Chapter 327: Health is wealth, Uncle

Toby thanked Damian and Eilika repeatedly, bowing to them with genuine gratitude before leaving. Damian had also helped him secure a small job as a carrier in the godown of a large merchant’s shop.

It was not an important position, but it was an honest way for Toby to earn a living and, hopefully, take his first step toward escaping the poverty he had endured for years.

"You did the right thing by giving him an opportunity to earn for himself," Eilika said, watching Toby leave. She took the empty bowl that had previously been filled with fruit from Damian and placed it on the tray.

A maid immediately stepped forward to take the tray and carried it toward the kitchen.

Eilika then turned her attention back to Damian. "Now, what are you going to do about Garrett?"

"I’ll keep him locked up for a few days," Damian replied calmly.

Before Eilika could ask anything further, Maurice returned after seeing Toby safely out through the estate gates. He was holding a small envelope in his hand, and a faint smile rested on his lips.

"Your Grace, Young Lord Roman has sent a message for you and the Duchess," he announced.

Damian’s expression immediately brightened. He eagerly took the envelope from Maurice and tore it open without hesitation.

Two sheets of paper were inside.

Damian picked up the first one, only to discover that it contained a drawing. "Look, he has drawn us," he stated, showing it to Eilika.

"He must be missing us," Eilika said softly, looking at the drawing. The affection Roman had poured into every part of it was clear, and she could almost picture him sitting down with his papers, carefully making it for them.

Damian unfolded the second sheet and began reading the letter. Roman had written about going to the theatre with Louis, along with little details about his studies, lessons, and other activities he had been taking part in. His words carried a simple eagerness, as though he wanted to tell his parents everything he had been doing in their absence.

It also felt as though Roman was deliberately reassuring them, letting them know that he was doing well and that they had nothing to worry about.

Eilika leaned closer and read the letter over Damian’s shoulder. A small smile appeared on her face as she went through their son’s words.

"Roman is doing well," Damian finally said, his voice filled with relief. "He seems to be enjoying himself."

"Hmm. And that’s a good sign," Eilika replied, smiling as she looked at Roman’s letter.

"Since today is a day off for the Duke, you two should go somewhere together," Maurice suggested. "I learned from some of the locals about a place where thousands of fireflies gather at night. They illuminate the entire forest, and people often visit to see them."

Damian looked at him with interest.

"I also made a reservation for the two of you," Maurice added.

"A reservation?" Damian asked, raising his brows.

"Yes. The place is owned by a noble family, so not everyone can afford to visit it. That is also how they have managed to preserve the area and keep it from becoming overcrowded." Maurice’s smile grew wider. "I thought the two of you might enjoy spending some time together."

Eilika exchanged a glance with Damian, her expression warming at the suggestion.

"Thank you, Maurice. We will definitely go there," Damian stated. "How much did it cost?"

"It wasn’t much, Your Grace. Consider it as a humble present from your friend," Maurice replied.

"Then, we shall pack and prepare to leave for there," Damian said, looking at Eilika.

"Yes. I’ll pack a small bag for us since we will staying only for a night," Eilika replied, rising to her feet. "Thank you, Maurice." She passed him a smile and went upstairs.

"Maurice, you keep doing things for Eilika and me. I truly appreciate it," Damian said with a warm smile. "But you should consider finding someone for yourself too. You can’t possibly spend your entire life serving me."

"I still have time, Your Grace," Maurice replied. "Besides, even if I get married, I’ll continue serving you."

"What are you saying? I’m planning to release you from my service after another year," Damian stated.

Maurice’s eyes widened. "And how am I supposed to earn my pay then?"

"I’ll find you a better position in Varos, one that will allow you to earn well while still giving you enough time for your family." Damian’s expression grew thoughtful. "Don’t make the same mistake I did. My duties made me neglect many things around me, and I often used my work as an excuse to run away from everything else."

He lowered his gaze for a moment before continuing.

"What happened with the frauds Liliana committed was partly the result of my negligence as well. I never thought to look closely into the accounts because I kept telling myself that my responsibilities as Duke came first. I was so focused on fulfilling my duties that I failed to notice what was happening right under my nose."

Maurice listened quietly, understanding the regret behind his friend’s words. "I won’t do that. I vowed to protect you as your bodyguard. I may retire when I get old. By then, Roman will be a man and you’ll be old too," he stated.

Damian smiled at the thought, his expression softening as he allowed himself to imagine the future. "I may have more children by then," he murmured.

For a moment, he pictured one or two little daughters with Eilika’s features, imagining them running around the estate and filling the quiet halls with their laughter along with their elder brother, Roman.

He then looked at Maurice with a teasing smile. "And I’ll be an uncle to your children."

Maurice chuckled. "We’ve imagined quite a lot today, Your Grace."

Before Damian could respond, Maurice turned toward the door. "I’ll go and check the motorcar."

He walked away, leaving Damian behind with a smile still lingering on his face.

~~~~~

August struck a small brass lighter, bringing the flame to the tip of his cigar, just as Roman burst into the room.

"Uncle August, look! I got a kite!" Roman exclaimed, a bright smile on his face that instantly faltered as his eyes fell upon the trailing smoke.

"Young Lord, do not disturb His Highness. Prince August has only just returned," Joanna said hastily, stepping inside to gently pull the boy back.

"Uncle, are you smoking a cigar?" Roman asked, ignoring her entirely.

August swiftly swept his hand behind his back, concealing the ember. "Why do you not head outside, lad? I require some rest."

"Smoking is bad for you, Uncle. It ruins your health," Roman insisted, stepping closer.

"I am well aware," August replied dryly.

"Then why do you choose to ruin it?" Roman asked, arching his brows in genuine confusion. "Health is wealth, Uncle," Roman declared.

’He is just like Damian, forever offering lectures,’ August thought as Joanna stepped in, sensing the Prince’s growing impatience with the disruption.

"Young Lord, we must leave His Highness to his rest," Joanna insisted, placing a firm, guiding hand on the boy’s shoulder.

Roman offered a reluctant nod and turned toward the doorway. Joanna bowed deeply to the Prince before following the child into the corridor, where he immediately altered his course, steering himself toward Sylvian’s quarters.

"Young Lord, Lord Sylvian receives a visitor at present. It would be best not to disturb him," Joanna cautioned, quickening her step.

"A guest? Who is it? I wish to greet Lord Sylvian’s guest as well," Roman stated, breaking into a sudden stride before she could halt him. In his haste, he had entirely forgotten the identity of the lady they had brought with them that very morning—Lady Iliana.

Joanna quickened her pace, but Roman was far too swift for her to catch. Reaching the double doors of Sylvian’s chambers, he pushed them wide open without hesitation.

"Uncle Sylvian, I heard you have a guest!" Roman called out.

He stepped over the threshold, holding the kite tightly by its wooden frame, only to halt when his eyes landed on the woman seated inside.

"Oh, I remember her. You are Sister Iliana, correct?"

Iliana rose immediately from her chair, offering him a polite, respectful bow. "Yes, Young Master."

"I am Roman," the boy introduced himself, before turning his gaze toward Sylvian. "Uncle Sylvian, may I borrow Sister Iliana for a short while? I wish to fly this new kite Uncle Louis bought for me."

"I happen to be quite skilled with kites," Iliana added with a soft smile, eager to join him. She glanced toward Sylvian, awaiting his approval.

"I shall join you both as well, Roman," Sylvian replied, rising from his seat. He gazed at Joanna, who was feeling sorry as she let Roman disturbed them.

"Fabulous! Let us head to the garden!" Roman cheered, his face lighting up with a broad smile as he turned to lead the way outside.