the Crown Prince held great authority, but even he had to show the Duke proper respect. If the Duke took offense, His Majesty certainly wouldn’t overlook it.

His future in the capital would be over.

Ignoring the burning pain in his cheeks, the servant hurriedly dropped to his knees.

"Y-Your Graces... This humble servant was blind. I failed to recognize you. Please forgive me."

Cassiel paid him no attention.

Instead, he turned to Elysia.

"Do you still wish to go? If not, we can return another day."

Elysia asked instead,

"Did Lady Deborah come alone?"

The servant instinctively remained silent.

Until Cassiel spoke again.

"The Duchess asked you a question."

The servant trembled.

"N-No... Lady Deborah isn’t alone. Her elder brother, Lord Barek, accompanied her. There are also several young masters with them. His Highness made an exception and allowed them to remain at the tavern."

Everything was exactly the same as her previous life.

Elysia leaned slightly toward Cassiel.

"But if His Highness has reserved the entire place, wouldn’t it be inappropriate for us to disturb them?"

A faint smile tugged at Cassiel’s lips.

"As the Duchess of Draevenor, you never need to worry about whether something is appropriate."

He met her gaze.

"Do as you wish. If someone must be inconvenienced, let it be someone else. Never you."

The servant stared in disbelief.

Elysia, however, felt warmth quietly bloom within her heart.

In her previous life, she had always been the one expected to give in, to endure, and to compromise. Never once had anyone stood so firmly behind her.

A genuine smile spread across her face.

"Then... shall we go?"

Cassiel inclined his head.

"We shall."

---

The lakeside tavern stood quietly beside Oren Lake.

Pleasure boats of every size were moored neatly along the shore. Some were small enough for only two passengers, while others were grand enough to host lavish banquets upon the water.

Because every other guest had been turned away, the boats remained quietly moored along the shore, leaving the entire lakeside unusually peaceful.

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