Chapter 39: Chapter 39

“How was your wedding ceremony?”

“It was okay.”

“The Duchess…”

“Terrance, do you also miss the smell of dirt from the field?”

“No, sir.”

Fortunately, Terrance was much more discreet than Lyndon, as he quickly closed his mouth. Then, the only sound that could be heard in the office was the scratching of Raven’s pen fluttering on paper.

After he had sampled the new-found sweetness, his hand naturally went inside the basket once again. He then popped a cookie into his mouth and murmured.

“…I told her to rest.”

“Yes?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

Raven tossed yet another cookie straight passed his lips. The rich flavour of sweetness permeated his whole mouth.

*  *  *

The faint sound of galloping horses resonated throughout the tranquil and pleasant garden as the butler waited to welcome the Duke. As soon as he arrived, the butler greeted him without further ado.

Raven took a look around his servants before opening his mouth and asked.

“Where is my wife?”

“She is currently resting in her bedroom.”

Lili couldn’t bear to wake Molitia up as she was sleeping so soundly. When she felt a sharp gaze was directed towards her, she quickly lowered her head in fear.

“I-I couldn’t wake Madame up as she had just fallen asleep.”

“You don’t have to wake her up. I’ll go to her myself.”

Raven swiftly took off his gloves and handed them to the butler.

“Dinner will be served immediately when it is requested.”

“Got it.”

He was standing right in front of Molitia’s room when he hesitantly tried to knock on the door. After much consideration, he carefully turned the doorknob as he remembered that Molitia was still sleeping inside.

An absolute stillness greeted him as he slowly entered the bedroom. Other than the occasional rustling of the blanket, it was very peculiar that he couldn’t hear any sounds at all.

Raven trod as cautiously as possible along the room. His footsteps that were planted on the soft carpet were barely audible.

“Hnn…”

Even when he got near the bed, Molitia showed no signs of waking up. Her peacefully closed eyes did not budge at all, except for a moment when she mumbled softly.

She was still in the same position even after he had boldly sat on the edge of the bed. Raven got quite nervous when he saw that she was frowning slightly but that was just all. She then curled herself a little before completely immersing herself back to the lands of dreams.

Raven was a little disappointed as she wanted her purple eyes to welcome him tenderly.

He really wanted to gaze upon her figure of welcoming him back just like she did yesterday.

He felt somewhat guilty if he were to wake her up from her comfortable sleep. Maybe this was why he couldn’t rouse her. Raven sighed faintly as he recalled the slightly abashed maid just then.

He finally put his hands in his pocket, disappointed by the thought that he had to dine alone.

“…no, uh…”

“Molitia?”

Raven quickly turned his gaze towards the faint murmur. Her eyes were still tightly closed, yet, there was something off by then.

“No… no, sorry… I’m sorry…”

She was grunting as though she had been tortured by a nightmare. Her hands curled even tighter as she nestled even further.

He couldn’t stand it any longer. Raven immediately placed his hands on her shoulders.

“Molitia, wake up.”

He was shaking her gently when she finally lifted her firmly closed eyelids. Her eyes were in a daze like she was still wandering in a dream.

“…um, Duke…?”

“Are you awake?”

“Ah…….”

Raven’s gentle voice pervaded her ears. Her eyes were fluttering rapidly as her mind returned to reality.

“D… Duke?”

“You must have been in such a deep sleep that you didn’t even notice I entered the room.”

He remarked, without touching on the topic of her dream. He didn’t want to rush into such sensitive issues. Nevertheless, her cheeks were instantly tinged with pink when she heard Raven’s words.

“It’s because I was tired…”

“It’s all right. I’m not saying it’s bad.”

“Well, did you receive my gift?”

“Ah.”

Raven licked his lips in reflex as he could still taste the sweetness that lingered in his mouth.

“They were quite delicious. Thank you for them.”